Sponge grew out of a Detroit-based hard rock act called Loudhouse, which released an album on the Virgin label in 1988 before losing its record contract and disbanding shortly thereafter. Drummer-turned-vocalist Vinnie Dombrowski (born Mark Dombrowski) and guitarists Mike Cross and Joey Mazzola regrouped as Sponge in 1992, adding Mike's brother Tim Cross on bass and Jimmy Paluzzi on drums. Adapting their '70s hard rock influences to fit the grunge zeitgeist, the bandmates earned a major-label deal with Columbia and released their debut album, Rotting Pinata, in late 1994.
Initially, critics compared Sponge to Stone Temple Pilots, but alternative radio embraced the band's first two singles: the driving rocker "Plowed" and the jangly, introspective "Molly (Sixteen Candles)." A third single, "Rainin'," also earned airplay, and Rotting Pinata went gold; meanwhile, Sponge went on tour as Live's opening act. With new drummer Charlie Grover in tow, their 1996 follow-up album, Wax Ecstatic, was a more diverse affair, rediscovering some of the band's roots in arena rock, British glam, and jangle pop. Even though singles like "Wax Ecstatic (To Sell Angelina)," "I Am Anastasia," and "Have You Seen Mary" enjoyed radio airplay, Columbia was dissatisfied with the sales figures and dropped Sponge once the album left the charts.
Undaunted, Sponge signed a new deal with the Beyond label, which released the more classicist New Pop Sunday in 1999. It attracted little commercial attention, and more personnel shifts ensued. Tired of touring, the Cross brothers both left and were replaced by guitarist Kurt Marschke and bassist Tim Krukowski; Billy Adams also came on board as the new drummer. After several years of recharging -- during which time Dombrowski played in several Detroit-area side projects -- Sponge returned with For All the Drugs in the World in 2003 and The Man in 2005. Dombrowski reworked the lineup once again, this time adding guitarists Kyle Neely and Andy Patalan, before returning again to the studio in 2007 to record Galore Galore for Bellum Records.
Two years later, there was another lineup shift -- Tim Patalan became the group's bassist -- and they released an EP called Destroy the Boy. A full-length called Stop the Bleeding arrived four years later on Three One Three Records; the LP contained all of the 2009 EP plus new songs, including a twisted cover of Jim Croce's "Time in a Bottle." In 2017, the band partnered with Michigan Brewers and PledgeMusic for their eighth full-length outing, The Beer Sessions, which Dombrowski called "a celebration of independent music and incredible Michigan beer." In 2021 the band issued their ninth full-length effort, Lavatorium, which included the fiery single "Stitch," the well-timed ballad "Socially Distant," and an all-new recording of their signature hit "Plowed." Original guitarist Mike Cross died on March 6, 2022 at the age of 57.
Biography by Steve Huey
There are other artists with the same name:
ii) Sponge is also a 90's Japanese noise supergroup. Though the members are credited anonymously, the group reportedly includes:
Jojo Hiroshige (of Hijokaidan)
Junko Hiroshige (also of Hijokaidan)
Masami Akita (better known as Merzbow)
Yamazaki Takushi (better known as Masonna)
The Japanese Sponge have released at least two official albums, a 7" and a CD on T.E.C. Tones.
iii) Alias for James Hoyte, owner of the drum n bass label IQ Records. He has released one 12" record, The Crash, on Suburban Base Records in 1994.
Go Speed Racer Go
Sponge Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Here comes Speed Racer
He's a demon on wheels
He's a demon
And he's gonna be chasin' after someone
He's gainin' on you
So you better look alive
A powerful Mach 5
And when the odds are against him
And there's dangerous work
You bet your life
Speed Racer will see it through
Go Speed Racer
Go Speed Racer
Go Speed Racer, Go!
He's off and flyin'
As he guns the car around the track
He's jammin' down the pedal
Like he's never comin' back
Adventure's waitin' just ahead
Go Speed Racer
Go Speed Racer
Go Speed Racer, Go!
In the song "Go Speed Racer Go" by Sponge, the lyrics describe a character we know well, Speed Racer. He's introduced as a fierce competitor, characterized as a "demon on wheels." The line "He's gainin' on you, so you better look alive" suggests that his driving skills are unmatched and that he will stop at nothing to win. The lyrics go on further to describe his powerful Mach 5 car, which he uses to gain speed and power, ready to face any challenges that come his way.
However, the most striking aspect of the lyrics is the optimism and determination with which they are written. In the face of danger and adversity, Speed Racer will see things through, as long as he is behind the wheel of his trusty car. The lyrics of the song are motivational, and they inspire the listener to never give up in the face of obstacles.
Overall, the lyrics of "Go Speed Racer Go" are an ode to the character of Speed Racer, a racing icon, and a reminder that perseverance and determination can help us overcome anything.
Line by Line Meaning
Here he comes
Speed Racer is on his way
Here comes Speed Racer
Speed Racer is approaching
He's a demon on wheels
Speed Racer is very skilled and fast on his wheels
He's a demon
Speed Racer is very good at what he does
And he's gonna be chasin' after someone
Speed Racer is in pursuit of someone or something
He's gainin' on you
Speed Racer is catching up
So you better look alive
Be alert and ready for anything
He's busy revvin' up
Speed Racer is getting ready
A powerful Mach 5
His car is a very powerful Mach 5
And when the odds are against him
When things are against him
And there's dangerous work
When there is risky work
You bet your life
You can be sure
Speed Racer will see it through
Speed Racer will complete it
Go Speed Racer
Speed Racer, start your engine
Go Speed Racer
Speed Racer, accelerate
Go Speed Racer, Go!
Speed Racer, keep going!
He's off and flyin'
He is speeding away
As he guns the car around the track
He is driving the car around the circuit at high speed
He's jammin' down the pedal
He is stepping on the accelerator
Like he's never comin' back
He is driving like he has nothing to lose
Adventure's waitin' just ahead
Exciting experiences are ahead
Contributed by Logan H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Roberto Magalhães
Here he comes
Here comes Speed Racer
He's a demon on wheels
He's a demon
And he's gonna be chasin' after someone
He's gainin' on you
So you better look alive
He's busy revvin' up
A powerful Mach 5
And when the odds are against him
And there's dangerous work to do
You bet your life
Speed Racer will see it through
Go Speed Racer
Go Speed Racer
Go Speed Racer, go!
He's off and flyin'
As he guns the car around the track
He's jammin' down the pedal
Like he's never comin' back
Adventure's waitin' just ahead
Go Speed Racer
Go Speed Racer
Go Speed Racer, go!
David Hsu
Bought this CD when I was 16 and just learning how to drive. I'm 40 now and still play this song in my car on my way to work. If you are 16 and reading this comment - get off the computer and go hang out with your friends and family - life will change before you know it!
Darkest Argentum
ironic thing to have posted at the start of 2020 my dude
eyemalien
this song actually got a little bit of radio airplay and that is how I found out about this album, this song is why I bought it, no regrets, still rocking in 2018
Steve Bazin
My dad had this album when I was growing up. The CD cracked after 20 years. So happy to find it again
Rosa Iglarsh
I'm glad you never regretted buying it.
Alain Philippe Zurita
this and moonspools and caterpillars were probably the only 2 non metal cassettes I had during college 👍😁
Rafael Sobreira
Still rocking in 2020 and beyond
Adam Marquez
oh coool
rh3
I still have this cassette. Bought this cassette on 1995 when i was elementry school, listen with my walkman on public transportation when i back from school.. oh what a memories
Jayden Fox
I wish this was heard in the end credits of the live action movie!