The band has so far produced seven studio albums and a number of singles/outtakes collections (most notably, 2006's career retrospective, All the Blue Changes).
Originally a sample-based proto-Trip hop/Ambient/Electro-Pop styled music, No-Man's sound has become more organic, diverse and band-oriented in subsequent years. The band has been lauded "Conceivably the most important English group since The Smiths" by Melody Maker music newspaper.
The name No-Man was adopted in 1990 and first used on the self-released June 1990 single release, Colours (a cover of the 1960s Donovan song). The single achieved Melody Maker and Sounds (british music paper) "Singles of the Week" accolades and was re-released by Liverpool-based label Probe Plus in October, 1990.
Between 1991 and 1994, No-Man were managed by Talk Talk's manager Keith Aspden. During this period, the band received highly positive UK music media support (including more "Singles of the Week" in Melody Maker, Sounds and Irish music paper, Hot Press), had 2 indie top 20 hits (Days in the Trees and Ocean Song), a Billboard Top 40 dance hit (the US only single, Taking It Like a Man) and had high profile contracts with One Little Indian, Hit & Run Publishing and Epic/Sony.
Subsequently, mirroring the evolution of artists such as Talk Talk, David Sylvian, Radiohead, Scott Walker and Kate Bush, with each successive release, the band has moved further away from its more conventional Pop/Rock roots.
Since the mid-1990s, No-Man has released material via Snapper Music, Third Stone/Adasam and internet label, Burning Shed (www.burningshed.com).
Included amongst the many artists and guest musicians the band has worked with are electronic artists Roger Eno, Faultline, Scanner, Muslimgauze and The Shamen, Jazz musicians Ian Carr and Theo Travis, and the legendary likes of King Crimson personnel, Robert Fripp, Pat Mastelotto and Mel Collins, and ex-Japan members, Steve Jansen, Richard Barbieri and Mick Karn.
Drawing from a diverse mix of Singer-songwriter, Post Rock, Minimalist, Progressive rock, Jazz, and Contemporary Ambient sources for inspiration, No-Man's sound is distinctive, yet difficult to categorise.
As of 2012, No-Man live band members include Steven Bennett (keyboards), Pete Morgan (bass guitar), Michael Bearpark (guitar), Steve Bingham (electric violin), and Andy Booker (electronic drums).
In 2019, the duo released Love You To Bits. there first new record in over a decade.
Radiant City
No-Man Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
the radiant city CAN
the radiant country YOU HEAR ME?
the twilight of money CAN
the growth of your body YOU HEAR ME?
the radiant country YOU HEAR ME?
the twilight of money CAN
the growth of your body YOU SEE ME?
(ready or not)
The song "Radiant City" by No-Man explores various themes, including the allure and pitfalls of modernization, the obsession with physical growth, and the impact of money on society. The opening lines, "can you see me? the radiant city," evoke a sense of longing and desire to be noticed or recognized in a world that is constantly evolving and advancing. The reference to the "radiant city" could be seen as a metaphor for a place that is full of possibilities and opportunities, but also fraught with danger and uncertainty.
As the song progresses, the lyrics become increasingly ominous, with the reference to the "twilight of money" suggesting that the accumulation of wealth and material possessions may have a limited shelf-life. The growth of the body is also touched upon, hinting at the fetishization of physical appearance and the drive to improve oneself at any cost. These themes culminate in the repeated refrain of "you hear me? you see me?" which seems to speak to the anxiety of being forgotten or overlooked in an increasingly crowded and competitive world.
Overall, "Radiant City" is a haunting piece that speaks to the complexities and contradictions of modern life. Its lyrics are open to interpretation, inviting the listener to reflect on their own relationship to progress, money, and personal growth.
Line by Line Meaning
can you see me?
Am I visible to you? Can you perceive my existence?
the radiant city
The glittering, glamorous metropolis that represents modernity and progress.
the radiant country
The prosperous and advanced nation that embodies hope and abundance.
the twilight of money
The uncertain future of wealth and financial stability.
the growth of your body
The physical development and change of your own self.
(ready or not)
Implies a challenge or warning that a change or challenge is coming, whether one is prepared or not.
you hear me?
Do you understand what I am saying? Am I communicating effectively?
you see me?
Do you recognize and acknowledge my presence and identity?
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: STEVEN WILSON, TIM BOWNESS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind