They have released numerous EPs and albums that they have recorded in dubiously idiosyncratic scenarios: Tu-Plang (1996) in the remote jungle outside Bangkok; the triple platinum selling Unit (1997) in a condemned Fortitude Valley warehouse as wreckers waited outside; …art (1999) in a sun soaked Byron Bay beach house lapping up the waves; Eduardo & Rodriguez Wage War on T-Wrecks (2001) in the thick cigar smoke of Andy Gill’s London lounge-room; the post Warner release of Mishmash (2004) done in a glass box in Federation Square as part of the disturbing Band in a Bubble parody of reality shows and it’s way before it’s time multiple streaming media mayhem; Love and Paranoia (2007) in a bullet riddled studio in Rio de Janeiro under the looming rock arms of Corcovado; SuperHappyFunTimesFriends (2011) in their home studios over a period of 3 weeks sparked after a debate about whether what they were doing constituted an album; to their most recent and possibly final twisted piece of mangled pop culture Dirty Pop Fantasy (2013) recorded high in an Hong Kong skyscraper and then mixed on the streets of Melbourne… all of this long with their first 2 EPs (Regurgitator and New), the Olympic induced Crush the Losers, the manic EPs Bong in my Eye and Distractions… and the Warner destroying Jingles compilation (2003).
In the past 20 or so years they have toured all over Australia, New Zealand, Japan, UK, Europe, USA, Hong Kong, China, Vietnam, Laos and other parts of Asia. Late 2009 they played a small festival in the Japanese Alps with Hoodoo Gurus… before working with dance choreographer Gavin Webber on the live music/dance/theatrical project Rock Show at QPAC in Brisbane. In 2010 they performed a highly successful live soundtrack to Japanese anime film AKIRA at Sydney Opera House. They then decided to give up the album style of approach announcing they would just release tracks… with a batch coming out under the title Distractions as they toured Australia, played festivals and took off for shows in London, Dubai and Bahrain… returning for Festival of the Sun in Port Macquarie. 2011 started in Brisbane with a huge two night flood benefit show and a massive 3 song set at the Brisbane Soccer Grand final that they won in an exciting penalty shoot out. The seventh album SuperHappyFunTimesFriends released on vinyl, cassette, download and a playable badge (playbutton) which set them off on a trajectory of touring – the sold out national Annual Sail tour with NZ guest Disasteradio - possibly their most enthusiastically received tour and release for some years. Regurgitator’s UNIT was voted #10 on the Triple J Top 100 Australian albums coincided with performances of the album “UNIT” over Falls & Southbound festivals for the end of 2011. 2012 kicked off with the Big Day Out tour – their 6th time around - plus performances at the Margaret River Surf Classic, Red Deer Festival in Qld before touring seminal albums Tu Plang and Unit – The Retrotech2012 tour (with special guests from Indonesia Senyawa and China Hedgehog) was highly successful with the majority of shows sold out. Following this with the hot spot on the sold-out 2012 Meredith Music Festival.
The past few years have seen Regurgitator do some superfluous shit. It’s all pretty interesting – the costume changes, the gimmicky record and release strategies, the full-album live sets – but tonight they achieved something far more pure. In straight power-trio formation (no spandex onesies, no heavy metal wigs), they performed what could well be the set of their careers. Hearing thousands sing along to I Will Lick Your Arsehole never gets old. They’re a punk band at heart, and one of the finest this country has produced. (Beat Magazine Dec 2012)
In April 2013 they headed out on the rural Groovin’ The Moo festival tour and released album #8 Dirty Pop Fantasy September 2013… followed with national Dirty Pop Tour with guest from Portland Wampire… ending up playing their last show for who knows how long as part of a short Asia tour in Beijing mid December 2013 with friends New Pants.
TONEDEAF: “You might not even be aware of your inner dark pop fantasies, but Regurgitator’s sensational new opus will definitely awaken them. In 2013, Gurg’s raw authenticity is still in perfect condition” 8.5/10
BEAT MAG: Dirty Pop Fantasy soaks up forty years of pop from Austin to Zurich, wringing out familiar tunes strained of cliché. They're winking at you going "Your kiss like a Caramel Twix, sweeter than a Kinder Surprise”. The 'Gurge’s Dirty Pop Fantasy isn't simply a label – it's their bony fists banging like a gavel, demanding your ear. The nature of their fantasy is irrepressible!
Never ones to compromise or shy away from the unusual, the untried, or any genre that infects their creative sensibility… more than ever they find themselves extending the vitality of their live performances, continuing to infuse them with exuberance, mania and their mashedup motion of rock, punk, electro, funk, pop, where it goes vibes.
