History
2005–2006: Origins and The Fratellis EP
The band's name came from the criminal family in The Goonies and received their first radio playing in 2005, on central Scotland's Beat 106 (later XFM Scotland, now Galaxy Scotland) Beatscene show hosted by Jim Gellatly. They were signed by Fallout Records.
They played their first show on 4 March 2005 in the O'Henry's bar in Glasgow across the road from the Horseshoe bar. The Fratellis EP was released on 3 April 2006, featuring the tracks "Stacie Anne" and "The Gutterati?". "Creepin' Up the Backstairs" was never a single released by the band, even though a video was made for it. The first single released by the band was Henrietta, which was released on 12 June 2006 and charted at number 19 on the UK Charts.
2006–2007: Costello Music and mainstream success
Costello Music was the debut album for the Fratellis and was released on 11 September 2006. It charted at number two in the UK album charts for three weeks. The success of the album led to the Fratellis winning the Brit Award for British Breakthrough Act in 2007, an award that was voted for by BBC Radio One listeners.
The Fratellis perform in Scotland.
The Fratellis supported Kasabian in December 2006 on their UK tour before playing 10 dates by themselves in February and March 2007. The tour of the UK festival circuit, playing at Glastonbury and headlining at festivals such as NME's Rock 'n' Riot tour, OXEGEN 2007 and T in the Park 2007, amongst others. They also opened for The Police Reunion Tour in the summer of 2007 in some of the North America dates. The Fratellis also recorded some cover songs during the year including "All Along the Watchtower" for Radio 1's 40th Anniversary Double Album, Radio 1: Established 1967, and "Solid Gold Easy Action" for the soundtrack of the film Hot Fuzz, which also included the single "Baby Fratelli".
The band released their first live DVD, Edgy In Brixton, in the UK on 1 October 2007, which was recorded at the Brixton Academy in London. The DVD contains a locations included Nottingham, Manchester, Glasgow, Birmingham and London. Following the release of the album, the Fratellis embarked on a full live performance of the debut album Costello Music, B-sides from various singles and a new song called "Pretty Like a Girl". Extras on the DVD include the band being asked questions by members of the Fratellis' website, and on the deluxe edition, . It was released in the United States on 30 October 2007.
2007–2009: Here We Stand
The band's filmed on 18 June 2008 at the Fillmore, San Francisco; performances of "Milk and Money", "Flathead" and "Mistress Mabel" from Abbey Road Studios and the videos for second album, Here We Stand, was first mentioned in November 2007 on the Fratellis' official website, which stated that work had begun on the album in a rehearsal space in Glasgow. The band said that they were self-producing the album and had their own studio to record in. Recording finished on 13 January 2008.
On 22 February 2008, they played a highlights from the T in the Park 2007 festival small show for fans at Queen Margaret Union to debut new songs from the upcoming album. About eight new going towards the Teenage Cancer Trust. The third single was "A Heady Tale", released on 22 December. The Fratellis released a deluxe edition of Here We Stand internationally songs from their new album were played, including "Mistress Mabel", "Acid Jazz Singer", and "Look Out Sunshine!". This performance introduced two new touring members, a guitarist, Robin Peringer and a keyboard player, Will Foster. However, after the Teenage Cancer Trust show in 2008, Robin departed the tour for unknown reasons. Will Foster subsequently played both keyboard and guitar during live performances.
The album, was released on 9 June 2008 in the UK and 10 June 2008 in the United States. The band marked the US release of the album with sold-out shows in New York City, Boston, and Los Angeles. The first single from the album,"Mistress Mabel", was released on 26 May 2008. The next single, "Look Out Sunshine!", released on 18 August 2008 and with money on 8 December. The CD included a new song titled "Moriarty's Last Stand" and the accompanying DVD which features "The Year of the Thief" (a documentary of the band on the road in the US), a live show the singles "Mistress Mabel" and "Look Out Sunshine!".
During 2009, the band did a mini-tour of Australia and Japan during February and March. The Fratellis headlined the Island Records 50th anniversary show on 27 May 2009 where they debuted their new track to be included on the Island 50: 50 Years of Island Records which was Bob Marley's "Stir It Up". The band also headlined the Hop Farm Festival 2009 on 4 July, with a gig at the Middlesbrough Empire on 3 July to prepare for the upcoming headline slot.
