Formed in the winter of 2003 at Carleton College, Tapes 'n Tapes gained popularity after a series of write-ups on music blogs, first on EAR FARM then on sites such as Music For Robots and Gorilla vs. Bear, leading some to cite them as the most recognizable examples of a "blog band". However, it wasn't until The Loon received a favorable review from Pitchfork Media, including a "best new music" commendation, that the band started to find success. Tapes 'n Tapes have been compared to such alternative bands as Pixies and Pavement, or the recent alt-pop phenomenon Clap Your Hands Say Yeah. After release of their self-titled EP, the band played with more well-known acts such as The Futureheads, The Streets, Metric, Calvin Johnson, and I Am the World Trade Center. The band made its American television debut on The Late Show with David Letterman on July 25, 2006, performing the song "Insistor." In 2006 the band did a Take-Away Show video session shot by Vincent Moon. They also performed at the Siren Music Festival in July of that same year. Tapes 'n Tapes performed at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in April 2007, along with bands such as Rage Against the Machine, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Björk.
Tapes 'n Tapes' musical style varies in tempo and in influence, ranging from fast-paced polka renditions to the slower, more blues-influenced songs. The publication Music Week described the band's song "Insistor" as "Part country, part rock...possess[ing] an emotional urgency that rivals Arcade Fire. This is promising stuff."
Hang Them All
Tapes 'n Tapes Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And all you ever needed was a hand
I was drawn upon your hands
And holding on for strangeness just for friends
Grow [x4]
For more [x4]
And heads [x4]
Are your heads on high?
You're waitin' for a conversation
Are you gonna tow that line?
And, are you healin'? [x3]
What you might believe before
And you might believe in when the tide runs, runs
All you are the best of friends
And all you offered at all with the sides run, round
I saw [x4]
I had [x4]
These times (x4]f
I roll [x2]
And when you come back, I'll come runnin'
With your hearts set high
It's a marriage made for condescending
Are you gonna hold that line?
And, are you holdin', are you crimp?
I put all my heads on high
Waitin' for a conversation
Are you gonna tow that line?
And, are you healin', are you healin', are you feelin'
Hang them all [x4]
Need you, needed something
Hang them all [x4]
They need you, bleed for something
Hang them all [x8]
The lyrics of the song “Hang Them All” by Tapes 'n Tapes convey a message of friendship, loyalty, and striving towards a common goal. The first verse talks about the struggles in life and the need for a friend to support us through those difficulties. The chorus, on the other hand, describes the desire for meaningful conversation to foster these friendships. The repetition of “hang them all” in the bridge could be interpreted as a call to arms or a rallying cry to band together and face our challenges.
The second verse speaks of accepting our beliefs and recognizing that these beliefs change over time. The line “And all you offered at all with the sides run, round” could be interpreted as the willingness to stand by our beliefs even when the going gets tough. The chorus is repeated with the addition of “are you healin’,” which could indicate the difficulties that come with maintaining these friendships.
The final verse talks about the need for a high level of commitment in any relationship, especially a marriage. The line “It’s a marriage made for condescending” could be interpreted as the need for mutual respect and equality in any relationship.
Line by Line Meaning
Tale was full of rocks and sand
The story was challenging and difficult
And all you ever needed was a hand
You only needed help to overcome challenges
I was drawn upon your hands
I trusted and relied on you
And holding on for strangeness just for friends
I stuck around through difficult times because of our friendship
Grow [x4]
Progress or advance
For more [x4]
Desire for improvement or abundance
And heads [x4]
Leaders or authoritative figures
Will roll [x4]
Consequences are certain
Are your heads on high?
Are you confident?
You're waitin' for a conversation
You're expecting communication
Are you gonna tow that line?
Will you stick to the expected path?
And, are you healin'? [x3]
Are you recovering?
What you might believe before
Your previous beliefs may not be true anymore
And you might believe in when the tide runs, runs
You may have new beliefs when the situation changes
All you are the best of friends
We are the closest of friends
And all you offered at all with the sides run, round
You always supported me in tough times
I saw [x4]
I noticed
I had [x4]
I possessed
These times (x4)
Present situation
I roll [x2]
I keep going forward
And when you come back, I'll come runnin'
I'll be there for you when you return
With your hearts set high
With confidence and determination
It's a marriage made for condescending
Our relationship is based on superiority
Are you gonna hold that line?
Will you stay loyal to the expected direction?
And, are you holdin', are you crimp?
Are you holding on and staying firm?
I put all my heads on high
I'm confident
Waitin' for a conversation
Expecting to communicate
Are you gonna tow that line?
Will you follow the expected path?
And, are you healin', are you healin', are you feelin'
Are you recovering and feeling well?
Hang them all [x4]
Punish them all
Need you, needed something
I needed you and your help
They need you, bleed for something
They also need you, even if it means sacrificing something
Hang them all [x8]
Punish them all
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Raww
super underrated song & video!
Peter Edwards
This track is boss, yo.
LivingLightsCoalition
video is hilarious
No Body
MTVU days
Originalkulaid
Martin Starr's twin?