The band formed in late 2000, when ex-member Brent Knopf graduated from Dartmouth College and returned to Portland to collaborate with Harris and Seim. They played their first show in July 2001, at The Meow Meow, a now-defunct all ages venue in Portland.
Menomena self-released their debut album, I Am the Fun Blame Monster!, on May 20, 2003. The album was elaborately packaged in an 80-page flipbook that Seim designed and individually hand-assembled. It later received nationwide distribution through FILMguerrero in 2004. The title is an anagram for The First Menomena Album.
In 2005, Under an Hour was released as a three-track album of instrumental music written for and performed with Monster Squad, an experimental dance company based in Portland.
In August of 2006, Menomena signed with Barsuk Records although the band still maintains a relationship with their old label, FILMguerrero. It was stated that FILMguerrero would still be involved in their old catalog and future vinyl releases.
Menomena released their next album in 2007, titled Friend and Foe. It received relative critical acclaim -- while some websites like Pitchfork Media praised the album for its effective modular pop, others like PopMatters criticized it for presenting a sense of feigned maturity. Their record release show was held in their home town of Portland, Oregon. The packaging features artwork by graphic novelist/cartoonist Craig Thompson, consisting of die-cut shapes, decoder rings, and hidden messages. It was nominated for "Best Recording Package" at The Grammy Awards.
The band's following album, Mines, was released in July 2010.
In January 2011, Brent Knopf's departure was announced. He left the band under good terms in order to focus on his other project Ramona Falls.
Without Knopf, Menomena released their most recent album, Moms in September of 2012.
The band's name was chosen for "the way it rolls off the tongue, sexually, or something" and has no specific meaning, although it is often assumed to refer to the Piero Umiliani song "Mah Nà Mah Nà", a staple of The Muppet Show.
Danny Seim also has a side project began in the late 90's titled Lackthereof.
Rotten Hell
Menomena Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
on this decision.
All those opposed
can rot in hell.
In meeting now the words
will form a sentence.
You'll be reduced
I've got a strangle-hold
on this decision.
All those opposed
can rot in hell.
Wading through this mess together
Hand-in-hand, shoulder-to-shoulder
Some may stumble, some may fall behind.
Some may stumble, some may fall behind.
Well, it's high time
to step outside
drop the gloves
and settle this like a man.
We might stall and hem and haw
we might not fight
but we won't walk away.
Yeah, but we won't walk away.
Wading through this mess together
Hand in hand, shoulder to shoulder
Some may stumble, some may fall behind.
In Menomena's song Rotten Hell, the lyrics present the idea of a person who is determined to have their way in a decision-making process. The use of the phrase "strangle-hold" emphasizes how tightly this person is holding on to this decision, and how reluctant they are to consider other opinions. The phrase "all those opposed can rot in hell" even further underscores their stubbornness and unwillingness to compromise.
The second verse shows the person's confidence in their ability to sway the meeting towards their preferred outcome. They believe that their words will be powerful enough to reduce those who oppose them to "nothingness". However, the last verse suggests a willingness to fight for the decision, but not to the point of disengaging from the process entirely. They acknowledge that some may struggle, but they are committed to staying together until a resolution has been reached.
Overall, the lyrics of Rotten Hell paint a picture of a person who is unwilling to budge on their stance, even to the point of being aggressive towards those who disagree with them. The song suggests a level of frustration and tension, as the decision-making process becomes increasingly difficult and divisive.
Line by Line Meaning
I've got a strangle-hold
I have complete control
on this decision.
over what choice will be made
All those opposed
Anyone who disagrees
can rot in hell.
is not welcome or valued
In meeting now the words
During discussion
will form a sentence.
A conclusive statement will be made
You'll be reduced
Your opinion or contribution will be minimalized
to nothingness.
Your input will be disregarded
Wading through this mess together
Enduring this problem collectively
Hand-in-hand, shoulder-to-shoulder
Side by side, as equals
Some may stumble, some may fall behind.
There may be complications or obstacles
Well, it's high time
It is overdue
to step outside
To confront the issue head-on
drop the gloves
To no longer hold back
and settle this like a man.
Resolve this with maturity and respect
We might stall and hem and haw
We may procrastinate or avoid the issue
we might not fight
We may not take action
but we won't walk away.
We won't abandon the issue or each other
Wading through this mess together
Enduring this problem collectively
Hand in hand, shoulder to shoulder
Side by side, as equals
Some may stumble, some may fall behind.
There may be complications or obstacles
Contributed by Maria B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@AriWilde
I've got a stranglehold on this decision
All those opposed can rot in hell
Any day now, the words will form a sentence
You'll be reduced to nothingness
I've got a stranglehold on this decision
All those opposed can rot in hell
[Instrumental]
Wading through this mess together
Hand in hand, shoulder to shoulder
Some may stumble, some may fall behind
Wading through this mess together
Hand in hand, shoulder to shoulder
Some may stumble, some may fall behind
(Some may stumble, some may fall behind)
Some may stumble, some may fall behind
Well it's high time we stepped outside
Drop the gloves and settle this like a man
Well, we might stall and hem and haw
We might not fight, but we won't walk away
No, we won't walk away
(Wading through this mess together
Hand in hand, shoulder to shoulder
Some may stumble, some may fall behind)
@hannahweiss4834
I haven't looked back to this for years. One of the best moments of my life was being able to participate in this. I can say I have been in a true food fight. Love you Menomena.
@starshot5172
That's awesome :)
@TheSecondManofJazz
I found these guys in the music library of a used computer I bought. One of the greatest surprises I've ever come across.
@flightlesss8464
I found this album in a yard sale and instantly got it because the art work was so nice once I heard the music I instantly fell in love.
@BG-bz5jy
Still love this band, it 's been over 10 years :)
@ojstuff2685
I miss them so much!
@SeanTrinkaus
I'll never understand why these guys aren't superstars.one of my fav bands
@cremejockey8636
They sound terrible live. but, this album is amazing either way
@bobwalrus5
The slow-motion goes so well with this song it's amazing.
@barbigeorge1265
I love this band, and the video is so deep! In food! Go Menomena!!