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."
In Houston
Tapes 'n Tapes Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
When I come back to meet the bear, the sheets are gone.
Take over the tombs.
Dead lock the circus.
Gawking throngs.
Hijack the meditation train.
We still belong.
In Houston, in Oslo, the contracts, the con slow
It’s hard toe.
It’s hard speak.
And no shoes and no shawl.
In high tents
The tribe stalls.
And I see high jump kings with roadside stirrups on.
When I come back to meet the bear, the sheets are gone.
Take over the tombs.
Dead lock the circus.
Gawking throngs.
Hijack the meditation train.
We still belong.
In Houston, in Oslo, the contents are read slow.
And no scents and no seas.
It’s hard times.
It’s hard speak.
And tongues crack and jaws fall.
In high tents and I stall out.
Then I’m already on the stairs.
My hands are dry. My legs are bare.
My feet can’t slip across the floor.
Take on the door. Take on the door.
Six seas, five prints for Houston.
Poor Mickey spits.
Sidecars will put you in the grave.
Slick sights, they treat you just the same.
Each time, we hear another call
I want it less. You want it more.
Clowns take the bitter, bitter share.
Sidestep the street. Watch what she wears.
I can’t leave you here
The lyrics in Tapes 'n Tapes's song In Houston are quite obscure and can be difficult to interpret, but with a close reading and some speculation, we can try to derive meaning from them. The opening line "And I see high jump kings with roadside stirrups on" evokes a sense of spectacle and grandeur, suggesting perhaps a circus or carnival atmosphere. The following lines "When I come back to meet the bear, the sheets are gone. Take over the tombs. Dead lock the circus. Gawking throngs" introduce a sense of danger and unrest, with a bear and tombs representing death, and the "gawking throngs" suggesting a crowd that is entranced and possibly complicit in the danger.
The lines "Hijack the meditation train. We still belong" can be interpreted as a call to action, where one should take control of their own life and experiences, even if it means disrupting the expected routines and practices of society. The chorus repeats the same lines "In Houston, in Oslo, the contracts, the con slow. And no sex and no sleep. It’s hard toe. It’s hard speak. And no shoes and no shawl. In high tents the tribe stalls." These lines juxtapose various locations, suggesting perhaps a sense of displacement or disorientation, and describe the difficulty of living in harsh or unpleasant conditions. The "tribe stalls" suggest a sense of community or shared experience, even in hardship.
Overall, the lyrics of In Houston are poetic and enigmatic, with a sense of danger, uncertainty, and community. The song seems to be urging the listener to take control of their own experiences and surroundings, even if the world around them is chaotic and difficult. The meaning is not entirely clear, but the themes of struggle and resilience are evident.
Line by Line Meaning
And I see high jump kings with roadside stirrups on.
I notice people in positions of power and influence, wearing boots while standing on the side of the road.
When I come back to meet the bear, the sheets are gone.
Upon returning to confront a challenge, the necessary resources are no longer available.
Take over the tombs.
Gain control over the past.
Dead lock the circus.
Bring to a halt the chaos and drama.
Gawking throngs.
Crowds of people staring in awe.
Hijack the meditation train.
Take control of the peaceful and contemplative journey.
We still belong.
Despite the challenges faced, we still have a place in this world.
In Houston, in Oslo, the contents are read slow.
No matter the location, important information is slowly processed and understood.
And no scents and no seas.
There are no pleasing sensory experiences to be found.
It’s hard times.
The current situation is difficult and challenging.
It’s hard speak.
Expressing oneself is challenging in these circumstances.
And tongues crack and jaws fall.
The stress and strain has taken its toll on one's ability to speak and consume food.
In high tents and I stall out.
Despite being in a place of luxury and comfort, one is mentally stuck and unable to move forward.
Then I’m already on the stairs.
Already in the process of climbing towards a goal.
My hands are dry. My legs are bare.
One is unprepared and vulnerable in the current situation.
My feet can’t slip across the floor.
Progress is difficult and elusive.
Take on the door. Take on the door.
Confront and overcome the obstacle that stands in the way.
Six seas, five prints for Houston.
Many challenges and obstacles to face in this endeavor.
Poor Mickey spits.
A small and insignificant person struggles to deal with the challenges at hand.
Sidecars will put you in the grave.
Risky and dangerous behavior will have severe consequences.
Slick sights, they treat you just the same.
People in power will manipulate and exploit others for their own gain, regardless of who they are.
Each time, we hear another call.
Every time a new opportunity arises, we are compelled to answer the call.
I want it less. You want it more.
Our desires and motivations are not aligned.
Clowns take the bitter, bitter share.
Those in power will take the largest share of the burden, leaving others with very little.
Sidestep the street. Watch what she wears.
Be cautious and guard against potential dangers or temptations.
I can’t leave you here.
I cannot abandon you in this difficult situation.
Contributed by Jeremiah J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.