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Welcome to the Last FM page of the swing-hop duo, The Correspondents. MC Mr Bruce and DJ/Producer Mr Chuckles collaborate to make Hip Hop for the 1930s, Big Band music for the 00s. Splicing swing samples with squelchy synths over dusty drum loops they’ve depicted a modern day journey into time of rogues, lust, affordable clowns and foot-tapping toe curling "get your brogues on" dance floor swing beat.
The Correspondents started out in November 2007, when old friends, Mr Bruce and Mr Chuckles, returned to London after a firm schooling at their respective Universities. In Leeds Mr Chuckles had been tinkering with the sounds of Hip Hop, Jazz and Dance music for several years, meanwhile further North in Edinburgh Mr Bruce exerted his vocal dexterity over Drum 'n' Bass, Breaks & Funk. The unlikely pair cut their teeth at a few parties and decided to cement the live performance relationship in their makeshift recording studio. Since then tracks have been recorded, stages have been stomped and knees have hit nipples.
The Correspondents have shared stages with the likes (or unlikes) of Florence & The Machine, Lilly Allen, Mika, Little Boots, VV Brown, Bat For Lashes, Lazy Habits, Daedalus, Bassment Jaxx, Rob Da Bank, Rusko, Kitty Daisy & Lewis, Cuban Brothers, Brass Roots, Jocelyn Brown, Dub Pistols etc... etc...
You might have seen them at Glastonbury, Secret Garden Party, Bestival, Shambala Festival, Lovebox Weekender, The Big Chill Festival, Camden Crawl, Innocent Village Fete, Scala Amersham Arms, Bungalow 8, Soho Revue Bar, Vibe Bar, Concord 2, Bloomsbury Bowls, Art Car Boot Fair, Last Days Of Decadance, Madame Jojo's, Notting Hill Arts Club, Bethnal Green Working Men's Club, 33 Portland Place, Shepard's Bush Pavillion, 5 Cavendish Sq, Corsica Studios, Proud Camden, Village Underground, The Cobden Club, The Battersea Arts Centre, The Colony Rooms, and Selfridge's.
www.myspace.com/thecorrespondentsmusic
"The Correspondents aren't the first group you'd expect to see at a South London dubstep/fidget house night and yet their performance at Corsica Studios over a year ago had everyone quickly switching their allegience from wobbly basslines to beats over samples from 'The Jungle Book'. The skin-tight trouser clad MC Mr Bruce strode to the stage and began shaking his impossibly long legs to the beats put down by his DJ, Chuckles, and from that point on, everyone was a convert." NME.COM
“Pop also-ran Frankmusik was far more exciting, revealing his 'great voice for a white boy' but also the overly perfect future pop that's thus far prevented him finding fame with a mass audience. One duo who could, however, are the Correspondents, who filled in between sets throughout the weekend. With fast-spit rhymes over twenties flapper tunes, and MC Mr Brogues a gangly enthusiastic dancer with natty threads to match, these two deserve a stage all themselves.” INTHENEWS.CO.UK – BESTIVAL REVIEW
“My fear for the contents of my wallet and the softer parts of my anatomy were quickly replaced by joy at the sights and sounds of The Correspondents. These two dapper purveyors of swing-hop derring-do pretty much stole the show. I’m proper feeling the vaudeville approach to hip-hop (cfThe Anomalies, Krugers passim), and The Correspondents are amongst the most charming to take that approach. Everyone had a sing-a-long with them. Aww. Find them on MySpazz – you’ll be glad you did (and relieved MySpazz still has its uses).” KRUGERS MAGAZINE – DAEDALUS @ CORSICA STUDIOS REVIEW
"A stark contrast with the reaction received by The Correspondents, the Wandsworth duo who wander onto the Great Stage in the middle of the hottest day of the year and through the skatting, scratching and infectious dancing of the Mask-a-like Mr Bruce, managed to persuade everyone to forget their heat induced woes and dance like they had some serious itch to scratch. Forced back on to the stage by a fiery and pumped up crowd demanding more, Mr Bruce and compatriot DJ Chuckles then do it all over again, much to the amazement of them and their newly acquired groupies. Which goes to show the wonder that is Secret Garden Party. Hierarchies are toppled and the unknown underdogs are taken into the bosoms of the crowd while the headlining 80s superstars are made to look like, well, bosoms." LOUD AND QUIET MAGAZINE - SECRET GARDEN PARTY REVIEW
"Sunday starts with a beautifully bizarre moment, as Wandsworth swing-hip-hop duo The Correspondents enthral an unfeasibly huge midday main stage crowd with a rendition of 'I Wanna Be Like You' from The Jungle Book. After that we’re delirious putty in their capable hands and the stunned pair are summoned back for a giddy encore." WWW.VIRTUALFESTIVALS.COM - SECRET GARDEN PARTY REVIEW
Give You Better
The Correspondents Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
but it's a different story in the cover of night
there's a dark side that he can't help but let rip
and you my dear who takes the full brunt of it
How many times have you followed him home, while he shouts at his phone?
