The current members are Chris Barron (lead vocals), Anthony Krizan (guitar and vocals), Aaron Comess (drums) and Mark White (bass). The history of the Spin Doctors can be traced back to the late 80s in New York City, originally as a band called Trucking Company, which included Canadian guitarist Eric Schenkman, John Popper, and later Chris Barron. Barron was John Popper's Princeton, New Jersey high school friend. Popper left this side project to focus on his main gig with rock group Blues Traveler full time. With a name change to Spin Doctors, as well as the addition of Aaron Comess and Mark White, the classic lineup was in place by the spring of 1989.
Recorded from August to December 1990 at both the famous Power Station studio in NYC as well as the RPM Studios, NYC and ACME Recording Studios Inc. in Mamaroneck, NY, the band released 'Pocket Full of Kryptonite' on August 20, 1991. Experiencing a slow burn of sorts in terms of success over the next few years, the band released the singles "Jimmy Olsen's Blues", "Little Miss Can't Be Wrong", "How Could You Want Him (When You Know You Could Have Me?)", "Two Princes", and "What Time Is It?", managing serious chart success in both the U.S. and the U.K. Their sound incorporated shades of contemporary college rock and underground power pop as well as more indie and blues rock styles.
'Turn It Upside Down' (1994) was not as successful as 'Kryptonite', although it did sell a million copies. Its second single, "You Let Your Heart Go Too Fast", was a modest hit (#48 on the pop chart). Shortly after the release of Turn It Upside Down, original guitarist Eric Schenkman left the band, citing both musical and personal differences. He was replaced by Anthony Krizan. Fans feared, for good reasons, that the group had somewhat stalled creatively.
The follow-up, You've Got to Believe in Something (1996), sold poorly and the band lost its record contract. Guitarist Krizan also left the band following its release, for reasons that remain relatively unknown. He was replaced by Eran Tabid. Also during this time, Ivan Neville joined the band on keyboards. In 1998, the band signed to Uptown/Universal and released Here Comes the Bride in 1999. During the recording of Here Comes The Bride, Mark White left the band. The bass tracks on the album were finished by original band member Aaron Comess.
During the tour supporting Here Comes The Bride, Chris Barron lost his voice due to a rare form of vocal cord paralysis. Keyboardist Ivan Neville took over vocal duties for a few dates, but the band eventually cancelled the remainder of its tour, crippling sales of the album. Chris' voice came back in late 2000, where he began performing with his band Chris Barron and the Give Daddy Five.
The Spin Doctors remained stagnant until 2001, when the closing of the famous New York City club Wetlands brought the original four members back together. The band started playing one-offs and eventually recorded an album, Nice Talking To Me, released on September 13, 2005. So far, the album has yet to be met with much commercial success. They have also made a guest appearance on the children's book and its accompanying album by Children's Author/Artist Sandra Boynton singing "Tantrum".
House
Spin Doctors Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
As soon as I get up, I start to get down
You don't need a place to stay
Our house is any old place we play
This is my house if you don't like it
Just get outta
Get outta
Came up so fast, gave me the bends
Now I'm staring into a camera lens
From rags to riches and back again
But this is my house and I say when
This is my house
This is my house, you know that's final
It's made of plastic, magnetic tape and vinyl
This is my house, now doncha know
We move in every time you turn on your radio
This is my house
The Spin Doctors' song "House" is an upbeat and energetic anthem about owning one's space and being unapologetic about it. The lyrics suggest that the house they are referring to isn't necessarily a physical structure, but rather a state of being or a collective experience. This is shown in the second verse where they claim that their house is made of "plastic, magnetic tape and vinyl," which are all mediums for sharing music and creating a shared experience. The overall message is that anyone can create their own "house" and share it with others.
From the opening line, "This is my house where I hang around," it's clear that the song is about taking ownership of one's space and enjoying it on one's own terms. This is reinforced in the chorus where they repeat "This is my house" over and over, declaring it as a statement of fact. The second verse suggests that the band members have experienced both success and failure, but they refuse to let that affect their ownership of their "house." They've worked hard to get where they are, but they recognize that their space is always subject to change.
The song is a celebration of both individuality and community. The idea that "our house is any old place we play" reinforces the notion that it's not about physical space but rather a shared experience. The repetition of "get outta" in the bridge section serves as a rejection of negativity and anyone who tries to bring down the vibe of the house. Overall, "House" is an anthem about owning one's space, both physically and metaphorically, and inviting others to share in that space.
Line by Line Meaning
This is my house where I hang around
The singer is talking about their domain or where they usually spend their time and prefer to remain.
As soon as I get up, I start to get down
The singer is always in the mood for music and entertainment upon waking up.
You don't need a place to stay
The singer is welcoming and implying that they live in a place of endless merriment where there's no dull moment.
Our house is any old place we play
The artist is spreading the idea that anywhere can be a place of delight and joy, depending on how and with whom one spends their time.
This is my house if you don't like it
The artist is unapologetic and suggesting that if anyone doesn't enjoy or cannot abide by their manner of living, then they should leave.
Just get outta
The singer is reinforcing their previous statement and demanding that whoever cannot deal with their way of life should leave.
Came up so fast, gave me the bends
The singer is referring to their success coming so rapidly that it made them disoriented and overwhelmed.
Now I'm staring into a camera lens
The artist is now in the spotlight, perhaps a result of their previous success, and is continuously being monitored.
From rags to riches and back again
The artist's life has been a rollercoaster ride, experiencing highs and lows.
But this is my house and I say when
The artist is maintaining that they are charge of their life and when they say enough is enough, then it is.
This is my house, you know that's final
The singer is emphasizing that they have made their final decision and it is non-negotiable.
It's made of plastic, magnetic tape and vinyl
The artist is metaphorically referring to their lifestyle as a mix of artificiality (plastic), memories (magnetic tape), and sophistication (vinyl).
This is my house, now doncha know
The singer is repeating their initial point that their presence is forever felt from the music they create.
We move in every time you turn on your radio
The singer is attempting to connect with their audience and assure them of their constant presence and influence in their life through their music.
This is my house
The singer is reiterating their ownership and control over their life and domain.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: AARON COMESS, CHRISTOPHER GROSS, ERIC SCHENKMAN, MARK WHITE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind