Formed in 1989 as Machines of Loving Grace (named for a Richard Brautigan poem), the original lineup consisted of Scott Benzel (vocals), Stuart Kupers (guitar and bass), and Mike Fisher (keyboards), with Brad Kemp (drums) added shortly thereafter.
Mammoth Records released their demo as the band's label debut without any rerecording in 1991. Their self-titled album Machines of Loving Grace was followed by two EP singles- Rite of Shiva and 1992's Burn Like Brilliant Trash which featured Trent Reznor remixes.
Two years later, the band released Concentration. It continued their signature sound, but was more refined in the combination of beat- and bass-heavy riffs, with hard edged guitar. With the release of two videos, the band was able to get national-level MTV airplay, and join in the industrial rock wave that was ushered in by Nine Inch Nails.
1994 saw a new song by the band, Golgotha Tenement Blues featured on the soundtrack to The Crow.
In 1995, Machines of Loving Grace released their third album, Gilt. This record was marked by an increased guitar presence. New band members included David Suycott (formerly of Stabbing Westward and Spies Who Surf) on drums, Ray Riendeau (bass) and Tom Coffen (guitar).
The song Richest Junkie Still Alive was included on the soundtrack to Hackers. The song Tryst was released on the ill-fated MegaMan Soundtrack. Furthermore, various mixes of three of their songs—Perfect Tan, Butterfly Wings, and Lilith/Eve—were featured on the '95 horror Devour. Butterfly Wings was also featured on the television show Due South, in the episodes Chicago Holiday and Flashback.
In 1997, the band was working on a new record, but before it was completed the band broke up. This was precipitated by trouble at the label, and Benzel's desire to work on other projects, among other reasons. A new album was to be called Love Scenes at the Slave Market, but after a fruitless search for a label (Mammoth was in the process of being sold), the project was abandoned.
As of 2006, Benzel is involved with an electronic band called Soulo. Mike Fisher is currently with Amish Rake Fight.
In 2008, Butterfly Wings from 1993's Concentration was featured on the soundtrack of the motion picture Punisher: War Zone.
Previous Members:
Scott Benzel: vocals (1989-1997)
Stuart Kupers: guitar and bass (1989-1995)
Mike Fisher: keyboards (1989-1995)
Brad Kemp: drums (1989-1995)
Ray Riendeau: bass (1995-1997)
David Suycott: drums (1995-1997)
Kevin Doc Sullivan: keyboards (1995-1997)
Discography:
Studio Albums
1991 - Machines of Loving Grace
1993 - Concentration
1995 - Gilt
Remix EPs
1991 - Rite of Shiva
1992 - Burn Like Brilliant Trash
Singles
1991-1992
-- X-Insurrection
-- Rite of Shiva
-- Burn Like Brilliant Trash
1993
-- Perfect Tan (Bikini Atoll)
-- Butterfly Wings
-- If I Should Explode
1994
-- Golgotha Tenement Blues
1995-1996
-- Richest Junkie Still Alive
-- Suicide King
Richest Junkie Still Alive
Machines of Loving Grace Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The richest junkie still alive
And I won't die on my cross for you
And I won't do that time for you
It don't stop me
Don't stop me
Don't stop me
You sit around and you count your pearls
The richest junkie in the world
And over me you will not swarm
The parasites keep your body warm
It don't stop me
Don't stop me
Don't stop me
Don't feel the same
Don't stop feeding the freezing flame
The wider the damage, the deeper the vein
Supply and demand is the name of the game
It don't feel the same
Hopeless troops on the border
Some of your sicker saints
You sit around and you nurse your hive
The richest junkie still alive
The lyrics of the song "Richest Junkie Still Alive (Sank Remix)" by Machines of Loving Grace are an exploration of addiction and the power dynamics involved in relationships between addicts and non-addicts. The song seems to be addressed directly to someone, possibly a friend or loved one who is struggling with addiction. The first verse describes this person as a "junkie" who is still alive, but the "richest" of their kind. The singer states that they will not sacrifice themselves or take on legal repercussions for this person's addiction. The second verse continues this theme, referring to the addict as a parasite whose body is kept warm by other people's suffering. The chorus repeats the phrase "Don't stop me" several times, perhaps indicating the struggle the addict faces in trying to break free from their addiction. The final lines of the song refer to "hopeless troops on the border" and "sicker saints," possibly suggesting that addiction is a larger societal problem that affects many people.
Overall, the song presents a sobering and honest portrayal of addiction and the complex relationships that can occur between addicts and those who care about them. It emphasizes the destructive nature of addiction, while acknowledging the difficulty that addicts face in trying to overcome it.
Line by Line Meaning
You sit around and you nurse your hive
You spend your time tending to your addiction and indulging in it without any care.
The richest junkie still alive
Even though you are addicted to drugs or some other vice, you still have wealth and financial status.
And I won't die on my cross for you
I won't suffer the consequences of your actions or take responsibility for what you've done.
And I won't do that time for you
I won't serve your punishment or take your place in facing the consequences of your actions.
It don't stop me
My progress, growth, or journey is not impeded by your addiction.
Don't stop me
Don't hinder me or prevent me from reaching my goals or ambitions.
Don't feel the same
I don't share your attraction or interest in drugs, and my experience and feelings are not the same as yours.
You sit around and you count your pearls
You take great pleasure in your riches, forgetting the harm and damage your addiction has caused.
The richest junkie in the world
You are the wealthiest and most addicted person of them all.
And over me you will not swarm
I won't become your next victim or fall prey to your addiction.
The parasites keep your body warm
Your addiction is like a parasite, feeding off of you and keeping you trapped in its grip.
Don't stop feeding the freezing flame
Don't cease stoking the fire of addiction that's consuming you, even though it's harmful and destructive.
The wider the damage, the deeper the vein
The more harm your addiction causes, the more deeply entrenched and difficult it becomes to overcome.
Supply and demand is the name of the game
The addiction and drug trade are fueled by the laws of supply and demand, creating a cycle that's difficult to break.
Hopeless troops on the border
People who are powerless and struggling to overcome their addiction, often on the edge of society or the law.
Some of your sicker saints
People who may appear saintly or innocent on the outside, but are struggling with addiction and its consequences on the inside.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: MICHAEL BERNARD FISHER, RAYMOND LEON RIENDEAU, SCOTT D. BENZEL, STUART B. KUPERS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind