2) Nice was an Australian indie rock band which formed in 1991. The band was fronted by Randall Lee formerly of The Cannanes and later of Ashtray Boy on vocals and guitar; Susannah Stewart-Lindsay, previously a member of the Adelaide based band, Rewind on the Paranoid Side, on guitar; and Jo Packer on drums. Francesca Bussey, later a member of The Cannanes, was a member of Nice on bass guitar during the recording sessions for their first album, "Nice" (1992), but left during production and was credited only as a guest. Bussey was replaced on bass guitar by Mark King. The band split up in 1994.
Allmusic's Nitsuh Abebe felt that "Nice", which was issued by United States label, Feel Good All Over, showed that "Lee's dark jangle sounds absolutely stunning, and while the record's songwriting isn't as consistent as one might hope, the majority of it works incredibly well, with unconventional time signatures and progressions keeping things from falling into strummy banality". "Dear John", which was the lead track on Nice, was covered by the band Aden. The band's songs "Theme from Nice" and "Circuit Diagram" from their 1993 album, "Apple Pie", were included in the popular 1990s Nickelodeon show "The Adventures of Pete & Pete". Abebe described "Apple Pie" as "a step toward the more varied pop sound" of Lee's future work with Ashtray Boy.
Azrael Revisited
Nice Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Azraela
Azraela
Azraela
They asked me what grey thought has just clouded my eye
I told them that Azrael looked down on their decline
What grey thought, if any, crossed the landscape of your mind
Azraela
Azraela
Azraela
Azraela
Azraela
Azraela
I told them what they asked while holding my breath
That Azrael on wings of death collects his pound of flesh
I told them what they asked, while holding my breath
Azrael the angel brings only death
Azraela
Azraela
Azraela
Azraela…
The lyrics of Nice's song "Azrael Revisited" convey a message about a mythical angel of death named Azrael. The song's protagonist is questioned about their current state of mind, and they respond by stating that Azrael is watching and judging the world's decline. The lyrics suggest that Azrael is perceived as a harbinger of impending doom and destruction.
The song's chorus repeatedly chants the name Azrael, almost as if to invoke the angel of death. The singer continues to state that Azrael collects his pound of flesh on wings of death, bringing nothing but death. In a way, the lyrics suggest that Azrael is a necessary part of the world, balancing out life and death.
It's worth noting that the song's protagonist doesn't sound hopeful about the world's future. By invoking the image of Azrael, they seem to be saying that the world is on the brink of disaster, and perhaps it's too late to turn things around. The song's tone is foreboding and ominous, leaving a lasting impact on the listener.
Line by Line Meaning
They asked me what grey thought has just clouded my eye
They inquired about the reason behind my solemn expression
I told them that Azrael looked down on their decline
I informed them that the angel of death is overseeing their downfall
What grey thought, if any, crossed the landscape of your mind
They asked if I was pondering anything while staring off into space
I told them that Azrael looks down on you from behind
I responded by saying that Azrael is watching them from behind
I told them what they asked while holding my breath
I replied while being hesitant and tense
That Azrael on wings of death collects his pound of flesh
I explained how Azrael brings death to all whose time has come
Azrael the angel brings only death
I revealed the ultimate fate that comes with an encounter with Azrael
Contributed by Alexis D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Andy MacDonald
This is the very first album I bought. At the age of 15 it opened my mind to what real music was all about. The Nice later became the first act I saw live (at the Usher Hall in Edinburgh) and Keith Emerson remains my candidate for the BEST KEYBOARD PLAYER EVER. That man can do things with a Hammond organ that the rest of us can only ever wonder at. Bless you, Keith...and a big hand, too, to Lee Jackson and Brian 'Blinky' Davison for their sterling work. Magic!
Tor Strasburg
Yes, arguably the best keyboardist in the history of rock. Jan Hammer might be Number 2; Jon Lord, Number 3.
steve tjehlt
I love this song the best on the entire album. The piano has such a killer sound to it!
Steven Conrad
Love these guys. R.I.P. Brian Davison. Top notch percussionist!
Steven Conrad
J'adore ces gars. R.I.P. Brian Davidson. Excellente percussionniste. Merci d'envoyer ce bijou. Un de mes favoris.
luc bridelance
Could you speak french ?
steve tjehlt
Perhaps this may clear up why Palmer didn't change his out of time playing. Many times in the old days, a lot of musicians would leave mistakes in their songs, because for the most part they were very happy with the overall results they got. It was harder to correct mistakes back then and I think Palmer was pretty happy with what he did do, so he might have thought it was good enough. It is weird that I had never heard any complaints back when the album came out, just praise.
musicplateau1
I saw Blinky play live in 2002 in Liverpool and was amazed at his pattern on the song "Tantalising Maggie", my that's a hard song on drums. I can't say I've ever noticed anything out of place with Carl Palmer's time keeping, will check out the tracks mentioned.
steve tjehlt
Why does Carl Palmer bother so many people? Either enjoy his work or not. I love his playing. Please leave him alone. Especially on this song, since he doesn't even play with this band. If he was good enough for Keith Emerson, then all should just accept it.
Craig Ezell
@Richard Hewlett Then you don't know a good drummer when you hear one rookie.