2009–2012: 'Indefinite' hiatus and side projects
After the Hop Farm show in 2009, the band were going to take an extended break citing exhaustion and relationships within the band turning sour after a series of prolonged touring and working together. Jon went on to form a new band with singer/songwriter Lou Hickey called Codeine Velvet Club. He released an self-titled album with the band in December 2009 and toured during late 2009 and early 2010. The band came to a finish and he decided to become a solo artist. He released his debut solo album, Psycho Jukebox in 2010 and intended to release a second, titled Bright Night Flowers in 2012 but this was shelved due to the Fratellis reuniting. It would eventually be released in 2019, in a re-recorded form after the fifth Fratellis album In Your Own Sweet Time.
Barry initially stated that he was starting his own musical project and would let Fratellis fans know about it via the Fratellis website. He didn't let fans know his musical ventures until November 2011, where he revealed he had joined Birmingham band the Twang, who he played with until August 2012 when he rejoined the Fratellis. He is also a regular on the DJ circuit, and still DJs now when he can.
Mince initially joined a heavy metal band called Throne o' Diablo, before leaving the band for unknown reasons. He would go on to join Jon's solo band as a second drummer, backing vocalist and occasional guitarist during live shows for his Psycho Jukebox tour.
2012–2014: We Need Medicine
The Fratellis played their first show since 2009 to raise money for the Eilidh Brown Memorial Fund on 15 June 2012, marking nearly 3 years since they last shared a stage together. They then performed at O2 ABC Glasgow on 26 September 2012 and announced a UK tour in April 2013. During the UK tour, 3 more songs were debuted live; "She's Not Gone Yet But She's Leaving", "Seven Nights Seven Days" and "Whiskey Saga". The band went on to perform dates in Oxford, Leicester and Sheffield with another date at Loopallu festival, forming a small September tour. During the tour, the band debuted 2 new tracks, "This Old Ghost Town" (previously played by and mainland Europe. With 2014, the band played festivals across the world, returning to the US, UK and Europe and also headed over to Japan before finishing the We Jon in a solo show) and "Rock n Roll Will Break Your Heart".
On 4 February 2013, the Fratellis finished recording their third album, which was to be called We Need Medicine with a release date of 7 October 2013. "Seven Nights Seven Days" was released as a single on 29 September. The album was recorded in Glasgow with Jon Fratelli and Stuart McCredie on production duties.
The band saw out 2013 with a highly successful tour of the US, UK Need Medicine album campaign with two shows in Russia in September 2014. The band released a brand new EP in September 2014 called The Soul Crush EP, which was released for free on their website.
2014–2016: Eyes Wide, Tongue Tied
During Christmas break 2013, the band started writing new material, and two of the songs debuted live in 2014. "Too Much Wine" was played on the early 2014 US tour, with "All the Live Long Day" (later to be known as "Impostors (Little By Little)") turning up later on. Upon releasing The Soul Crush EP in 2014, the band stated they would be heading to LA to record their fourth album, with Barry confirming on Twitter it was once again with Tony Hoffer (Beck, Air), producer-architect of both their debut album and of Jon's solo album Psycho Jukebox.
News stayed quiet until 1 June 2015, when the band announced their new album would be called Eyes Wide, Tongue Tied and would be released through Cooking Vinyl on 21 August 2015. The band revealed the first song from the album "Me and the Devil" through their website, and later announced the first single "Baby Don't You Lie To Me" on 29 June. Both tracks were made available as instant downloads with your pre-order of the album. The band shared a new video for "Baby Don't You Lie To Me!" on 24 July 2015.
In late 2016, the Fratellis launched a UK-wide tour to mark the 10-year anniversary of Costello Music, playing 16 shows through November and December.
2017–2019: In Your Own Sweet Time and Bright Night Flowers
In 2017, the band headlined posts since 30 April, the band confirmed on Instagram that they were in Los Angeles to record their fifth album with Tony Hoffer once again producing.
On 29 September 2017 the band announced their the Vicar's Picnic music festival 14–15 July, as well as the Lindisfarne Festival, which ran 31 August to 3 September.
On 8 May, after hinting through several fifth studio album, In Your Own Sweet Time which was released on 16 March 2018 and followed by with a UK concert tour in March 2018. The album was released on CD, LP, limited edition orange LP and cassette. They also toured the U.S. in late Spring 2018 and early Summer.
After the recording of In Your Own Sweet Time, Jon had quietly re-recorded his shelved 2012 solo album Bright Night Flowers and after the main bulk of touring was finished for In Your Own Sweet Time, Jon announced his solo album would be released in February 2019, supported with two shows in London and Glasgow. His first solo shows in 6 years featured nearly the entirety of Bright Night Flowers with only one song from his previous solo album showing up along with Fratellis' favourites "Whistle for the Choir" and "Laughing Gas" in rearranged forms and a series of covers.
