One of several anonymous projects linked to the mysterious Berlin dub-techno duo Moritz von Oswald and Mark Ernestus, Rhythm & Sound released a series of 10" records on Burial Mix and 12" records on Rhythm & Sound, both labels part of the Basic Channel group.
Von Oswald and Ernestus' Rhythm & Sound recordings are much more dub-influenced and less techno-orientated than the duo's previous, and more legendary, dub-techno recordings as Basic Channel and Maurizio. Where those earlier recordings synthesized a Detroit-influenced style of minimal techno with dub-reggae bass lines, the late-'90s Rhythm & Sound productions emphasized the dub-reggae aesthetic rather than the more dancefloor-orientated techno sound of the early-'90s Basic Channel and Maurizio recordings. Thus, the Rhythm & Sound records, which often featured reggae vocalist Paul St. Hilaire, weren't quite as popular or well-known as the duo's Basic Channel recordings, which instead retained their popularity over the years, becoming quite legendary and oft-cited within the techno scene.
Nonetheless, von Oswald and Ernestus' Rhythm & Sound work prevailed into the early 2000s, being compiled on two listener-friendly CDs, Showcase and Rhythm & Sound.
- Jason Birchmeier, All Music Guide
They also released a special bundle of seven 7-inches using basically the same riddim with slight variations. On these seven vinyls they collaborate with various artists. These tracks have been compiled on See Mi Yah and remixed on See Mi Yah Remixes. They also released two compilations earlier: W/ The Artists and The Versions.
Never Tell You
Rhythm & Sound Lyrics
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"Never Tell You" by Rhythm & Sound/Tikiman is a song with a somber vibe filled with thoughtful lyrics that are open to interpretation. The song's main emphasis is on the importance of holding on to someone even when they're no longer there physically. The first verse speaks about the pull from the moon, which moves the ocean to rise and fall so quickly, thereby creating an allegory for the unpredictable nature of life, which can shift at any moment. Even though changes can happen abruptly, you must never forget those people who have made an impact on you.
The second verse talks about the efforts to build a bridge with strong hands, far enough to reach a distant land. This metaphor can be seen as an attempt to overcome the distance between loved ones, showing that this distance can still be traversed. As the verse continues, the sentiment is echoed with the idea of giving a wink and a smile, which emphasizes the notion that the journey may be long, but with faith, you are almost home.
The chorus goes back to emphasizing the importance of never forgetting those people who have touched you, even when they have left. The final verse speaks of someone having to write it down before it's over, meaning that it's important to document everything before it's too late. The song ends with the idea that when the music stops, there will be a teardrop in someone's eye, but knowing that things will somehow be alright.
Line by Line Meaning
Feel the pull from the moon
The effect of the moon's gravitational pull is so strong that it causes the tides to rise and fall.
Makes the ocean rise then fall so soon
The rise and fall of the ocean's tides happen so quickly that it feels like they're gone in the blink of an eye.
Never forget you
The memory of you will always stay with me.
You had a place in your heart
There was a special place in my heart reserved just for you.
Burns so much brighter than the sun
The love I have for you burns brighter than the biggest star in the sky.
Build a bridge with strong hands
I will create a connection between us that is unbreakable.
Far enough to reach a distant land
This connection will extend beyond the physical world, reaching even the farthest corners of the universe.
Give a wink and a smile
I will offer reassurance that everything will be alright.
You're almost home it's just another mile
The end of your journey is close and all you need is a little more strength to make it the rest of the way.
Now the rain has stopped the snake fog starts to rise
After a difficult time, things are getting better but there are still challenges ahead, like the mist that can cloud your vision.
You say everything will be alright
I trust in your words that everything will work out, even during tough times.
Feel so close, seem so near
Even though we may be physically apart, our bond is so strong that it feels like we're right beside each other.
I see your face and I can almost hear
The memory of your face is so vivid that it's almost like you're here with me, and I can recall your voice in my mind.
From your desk, in your hand
You took the time to write down your feelings before they slipped away.
You had to write it down before it's over
You wanted to make sure that our feelings were documented and would never be forgotten, even if our time together was limited.
When the music stops there'll be a teardrop in my eye
When our time together comes to an end, it will be an emotional moment for me.
You just said that somehow everything will be alright
Your words of comfort bring me peace, even in the face of uncertainty and difficulty.
Lyrics © O/B/O DistroKid
Written by: Kabir Parekh
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind