1) Phoenix A Romanian folk rock / rock band, who has experimented across the years with many musical genres, having a rich musical history that can easily be compared to that of the Beatles. Starting with the rock’n’roll of the Beat Generation, they continued enriching their sound with blues influences, jazz, psychedelic, krautrock, culminating with the orientation towards Romanian folk music, which they blended harmoniously with the sound that was popular in the ’70s
Phoenix is one of the most prominent Romanian Rock and Roll bands of the latest decades, and also the first one to take musical inspiration from ancient Romanian folk themes.
Formed in the 1960s, it began by doing covers of Beatles songs. However, they soon had to change their style since the Romanian communist regime disliked any form of western culture. The communist regime suggested that all rock oriented bands should look for inspiration within the Romanian culture. These restrictions made the band’s leader Nicolae Covaci search within the Romanian folklore, which gave them a unique sound.
The beginning
Phoenix was launched in the cosmopolitan city of Timişoara in 1962 by a pair of schoolboys: Nicu Covaci and Béla Kamocsa, under the name of Sfinţii (The Saints). In their first years, together with Florin “Moni” Bordeianu (born 1948), they performed in school contests and at local clubs, covering Western music hits from The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, The Who, etc., and they quickly became very popular amongst the youth. In 1965 the Communist authorities demanded that the band stop performing under the name The Saints, because of the religious innuendo that the name carried. Forced to comply, the band took the name Phoenix. Nicu Covaci also changed the composition of the band, around 1963, by adding Claudiu Rotaru, Ioan “Pilu” Ştefanovici (born 1946) and Günther “Spitzly” Reininger (born 1950) to the lineup.
In 1965 they had their first big concert in Bucharest. Their performance brought a collaboration with Cornel Chiriac to record some of their songs. The first songs they recorded were “Ştiu cǎ mǎ iubesti şi tu” (“I Know You Love Me Too”), “Dunăre, Dunăre” (“Danube, Danube”) and “Bun e vinul ghiurghiuliu” (“Good is the Red Wine”). The same year also marked the beginning of their collaboration with Victor Cârcu, who went on to write many of their most famous songs, such as “Vremuri” (“Old Times”), “Şi totuşi ca voi sunt” (“And Yet I Am Like You”), “Nebunul cu ochii închişi” (“Crazy Man with closed eyes”), “Floarea stîncilor” (“Mountain Flower”) and “Canarul” (“Canary”).
In December 1967 Phoenix had their first major series of concerts in many western cities, capped off by two huge concerts in Timişoara. After winning a few prizes in national students’ contests, held at Iaşi the following year, in 1968 they recorded their first EP, Vremuri (Old Times), containing two original songs, Vremuri and Canarul (The Canary), and two covers (Lady Madonna - The Beatles and Friday on my Mind - Easybeats). A second EP would follow one year later, named Floarea stîncilor (The Flower of the Rocks), with all four songs being original compositions. Both albums sport a sound reminiscent of the beat style popular in that era.
They then started working on a rock theater play “Omul 36/80” (The Man 36/80) which won several prizes for originality.
In 1969 Ioan “Pilu” Ştefanovici was replaced by Dorel “Baba” Vintilă Zaharia (born 1943). For the next year the band became more and more popular, frequently visiting Bucharest and being invited in talk shows about music.
In 1970, Moni Bordeianu emigrated to the US, and, for a brief period of time the band suspended its activity, also due to total censorship that followed a protesting speech held by Bordeianu in his last concert. 1970 meant the blues period of the band. The formula used was Nicu Covaci - guitar, Günther “Spitzly” Reininger - piano and voice, Zoltan Covacs - bass guitar and Liviu Butoi - oboe and flute. Phoenix was born again the next year, with Covaci, Josef Kappl, Mircea Baniciu, Costin Petrescu (replaced in 1974 by Ovidiu Lipan, nicknamed “Ţăndărică”) and Valeriu Sepi.
But the Communist officials were not very comfortable with the Western-style music that they were singing, and kept creating them problems. So Phoenix abandoned beat turned to Romanian folklore, pagan rituals, mystic animals and old traditions. In this same year, Phoenix started a collaboration with the Institute of Ethnography and Folklore and the Folklore section of Timişoara University on an ambitious project, a rock poem that combined traditional wooden instruments with modern sounds. During this project the band also started collaborating with Valeriu Sepi (born 1947), who eventually joined the band. The first outcome would be the 1972 LP Cei ce ne-au dat nume (Those Who Gave Us Our Names) - the first LP to be recorded in Romania by a Romanian band. Two years later, Mugur de fluier (Flute Bud) followed. Both albums underwent severe censorship.
