Their first release was an EP named Dive!, published in 1996 through independent label Wall of Sound. They gained fame the next year by providing a remix for Bond composer David Arnold's Bond tribute album Shaken & Stirred covering John Barry's On Her Majesty's Secret Service, the theme song to the sixth James Bond film, re-orchestrated by Arnold. The single "History Repeating" followed, a collaboration with jazz diva Shirley Bassey, fusing big beat with jazz.
Their only album to date is Decksandrumsandrockandroll, released in 1998 by Wall of Sound in the UK and Europe and DreamWorks in the US and Japan. The Dreamworks versions include collaborations with hip hop veterans De La Soul and Jungle Brothers, and the Japanese version is a sought-after 2 Disc Special Edition including some of their earlier singles. A track from the album, "Spybreak!", became widely known after its use in the famous lobby scene in The Matrix.
After touring for their hit album, Will White fell ill. They released Extended Play E.P. in 1998, and in the song "Props' Vote Of Gratitude", Alex Gifford raps for the first time, explaining to the attentive listener that the band would "be back after this short break". Things subsequently went quiet in the Propellerheads camp. Alex moved to New York and produced the Jungle Brothers' 1999 Album V.I.P. in which he raps alongside The Black Eyed Peas among others and Will White provides the drums for the eponymous track. He has also produced a track for Rufus Wainwright ("Shadows") on his 2001 album Poses. White has since released a mix compilation for the Beatz and Bobz series, and he has also appeared as a member of the De-Fex music project.
In October 2003 Wall of Sound commemorated its 10th birthday, and to celebrate, released a two disc album charting 10 years of its pioneering British music. The first CD featured alumni such as Röyksopp, The Wiseguys and Mekon, while Gifford provided a mix CD for the second disc. Surprisingly the first track on that disc was a new song by Propellerheads featuring British rapper Livingroom Johnston, entitled "10 Years". Sadly, shortly after this release they disbanded.
Their song "Take California" was the first song ever to be used in an Apple iPod television ad.
White was part of the live incarnation of Long Range, the now defunct project of Phil Hartnoll of Orbital.
A Number of Microphones
Propellerheads Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Mmm, hmm
How extraordinary
I see
The opening lyrics of Propellerheads' "A Number of Microphones" are spoken and suggest that the singer is commenting on the art and science of recording. The words "an example of correct microphone pacing" indicate that there is considered to be a right and wrong way of placing microphones during recording. The subsequent affirmations sound like someone who is impressed by what they are hearing. The response "how extraordinary" has a clear tone of surprise and admiration. The singer's question regarding the number of microphones to use for a particular recording is facetious, indicating that someone has somehow achieved a high-quality recording with a minimal amount of equipment.
The overall mood of the song is light-hearted, and the lyrics suggest a playful interaction between two characters. One character seems to have the technical know-how of recording, while the other is impressed by what they hear. The melody and beat of the song are heavy and driven, suggesting a sense of urgency or excitement. At the same time, there is a sense of positivity and mirth, as if the two characters are enjoying themselves and each other's company.
Line by Line Meaning
Let's hear, now, an example of correct microphone pacing
Allow us now to listen to a demonstration of proper microphone usage and technique
Mmm, hmm
A nonverbal expression of agreement or acknowledgement
How extraordinary
Expressing amazement or surprise at something impressive
I see
Acknowledging understanding or comprehension of a statement
Ah, presumably, for something like that you'd be using a, a very large number of microphones, wouldn't you?
I assume that a situation requiring such audio recording would necessitate the use of a significant quantity of microphones
Contributed by Alice N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@early_barto9017
Buttefly knife !🩸
@cecilsdaniel
"How extraordinary..."
@lukedavis3703
My favourite song on the album
@bugpadzero
Now presumably, for something like that, you’d be using a very large number of microphones wouldn’t you?
@trevoropalinski
How Extra....ORDinary! INDEED!! This goes without saying!
@dimer420x
YEA
@Wriglarr
OOOooh!
@joeharris5420
Let's hear now, an example of, correct microphone placing.
Mmhmm.
How extraordinary.
I see.
Ah, presumably, for something like that, you’d be using a very large number of microphones wouldn’t you?
@anorakus8272
Mm-mm
@Dhawz.DiscJockey
1998