Dangers and Stephens left Perennial Divide in 1988 to record an album, but the tapes were burnt in a studio fire. They then recorded the EP Storm The Studio, which found them pigeonholed as an industrial act. In response, they recorded 99% in 1990 which was more techno-influenced. Later that year, they released Armed Audio Warfare, which was an effort to re-record the burned tapes of the would-be debut album.
The band's live show was conceived as an intense audio-visual experience, with dancers, led by choreographer Marcus Adams, in costumes designed by artist Craig Morrison and video clips accompanying live instruments, sequenced electronic instruments, and live DJing. In the United States, they opened for Nine Inch Nails on their debut national tour in 1990. Adams appeared in many of the band's promo photos with his trademark "popcorn" hairstyle (mostly shaved, with scattered tufts of braided hair) until Satyricon in 1992.
In 1992, the band released Satyricon which continued to show Meat Beat as more of an electronica band. In 1994 Dangers relocated from England to San Francisco, resulting in Stephens' departure from the band. Dangers continued the band as a solo-plus-collaborators form, releasing Subliminal Sandwich in 1996. While this album represented MBM's major-label debut on Trent Reznor's Nothing records, it failed to reach the critical and commercial successes of previous releases.
In 1997 Dangers recruited drummer Lynn Farmer and guitarist Jon Wilson to record and release Actual Sounds and Voices in 1998, which found the group's earlier flirtations with jazz fusion featured more prominently; the record included appearances by saxophonist Bennie Maupin. The album yielded the single Prime Audio Soup which was featured in the film The Matrix.
In 2002 MBM released RUOK?, which demonstrated great steps in the evolution of their sound and prominently featured Dangers' newly acquired EMS Synthi 100. In 2003 they released a remix album for Storm The Studio, followed by ... In Dub, a remix album of RUOK?.
At the Center was released in May 29, 2005. A part of independent label Thirsty Ear's Blue Series, the album is a collaboration between Jack Dangers and jazz musicians Peter Gordon, Dave King, and Craig Taborn. It has been well-received by many critics, with one reviewer calling it "one of the best albums of the year in any genre." An EP titled Off-Centre, consisting of outtakes, a remix, and a live track, was released several months later, as well as a limited edition live album recorded during the extensive touring for At the Center. Later, in 2006, Dangers put out a DVD featuring a live MBM show at the Metro in Chicago.
Meat Beat Manifesto's 9th studio album, Autoimmune, was released on April 8th, 2008. Originally slated to be a double disc, twenty song affair, it was pared down to a single disc with fourteen tracks upon release. It features the first lyrical work from Dangers since his limited vocal appearances on 1998's Actual Sounds & Voices. In addition, Azeem and DJ Z-Trip make guest appearances. A remix EP was released on iTunes prior to the album's street date, and at least one B-side has been put up for free download on the official MBM website.
AlbumAnswers Come In Dreams was released in 2010 by Metropolis label. This time Dangers use deep dubstep bass and dark ambient sounds.
Studio albums
1989 Storm the Studio
1990 Armed Audio Warfare
1990 99%
1992 Satyricon
1996 Subliminal Sandwich
1998 Actual Sounds + Voices
2002 RUOK?
2005 At The Center
2008 Autoimmune
2010 Answers Come in Dreams
2012 Test EP
NOW
Meat Beat Manifesto Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Turn Up, Tune In, Freak Out
This is a game
The name of the game
Rock N' Roll, night and day
The Lord was frozen alive
and his presence
fell through the sky
Now! Please remember
Always to cover your eyes
Always to cover your mouth
Always to cover your ears
In case the word of the lord
should cause and effect
It's Razzamatazz is final
Shame!
The lyrics to Meat Beat Manifesto's song "Now" are a cryptic and enigmatic representation of the human experience, suggesting that life is a game that we are all playing, whether we are aware of it or not. The opening lines, "Turn Up, Tune In, Freak Out," suggest that we should embrace life to the fullest and let go of our inhibitions, as if we are attending a rock concert. The next line states, "This is a game, the name of the game," which speaks to the idea that life is a complex puzzle, and its meaning is often hidden from us.
The Lord referred to in the song doesn't necessarily refer to a deity or religious figure, but rather to a sense of divine self-awareness or enlightenment. The line, "The Lord was frozen alive," suggests that this state of being can be difficult to attain, and it is often fleeting. The following line, "and his presence fell through the sky," suggests that this enlightenment is something that can be experienced by all, no matter where we are or what we are doing.
The final lines, "Now! Please remember, always to cover your eyes, always to cover your mouth, always to cover your ears, in case the word of the lord should cause and effect, it's Razzamatazz is final, Shame!" suggest that we should be cautious of the things we say and do, as they can have significant consequences. "Razzamatazz" is a term that refers to flamboyant, showy behavior or language, so this line may be a warning to avoid empty talk or actions that lack substance.
Line by Line Meaning
NOW!
Emphasizing the urgency of the current moment.
Turn Up, Tune In, Freak Out
Encouraging the listener to fully immerse themselves in the experience.
This is a game
Speaking to the idea that life is a series of experiences and challenges to be navigated.
The name of the game
Reiterating that life is a game to be played and mastered.
Rock N' Roll, night and day
Advocating for a lifestyle of fun and excitement.
The Lord was frozen alive
Reference to a deeper spiritual idea or questioning the role of established religion.
and his presence
Continuing the discussion of spirituality and the concept of an intangible divine force.
fell through the sky
Describing a supernatural event or the arrival of an important idea or revelation.
It fell through the sky, and
Clarifying that the arrival of the divine was a definitive event.
Now! Please remember
Bringing the listener back to the present moment and introducing a message of caution.
Always to cover your eyes
Advising the listener to be mindful of what they see.
Always to cover your mouth
Advising the listener to be mindful of what they say.
Always to cover your ears
Advising the listener to be mindful of what they hear.
In case the word of the lord
Suggesting that spiritual revelations should be approached with caution to avoid negative consequences.
should cause and effect
Implying that actions have consequences, especially when presented with new knowledge.
It's Razzamatazz is final
Referencing the idea that superficiality and entertainment can be all-encompassing.
Shame!
A final warning or call to action, encouraging the listener to heed the advice given.
Contributed by Katherine D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.