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
Kinbolton Gnome Song
Renaldo & the Loaf Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The one with the balding head.
He's really strange, a bit deranged
He takes his gnomes to bed, ha-ha!
Takes his gnomes to bed, ha-ha!
Takes his gnomes to bed, ha-ha!
They're so old, that when they're cold,
He takes them in, it's no sin
It's one of his finer points, oh yes!
One of his finer points, oh yes!
One of his finer points, oh yea!
...........................Oh Yea?
They're so old, that when they're cold,
They get arthritic joints
He takes them in, it's no sin
It's one of his finer points, oh yes!
One of his finer points, oh yes!
One of his finer points, oh yes!
See the man in the garden,
The one with the balding head.
He's really strange, a bit deranged
He takes his gnomes to bed, ha-ha!
Takes his gnomes to bed, ha-ha!
Takes his gnomes to bed, ha-ha!
The song "Kinbolton Gnome Song" by Renaldo & the Loaf is a quirky and humorous tune that recounts the strange behavior of an eccentric man who takes his garden gnomes to bed with him. The man is described as having a balding head and being deranged, yet he has a soft spot for his beloved gnomes. The song highlights the comical side of this man's behavior, as well as his commitment and affection for his collection of gnomes. The lyrics mention how the gnomes are so old that they get arthritic joints, but the man takes them in and cares for them anyway, considering it one of his finer points.
The song can be interpreted in various ways. It can be seen as a commentary on the quirks and oddities of human nature, or as a celebration of the bonds we form with the objects we hold dear. Alternatively, it could simply be a lighthearted tune meant to make listeners smile and laugh.
Overall, "Kinbolton Gnome Song" is a fun and catchy song that combines playful lyrics with a cheerful melody. Its whimsical and humorous nature makes it a memorable addition to Renaldo & the Loaf's discography.
Line by Line Meaning
See the man in the garden,
Observe the male individual located within the outdoor area,
The one with the balding head.
This particular male possesses a receding hairline,
He's really strange, a bit deranged
He exhibits odd behavior and potentially has a mental illness
He takes his gnomes to bed, ha-ha!
He brings his lawn ornaments indoors and into his sleeping quarters for reasons unknown
They're so old, that when they're cold,
These gnomes appear to be elderly, to the point where they suffer physical ailments when exposed to lower temperatures
They get arthritic joints
Their joints become stiff and painful, common symptoms of arthritis
He takes them in, it's no sin
The man brings these gnomes inside, and although it may seem strange, he is not committing any wrongdoing
It's one of his finer points, oh yes!
This act of kindness is actually one of his admirable traits
Takes his gnomes to bed, ha-ha!
Once again, he brings his gnomes into his sleeping quarters for reasons unknown
See the man in the garden,
Reiterating the presence of the previously mentioned male in the outdoor space
The one with the balding head.
Reiterating his physical appearance
He's really strange, a bit deranged
Reiterating the man's unusual behavior and potential mental state
He takes his gnomes to bed, ha-ha!
Reiterating the bizarre act of bringing his lawn gnomes into his sleeping quarters
Contributed by Jonathan H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@BobbyBluntandthafunk
Thanks so much Renaldo and the Loaf are AWESOME!!!!
@terrypussypower
One of my favourite bands ever !
@EliasVideoProduction
I love this song. Must be my favorite Renaldo & The Loaf Song. I also like Meaning Of W.E.I.R.D.
BTW, it's not a band, it's only a duo. There's only two members, not an four-piece band