They have a distinctive, minimalist sound based on unusual and urgent time signatures, repetitive heavy rhythms, an angular guitar sound, and Albini's surreal, bitingly sarcastic lyrics. Songs typically do not have traditional verse/chorus/verse structure and the arrangements are sparse, to the point where some describe them as "amelodic". Shellac's signature sound is often associated with their enthusiasm for vintage Travis Bean guitars, a rare brand of aluminium-based instruments. Albini is also known to use copper plectrums and unique guitar straps that fit around the waist rather than over the shoulder. The band prefers the intimacy of smaller clubs, and live appearances are sporadic.
Both Weston and Albini are renowned recording engineers, and use their preferred methods with Shellac: Albini prefers a very clean, analogue recording sound with little or no overdubbing, and he is meticulous about microphone placings and equipment - this is reflected in Shellac's no nonsense approach to their own music, both in the studio and live.
Shellac are also renowned for their unconventional modus operandi. Touring is often an excuse for the band to take time away from their day jobs (Albini and Weston are both recording engineers; Trainer works at a commercial photographer's studio in Minneapolis) instead of being used to promote a recent record or even for financial gain. Indeed, Shellac do not have a "fixed fee" for performances like most bands, instead preferring to take the door charge minus expenses such as promotion, running costs and venue fees. They have also been known to ask venues to remove ticket charges they regard as unnecessary, which have become common in Europe and America.
An early claim from the band was that all of their songs were about two of Albini's favourite subjects: Baseball and Canada. In actuality, Albini and Weston's songs can refer to a broad range of topics, from the highly emotional to examinations of everyday minutiae. However, regardless of the subject, each song is presented in the same deadpan, occasionally violent manner. An example can be found in the concluding tracks from the band's album 1000 Hurts. Although both songs have a title referring to a mundane house-hold object, these items are in actuality symbolic of a larger theme. Weston's "Shoe Song" deals with the realisation of love and its subsequent loss, whereas Albini's "Watch Song" details irrational anger and aggression. Shoe Song also heavily references post-rock band Slint, who were produced by Albini.
Shellac are known for their mercurial nature, which has produced some interesting records and events. Most notably, they recorded an instrumental album known as The Futurist for a modern dance troupe. Unwilling to grant what the band considered a sub-par recording a wider audience, they pressed approximately 700 vinyl LP copies of the music and gave them away as gifts to friends. The front cover was a list of the recipients, with the relevant name encircled. Shellac also played a Halloween show as the anarchic British punk group The Sex Pistols, featuring former The Jesus Lizard and Scratch Acid singer David Yow as Johnny Rotten. Both of the aforementioned can now be found on several file-sharing networks.
In 2002, the band was also responsible for curating the All Tomorrow's Parties festival in Camber Sands, England. Amongst fans of independent rock, these weekends have achieved legendary status and featured performances from some of the world's finest groups. Knowing that most of the audience had come specifically to see Shellac, the band went on first every morning as an incentive for the festival-goers to be up in time to see the other acts. An album of live tracks from this festival was also released on ATP Records.
In December 2004, Shellac recorded a final BBC Session dedicated their longtime fan John Peel. Peel had been an ardent supporter of the band and his death earlier in the year came as a great shock to the independent music community. In 2005, Shellac were recorded playing 'Steady As She Goes' in an abandoned house as part of a film project called Burn To Shine, organised by Fugazi drummer Brendan Canty and film-maker Christoph Green. This is the only available recorded video footage of the band playing live.
This Is a Picture
Shellac Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Of things going a little out of hand.
This is a sculpture
Of a couple of things we gotta get straight
Sooner rather than later
A genius invents a tool
To show the world what it
When I'm in a bad mood
There are angels there
Know where they keep angels?
Heaven, that's where
I can't wait to die
I can find me some
That's where I'll find my wife
When I'm through with my present one
The lyrics of Shellac's song "This Is a Picture" can be interpreted in different ways, but the most common interpretation is that the song is about human emotions, communication, and relationships. The first verse introduces the idea that things are going out of hand and need to be corrected. The second verse suggests that progress can be made when a genius invents a tool to help people express their emotions and feelings, which can then be understood by others. The lyrics also hint at the existence of angels and heaven, which could suggest a religious or spiritual interpretation of the song.
The third verse is the most enigmatic, as it appears to express a desire to die and find a new partner in heaven. Some listeners interpret this as an escape from the difficulties and frustrations of earthly life, while others see it as a commentary on the impermanence of human relationships and the hope for a more fulfilling afterlife. The song ends on this unresolved note, leaving the listener to ponder its meaning and significance.
Overall, "This Is a Picture" is a complex and thought-provoking song that raises questions about the nature of human communication, the search for meaning and purpose, and the possibility of transcendence beyond the limits of this world.
Line by Line Meaning
This is a picture
The following lyrics are a snapshot of a situation.
Of things going a little out of hand.
A few things are starting to spiral out of control.
This is a sculpture
The lyrics are presented with artistic intention.
Of a couple of things we gotta get straight
There are a few issues that need to be resolved.
Sooner rather than later
It's better to act quickly than to wait.
A genius invents a tool
An intelligent person creates a solution.
To show the world what it
To demonstrate to others what something is.
What it means when
The significance of an action.
When I'm in a bad mood
When the singer is feeling emotionally negative.
There are angels there
Reference to heavenly beings.
Know where they keep angels?
A rhetorical question, implying the answer is obvious.
Heaven, that's where
Angels can be found in the afterlife.
I can't wait to die
The singer looks forward to the afterlife.
I can find me some
The singer will seek out something in the afterlife.
That's where I'll find my wife
The singer believes their partner will be in the afterlife.
When I'm through with my present one
When the singer is no longer with their current partner.
Contributed by Grayson I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.