For further visit:
WEBSITUATION: www.regurgitator.net
BANDCRAMP: http://regurgitator.bandcamp.com/
FACEBOOKINGS: www.facebook.com/pages/Regurgitator
YOUTUBE regurgitator's MUSIC BOX: www.youtube.com/user/Regurgitators
TWITS: http://twitter.com/regurgitators
SOUNDCLODDING: http://soundcloud.com/regurgitrax
MYSPACED: www.myspace.com/regurgitators
Modern Life
Regurgitator Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
they make you want it
when you see it on the tv shows
and maybe then you might buy it
if it makes you feel home and hosed
you want it (x4)
then they try to tell you this is modern life
no i don't believe this is modern life
can't you see
that they want us
to be brainwashed into their big schemes
so i can tell
i see sex cells
'cause it's a common reoccuring theme
you want it (x4)
then they try to tell you this is modern life
you want it (x4)
then they try to tell you this is modern life
bow down to fashion today
if it's gonna help you feel okay
bow down to fashion today
if it's gonna help you feel the same
bow down to fashion today
if it's gonna help you feel okay
bow down to fashion today
if it's gonna help you feel the same
The lyrics to Regurgitator's "Modern Life" critique the consumer culture perpetuated by the media and advertising agencies. The singer remarks that people are often lured into purchasing products they see on television shows, simply because they are made to believe that it will make them feel more comfortable or secure in their lives. The refrain of "you want it" serves as a rallying cry against the subtle coercion of these commercial institutions. The skepticism of the singer rings clear in his assertion that modern life does not revolve around material goods and seeking to compete over others.
The second verse of the song continues in this vein, suggesting that the emphasis on sex in media is a recurring theme intended to captivate viewers' attention and coerce them into buying products that are related to this theme. Again, the singer is critical of the way that the media manipulates its audience, insinuating that their motives aren't altruistic or sincere. The refrain serves as an important reminder to be skeptical of the messages put forth by the media.
Overall, the song is a call to arms for people to resist the temptations of consumer culture and question the motives behind the media's messages. The repetition of the refrain reinforces the idea that people's desires are being exploited, and the singer's refusal to bow down to these pressures sets an important example.
Line by Line Meaning
well you know
Acknowledging that the listener has some prior knowledge
they make you want it
Referring to advertisers who create desires in people for products they don't necessarily need or want
when you see it on the tv shows
The medium that advertisers commonly use to display their products
and maybe then you might buy it
Insinuating that advertising can be very persuasive, making people buy things they don't really need
if it makes you feel home and hosed
Suggesting that advertisers create an illusion of consumer satisfaction that may not reflect reality
you want it (x4)
Repeating the hook of the song, emphasizing how desires are created in people
then they try to tell you this is modern life
Commenting that advertisers claim to represent the essence of modern life and that people should buy into it
no i don't believe this is modern life
Rejecting the notion that the modern life as showed through ads is real or aspirational
can't you see
Talking directly to the listener, asking for their attention
that they want us
Noticing the advertisers' ultimate desire is to make people buy their products
to be brainwashed into their big schemes
Claiming advertisers want to deceive people to better sell their products
so i can tell
Sharing an opinion that is personally observed
i see sex cells
Interpreting that sex is used in advertising to sell products, even if it's irrelevant to them
'cause it's a common recurring theme
Explaining that sex is used so much in advertising that it deserves to be described as a common and recurring theme
bow down to fashion today
Sarcastically suggesting that people should follow fashion trends without thinking critically
if it's gonna help you feel okay
Commenting that some people believe that conformity creates a sense of belonging
if it's gonna help you feel the same
Continuing the cynical suggestion that fitting into a mold, even by buying things of dubious value, is okay
bow down to fashion today
Repeating the sarcastic tone of the chorus
if it's gonna help you feel okay
Restating the idea that some people believe that following fashion trends is the way to happiness
bow down to fashion today
Repeating the message of the song: people are being manipulated by advertisers and fashion trends, and they should resist that manipulation
if it's gonna help you feel the same
Continuing the sarcastic tone of the chorus, ridiculing the idea that conforming to fashion trends brings a sense of sameness or acceptance by others
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: BENJAMIN ELY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
MrSoy74
Brilliant and still relevant, musically and lyrically today!
ArcaneAzmadi
This remains one of the most memorable music videos I've ever seen. Just those last few seconds where she comes home to her child gives you the feeling that, no matter how miserable and pointless her life seems for most of the video, it's all worthwhile to her.
murphysinfinland
Still great. Peak regurgitator
Shincism
only 450 views? sad sad sad.....Especially for such an amazing band
Aussie Guy
Agreed
Leanne Cook
Love love love the Gurge...
FungusDells
Never knew this had a video clip! Is that West End?
pud354
Just noticed the Centrelink Parent Separation document that keeps appearing throughout this video
Brett Mcmillan
boycott cash its the only way to be with the people you love in life