Singer/ guitarist Boyer and bassist Resende formed the pop combo as students at the University of Rouen, sharing an affinity for indie music, new wave and sixties pop. Taking their name from a souvenir t-shirt given to Boyer's father in 1980, the duo recruited guitarist Mederic Gontier, and with the addition of drummer Sylvain Marchand a year later, the lineup was complete. The foursome released a self-produced and self-financed EP, "20 Minutes" (Bobby Records 1996) which resulted in them signing a deal with French label Atmospheriques.
In 1998, the band flew to NYC to record their first album “Puzzle” with Andy Chase. Featuring contributions from Eric Matthews and Adam Schlesinger, "Puzzle" was mixed in Sweden with Tore Johansson. The record, released between the end of 1999 & early 2000 received much praise from the press (band of the week in Melody Maker in Spring 1999), and saw the band touring the world to promote it. “Puzzle” eventually went gold in Japan. Of all the singles taken from the album, "Heartbeat" was the most successful. Tahiti 80's US label, Minty Fresh, released a mini LP called "Extra Pieces", which included B-sides, remixes & other rarities.
In 2001, the band re-united with Andy Chase to record a more experimental follow up album: “Wallpaper For The Soul”. The sessions took place in Rouen, NYC, Etretat, London & Portland (Oregon). Collaborators on this effort include mixer Tony Lash and Let It Be arranger Richard Hewson. “Wallpaper For The Soul” was released in 2002, garnered good reviews (it was selected as one of Uncut’s top 10 albums of the year) and was followed by another mini album "A piece of Sunshine" made up of out-takes from the prolific album sessions.
Following that, Xavier Boyer selected songs for a compilation called "A Piece of Gold” on behalf of the band. Featuring various artists such as Todd Rundgren, The Small Faces, Donald Byrd....) it was only released in Japan for copywrite reasons.
For their third album, from 2003 – 2004, Tahiti 80 spent several months at their own recording studio, the Tahitilab. The way of working was different this time: as opposed to "Puzzle" & "WFTS", the songs were mostly improvised and written in the studio. The soul journey which began on songs like "Heartbeat" and "1,000 Times" matured on "Fosbury". They collaborated with Neal Pogue (co-production & mix) and Serban Ghenea (mix), respectively Outkast’s and NERD’s sound engineers, with British singer Linda Lewis duetting on "Your Love Shines". And "Better Days Will Come" was featured in the first episode of the fourth season of Smallville (an American television series) in September, 2004.
Between tours, Boyer & Resende produced a couple of albums by friends (Fugu, Calc) whilst Xavier Boyer - under the anagram pseudonym Axe Riverboy - recorded the somewhat folk-influenced solo album "Tutu To Tango".
In 2007, the band transferred to Universal's Barclay label and in 2008, they went back to the Tahitilab to record "Activity Center". It was described by the critics as a back to basics album, with a rawer sound and a rock production style. Sylvain Marchand wasn't involved as a drummer as ear problems which had plagued him for years, prevented him from recording his drum parts. Drums were subsequently played by Julien Barbagallo with percussion by Raphael Leger (respectively Tahiti 80's live keyboardist/percussionist and drummer). To promote the album, the band explored new territories (Taiwan, South America) and they even licensed the album for release in the US on their own imprint "Human Sounds" (a reference to "Pet Sounds" by The Beach Boys).
In 2010, Tahiti 80 will record their 5th album for release on their own label.
Listen
Tahiti 80 Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Something you already know
You may wonder why
Then why am I doing this?
It's simple, I'm doing it for me
For me and for you
Don't you worry 'cause I'm not in the mood
Believe me, oh please, believe me
These words have been inside far too long
These words have been inside far too long
It can't be hard, way too hard
I'll show you what it's all about
It can't be hard, way too hard
You'll show me where to start
Show me where to start
(Show me what it's all about)
It's easy to think you are special
Simple to find out after all
You're just like anybody else
That's all
Something in my heart
Right there from the start
I wish I had something
Something to give out
Can't be hard, way too hard
I'll show you what it's all about
Can't be hard, way too hard
You'll show me where to start
Show me where to start
Show me where to start
Show me where to start
(Show me what it's all about)
Can't be hard, way too hard
I'll show you what it's all about
Can't be hard, way too hard
You'll show me where to start
Show me where to start
Show me where to stop
The song "Listen" by Tahiti 80 is a reflection on the human desire to be heard and understood. The lyrics acknowledge that sometimes we all have something to say, even if the message seems obvious to others. The singer explains that he is not trying to teach or preach anything, but rather he is speaking for himself and for the listener who may have similar feelings or thoughts. The words have been inside him for too long and he needs to express them.
The song also touches on the idea of individuality and the struggle to stand out in a world where everyone can seem the same. The singer recognizes that it is easy to feel special or unique, but ultimately we are all just like anybody else. However, there is still something in his heart that he wishes to share and give out to others.
The chorus repeats the lines "It can't be hard, way too hard, I'll show you what it's all about, You'll show me where to start." These lines suggest a willingness to learn and grow from others, and to work together to understand and be understood.
Overall, "Listen" is a hopeful and optimistic song about the power of communication and understanding.
Line by Line Meaning
Listen, I would like to say
I want to speak and be heard.
Something you already know
I'm not trying to tell you anything new.
You may wonder why
You might question my motives.
Then why am I doing this?
You might ask why I'm bothering to speak.
It's simple, I'm doing it for me
I'm speaking for my own benefit.
For me and for you
But I hope it benefits you as well.
Don't you worry 'cause I'm not in the mood
I don't want to lecture or preach to you.
For teaching, preaching anything at all
I'm not here to give you a lesson or a message.
Believe me, oh please, believe me
Trust me when I say this.
These words have been inside far too long
These thoughts and feelings have been kept to myself for too long.
It can't be hard, way too hard
It shouldn't be difficult, it must be simple.
I'll show you what it's all about
I'll demonstrate and explain it to you.
You'll show me where to start
You can help me begin.
It's easy to think you are special
We all have a tendency to believe we're unique and exceptional.
Simple to find out after all
But in the end, we discover we're just like everyone else.
You're just like anybody else
You're not fundamentally different from other people.
Something in my heart
I have an emotional desire.
Right there from the start
It's been with me from the beginning.
I wish I had something
I want to have something of value to give to others.
Can't be hard, way too hard
It should be straightforward, not complicated.
Show me where to stop
Help me know when to end.
Contributed by Hunter D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.