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."
The Laws Have Changed
The New Pornographers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Though the hero forgot us for another sane one (??)
Introducing for the first time, Phil on the microphone..
sing all hail, what'll be revealed today, when we appeal to the great unknown, from the land
The lyrics in The New Pornographers' song The Laws Have Changed convey a sense of rebellion against societal norms and expectations. The line "It was crime at the time but the laws we changed 'em" suggests that the singer is referring to a time when certain actions were deemed illegal, but that society has since evolved and updated its laws to permit these actions. This could also represent a shift in cultural values or a rejection of traditional norms in favor of progressive change.
The line "Though the hero forgot us for another sane one" appears to be a commentary on the fickleness of heroes and the idea that people can switch their allegiance or support to another figure who is perceived to be more "sane" or stable. This could also be interpreted as a criticism of those who abandon their beliefs or principles in favor of a more socially acceptable stance.
Overall, The Laws Have Changed is a song that encourages listeners to question authority and push for change, even in the face of opposition or potential backlash. The use of the phrase "great unknown" suggests that there is still much work to be done and that the future is uncertain, but that individuals have the power to shape their own destiny and create a better world.
Line by Line Meaning
It was crime at the time but the laws we changed 'em
Back then, some actions were considered illegal, but we modified the legislation governing them.
Though the hero forgot us for another sane one (??)
Someone we looked up to may have moved on to support a different, more rational perspective.
Introducing for the first time, Phil on the microphone..
We're excited to announce that Phil will be speaking publicly for the very first time.
sing all hail, what'll be revealed today, when we appeal to the great unknown, from the land
Let's celebrate a significant occasion and look forward to uncovering what will happen when we reach out to the mysterious, unknown forces of the universe.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: CARL ALLAN NEWMAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@nnthayer
The blonde is absolutely sensational. Just amazing.
@dbruskin1431
My favorite New Pornographers song from their first few albums. The music video is one of the best in the last 20 years.
@MichaelBeale
pretty under-the-radar jam, for sure! 👍🏻
@MichaelBeale
If this is your favorite from their debut-ish period — what, then, are your other personal favorites of theirs?
@dbruskin1431
@@MichaelBeale I especially love everything off of "Brill Bruisers." I also especially love "Crash Years" and "High Ticket Attractions."
@robbo811
The 21st century’s, greatest three and a half minutes
@rickrocks007
Excuse me while I enter my little time machine and become 20 years younger too while I listen - I mean, while I dance.
@anonymouscosmonaut
sick
@jeffkile5015
Some songs and videos are timeless. I loved this the first time I saw it and I may love it even more now.
@PeterByker
A music video as appealing as the band itself. This is still so powerful after so many years. Absolutely love you all.