Their first record, Terrible Things Happen was released in 1998 receiving glowing reviews in CMJ, The Big Takeover, and numerous indiepop zines, earning enough of a following to generate a tour of Japan in April 1999. Terrible Things Happen (as would the all of the Aislers Set music) was recorded in Linton’s tiny basement studio on an analog 8 track machine.
Spin.com named the band's second album The Last Match to its Top 20 of 2000, saying, "Linton has cleared the cobwebs off the Pop conundrum and dolled them up in a perfect dress." On Salon.com, Greil Marcus wrote, "They make dream pop feel as easy to make as a can of soup, and as dangerous: Watch that jagged edge." High praise followed in the New York Times, NME, Gear, and Alternative Press, and the band set out on lengthy tours supporting acts such as Sleater Kinney and Bratmobile.
In the spring of 2001 the band set off on a three week tour of Europe which was highlighted by an invitation to record a session for legendary British DJ John Peel, they recorded 4 tracks for the show which was aired twice by Peel. He said of the band “If you were in one of your difficult moods you could argue that there are lots of bands making that kind of noise particularly in the United States of America. And you'd say well, why are Aislers Set better than any of the others and I'd have to say, well I don't know they just sort of are..."
In 2002 the band was invited by Belle and Sebastian for a week long tour of the East Coast, culminating in a show at New York City’s Hammerstein Ballroom in front of over 3000 people. Stevie Jackson of Belle and Sebastian was later quoted in a 2003 SF Weekly article saying that "They are one of the best groups in America as far as I'm concerned".
Late in 2002, The San Francisco Chronicle included The Aislers Set in its list of "Young Artists on the Verge", writing: "The Aislers Set's reinvention of '60s pop resurrects walls of garage guitars and rich, Spector-esque sound, insouciance combined with insightful lyrics. But this quintet makes the past feel contemporary, borrowing from punk and pop to create a 21st century cool sound".
The Aislers Set third album “How I Learned to Write Backwards” came out in the spring of 2003 with critical praise all around. NME wrote “Sleighbells, Cuban trumpets, half-inched Smiths lyrics and chasms of lovely echo all add to an insomnia-like reverie that clings on long after its mere half-hour is up”. “When The Aislers Set hit their mark, they unveil a knack for tying together extremes without ever settling for the middle ground” said MOJO magazine. Pitchfork Media summed up the 2003 version of The Aislers Set: “Here, Linton's indie quintet becomes a pop orchestra. The band's music is denser than ever before, laden with sleigh bells, handclaps and horns piled atop the conventional guitars, drums, bass and keyboards-- and all are drenched in cavernous reverb, providing the ambiance and intimacy of a gigantic, empty concert hall”.
The band toured for most of 2003 including a month long stint supporting Yo La Tengo and a week supporting The Shins.
Since late 2003 the band has been on hiatus with Linton having moved to New York City and Cusick moving to Gothenburg, Sweden.
Christmas Song
The Aislers Set Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Jack Frost nipping at your nose
Yule-tide carols being sung by a choir
And folks dressed up like Eskimos.
Everybody knows a turkey and some mistletoe
Help to make the season bright
Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow
They know that Santa's on his way
He's loaded lots of toys and goodies on his sleigh
And every mother's child is gonna spy
To see if reindeer really know how to fly.
And so I'm offering this simple phrase
To kids from one to ninety-two
Although it's been said many times, many ways
Merry Christmas to you!
The Aislers Set's song "Christmas Song" is a charming rendition of the classic Christmas tune. The first verse paints a cozy, fireside scene with chestnuts roasting and Jack Frost nipping at your nose. The second verse touches on the traditional Christmas imagery of a choir singing carols and everyone dressed up in festive winter attire. The chorus touches on the idea that certain things, like a turkey and mistletoe, help to make the season bright, and that even the smallest children are excitedly awaiting the arrival of Santa Claus and his magical reindeer.
The last verse of the song is especially poignant, as it's a reminder that the message of Christmas is one that can be enjoyed by everyone, regardless of age. The singer offers up a simple phrase of "Merry Christmas to you!" that is meant to be a warm and welcoming sentiment to all who hear it. The message of the song is essentially one of love and togetherness, which is exactly what the holiday season is all about.
Line by Line Meaning
Chestnuts roasting on an open fire
Warm, comforting imagery of a cozy Christmas scene.
Jack Frost nipping at your nose
Reminder of the cold, wintry weather that's part of the holiday season.
Yule-tide carols being sung by a choir
Traditional music that brings people together and celebrates the holiday season.
And folks dressed up like Eskimos.
People bundling up in warm, festive clothing to enjoy the winter weather.
Everybody knows a turkey and some mistletoe
Traditional items associated with Christmas, and the sense of shared knowledge and community that come with them.
Help to make the season bright
Celebrating with food and decor brings light and cheer to a dark, bleak time of year.
Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow
The infectious excitement and joy of children during the holiday season.
Will find it hard to sleep tonight.
Kids are so excited for Christmas morning that they have trouble falling asleep the night before.
They know that Santa's on his way
The anticipation of Santa Claus coming to bring gifts and joy to children.
He's loaded lots of toys and goodies on his sleigh
The abundance of gifts and sweets that Santa brings to children as part of the holiday tradition.
And every mother's child is gonna spy
The universal excitement of children, who all want to catch a glimpse of Santa Claus on Christmas Eve.
To see if reindeer really know how to fly.
The sense of wonder and magic that surrounds the story of Santa Claus and his flying reindeer.
And so I'm offering this simple phrase
A humble gesture of goodwill and greetings for the holiday season.
To kids from one to ninety-two
A message of Christmas cheer that's meant for people of all ages.
Although it's been said many times, many ways
Acknowledgement of the well-worn, but nonetheless heartfelt, sentiment of 'Merry Christmas.'
Merry Christmas to you!
A warm and genuine wish for happiness and joy during the holiday season.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind