The Crystal Method is an electronic music act comprising Ken Jordan (who r… Read Full Bio ↴The Crystal Method is an electronic music act comprising Ken Jordan (who retired in 2017) and Scott Kirkland. Formed in 1993, The Crystal Method is the most recent stop in a string of projects that led them from their native Las Vegas (and some forgettable four-track stabs at Vocal jazz music), to the early-'90s L.A. rave scene. Drawn in by its youthful idealism, Jordan and Kirkland became absorbed by L.A.'s underground club culture and began knocking out tracks inspired by their experiences. On the strength of one of their demos, The Crystal Method signed to Steve Melrose and Justin King's City of Angels imprint in 1994, and their debut single, Keep Hope Alive, appeared soon after. The title was in reference to L.A.'s waning rave scene (burdened by constant police pressure and a string of random violent incidents) and became something of an anthem due to the endless barrage of remixes and alternate versions that appeared. The pair's demand to be taken seriously as a band (as opposed to the enforced anonymity of most techno acts, and something of a new concept for American dance producers) extended to incessant live performances, and The Crystal Method's increasing popularity both in the clubs and among radio jocks led to a deal with Geffen affiliate Outpost Recordings in 1996. The group's debut LP, Vegas -- an unabashed party record bathed in acid, funk, rock, and big beat hip-hop -- appeared in mid-1997 and sold very well. The follow-up Tweekend was released four years later, and the duo inaugurated a series of mix albums (Community Service) in 2002. Third album Legion of Boom followed in 2004.

The strength of their debut single Keep Hope Alive - now one of the most-remixed dance tracks - saw them signed to Outpost Recordings. Their debut album Vegas was released in 1997 and achieved significant mainstream success with its blend of electronic, rock and hip-hop influences. A re-working of Trip Like I Do featuring rock band Filter appeared on the soundtrack to the movie Spawn and achieved significant radio airplay.

Their second album, Tweekend, was released in 2001, and featured guest appearances from guitarist Tom Morello (Rage Against the Machine, Audioslave) and singer Scott Weiland (Stone Temple Pilots, Velvet Revolver). This was followed in 2002 by a mix CD entitled Community Service. Their third studio album, Legion of Boom, followed in 2004, and Community Service II was released in 2005.

The Crystal Method also wrote the score and produced the soundtrack for the film London (2006). And work has begun on a second movie score, After is its current title.

They had 4 songs on the FIFA '98: Road To World Cup Video Game: More, Now Is The Time, Keep Hope Alive and Busy Child. In 2002 The Crystal Method's single Name of the Game was the theme song and featured in the credits of the hit video game Splinter Cell. Also, the track Born Too Slow appeared in the demo and full version of the game Need for Speed: Underground. The PSX game Nitrous Oxide (N2O) features the Vegas album in its entirety as the soundtrack.

In 2008 they teamed up with Nike to release a compilation album, Drive, featuring a 45 minute seamless mix of some of their most famous songs and remixes. This set, with its constant BPM, was aimed at long distance runners. Drive also features some new tracks.

The Crystal Method also wrote the theme tune to the Fox tv series Bones staring David Boreanaz and Emily Deschanel and it's become a big dance floor hit in the UK.

Their webpage at thecrystalmethod.com/ links to all their info, dates, and social media.

Here on last.fm, the artist TCM is an alias for The Crystal Method. However, there are also tracks as TCM which are not by The Crystal Method, but by the project TCM which stands for Thimbles, Cowboy & Mr. Ladies. This was a project that created intro's, outro's and interludes for the Dutch Turn Up The Bass House Party compilation CD series. See discogs

American Way
The Crystal Method Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

It is the American way
The American way
Yo it's the American way
It's the American dream
Pursuit of opportunity is to get this cream
It's the American way it's the American dream
Is Rahzel the American idol

Sing the star spangled banner

Red white and blue
It's the American way it's the American me it's the American you

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of The Crystal Method's song The American Way represents a patriotic ode to the American dream and the pursuit of financial gain. The lyrics emphasize the idea that the American way is about the pursuit of opportunity to gain wealth, which is seen as the ultimate goal of society. The repetition of the phrase “it’s the American way” signifies a sense of pride and admiration for the accomplishments of the nation.

The song also makes references to cultural icons such as Rahzel, the beatboxer who gained fame through his appearances on television shows like The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. The reference to Rahzel as the American idol represents the idea that achievement and success are possible for anyone who is willing to work hard and seize the opportunities available to them.

Overall, The American Way is an energetic and patriotic song that celebrates the pursuit of wealth and opportunity, representing a viewpoint of the American dream that has captivated many people for generations.

Line by Line Meaning

It is the American way
The way things are done in America.

The American way
The customs and traditions of American society.

Yo it's the American way
Hey, this is how we do things in America.

It's the American dream
The idea of achieving success and prosperity through hard work.

Pursuit of opportunity is to get this cream
Working hard to achieve success and wealth in America.

It's the American way it's the American dream
The idea that success and prosperity can be achieved through hard work and opportunity in America.

Is Rahzel the American idol
A reference to Rahzel, an American musician, as an example of American success and talent.

Sing the star spangled banner
A patriotic reference to the American national anthem.

Red white and blue
A reference to the colors of the American flag, symbolizing American patriotism.

It's the American way it's the American me it's the American you
Reiterating the idea that American society, American dreams, and American opportunities are all intertwined with individual identity and the American way of life.

Lyrics © THE MUSIC GOES ROUND
Written by: KEN JORDAN, SCOTT KIRKLAND

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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