Influenced by the disparate likes of T. Rex and the German progressive outfit Can, they created a new soundscape that would be heavily mined by others in the post-punk era. Despite existing in various forms since 1972, Swell Maps only really came together as a musical entity after the birth of British punk rock.
Consisting of brothers Epic Soundtracks (real name Kevin Godfrey) and Nikki Sudden (real name Nicholas Godfrey) two Solihull based teenagers, plus Richard Earl, David Barrington, John Cockrill and Jowe Head, the band cut the single "Read About Seymour" as their debut in 1977, soon after the brothers left Solihull School (also home of Spizzenergi). It is widely considered one of the classic punk era singles. Epic's drumming mixed with Nikki's unique melodies crafted over the assorted threads cast by the six musicians set the band apart from the others. After recording their first John Peel session Swell Maps went into WMRS studio to record their first album A Trip to Marineville, which was released in 1979. With hard rocking punk numbers like "H.S. Art" interspersed by ambient instrumentals and other experimental interludes like "Gunboats", the album marked the band out as innovative non-musicians. The album went #1 on the new Independent chart.
The band cut one more album, The Swell Maps in 'Jane From Occupied Europe', in 1980, which pushed further into post-punk territory. They displayed their ingenuity for creating everything from industrial surf instrumentals like the opener "Robot Factory" to perverse ballads like "Cake Shop Girl". Even while they were falling apart during these sessions they were pushing the musical boundaries beyond what punk originally had to offer. They sought to release much of their early forays in lo-fi experimenation in the compilation, Whatever Happens Next..., before splitting up.
Since their split the legend of the Swell Maps has grown, through their influence on the C86 bands, lo-fi, and other pioneers like Sonic Youth and Pavement. Individual members of the band (especially Nikki Sudden, Epic Soundtracks and Jowe Head) went on to solo careers. The band's catalogue has recently been remastered and reissued and further dips into their archives can be expected. An EP of especially zany tracks was released under the name of the Phones Sportsman Band in 1980. After an interval of over 25 years away from music, the Phones Sportsman Band has now reformed in January 2008.
Epic Soundtracks died of unknown causes at the age of 37 in 1997 and Nikki Sudden died in March 2006.
H.S. Art
Swell Maps Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Are you intent on making it?
Maybe even faking it?
Then you'll see the real me
Then you'll see what we can do
Maybe someday we'll get it down
Hoping it'll lead us there
Then you'll see what we can do
Do you believe in art?
Do you believe in art?
Do you believe in art?
If you can see right through the chance
And never take the fun away
Hoping it will lead us there
Then you'll see what we can do
Do you believe in art?
Do you believe in art?
Do you believe in art?
The lyrics to Swell Maps's song H.S. Art are open to interpretation, as they are somewhat cryptic and abstract. However, the repeated phrase "Do you believe in art?" suggests that the song is exploring the idea of art as a concept and whether it holds any value or purpose. The opening lines "Say, that's a swell map / Are you intent on making it?" could refer to a literal map, but more likely they are metaphorical, suggesting that the singer recognizes potential in someone or something and is asking if they are committed to realizing that potential. The following lines "Maybe even faking it? / Then you'll see the real me" imply that the singer is wary of insincerity and is seeking genuine creativity.
The chorus, with its repetition of the question "Do you believe in art?" seems to be aimed at challenging the listener's own beliefs about the value of art. The following lines "If you can see right through the chance / And never take the fun away / Hoping it will lead us there / Then you'll see what we can do" suggest that the singer believes in the power of art to provide joy and inspiration, but also that it requires commitment and dedication. The final lines "Maybe someday we'll get it down / And make the talking linger on" imply that the singer is hopeful for the future and believes that art can have a lasting impact.
Overall, the song seems to be a thoughtful exploration of the potential and limitations of art, and the importance of authenticity and dedication in creative endeavors.
Line by Line Meaning
Say, that's a swell map
Acknowledging the greatness of whatever it is that the singer is referring to
Are you intent on making it?
Asking whether the person is focused on achieving their goals
Maybe even faking it?
Posing the possibility that the person might be insincere
Then you'll see the real me
Implying that only after some time has passed or challenges have been faced, the artist's true self will be revealed
Then you'll see what we can do
Suggesting that after overcoming obstacles, the group can achieve something great
Maybe someday we'll get it down
Expressing hope for future success
And make the talking linger on
Once they have achieved success, they can continue talking about it and reveling in it
Hoping it'll lead us there
Acknowledging that success requires hope and a belief in oneself
Then you'll see what we can do
Reiterating that after overcoming obstacles, the group can achieve something great
Do you believe in art?
Posing the question about whether the person values art in their life
If you can see right through the chance
If the person has the clarity to see the potential in a situation
And never take the fun away
Enjoying the process of achieving success, without getting too serious about it
Hoping it will lead us there
Believing that this attitude will lead to success
Then you'll see what we can do
Reiterating that success is possible with the right mindset
Do you believe in art?
Repeating the question about whether the person values art in their life
Do you believe in art?
Asking once more about whether the person values art in their life
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ADRIAN NICHOLAS GODFREY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind