Of all the groups that the Residents signed to their Ralph Records, Renaldo & the Loaf were the closest to their label heads in sound. Twisted, high-pitched vocals, child-like melodies, an atmosphere of menace and unease with a stripped-down approach to instrumentation characterised their output.
By their own assertion, they achieved their unique sound in part by striving to get unnatural synthesizer-like sounds using only what instruments they had available (acoustic ones.) To that end they routinely used muffled and de-tuned instruments, and often to striking effect, tape loops/manipulation. The two released four full-length albums, one collection, various songs on compilation albums, and several self-produced demos. They were "discovered" by The Residents when Brian dropped off a tape at Ralph Records headquarters in San Francisco, during a visit to the US. After being signed to Ralph, they collaborated with The Residents on Title in Limbo.
By 1989, the collaboration had lost its steam, and the duo disbanded after recording a sea shanty, "Haul on the Bowline," which appeared only on a Ralph various artists release. Brian Poole ("Renaldo") contributed to sporadic recordings in the 1990s. In 2006 upon the launch of the new Renaldo & the Loaf web site, the duo were reunited for the first time in the better part of two decades.
In October of 2016 they released their first studio album in 29 years, entitled "Gurdy Hurding". Vienna Label Klanggalerie has since re-issued all their albums. In June 2018 Renaldo & The Loaf played their very first genuine live show at Klanggalerie's 25th anniversary in Vienna, documented in the album "Long Time Coming."
External Links:
Website
Renaldo & the Loaf Myspace
The Loaf's Myspace
Renaldo's Myspace
B.P.M.
Renaldo & the Loaf Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Bet you didn't know today
Bet you didn't know today
Was such a long time coming
Bet you didn't know today
Bet you didn't know today
Bet you didn't know today
Bet you didn't know today
Bet you didn't know today
Bet you didn't know today
Was such a long time coming
Bet you didn't know today
Bet you didn't know today
Bet you didn't know today
Was such a long time coming
The lyrics of Renaldo & the Loaf's song "B.P.M." are repetitive yet intriguing. The song is basically composed of just four lines repeated thrice in a monotone manner. The initial line is "Bet you didn't know today," followed by the same line thrice more. Each time the line is repeated, it adds "was such a long time coming" at the end. It's interesting because the lyrics have a certain ambiguity that can lead to different interpretations.
The song seems to be about an event that's finally happened after a long wait. It could be interpreted as a joyful occasion or a sarcastic one, depending on the listener's perspective. The addition of "bet you didn't know" in every line could suggest either that the event was unexpected or that people weren't aware of the efforts and waiting that led up to it. The repetition of the same lyrics could also indicate a sense of monotony or boredom with life's events.
Overall, the song is a puzzling one, leaving the meaning open to interpretation. It's a great example of how music can express an idea in a unique and sometimes ambiguous manner.
Line by Line Meaning
Bet you didn't know today
You probably weren't aware of the significance of today's events
Was such a long time coming
These events have been building up for a very long time and are finally happening now
Contributed by Gavin O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@agniaftonadiyoga4481
The Vienna concert version, was freakin: AWESOME!!!
@costumesbyantonia806
Brilliant! 💎
@BaronVonShrapnel
This sounds like an outtake from the White Album or Sgt. Pepper. I added it to my playlist called "Not the Beatles."
@costumesbyantonia806
😂😂😂😂😂
@diegoarias6507
EXTRAÑO MUY BUENO
@feraldrollerypdx
The new, live version is so fokkin amazing!