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 U.S. 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/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.
Websites:
http://www.turkeyworld.org/renaldoloaf/index.html
http://www.myspace.com/ollehollehrotcod
http://www.myspace.com/thedarkeningscale (The Loaf)
http://www.myspace.com/renaldomalpractice (Renaldo)
Green Candle
Renaldo and the Loaf Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Special hides in tin pan alleys
Soroptimistic party places
Winsome folk enjoying the pleasures of...
The street sign's
Ornamental
Green candle
Newspaper functions as library functions
Two characters walking in bi-forked suits
Through the night, night...
A night-time's so fit for rising
Beaudelaire's begotten kingdom
Wine-glass tarts and promenaders
The bachelor machine hums into action
Convenience in the 'city room'.
The column
The arches
The office
Of the aristo-flanneur
The lyrics of Renaldo and The Loaf's song "Green Candle" are intriguing and full of symbolism. The song describes a world hidden from plain sight - secret societies, tin pan alleys, soroptimistic party places - where people indulge in pleasures that go against the norm. The green candle is mentioned as ornamental, but it also signifies something more significant than just a decoration. It represents a rebellion, a flaming row against the conventions of society. The characters walking in bi-forked suits may be a reference to duality, the yin and yang of human nature. The night-time is described as being fit for rising, implying a sense of restlessness and desire for something more.
The lyrics also allude to the idea of convenience in the "city room" - a world where modern technology and convenience have made life easier but also more isolating. The bachelor machine hums into action, suggesting a mechanized, sterile environment that is devoid of human connections. The arches, the columns, and the office of the aristo-flanneur further emphasize this idea, as they all represent structures of power and control. In contrast, the green candle represents a small but significant rebellion against this system.
Overall, the song is a commentary on modern society and the human desire to rebel against it. The green candle represents a small but significant act of resistance against the sterile, mechanized world we live in.
Line by Line Meaning
Cigarettes in secret societies
People secretly smoking cigarettes and socializing with others who share the same interest
Special hides in tin pan alleys
Hidden areas on the city's alleyways where special things happen
Soroptimistic party places
Optimistic groups of women hosting parties
Winsome folk enjoying the pleasures of...
Charming people enjoying life's pleasures
The street sign's
The sign attached to the street
Ornamental
Decorative, serving no functional purpose
Green candle
A candle that is green in color
It's a flaming row, sir!
A big commotion, sir!
Newspaper functions as library functions
The newspaper is being used like a library, serving as a source of information
Two characters walking in bi-forked suits
Two people walking in suits with two prongs in the front
Through the night, night...
Throughout the entire night, night...
A night-time's so fit for rising
The perfect time for something to rise
Beaudelaire's begotten kingdom
A place created by Charles Beaudelaire
Wine-glass tarts and promenaders
People drinking wine and taking a leisurely walk
The bachelor machine hums into action
A single-person device starting up
Convenience in the 'city room'.
An area in the city that is convenient for people to use
The column
A vertical structure
The arches
Structures with a curved shape
The office
A place where business is conducted
Of the aristo-flanneur
Of the wealthy and elegant wanderer
Contributed by Alice S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
PickledYoshi
Amazing to finally hear a live version of this song! Never thought in a million years I would. ;o
Tangento
Fantastic... this has always been a favorite; what a rare treat to hear it performed! The video is spot on... the Gilliam-esque elements and antiquated footage mesh perfectly.
Patrick Neve
Amazing performance and extremely creative video interpretation. Very illustrative without being too literal. Hats off, gentle-people.
Justine Thornley
Genius all round. Thank you for sharing from this long time RaTL fan!
TheCoinmancer
Pure awesome!
paralentor
I really enjoy how the familiar toons have been made more danceable. Love the safari ride through the Dali painting!
Renaldo and The Loaf
Greetings! The paintings are by de Chirico, tastefully edited by Poxodd for this video. Renaldo
GaboyChabela: Bitcoin Art by Isabel Sydow
I really do like this!!!! ♥♥♥
Shawn Franklin
I absolutely LOVE Renaldo and the loaf. I’m proud to call Brian (Renaldo) a friend of mine :)
Brian Smith
Is he as hilarious yet super strange as he seems?