The Melvins are a sludge metal band that formed in Montesano, Washington, U… Read Full Bio ↴The Melvins are a sludge metal band that formed in Montesano, Washington, United States in 1983. The band currently consists of Buzz Osborne (vocals, guitar), Steven Shane McDonald (bass), and Dale Crover (drums). Osborne is the only remaining original member, although Crover has been a member since early in the band's career.

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.

Buckowens
Melvins Lyrics

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See the faulty now
See the dawn
See clear
Five six it's gonna be narrow
By written law
For right of hollow form
By thy all night
Figure five fourteen motorized

She wants the price
Much play in wise paradise
Each time you raise the wire
On fire for me
My plane is happily
Gotta show gotta leave
Which indeed I'd like to
He's afforded final ten
Every damn one been done
Pick the part of me to fun around
Diggie forty Bodie innie
Master come un by gun
Last choice last chance chance
Peace time for the stonified

I can't stand the high design
Give me one of those whys to write

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Melvins' song "Buckowens" are somewhat cryptic and difficult to interpret at first glance. The song appears to be a series of disjointed phrases that don't seem to make much sense, but with a closer analysis, one can uncover a deeper meaning.

The first verse seems to reference the idea of clarity and seeing things clearly, followed by a reference to the number five and how it will be narrow. This could be interpreted as a warning of impending danger or difficulty, and the phrase "by written law" suggests that there are established rules or protocols that need to be followed. The reference to "right of hollow form" could indicate a need for transparency or truthfulness, as if there's some kind of corruption or deceit that needs to be exposed.

The second verse is even more difficult to decipher, with references to a motorized figure, the desire for a price, and some kind of wire that gets raised. Despite the confusion, there's a sense of urgency and desire for action, as if something needs to be done immediately. The line "peace time for the stonified" could suggest that the singer is trying to find a sense of calm or serenity in the midst of chaos, while the final line "give me one of those whys to write" appears to be a plea for inspiration.

Overall, the lyrics to "Buckowens" are open to interpretation, but there's an underlying sense of urgency and a desire for clarity and transparency. The song reflects the chaos and confusion of modern life, but also suggests that there's a way to find peace and understanding if one is willing to look for it.

Line by Line Meaning

See the faulty now
Notice the imperfections in the present

See the dawn
Perceive the beginning of new possibilities

See clear
Get a clear vision of what's ahead

Five six it's gonna be narrow
Prepare for a challenging path ahead

By written law
In accordance with established rules and regulations

For right of hollow form
In the pursuit of something that's seemingly empty or meaningless

By thy all night
Through the entire night

Figure five fourteen motorized
Calculate and measure with precision

She wants the price
She desires the rewards and benefits

Much play in wise paradise
There's a great deal of freedom and enjoyment in making wise decisions

Each time you raise the wire
Every instance of taking risks or pushing boundaries