As well as being classed as a "punk revival" band (reminiscent of UK 1970s bands such as Stiff Little Fingers, The Damned, Sham 69 and Eddie & the Hot Rods), Swingin' Utters have increasingly shown themselves to be influenced by Irish folk, particularly The Pogues. The Utters paid homage to their influences with a stellar cover of Cocksparrer's I Got Your Number on the Blackout compilation Punk Rock Jukebox.
Members of the Swingin' Utters have been involved in many musical side-projects, most notably Johnny Bonnel and Darius Koski's Filthy Thieving Bastards and Druglords of the Avenue (formed in Oakland, California in 2004), and Spike Slawson's Me First and the Gimme Gimmes (in which he is the singer). Drummer Greg McIntee's side project Viva Hate was founded with Tiger Army bassist Geoff Kresge and singer Matt Wedgley of The Force. Guitarist Jack Dalrymple formed and fronted the Fat Wreck band Dead to Me after One Man Army disbanded. Dalrymple, Slawson and Koski also play together in the Re-Volts.
Swingin' Utters tracks have been used in the soundtracks of computer games including "Five Lessons Learned", which appeared on the soundtrack to the Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2 and "Stupid Lullabies" which was used as the title track to Dave Mirra Freestyle BMX.
Nowhere Fast
Swingin' Utters Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm going off again, and for no good reason year by year I've achieved some type of feeling that suggests I've traveled miles that lead to nowhere fast
I've seen the lot of them from queens to journeymen bigots and confidantes I've spoken to and laughed with destructive catalysts professionals and loyalists punk rock pop nihilists have grown up amongst suburban architects
who can say it was all deceiving or that anybody was mislead? I'm not the one to be judging I may not even be who I think I am
The lyrics to Swingin' Utters' "Nowhere Fast" paint a vivid picture of a wanderer who has spent decades on the road, passing through familiar places but never quite feeling at home anywhere. The singer describes crossing the same road over and over again, noting that he doesn't recognize the faces of those who pass him by. He's been "off and on [his] way again," passing through various towns and cities, but ultimately feeling like he's gotten nowhere.
Despite feeling aimless, the singer reflects on the people he's met and the experiences he's had on his journey. He's run into "queens" and "nihilists" and "suburban architects," among others, and he suggests that he's not qualified to judge whether anyone was deceived or misled. The singer seems to be at peace with the fact that he doesn't know who he truly is, and he accepts his existence as a wanderer.
Line by Line Meaning
I have crossed this road before for many years, I'm sure don't recognize the faces, though, that pass me by I've been off and on my way again, passed marsh road, atherton, black mountain way and bored stale houses on the yellowed plains
I have been wandering aimlessly for years, passing familiar places and people I don't remember. I travel along the same roads, seeing the same boring houses again and again.
I'm going off again, and for no good reason year by year I've achieved some type of feeling that suggests I've traveled miles that lead to nowhere fast
I'm leaving again without any purpose. Despite moving around a lot, I feel like I am not making any real progress in my life.
I've seen the lot of them from queens to journeymen bigots and confidantes I've spoken to and laughed with destructive catalysts professionals and loyalists punk rock pop nihilists have grown up amongst suburban architects
I've encountered all sorts of people in my travels, from aristocrats to working-class bigots. I've had conversations with people who have caused harm, as well as professionals and loyalists. I've also grown up among a mix of different types of people.
who can say it was all deceiving or that anybody was mislead? I'm not the one to be judging I may not even be who I think I am
It's hard to say if my experiences were good or bad, or if anyone was intentionally misleading me. I don't feel like I am qualified to pass judgement on anyone because I am unsure of my own identity.
the asphalt is my burning bed has left me invalid put me to sleep at night in the arms of some strange no man's land I'll be back northbound and west I need the fucking rest but in the meantime these broken roads and homes will ring in my head (Koski)
The constant travel has left me exhausted and unable to function properly. I sleep in places that feel unfamiliar and isolating. I plan to head back home to rest, but the memories of the rundown roads and houses I've seen will stay with me.
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David Meedro
Ahhh that takes me back to the Fat Wreck Chords sampler from 2004 :)
Judith Richardson
I'd pay good money for a copy of this sampler. I wore mine out
Dr Schulz
36 likes? ..must be profound subculture:)
Matthew Munro
best Fuking band Darious Koski i worship at your alter sir