In 1973 Phoenix represented Romania at the “Golden harp” festival in Bratislava (Slovakia) and then in the “Disc festival” in Sopot (Poland). Also, they wanted to record a new rock-opera, named “Meşterul Manole”, but the communist officials censored it all, by “losing” the unique book with costume sketches and lyrics given to them for official approval. The result was only a EP with an extract from the opera, Meşterul Manole, uvertură (Meşterul Manole, uverture) and two older songs, Mamă, Mamă (Mother, Mother) and Te întreb pe tine, soare… (I’m asking you, sun…).
On Monday, 19 November 1973, Phoenix held a memorable concert in Bucharest, presenting their new hits “Andri Popa”, “Pavel Chinezu” and “Strunga”, which composed the new disc “Mugur de fluier”. The new songs were still influenced by folklore yet had a new style. This style was the result of the collaboration with new songwriters Andrei Ujică and Şerban Foarţă. Based on those new songs Nicu Covaci created a new show “Introducere la un concert despre muzica veche la români” (“Introduction to a concert about old Romanian music”) in which he introduced violins, flutes, archaic percussion and other traditional instruments. The show was never finished due to a new collaboration with “Cenaclul Flacăra.” This period is considered the peak for Phoenix. Their sound was considered original and powerful and full stadiums were common for their concerts.
Every winter the members of the band would retreat to Mount Semenic and plan their upcoming songs. That winter the show “Zoosophia”, a title that would later change to “Cantafabule”, was created. The show began by “calling” all mythic animals and continued by dedicating a song to each of them, finishing with the Phoenix, the band’s symbol. The year 1975 brought a newcomer to the band, Ovidiu Lipan “Ţăndărică” (born 1953). The “Cantafabule” show was first presented in Timişoara in February 1975. The disc was recorded in a very short time and was published the same year with a misspelling in the title: “Cantofabule.” What followed were two years of almost continuous concerts but also the creation of the soundtrack for the movie “Nemuritorii”.
By this time, the popularity of Phoenix had grown huge; people loved their songs not only for what they were, but also because they contained thinly-veiled allusions to the Communist regime. The band members, especially Nicu Covaci, found themselves increasingly harassed by the Securitate. Covaci married a Dutch woman and left the country in 1976. He returned in 1977, bringing in relief aid for those struck by the powerful earthquake on March 4. After two grandiose concerts in Constanţa and Tulcea, Covaci surprisingly left the country again, this time with all the band members (except Baniciu) hidden inside their Marshall speakers - a huge undertaking, since in Communist Romania it was extremely difficult to obtain approval to travel abroad, and illegal border crossing was punished with imprisonment.
After arriving in Germany, Phoenix disbanded. Kappl and a few others (Erlend Krauser, Ovidiu Lipan) formed a new band, Madhouse and released a not very successful album named From The East. In 1981, Covaci co-opted Neumann and Lipan and English bassist Tom Buggie, who had an amazing technical playing ability, under the name Transsylvania Phoenix (since a band named Phoenix already existed) and released an LP named Transsylvania, containing two old Phoenix songs translated into English to target the Western audience and five new ones. Covaci together with Kappl also released two EPs and one maxi single as Transsylvania-Phoenix.
In 1990 Phoenix made a triumphant comeback to Romania, with a highly emotional concert in their hometown Timişoara, the city that sparked the popular revolt in December 1989 that eventually led to the downfall of the Communist regime. In the following years, Phoenix toured a lot and released a few compilations of their older recordings. Internal frictions, especially between Covaci and Baniciu, were making headlines in the media.
A new album appeared in 2000, the first original album after their 1990 comeback; with the exception of Covaci, the lineup comprised none of the members from the ’70s.
In 2002, the 40th Anniversary of the band brought together almost all former members in a supershow.
At the end of 2005 the band (in its classic gold lineup) released a new album, named Baba Novak.
As of 2010, the band still performs at live events.
