The band was formed in 1991, when Chris Murphy and Andrew Scott met at the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design (NSCAD) in Halifax. Patrick Pentland and Jay Ferguson joined soon after. In 1992, the band created their own record label, called Murderecords, for themselves and other Halifax area bands, and the outfit released the 'Peppermint EP' (the release also known as just 'Peppermint').
According to Sloan's official website, the band's name refers to a friend's nickname. Their friend, Jason Larsen, was called 'Slow One' by his French-speaking boss, which with the French accent sounded more like 'Sloan'. The original agreement was that they could name the band after their friend's nickname as long as he was on the cover of their first album. As a result, it is Larsen who appears on the cover of the 'Peppermint EP'.
Later in 1992, Sloan released their full-length debut, titled 'Smeared', on Geffen Records. Like many indie rock groups before them, the band found that major label dealings were basically as much trouble as they were worth. In 1994, Geffen did not promote their second album, called 'Twice Removed', due to artistic disputes, although it sold well in Canada. Spin named the album one of the "Best Albums You Didn't Hear" in 1994. A 1996 reader poll by Canadian music magazine Chart! ranked it as the best Canadian album of all time only two years after its release. The same poll in 2000 ranked the album third, behind Joni Mitchell's 'Blue' and Neil Young's 'Harvest', while the 2005 poll once again ranked the album first.
After the release of Twice Removed, the band went on hiatus and were rumoured to have broken up, as they had rejected Geffen's offer for their next album. In 1996, however, they released the widely praised One Chord to Another on their own Murderecords label. Following 1998's Navy Blues album, Sloan released their first live album 4 Nights at the Palais Royale in 1999. Those albums were followed by Between the Bridges in 1999, and Pretty Together in 2001.
Sloan made a concerted effort to break into the US market on their 2003 release Action Pact. Songs were recorded in L.A. with Tom Rothrock producing. The glossier, radio-ready sound failed to raise Sloan's profile in the US, though they continued to be highly popular in Canada.
Sloan's first compilation album A Sides Win: Singles 1992-2005, included two new songs, "All Used Up" and "Try to Make It". The Japanese release included two additional new tracks.
Now signed to Yep Roc Records for their US releases, they put out their eighth disc, Never Hear the End of It in 2006. The album contained 30 tracks with all the members of the band contributing new songs. It was met with widespread critical acclaim and became the highest charting Sloan album in the US up to that point.
In 2008, Sloan followed up their longest album with their shortest release Parallel Play.
In November 2009 Sloan added a digital music store to their website. The band released an online-only EP called Hit & Run to promote the store. The EP featured two songs by Chris Murphy, and one by each of the other band members. Murphy's Take It Upon Yourself was released as a free single. In February 2010, the band released another online exclusive, the compilation album B-Sides Win: Extras, Bonus Tracks and B-Sides 1992 - 2008.
In 2013, the band revealed plans for a double album, with each of the four sides featuring a solo suite by a different band member. In May 2014, it was announced that the new album would be titled "Commonwealth" and would be released in September 2014. On July 14, 2014, the band announced the official release date for the album (September 9, which turned out to be accurate) and the release of the album's first single, "Keep Swinging (Downtown)". The album cover portrays the band members as four-of-a-kind kings. The suits of these playing cards correspond to the titles of their solo sides: Jay Ferguson's side is called Diamond, Chris Murphy's is Heart, Patrick Pentland's is Shamrock, and Andrew Scott's is Spade.
False Alarm
Sloan Lyrics
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Not what you'd call a relation
I wonder what they would say
Regarding this situation
Oh yeah
Looking forward 'til next time
Always looking for reasons
To walk on your street
Oh yeah
It's been so long
You think you're on your own
Just taking it slow
But something always happens
Whenever we're together
It shows
I feel that I'm out of touch
Not very good at pretending
But when you sail in my path
I don't know what I'm defending
Oh yeah
Looking forward 'til next time
I might as well just admit defeat
It's the bridge to "falling"
I always repeat
Oh yeah
It's been so long
It feels like a false alarm
You think you're on your own
Just taking it slow
But something always happens
Whenever we're together
It's been so long
It feels like a false alarm
You think you're on your own
I take that it shows
That something always happens
Whenever we're together
It goes
The song "False Alarm" by Sloan is a melancholic expression of unrequited love. The lyrics capture the emotions of someone who is stuck in the friendzone - aware of being only a friend to the person they are in love with. The singer wonders what others would think of their "situation" and can't help but look forward to meeting their crush with the hope of things taking a romantic turn.
The lyrics convey a sense of longing and confusion as the singer grapples with their feelings. They feel "out of touch" and "not very good at pretending" when trying to hide their true feelings. The repetition of "Oh yeah" and the emphasis on "false alarm" suggest that the singer is aware of the futility of their hopes yet they can't help but be drawn to the object of their affection.
Overall, "False Alarm" is a relatable song about unrequited love that captures the raw emotions, uncertainty, and longing that comes with having feelings for someone who doesn't feel the same way.
Line by Line Meaning
I know that I'm just a friend
I am aware that I am not considered a romantic partner.
Not what you'd call a relation
I am not seen as a significant other or someone to have a committed relationship with.
I wonder what they would say
I am curious about the opinions and thoughts of others regarding our situation.
Regarding this situation
Regarding our undefined relationship or connection.
Looking forward 'til next time
Anticipating the next time we will see each other.
I promise that I won't drag my feet
I assure you that I will not hesitate or delay in meeting up again.
Always looking for reasons
Actively searching for excuses to go to your area or see you.
To walk on your street
To be in your presence or close proximity to you.
It's been so long
It has been a significant amount of time since we last saw each other.
You think you're on your own
You believe that you are solely independent or self-sufficient.
Just taking it slow
You are not in any rush to advance our relationship or connection.
But something always happens
Every time we spend time together, some kind of significant event or moment occurs.
Whenever we're together
During the times when we spend time with each other.
It shows
Our chemistry or connection is apparent and visible to others.
I feel that I'm out of touch
I feel that I am not in sync or up to date with your thoughts or feelings.
Not very good at pretending
I am not skilled at faking or hiding my emotions or intentions.
But when you sail in my path
But when you come into my life or cross my path.
I don't know what I'm defending
I am unsure of what I am protecting or guarding when it comes to my feelings about you.
I might as well just admit defeat
I might as well acknowledge that I cannot resist or deny my attraction to you.
It's the bridge to "falling"
Our ambiguous relationship or connection is leading towards a point of romantic involvement or emotional vulnerability.
I always repeat
I always find myself in this same situation or pattern.
It feels like a false alarm
It feels as though there is potential for a relationship, but nothing has come of it yet.
I take that it shows
I interpret this situation as a sign or indication of something significant.
That something always happens
That every time we spend time together, something meaningful or impactful occurs.
Whenever we're together
During the times when we spend time with each other.
It goes
Our relationship or connection progresses forward or moves towards something meaningful.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Karla Elie, Natasha Ferguson, Peter Wade Keusch
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Thelma
on Everything You've Done Wrong
Thelma I like the title