Their neo-psychedelia sound has often been compared by the media to acts such as The Velvet Underground, My Bloody Valentine, The Jesus and Mary Chain, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club and Serena Maneesh. Although, in a tongue-in-cheek statement, the band's frontman Henrik Björnsson defines it as "a cross between Simon and Garfunkel".
As of 2016 they have released eight studio albums and a best of compilation. Singapore Sling have supported The Brian Jonestown Massacre on their North American tours and covered "Dirty Water", a 1966 garage rock hit by The Standells in their debut album. They have also covered The Monks' "I Hate You" in the 2006 compilation Silver Monk Time: A Tribute to the Monks.
Singapore Sling was formed in Spring of 2000 in Reykjavík, the capital of Iceland, with the reunion of Björnsson and Kristjánsson. Björnsson had some 8-track demos and wanted to create a band. One of these demos surfaced online in the Iceland Airwaves 2001 official website and later became "Overdriver", the opening track of their debut LP.
While Björnsson is the sole official member, as well as the primary musician on the band's recordings, the live and studio lineup has changed from its original incarnation, and as of November 2015, consists of:
* Henrik Björnsson: vocals / guitar / keyboard
* Einar Þór Kristjánsson: lead guitar
* Ester Bíbí Ásgeirsdóttir: bass guitar
* Björn Viktorsson: drums
Beginning in 2008, Björnsson participated in the band Dead Skeletons. He also formed a side project called The Go-Go Darkness as a duo with his wife, Elsa María Blöndal. Björn Viktorsson was previously the drummer of Dean Sean and also worked with Glasgow-based electro/psyche act The Cheesemongers.
Listen
Singapore Sling Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Listen, listen, come on
Listen, oh no, listen and try to change your mind
Listen, listen, come on
Listen, babe, listen, I know you understand
Listen, listen, come on, listen
The lyrics of Singapore Sling's song "Listen" are straightforward and direct. The repeated use of the term "Listen" emphasizes the importance of paying attention and being present in the moment. The lines "Listen, baby, listen and try to understand" and "Listen, oh no, listen and try to change your mind" suggest that the song is addressed to someone who needs to open their mind and heart to new ideas and perspectives.
The tone of the song is hopeful and encouraging, as the singer believes that the listener is capable of changing their mind and seeing things differently. The use of the word "baby" throughout the song adds a layer of intimacy and tenderness, infusing the directive to listen with a sense of care and concern.
Overall, the song is a call to action to be more receptive and open-minded, to truly listen and hear what others have to say, and to be willing to change and grow.
Line by Line Meaning
Listen, baby, listen and try to understand
Hey, my love, pay attention and try to comprehend
Listen, listen, come on
Hear me out, come on
Listen, oh no, listen and try to change your mind
Please, listen intently and try to alter your perception
Listen, listen, come on
Pay attention, come on
Listen, babe, listen, I know you understand
Darling, please listen, I am confident you comprehend
Listen, listen, come on, listen
Hear me out, come on, listen carefully
Contributed by Alexis Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.