Ooh La La
The Fratellis Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Vedi il culo della tipa di G Cash, amore? (Oh)
Lascia tutti quanti muti come il direttore (shh)
Tu in ateneo, G in finale, fra', Rocco Nereo (oh)
È il cammino di Santiago Bernabeu (yeah)
Lei che prova il nuovo Yama', chiede se le dona (oh)
Manda foto, chiama il suo marito a Bellinzona
Fuori è caldo, in acqua sto a mollo (oh)
Siamo sempre in questa spiaggia, quattro scogli e sdraio (fioi)
Voglio amiche come sneaker, cioè ne voglio un paio (fie)
Non so il tuo nome, però, amore, questo amore è pazzo (baby)
Ho i fiori in bocca ma non rose, questo non è tango
A me non cambia se è l'oceano che mi bagna
In Spagna non bevo cerveza, chacho, voglio caña (barman)
Se la chica è más guapa, a me mi tocca dirlo
Con lei faccio aperitivo con un bocadillo
Fai una settimana e la ricordi una vita
(Prima che l'estate sia finita)
Fai una settimana e la ricordi una vita
(Vieni solo con l'amica, bell'amica)
Fai una settimana e la ricordi una vita
(Appena arrivata, sei già ripartita)
Fai una settimana e la ricordi una vita
(Prima che l'estate sia finita), (oh)
Gionni Freschi con il gancio, baby, I got the hook (uh)
Bevo bolle dalla boccia, sciabolo col flûte
Nessuno mi tiene, scordo anche il suo nome, Irene
Scappo dalla vida loca, lei dietro m'insegue
Lei ha la salsa per il tacos tipo guacamole (baby)
Andiamo a letto per pogare tipo punk-hardcore
Sono sempre in linea, non so se mi spiego
Faccio dieta liquida, mi tuffo e bevo (cin cin)
Vecchia scuola come nel Novanta, due in bici (oh)
Con due bitches (oh), con su i Dickies (oh)
Go kart (yeah), baby, go hard (yeah)
Rido sopra le sue cosce pare roll bar (guerrieri)
Siamo ragazzi onesti come Chicco e Spillo (eh, eh)
Fratelli Freschi tipo Champagneino in frigo (guarda)
Te torni in città , poi pensi a chi c'è qua
Doppia F, fra' (eh), two gust is megl che one (oh)
Fai una settimana e la ricordi una vita
(Prima che l'estate sia finita)
Fai una settimana e la ricordi una vita
(Vieni solo con l'amica, bell'amica)
Fai una settimana e la ricordi una vita
(Appena arrivata, sei già ripartita)
Fai una settimana e la ricordi una vita
(Prima che l'estate sia finita)
The lyrics of The Fratellis's song "Ooh La La" delve into a vibrant and indulgent world of hedonistic summer escapades and carefree living. The opening verse sets the scene with a mix of Italian and English phrases, portraying a luxurious and extravagant lifestyle. The mention of G Cash's lady's rear and the whispers silencing like a director create an atmosphere of secrecy and allure. The reference to Santiago Bernabeu's path and Monte Bianco in the studio adds a touch of grandeur and sophistication to the narrative.
The lyrics then shift focus to a carefree attitude towards relationships and experiences. The imagery of enjoying the beach with friends and seeking companionship akin to sneakers humorously conveys a desire for simplicity and fun. The reference to not caring if it's the ocean that bathes the singer, but preferring caña over cerveza in Spain, highlights a sense of individuality and personal preference in experiences. The playful interaction with a beautiful woman and the mention of sharing an aperitivo with a bocadillo evoke a sense of flirtation and enjoyment in the moment.
As the song progresses, the chorus emphasizes the fleeting nature of memorable experiences. The repetition of "Fai una settimana e la ricordi una vita" conveys the idea that a week of adventure and excitement can leave a lasting impression and be cherished for a lifetime. The reference to summer ending and reminiscing about brief encounters with friends adds a touch of nostalgia and longing for carefree moments. The chorus encapsulates the essence of living in the present and cherishing the memories created during brief but impactful moments.
The final verse introduces Gionni Freschi and his captivating charm, symbolized by the hook he carries to captivate attention. The imagery of drinking bubbly from a glass flute and the mention of escaping the crazy life while being pursued by a woman add a sense of indulgence and thrill to the narrative. The references to salsa, punk-hardcore dancing, and sticking to old-school ways convey a mix of modernity and nostalgia in the singer's lifestyle. The verse closes with a humorous reference to Fratelli Freschi akin to Champagne in the fridge, symbolizing the cool and refreshing nature of their presence in a social setting. Overall, the lyrics of "Ooh La La" paint a vivid picture of extravagant summer adventures, fleeting romances, and cherished memories that linger long after the season has ended.
