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.
Disinvite
Melvins Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
To watch it...
It fits in
Too much it...
Disinvite
Dis- disinvite
Disinvite
Trying alone
Disinvite
Dis- disinvite
Disinvite
The lyrics of the Melvins' Disinvite are quite cryptic and open to interpretation. The lines "Open a vein to watch it" and "It fits in too much it" can be interpreted as the self-destructive behavior of a person who is unable to cope with the pressure and expectations of the world around them. The phrase "open a vein" might refer to cutting oneself as a way to deal with emotional pain. The second line could mean that the person feels overwhelmed by society's demands and expectations and finds it difficult to fit in.
The chorus of the song, "Disinvite", which is repeated several times, suggests that the person wants to be left alone, as they cannot handle the pressure of being around people. The repetition of the word "disinvite" further reinforces this idea of withdrawing from society. The last two lines "When I'm looking alone, Trying alone" further suggests that the person is struggling to find their way and is trying to cope with their issues on their own.
Line by Line Meaning
Open a vein
I am willing to hurt myself to find truth or inspiration
To watch it...
I am willing to endure suffering in order to witness the outcome
It fits in
The result of the action is in line with what I expected
Too much it...
The outcome may be too intense or overwhelming
Disinvite
I choose to remove myself from a situation or relationship
Dis- disinvite
I want to make it clear that I no longer wish to be involved
When I'm looking alone
I feel more clear-headed and able to make decisions when I am by myself
Trying alone
I am willing to face challenges on my own rather than relying on others
Disinvite
I am committed to stepping away from this situation or relationship
Dis- disinvite
I am resolute in my decision to sever ties completely
Disinvite
I will not be attending or participating in this event or relationship
Writer(s): buzz osborne
Contributed by Nora B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.