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
Here's to the oblong boys
Renaldo & the Loaf Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And uncertainty sets the heart to burn
And the liquid's stale in the pipes of brain
So your dreams of cream turn sour again
Call for the oblong boys
See them on their way and long gone
Only when you're lonely you count the seeds you've sown
Call for the oblong boys
Saw us on our way, for so long
A sweet crop has failed, and now
A rock of angst has blunt the plough
And the cat claws a hex on the bark of your tree
So your silver leaves taste of tin, to me
Call for the oblong boys
See them on their way and long gone
Call for the oblong boys
Do no wrong
Call for the oblong boys
Saw us on our way, for so long
The lyrics of Renaldo & the Loaf's "Here's to the oblong boys" gives the listener a glimpse into the comfort provided by a group of friends in times of loneliness, suspicion, and uncertainty. The song seems to be addressed to someone who is feeling let down by life's offerings and is searching for something to provide solace. The chorus invites the listener to "Call for the oblong boys" who are portrayed as a group of friends that will help in difficult times. The song also touches on the theme of loss, failure, and disappointment. The lines "A sweet crop has failed, and now / A rock of angst has blunt the plough" suggest that the singer has experienced failure in a business venture or other projects, leading to feelings of hopelessness.
Line by Line Meaning
If trivia seems the main concern
When small, insignificant details become the most important thing to you
And uncertainty sets the heart to burn
When doubt or uncertainty causes anxiety and discomfort
And the liquid's stale in the pipes of brain
When your thoughts or ideas feel stagnant and uninteresting
So your dreams of cream turn sour again
When your hopes and aspirations become disillusioned or unattainable
Call for the oblong boys
Reach out for help or support
See them on their way and long gone
Allow them to provide assistance but don't rely on them permanently
Only when you're lonely you count the seeds you've sown
When feeling isolated, evaluate the efforts you've made and their impact on your life
Suspicion is a purple worm gnawing at your bones
Feeling of doubt or mistrust can be deeply unsettling and pervasive
Saw us on our way, for so long
The oblong boys have been providing help for an extended period of time
A sweet crop has failed, and now
Something that was expected to be successful or beneficial did not meet expectations
A rock of angst has blunt the plough
Feelings of anxiety or worry have made it difficult to move forward or make progress
And the cat claws a hex on the bark of your tree
Something or someone is causing negative energy or bad luck in your life
So your silver leaves taste of tin, to me
What once appeared valuable and desirable is now tarnished or unappealing
Do no wrong
Act ethically and with integrity
Contributed by Addison J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
creatornat
One of my faves!
Will Power
can't believe there aren't more comments I love this song