Line by Line Meaning
Vedi il culo della tipa di G Cash, amore? (Oh)
Do you see the girl's behind from G Cash, my love? (Oh)
Lascia tutti quanti muti come il direttore (shh)
Leaves everyone silent like the director (shh)
Tu in ateneo, G in finale, fra', Rocco Nereo (oh)
You in university, G in the final, bro, Rocco Nereo (oh)
È il cammino di Santiago Bernabeu (yeah)
It's the Santiago Bernabeu's path (yeah)
Lei che prova il nuovo Yama', chiede se le dona (oh)
She tries on the new Yama', asks if it suits her (oh)
Manda foto, chiama il suo marito a Bellinzona
Sends photos, calls her husband in Bellinzona
Fuori è caldo, in acqua sto a mollo (oh)
It's hot outside, I'm soaking in the water (oh)
Monte Bianco in studio, Pramollo (yeah)
Mont Blanc in the studio, Pramollo (yeah)
Siamo sempre in questa spiaggia, quattro scogli e sdraio (fioi)
We're always on this beach, four rocks and sunbeds (fioi)
Voglio amiche come sneaker, cioè ne voglio un paio (fie)
I want friends like sneakers, that is I want a pair (fie)
Non so il tuo nome, però, amore, questo amore è pazzo (baby)
I don't know your name, but, my love, this love is crazy (baby)
Ho i fiori in bocca ma non rose, questo non è tango
I have flowers in my mouth but not roses, this isn't a tango
A me non cambia se è l'oceano che mi bagna
It doesn't matter to me if it's the ocean that soaks me
In Spagna non bevo cerveza, chacho, voglio caña (barman)
In Spain I don't drink beer, chacho, I want caña (barman)
Se la chica è más guapa, a me mi tocca dirlo
If the girl is very pretty, I have to say it
Con lei faccio aperitivo con un bocadillo
With her I have an aperitif with a sandwich
Fai una settimana e la ricordi una vita (Prima che l'estate sia finita)
Spend a week and remember it for a lifetime (Before the summer is over)
Gionni Freschi con il gancio, baby, I got the hook (uh)
Fresh Gionni with the hook, baby, I got the hook (uh)
Bevo bolle dalla boccia, sciabolo col flûte
I drink bubbles from the bowl, I toast with the flute
Nessuno mi tiene, scordo anche il suo nome, Irene
No one holds me, I even forget her name, Irene
Scappo dalla vida loca, lei dietro m'insegue
I run away from the crazy life, she chases after me
Lei ha la salsa per il tacos tipo guacamole (baby)
She has the sauce for the tacos like guacamole (baby)
Andiamo a letto per pogare tipo punk-hardcore
We go to bed to mosh like punk-hardcore
Sono sempre in linea, non so se mi spiego
I'm always on point, I don't know if I explained
Faccio dieta liquida, mi tuffo e bevo (cin cin)
I'm on a liquid diet, I dive in and drink (cheers)
Vecchia scuola come nel Novanta, due in bici (oh)
Old school like in the nineties, two on bikes (oh)
Con due bitches (oh), con su i Dickies (oh)
With two bitches (oh), with the Dickies on (oh)
Go kart (yeah), baby, go hard (yeah)
Go kart (yeah), baby, go hard (yeah)
Rido sopra le sue cosce pare roll bar (guerrieri)
I laugh over her thighs like a roll bar (warriors)
Siamo ragazzi onesti come Chicco e Spillo (eh, eh)
We're honest guys like Chicco and Spillo (eh, eh)
Fratelli Freschi tipo Champagneino in frigo (guarda)
Fresh brothers like a Champagneino in the fridge (look)
Te torni in città , poi pensi a chi c'è qua
You return to the city, then think of those who are here
Doppia F, fra' (eh), two gust is megl che one (oh)
Double F, bro (eh), two tastes are better than one (oh)
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Francesco Nardo, Gianmaria Coppo
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@anna10797
Cool, love this track live!
@1313elijahj
i want this song!!!
@amitpaul9546
Sweet rare video
@RunEd51
saw them in pittburgh last month and they fucking OWNED!!!!
@weeverak
this is a mesh up of ooh la la and hot love by t rex
@naomifratelli
Amazing thank you!!:L