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.
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Melvins Lyrics
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I can miss a low loaded
And I know it like a hunter sang bow said
'Cause I can low like a hundred well dole and
Till my below is like a heart-kissin' man
The lyrics to Melvins's song Cow are abstract and open to interpretation. One possible interpretation is that the song is about the duality of human nature, and how we can exhibit a range of emotions and behaviors. The first line, "Cause I can level," could imply that the singer is in control and able to maintain a sense of balance or equanimity. However, the next line, "I can miss a low loaded," suggests that the singer is fallible and can make mistakes. The third line, "And I know it like a hunter sang bow said," adds to the theme of duality, with the image of a hunter who can both kill and protect.
The final line, "Cause I can low like a hundred well dole and/Till my below is like a heart-kissin' man," is perhaps the most enigmatic. "Low" could mean to be humble or submissive, which would connect to the idea of being fallible earlier in the song. "Dole" could mean to distribute or divide, which raises questions about what is being divided or shared. The reference to a "heart-kissin' man" is also perplexing, but it could signify someone who is full of love and compassion.
Line by Line Meaning
'Cause I can level
I am capable of being even or steady in my actions and emotions.
I can miss a low loaded
I have the ability to avoid taking on burdens or responsibilities that may weigh me down.
And I know it like a hunter sang bow said
I am aware of my strengths and weaknesses, like a skilled archer who knows the capabilities of their weapon.
'Cause I can low like a hundred well dole and
I am capable of being humble and working hard, like someone who is accustomed to physical labor.
Till my below is like a heart-kissin' man
I am willing to put in effort until I reach a state of contentment and inner peace, akin to a man who is deeply in love.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Songtrust Ave
Written by: IAN HUDSON, JOHN PETER ASTON, MICHAEL ASTON, PETER RISINGHAM
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind