Carl Newman, who writes most of the band's material, has said, "When I seriously started to try to write songs, my main influences were, like, Burt Bacharach, Jim Webb, and Brian Wilson. Those were the guys I kinda looked at their music and went, 'What the hell are they doing here?' I was just fascinated by the structures and the harmonics."
The melody of the first and eponymous track on their second album Electric Version, for instance, begins with an arpeggiated diminished triad --- a rare and strange opening flourish for a pop song.
The band have released a series of well-received albums: Mass Romantic (2000), Electric Version (2003), Twin Cinema (2005), Challengers (2007), Together (2010), Brill Bruisers (2014) and Whiteout Conditions (2017). In 2019 they released In the Morse Code of Brake Lights.
The band members include:
- Carl Newman - vocals, guitar, ebow, synthesizer, harmonica, pump organ, xylophone
- Dan Bejar - vocals, guitar, synthesizer, melodion
- Kathryn Calder - vocals, piano
- Neko Case - vocals, tambourine
- John Collins - bass, guitar, synthesizer, ebow, vocals
- Kurt Dahle - drums, percussion, vocals
- Todd Fancey - guitar
- Blaine Thurier - synthesizer
The New Pornographers are frequently referred to as an indie supergroup because of the following members' associations:
- Carl Newman, solo artist (as A.C. Newman), also of Superconductor and Zumpano
- Dan Bejar of Destroyer,Swan Lake and Vancouver Nights.
- Kathryn Calder of Immaculate Machine.
- Neko Case, solo artist, also of Maow and cub
- John Collins of The Evaporators
- Kurt Dahle of Limblifter and Age of Electric
- Todd Fancey of Fancey
- Blaine Thurier, independent filmmaker
Newman, however, doesn't care for the term: "I'm really tired of that supergroup label, and I wish people would stop using it. None of us were known at all outside of Canada --- I just don't think it's accurate."
Crash Years
The New Pornographers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Before the war
Among the madding crowds
They're ruined like the rest of us ruined
Rest of us ruined
You are a living doll
Riding a circle tracks
Behind the walls of clocks
Like the rest of us ruined
Rest of us ruined
Traffic was slow for the crash years
There's no other show like it 'round here
As a rule
Windows were rolled for the crash years
There's no other show like it 'round here
As a rule
Light a candle's end
You are a light turned low
And like the rest of us
You got those old eternity blues
Eternity blues
Your fingers raised, you're looking for the word
What you want is accident
Another drag
Spectacular view
What you can lose
Traffic was slow for the crash years
There's no other show like it 'round here
As a rule
Windows were closed in the crash years
Honey child you're not safe here
As a rule
Traffic was slow for the crash years
There's no other show like it 'round here
As a rule
Windows were rolled for the crash years
There's no other show like it 'round here
As a rule
The ruins were wild
The ruins were wild
Tonight will be an open mic
The New Pornographers’s song “Crash Years” is a commentary on the aftermath of a catastrophic event that has left people reeling and struggling to cope. The “skirts go up before the war” is a metaphor for how people react to impending danger by taking risks and throwing caution to the wind. The chorus “Traffic was slow for the crash years” is a reference to how people adjust to the new reality after a disaster, struggling to find their bearings in a world that has been turned upside down. The song suggests that in these uncertain times people are drawn towards danger and risk-taking as a way to deal with feelings of helplessness and despair.
The second verse is an exploration of the disillusionment and sense of loss that people feel in the wake of traumatic events. The line “Behind the walls of clocks” is a poetic description of how people are trapped by time, unable to escape the consequences of what has happened to them. The repetition of “Rest of us ruined” emphasizes that the destruction caused by the disaster is all-encompassing, affecting everyone equally. The song suggests that in the aftermath of a catastrophic event people are left feeling powerless and unable to control their lives.
The overall tone of the song is one of melancholy and despair, but it also suggests that in times of crisis there is an opportunity to reflect on our own mortality and make the most of the time we have. The repeated reference to “eternity blues” in the chorus suggests that we are all looking for meaning and purpose in our lives, even in the face of overwhelming tragedy.
Line by Line Meaning
The skirts go up
Women's clothing styles become more revealing.
Before the war
Before World War II.
Among the madding crowds
In the midst of chaotic and unpredictable events.
They're ruined like the rest of us ruined
They face the same struggles and hardships that we do.
Rest of us ruined
Everyone is struggling and affected by the events of the time.
You are a living doll
You are beautiful and perfect in appearance, but not necessarily happy or content inside.
Riding a circle tracks
Going through life in a cyclical, repetitive manner.
Behind the walls of clocks
Stuck in a life that is dictated by time and deadlines.
And you ruined
You, like the rest of us, are struggling and affected by the events of the time.
Like the rest of us ruined
Everyone is facing the same struggles and hardships.
Traffic was slow for the crash years
During the economic recession, there was less traffic on the roads.
There's no other show like it 'round here
These hard times are unique and unprecedented.
As a rule
Generally or typically.
Windows were rolled for the crash years
Car windows were kept up during the recession due to safety concerns.
Honey child you're not safe here
It's dangerous and uncertain during this time period.
Light a candle's end
Using a candle until it is almost burnt out.
You are a light turned low
Your spirit is dim and low.
And like the rest of us
Just like everyone else.
You got those old eternity blues
Feeling trapped and stuck in eternal struggles.
Eternity blues
A feeling of being stuck in a never-ending cycle of hardships.
Your fingers raised, you're looking for the word
Searching for the right thing to say or do.
What you want is accident
You're looking for something unexpected or unplanned.
Another drag
Another way to cope with the struggles of life.
Spectacular view
Finding beauty in the midst of turmoil.
What you can lose
The risks and potential losses involved in taking chances.
The ruins were wild
The aftermath of the recession was turbulent and chaotic.
Tonight will be an open mic
There is an opportunity to express yourself and share your struggles with others.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Carl Newman
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
stuntmonkey00
This was my anthem for the "crash years" after the great recession of 2008. And now it's 2020 and its another crash year.
C Vitale
Same. Sadly never gets old, does it?
Isabel
best band ever and yet the most under rated
Adrenaline Junkie
Just a brilliant song.
Elizabeth Cabrera
Yes yes
Thomas Alber
This is without doubt the most UNDERATED band...
They are simply superb, Blondie come close...but would there be these guys without them? Awwwww, both are A1,
Love both, but hey these guys should be regarded as one of the top 5 bands ever...
Jesse May
I thought you guys topped yourselves with "unguided" but this song drives to new happy madness. Thank you, so much.
Jesse May
"Drives me to new happiness"
DukeandAndrew
This song makes me feel alive. Could listen on repeat for a long time.
bob loblaw
I like this video for two reasons. 1.) Great song 2.) I have an unreasonable obsession with colorful umbrellas.