Do you believe his boss keeps him in late?
How many more lies can you take?
a tally that you're keen to keep?
He may not hit you but he's broken your things:
You fix them as another storm spins
I will give you better, I will give you better
I will give you better
oh you better believe
I will write a letter, I will write a letter
I will write a letter
giving reasons to leave
I will give you better, I will give you better
I will give you better
oh you better believe
I will write a letter, I will write a letter
I will write a letter
giving reasons to leave
The truth is that you like the white water rapids
of a man who is out of control
I can't give you this but if
I was yours I'd assume the opposite role
You like the white water rapids
of a man who is out of control
You know the beast wouldn't even care
if his prey bolt the hole
You don't need him like I need you,
You could leave him
oh why won't you
I know
I know
Your type's a man who likes a fight
I will give you better, I will give you better
I will give you better
oh you better believe
I will write a letter, I will write a letter
I will write a letter
giving reasons to leave
I will give you better, I will give you better
I will give you better
oh you better believe
I will write a letter, I will write a letter
I will write a letter
giving reasons to leave
From over here it's crystal clear,
this shatters every principle that you hold dear
and you who sees herself as strong
is going to disappear before too long
Please please please read what I've sent
It clearly lays out my intent
To give you the space to be you again
I haven't seen you smile since you've been with him
I will give you better, I will give you better
I will give you better
oh you better believe (better)
I will write a letter, I will write a letter
I will write a letter
giving reasons to leave
I will give you better, I will give you better
I will give you better
oh you better believe (better)
I will write a letter, I will write a letter
I will write a letter
giving reasons to leave
The song "Give You Better" by The Correspondents tells the story of someone who witnesses their friend or loved one being in an abusive relationship with a person who is sweet and gentle in public but turns into an abusive monster in private. The singer asks the listener how many times they have seen this person shout on the phone or make excuses about being kept in the office late while they are actually indulging in a darker side that they cannot help but unleash.
The singer addresses the listener's attraction to the "white water rapids of a man who is out of control" but asserts that they cannot give them that. However, they promise that they will give them better and will write a letter giving them reasons to leave the abusive relationship. The singer recognizes that the listener may be attracted to the adrenaline rush that comes with being in a tumultuous relationship with someone who is out of control but also acknowledges that this type of relationship is ultimately harmful and damaging.
The chorus repeats the message that the singer will give the listener a better relationship and that they should believe in it. The overall message of the song is one of empathy and a desire to help someone escape a harmful and toxic situation.
Line by Line Meaning
In the public eye he's sweetness and light
When around others, he presents himself as a kind and pleasant person.
but it's a different story in the cover of night
However, when in private, he behaves differently and can be unpleasant.
there's a dark side that he can't help but let rip
He has a negative aspect to his personality that he can't control and often expresses.
and you my dear who takes the full brunt of it
And unfortunately, you bear the brunt of his negative behavior.
How many times have you followed him home, while he shouts at his phone?
Have you witnessed him yelling at his phone while you followed him home multiple times?
Do you believe his boss keeps him in late?
Do you truly believe that his boss requires him to stay late at work?
How many more lies can you take?
You may be growing tired of the continuous lies he tells you.
Is a count of six rows in a seven day week
Do you think his argumentative behavior, six times in a week, is acceptable?
a tally that you're keen to keep?
Are you keeping track of how often he behaves negatively?
He may not hit you but he's broken your things:
Although he doesn't physically hurt you, he has damaged your belongings.
You fix them as another storm spins
You attempt to restore your belongings while another argument looms ahead.
The truth is that you like the white water rapids
To be honest, you enjoy the excitement and unpredictability of being with someone who is volatile.
of a man who is out of control
You enjoy being with someone who can't control themselves.
I can't give you this but if I was yours I'd assume the opposite role
Unfortunately, I cannot provide you with the same sense of chaos, but if I were with you, I would play the opposite role and provide stability.
You know the beast wouldn't even care if his prey bolt the hole
You realize that this man doesn't care about you or your well-being, and will not be affected if you leave him.