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2) Phoenix The French band comprises Thomas Mars (vocals), Deck D'Arcy (bass), Christian Mazzalai (guitar) and Laurent Brancowitz (guitar), who started playing music as kids in a suburb of Versailles during the same cultural period that produced late-'90s bands such as Air,Mellow and Daft Punk. The band's lineup has no permanent drummer or keyboardist.
Phoenix formed in 1999 and started off as the backing band for a remix of Air’s “Kelly Watch the Stars” single. Soon after, Phoenix released their debut album United in 2000. The name "Phoenix" was officially chosen in 1996 when Laurent Brancowitz permanently joined Pheonix after his other band Darlin' disbanded. The other two members of Darlin' (Thomas Bangalter and Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo) went on to form Daft Punk.
Phoenix are based in Paris, France and their music has been featured in such films as Shallow Hal and Lost In Translation. In 2006 the band themselves appeared Marie Antoinette, which like Lost In Translation, was directed by Sofia Coppola, Thomas Mars' partner.
The band's fourth album, "Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix" was released in 2009. It contains "1901", which peaked at #1 on the Billboard Alternative Songs chart in January 2010. The album won for Best Alternative Album at the 52nd Annual GRAMMY Awards.
Their fifth album, "Bankrupt!" was released in 2013.]
Bankrupt! debuted at #4 on the American Billboard 200 albums chart and a Phoenix world tour was completed over a large part of 2013.
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Aside from these two artists: The following groups also used the name Phoenix, most of which were short lived:
3) Phoenix: A short-lived British hard rock band that consisted of Jim Rodford, Robert Henrit, John Verity of Argent.
4) Phoenix: A UK-based band who play SF/Fantasy inspired rock / filk - both originals and parodies of better known songs.
5) Phoenix: A Classic goa / psychedelic trance project with some tracks released in compilations of 90s.
6) Phoenix: A seven-piece Oklahoma City garage-soul band that released one 45 in 1969 and received great regional success for a couple of years.
Allen Correll (Trumpet)
Larry Rogers (keyboards)
John Proctor (Drums)
Ron Jones (saxophone)
Roger Harrison (Bass)
Randy Stark (Vocals)
Pat Smiley (Guitar)
7) Phoenix: A British glitter band consisting of Alan Yates (vocals) Gerry Shepard (guitar/backing vocals) Pete Phipps (drums/keyboards) and Mike Leander (drums/bass/keyboards). They had one single in April 1975 (Pictures of You / Thrill Me With Your Love) produced by singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Adrian Baker.
8): Phoenix: Described by fans as "The best cover band you will ever see", this Las Vegas based rock band are sure to get your guests head banging and air guitar-ing whatever the occasion. Line-up consists of Jimmy Crespo (ex-Aerosmith), Tony Davich (ex-Sheena Easton), Jamie Borden, Tommy Paris (ex-Britny Fox, Jillson) and Dan Mccaslin.
Fences
Phoenix Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Fences in a row
Wired and protected in a row
If only
Your necessary silhouettes
Unknown, join the dissi-dissi-dissidents
Got carried away
Once remembered now forgotten
Come roll the dice for me
Roll the dice for me
Hold on better undone
If really on your own
Thinking this is fun?
Feathers fallen from drapes
Fold her into pieces
Tied up and lace
Fences in a row
Fences in a row
Wired and protected in a row
Got carried away
Thought I would've let you know
Oh no, did you mess-mess-message?
I know you still
Would rather mess with me than get going
She's been building up a castle in L.A.
Roll the dice for me
Hold on better undone
If really on your own
Thinking this is fun?
Feathers fallen from drapes
Fold her into pieces
Tied up and lace
Fences in a row
Fences in a row
Wired and protected in a row
Fences in a row
Fences in a row
Wired and protected in a row
The lyrics of Phoenix's "Fences" depict the presence of physical boundaries and restrictions that protect and isolate the singer and the people around them. The repetition of "fences in a row" highlights the conformity and containment that these structures bring. The lyrics seem to suggest that the singer wants to break free from the confines of these fences that are wired and protected, but they feel unsure and hesitant, questioning whether they are truly on their own or part of a larger group that has been misled by lies and discords.
The lines "Hold on better undone If really on your own Thinking this is fun?" indicate uncertainty as to whether it is better to stay within these boundaries or to break free and risk the unknown. The references to "feathers fallen from drapes" and "fold her into pieces" suggest a sense of fragility and vulnerability, as though the singer feels trapped and unable to escape their circumstances. The lines "She's been building up a castle in L.A." introduce a new character and location, adding some ambiguity and intrigue to the story.
