The initial lineup had all played in the original Magic Band at one time or another: John French (Drumbo) on vocals, harmonica and drums, Gary Lucas and Denny Walley on guitars, Mark Boston (Rockette Morton) on bass, with Robert Arthur Williams filling in on drums for the vocal numbers. After their debut gigs in London and at Groening's ATP, Williams left and was replaced by Michael Traylor. The band then toured the UK and Europe, and played at ATP Los Angeles in 2004.
They disbanded in 2006, but reformed in 2011 to play at the ATP planned for that November (at Minehead, England, curated by Jeff Mangum), with Lucas and Traylor replaced by Eric Klerks and Craig Bunch respectively. That festival itself was postponed till the following March but they still honoured the other UK & Ireland dates booked around it. They returned to play the rescheduled ATP and more UK gigs in March 2012, the new line-up being dubbed "The Best Batch Yet" by many a Beefheart song title referencing commentator.
In 2013, a new drummer Andrew Niven was introduced, and the band once again have a UK and European tour based around an All Tomorrow's Parties.
Their repertoire is drawn mainly from the classic Beefheart albums Clear Spot and Trout Mask Replica, with many of the latter's songs performed as instrumentals allowing the intricacy of the instrumental parts to be heard where they were previously obscured by Beefheart's vocals or sax. Songs from Safe As Milk, Mirror Man, Like My Decals Off Baby and Bat Chain Puller are also included, and French has described the set as "a play which should be rolled out from time to time."
They have released two albums: "Back To The Front" (2003) was recorded as they rehearsed for their first run of gigs, while "21st Century Mirror Men" was recorded live on the subsequent tour and released in 2005. There is also a live DVD, "Live In Concert" filmed at their debut gig at the Shepherd's Bush Empire in London, which also includes a documentary on their 2003 reunion.
Electricity
The Magic Band Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Thunderbolts caught easily
Shouts the truth peacefully
Electricity
High voltage man kisses night to bring the light to those who need to hide their shadow deed
Go into bright find the light and know that friends don't mind just how you grow
To free selectricity (repeat) (Repeat both lines)
Lighthouse beacon straight ahead straight ahead across black seas to bring
Seeking electricity
High voltage man kisses night to bring the light to those who need to hide their shadow-deed hide their shadow-deed (repeat)
Seek electricity
Electricity
The Magic Band's song "Electricity" uses vivid imagery to explore the power of human connection and the transformative potential of embracing the unknown. The opening line, "Singin through you to me," suggests that there is a kind of electrical current that runs between people, a shared energy that can be harnessed for great things. The thunderbolts that are "caught easily" represent the sparks of inspiration that can arise when we are open to new ideas and experiences. And when we "shout the truth peacefully," we create a space for that energy to flow freely, without fear or judgment.
The second stanza introduces the concept of the "high voltage man," someone who has learned how to navigate the darkness and bring light to those who are struggling to find their way. The singer is encouraged to "go into bright" and embrace the unknown, knowing that their friends will be there to support them on their journey. The third stanza introduces a new character, the "midnight cowboy stained in black," who symbolizes the fear and uncertainty that can hold us back from pursuing our dreams. But even in the face of uncertainty, the singer is encouraged to "seek electricity," to keep pushing forward and embracing new opportunities for growth.
Overall, "Electricity" is a powerful anthem that encourages us to embrace the transformative power of connection and to keep seeking out new experiences, even when they are scary or uncertain.
Line by Line Meaning
Singin through you to me
The transfer of energy and ideas between two individuals through music and lyrics.
Thunderbolts caught easily
The power that music holds to captivate and inspire individuals.
Shouts the truth peacefully
The ability of music to communicate important messages in a way that is both bold and harmonious.
Electricity
The energy and power that is inherent in music and creativity.
High voltage man kisses night to bring the light to those who need to hide their shadow deed
Creative individuals who use their gifts to illuminate the darkness and provide hope for those who are struggling.
Go into bright find the light and know that friends don't mind just how you grow
The importance of self-discovery and the support of loved ones in the pursuit of personal growth and enlightenment.
Midnight cowboy stained in black reads dark roads without a map
The creative process involving exploration of unknown territories without guidance or traditional methods.
To free selectricity
To unleash the full potential of creative energy and power.
Lighthouse beacon straight ahead straight ahead across black seas to bring
The beacon of hope and inspiration that creative individuals provide to guide others through difficult times.
Seeking electricity
The search for inspiration and creative energy.
Lyrics © RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC
Written by: JONI MITCHELL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@glyndowning3076
Christ, I was eighteen in '67, when I bought this album, and Are you Experienced. All my mates thought I had gone completely weird and lost the plot. Thank God I had, I would have missed out on a whole lot of rock - and life. Now quickly advancing towards old age, I'm 72, I can take time out and savour the memories. A lifetime of music, a lifetime of women. You can't live without either. Don't let anyone tell you different!
@joeking57
Legend.. Great comment.
@SylentEcho
"A lifetime of music, a lifetime of women. "
that's fuckin' dope and the best life, lmao!
@williamwilkes9873
ARTHUR BROWN..,..the coolest...........and my mate VINCENT CRANE...,..Rip to your crazy world.......................xx
@MrTimBranston
I was roady for Don when came to Newcastle for an amazing gig. It was like a door of perception opening! I was never the same shape again. Lovely guy. A real gentleman. Sadly missed.
@thomasconnelly5809
It was a badge still is Beefheart seek electricity read the road without a map
@hans2157
Think about how mindblowing this must've been back in 1967. Beefheart was a true innovator far ahead of his time.
@Xipify
+Hans Scholze They couldn't get signed. They were so out there. They were so innovative, cutting edge and different they couldn't get any of the companies to sign them. Frank Zappa said that this group was the reason he cranked up Blue Thumb records. The first band signed by Zappa and Blue Thumb records you ask? Why it was Captain Beefheart. lol
@hans2157
+Xipify Interestingly, I've recently been listening to a lot of Buena Vista Social Club and was absolutely blown away to find there's a common (and quite prominent) link between BVSC and Captain Beefheart, in slide guitarist Ry Cooder. Who knew?!
@andrewwyness5888
+Hans Josef Cooder did a great album with Ali Farka Toure and, of course, the soundtrack for Paris,Texas with David Lindley. Beefheart was not a very nice guy to work with, when Cooder was with the band.