You don't need him like I need you,
You don't require him in your life like I need you in mine.
You could leave him oh why won't you
You have the option to leave him, but for some reason you choose to stay.
Your type's a man who likes a fight
You tend to be attracted to men who are argumentative and combative.
From over here it's crystal clear,
From my perspective, it's obvious what needs to be done.
this shatters every principle that you hold dear
However, by staying in this situation, you compromise your values and principles.
and you who sees herself as strong
Despite considering yourself a strong individual, you may be feeling vulnerable in this relationship.
is going to disappear before too long
You may eventually lose yourself and your sense of identity if you continue in this relationship.
Please please please read what I've sent
I implore you to read what I have written for you.
It clearly lays out my intent
The message I have written for you clearly expresses my intentions.
To give you the space to be you again
My goal is to provide you with the freedom to be yourself once more.
I haven't seen you smile since you've been with him
I have noticed that you haven't been as happy since you began this relationship.
oh you better believe (better)
You can trust that I will provide better for you.
giving reasons to leave
By providing a list of reasons to leave, I hope to encourage you to make the right decision for yourself.
Contributed by Jackson R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
B
Lyrics:
In the public eye he's sweetness and light
but it's a different story in the cover of night
there's a dark side that he can't help but let rip
and you my dear who takes the full brunt of it
How many times have you followed him home, while he shouts at his phone?
Do you believe his boss keeps him in late?
How many more lies can you take?
Is a count of six rows in a seven day week
a tally that you're keen to keep?
He may not hit you but he's broken your things:
You fix them as another storm spins
I will give you better, I will give you better
I will give you better
oh you better believe
I will write a letter, I will write a letter
I will write a letter
giving reasons to leave
I will give you better, I will give you better
I will give you better
oh you better believe
I will write a letter, I will write a letter
I will write a letter
giving reasons to leave
The truth is that you like the white water rapids
of a man who is out of control
I can't give you this but if
I was yours I'd assume the opposite role
You like the white water rapids
of a man who is out of control
You know the beast wouldn't even care
if his prey was bolt the hole
You don't need him like I need you,
You could leave him
oh why won't you
I know (I know)
Your types a man who likes a fight
I will give you better, I will give you better
I will give you better
oh you better believe
I will write a letter, I will write a letter
I will write a letter
giving reasons to leave
I will give you better, I will give you better
I will give you better
oh you better believe
I will write a letter, I will write a letter
I will write a letter
giving reasons to leave
From over here it's crystal clear,
this shatters every principle that you hold dear
and you who sees herself as strong
is going to disappear before too long
Please please please read what I've sent
It clearly lays out my intent
To give you space to be you again
I haven't seen you smile since you've been with him
I will give you better, I will give you better
I will give you better
oh you better believe (better)
I will write a letter, I will write a letter
I will write a letter
giving reasons to leave
I will give you better, I will give you better
I will give you better
oh you better believe (better)
I will write a letter, I will write a letter
I will write a letter
giving reasons to leave
jaywjay03
The best bit about this video, is that the leader singer of the Correspondents, Mr Bruce, did the art and animation for this video.
Great work, god damn I wish I had this skill.
z NightOwl z
jaywjay03 some parts were off like head size but it wasn’t that bad....also am I the only one or does it look pretty rotoscoped or like he used live reference of them posing or whatever?
Edit: never mind the end of the vid shows he did in fact use the actors to draw over or use as live reference
Kristian Bengts
jaywjay03 he also did for the song well measured vice
L Doornbos
Every time I watch this video, I can only think about how much of a pain it must have been to animate it.. you can see the paper being damaged by the erasing over and over. A great animation anyways, I really appreciate the hard work
Zerpderp0
Intentional style choice, probably meant to signify the impact made by the two characters choices. Notice that his was more animated and thus more damaging to the paper, while he's were subdued until the end where she found out the truth. Indeed her animations centered around her thought process telling the story of her coming to love him, or at the very least opening up to him more and more, both physically and emotionally.
Froyo235
The Correspondents have the best music videos I've ever seen,
Chase the Master
Nice
Sir Bibton
Mc Bess, OK GO and Gorillaz come to mind right away
Verityserum
OK GO are great, but different to this. I wouldn't put one as better than the other - shouldn't really be compared. This is pure, fine-art-inspired animation which tells a story. OK GO are a bunch of young spirited chaps with great ideas about physics. Each are impressive on their own!
Dylan Garnett
Froyo235 look for OK go.