In the early days of their career their dark, heavy, oppressively slow sound made them innovators of genres like sludge, grunge, and doom metal. The Melvins' music is influenced by Flipper, Black Flag's My War-era hardcore punk and Black Sabbath-style heavy metal, but their idiosyncratic approach, bizarre sense of humor, and experimentation make neat categorization difficult. Singer/guitarist Buzz Osborne (aka "King Buzzo") and drummer Dale Crover are constant members while several bass guitarists have cycled through the group. The Melvins usually performed as a trio until 2006 when two members of Big Business became permanent members of the band.
The band was named after a grocery clerk at the Thriftway in Montesano, Washington where Osborne was employed. Melvin was the most-hated fellow employee and the band felt it to be an appropriate name. Like SF noisenik predecessors Flipper, their love of slow tempos and sludgy sound were a strong influence on grunge music, especially Nirvana and many other bands from Seattle. Their protegés, however, tended to use more conventional musical structures with this sound.
Though the group has received mostly positive critical notice, Crover's drumming has been especially praised; Patrick Kennedy describes his work as "astonishing, powerful, and daring."
While never finding and most likely never even seeking great mainstream success, the Melvins maintain an impressive schedule of new albums and tours, including a collaboration with Fantômas in The Fantômas Melvins Big Band, two releases with former Dead Kennedys frontman Jello Biafra, and in 2004 the Melvins collaborated with ambient artist Lustmord for Pigs of the Roman Empire. In appreciation of their devoted fans, the Melvins have released various collectables through the years that have included two-headed dolls, an eight-track tape, and a plastic fetus in a jar.
Fellow Aberdeen resident Kurt Cobain (a good friend of Crover) was a huge Melvins fan and helped them transport their equipment to a few shows. Cobain also auditioned to join the band on bass, but he didn't make it, reportedly because he was so nervous that he forgot all the songs. Cobain maintained his relation with the band. Later he produced and played on some songs (guitar on "Sky Pup", percussion on "Spread Eagle Beagle") on the band's major label debut, Houdini. Dale Crover is also attributed as playing on the Nirvana debut album, Bleach, and on "Incesticide". In addition, Dave Grohl (ex-drummer for Nirvana) co-wrote and played drums for Isabella on Buzzo's Melvins solo album, King Buzzo.
Big as a Mountain
Melvins Lyrics
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Slobby slow witch called Ree Lyndon
Like you got something to believe in
Leave you with a golden ribbon
The song "Big as a Mountain" by Melvins is a heavy and slow melody that portrays a warning about a woman named Ree Lyndon who is perceived to be as big as a mountain. The lyrics suggest that Ree Lyndon is a witch with a slobby and slow nature, but also emphasizes that she has something to believe in. The song sends a warning to the listener to watch out for her.
Ree Lyndon's character is intriguing because she is perceived to be powerful enough to leave someone with a golden ribbon, which can be interpreted as a gift or a mark of possession. The song suggests that Ree Lyndon has some sort of mystical power that can transform a person's beliefs or outlook on life. The heavy and monotonous melody of the song highlights the power and sense of dread that Ree Lyndon's character holds.
In summary, the song "Big as a Mountain" by Melvins is a heavy and slow melody that warns the listener about a witch-like woman named Ree Lyndon. Her character is portrayed as powerful enough to change a person's beliefs and leave them with a golden ribbon.
Line by Line Meaning
Watch out, she's big as a mountain
Be cautious, as she is as colossal and imposing as a mountain
Slobby slow witch called Ree Lyndon
She is lazy and unkempt, resembling a witch, and goes by the name Ree Lyndon
Like you got something to believe in
She will inspire and motivate you with a sense of purpose and conviction
Leave you with a golden ribbon
She will reward you with a valuable and cherished token of her appreciation and approval
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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