Line by Line Meaning
Fences in a row
A series of barriers placed consecutively
Fences in a row
A repetition of the previous line to emphasis the presence of fences
Wired and protected in a row
The fences are reinforced with wires for added security
If only
Expressing regret or a wish for something that cannot be
Your necessary silhouettes
The essential outlines of one's identity or personal truth
Unknown, join the dissi-dissi-dissidents
People who resist authority coming together to fight against an oppressive system
Got carried away
To become overly excited and lose control over one's actions
Now hiding from their lies and discords
Avoiding the rumors and conflicts created by others
Once remembered now forgotten
Something that was once important or meaningful but has now been forgotten
Come roll the dice for me
Taking a chance and letting fate decide the outcome
Hold on better undone
Taking a step back and reevaluating before moving forward
If really on your own
Being completely self-sufficient and independent
Thinking this is fun?
Wondering if the current situation is enjoyable or not
Feathers fallen from drapes
Suggesting that something beautiful has been ruined or damaged
Fold her into pieces
Breaking something down into parts or fragments
Tied up and lace
Referencing the act of being bound or restrained
Got carried away
The repetition of the line emphasizes that the artist has lost control
Thought I would've let you know
Assuming that communication was unnecessary because the other person would already understand
Oh no, did you mess-mess-message?
Questioning if the other person tried to contact the singer
I know you still
Acknowledging that the other person still has influence or power
Would rather mess with me than get going
Preferring to cause problems or engage in conflict rather than move on or let go
She's been building up a castle in L.A.
Referring to someone who has achieved great success or wealth in a difficult industry, like Hollywood
Roll the dice for me
The repetition of this line is a reminder to take risks and let fate decide the outcome
Fences in a row
A reminder of the barriers and obstacles that people must overcome
Fences in a row
The repetition of the line emphasizes the prevalence of these barriers
Wired and protected in a row
The fences are particularly fortified and difficult to bypass
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Croquet Thomas Pablo, Mazzalai Christian, Mazzalai Laurent, Moulin Frederic Jean Joseph
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@vishalkamath
"Fences" LYRICS
Fences in a row
Fences in a row
Wired and protected
In a row
If only
Your necessary silhouette
Unknown, join the dissidents
Got carried away
Now hiding from their lies and discords
Once remembered now forgotten
Come roll the dice for me
Roll the dice for me
Hold on better undone
If really on your own
Thinking this is fun?
Feathers fallen from drapes
Fold her into pieces
Tied up and lace
Fences in a row
Fences in a row
Wired and protected
In a row
Got carried away
Thought I would’ve let you know
Did you miss a message?
I know you still
Would rather mess with me than get going
She’s been building up a castle in LA
Roll the dice for me
Hold on better undone
If really on your own
Thinking this is fun?
Feathers fallen from drapes
Fold her into pieces
Tied up and lace
Fences in a row
Fences in a row
Wired and protected
In a row
@Shnitzalbrain2
I took a very unplanned trip to Japan in March and listened to this song like crazy. Just wandering around Kyoto with this song and the rest of the album was just such a memorable and incredible experience. Whenever I hear this song all I can think of is Japan now. Good times
@lazoproductions3934
sounds amazing
@skoolwifi3835
Shnitzalbrain2 You should totally make a video or write about that trip! I've always wanted to visit Japan and I can only imagine how this album could've sounded while you where there 😎
@Shnitzalbrain2
Skool Wifi I actually made a little vlog series on my channel. Japan is under 'Unspecified Destinations' episodes 7 and 8. Feel free to check them out :)
@10DollarProductions
Spent a summer working in NYC with this album basically on repeat. Good times, I need to go back.
@brittanygonzo5686
Shnitzalbrain2 ooh I like the Japan imagery I’m getting. An album or song can leave such an impact while traveling. I love that feeling of landing somewhere new with headphones in. Exhilarating.
@yisraelbravo
I was walking by Las Vegas's strip when suddenly I entered the Bellagio and this song was playing in the speakers. Such a cool moment.
@JoseMorales-wl1nh
I often pull out Soundhound when I’m in Vegas. Casinos always pumping out jams I hadn’t heard or overlooked.
@Lenyxx3
One of the few albums I can listen to from start to finish.
@stpierreorama
You must not listen to much music from the 60s and 70s