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.
Respite
Melvins Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You almost scared me
It's a real stain on my sleeve
It's the real plan
Don't try, I'll make you
I don't need to try
That's something I'll always want
I never wanted to
I never wanted to
I never wanted to
I never wanted you.
The lyrics of Melvins' song "Respite" depict the singer's realization of the fear and pain caused by someone else's actions. The singer acknowledges that the interaction has left a permanent and visible mark on their sleeve, representing the emotional impact of the encounter. The line "Don't try, I'll make you" is a defiant statement, indicating that the singer will not allow themselves to be hurt again by this person. The repetition of the line "I never wanted to/I never wanted you" highlights the regret and disappointment felt by the singer in the aftermath of the encounter.
Overall, the lyrics convey a sense of resignation and acceptance, as the singer recognizes the painful reality of their situation and vows not to repeat past mistakes. The song's heavy and aggressive instrumentation further underscores the emotional intensity of the lyrics, creating a powerful and cathartic listening experience.
Line by Line Meaning
You almost scared me to death
Your actions were so frightening that it felt like I was on the brink of death
You almost scared me
Your behavior was nearly enough to cause extreme fear in me
It's a real stain on my sleeve
Your actions have left a permanent and visible mark on me, much like a stain on fabric
It's the real plan
This is the true intention or design, there is no hidden agenda
Don't try, I'll make you
There is no need for you to attempt anything, as I will ensure that you comply or do as I desire
I don't need to try
My natural abilities or characteristics are enough to achieve what I want, without exerting excessive effort
That's something I'll always want
This desire or yearning is an intrinsic part of me, and is unlikely to change over time
Tell me there's another pain
Inform me of another source of suffering or distress, as I am accustomed to experiencing this type of hardship
I never wanted to
I did not have any desire or intention to engage in this particular activity or behavior
I never wanted you
I did not have any desire or intention to form a connection or relationship with you
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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