Markus and Michael Acher formed the group together with Martin Messerschmidt in Weilheim, near Munich. In 1990 they recorded their self-titled debut The Notwist, a grunge-metal oriented LP. 1992 saw the release of Nook, which has an indie rock sound, while their 1995 album 12 contains their first flirtation with electronica. Martin Gretschmann (aka Console) joined the group in 1997. Shrink, released in 1998, is a jazz-electro-rock album. The album Neon Golden (released in 2002) put them on the map for American listeners.
In 2003 the band started their own record label Alien Transistor and released a soundtrack for the movie Lichter by Hans-Christian Schmid. On September, 6th 2004 the EP Solo Swim came out, a collaboration between The Notwist, Console and Klimek, which is also the soundtrack for the documentary Kanalschwimmer by Jörg Adolph. Both EPs are only available on vinyl as is the latest EP by Rayon (Markus Acher), released in spring 2006.
Some of The Notwist's songs have been remixed by Four Tet, Manitoba, Console, Loopspool, and others. Singer Markus Acher collaborated with Anticon rapper/producer Alias on the song Unseen Sights.
The Notwist recently formed a supergroup with Themselves named 13 & God, whose eponymous debut was released in 2005. Other acts in which members of The Notwist are participating include Village of Savoonga, Tied & Tickled Trio, Lali Puna, Ms. John Soda, Potawatomi, Alles wie Groß, Ogonjok, Rayon, 3 Shades of Blues, Hometrainer, Bolzplatz Heroes, Alien Ensemble, and Schweisser.
In 2006, Messerschmitt left the band on friendly terms. Markus Acher stated that "it just didn't work anymore".
The Devil, You + Me and was released in Europe in May, 2008. On June 17, 2008 the album was released in North America on Domino Records.
2014 saw the release of Close to the Glass released in the US on Sub-Pop.
http://www.notwist.com
Members
* Markus Acher - guitar, vocals
* Michael Acher - bass
* Mecki Messerschmidt - drums
* Martin Gretschmann (aka Console) - programming
The Only Thing We Own
The Notwist Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Threw out all the garbage he could find
They can't remember their name
I can't remember my name
I never be trapped under the garbage
Never
Guess there are people after the humans
I can't even restretch
It's a stretch
It's a stretch
The only thing we own is sleep
The only thing we own is sleep
Stretch
The only thing we own is sleep
The Notwist's song, The Only Thing We Own, is a cryptic and enigmatic song with a challenging message about human existence. The song starts with the uplifting line "Then, children began to smile," creating an image of innocence and joy. However, the second line "Threw out all the garbage he could find" immediately changes the mood and tone, indicating that the song has a deeper meaning beyond the surface.
The following lines "They can't remember their name, I can't remember my name" adds a layer of confusion and uncertainty, questioning the identity and purpose of human beings. The lines "I never be trapped under the garbage, never" indicate that the singer is unwilling to be trapped under society's waste, suggesting that the singer prefers to live freely and independently.
The last lines "The only thing we own is sleep" is a powerful message that encompasses the whole song. It's a reminder that amidst the chaos and confusion of life, the only thing that we truly possess is our ability to rest and rejuvenate. The song's sound and lyrics blend together beautifully, creating a haunting and melancholic effect that leaves the listeners questioning and reflecting upon their lives.
Line by Line Meaning
Then, children began to smile
Children found happiness and joy in their lives
Threw out all the garbage he could find
Removed all the negative and unnecessary things from his life
They can't remember their name
They have lost their identity
I can't remember my name
I too have lost my identity
I never be trapped under the garbage
I will never let negativity consume me
Never
Never allow it to happen
Guess there are people after the humans
Perhaps there are those who wish to harm us
I can't even restretch
I am unable to relieve the tension and stress in my life
It's a stretch
It seems impossible to overcome
The only thing we own is sleep
The only thing we truly possess is the ability to rest and find peace in our dreams
Stretch
Despite the challenges, we must continue to strive forward and reach for a better life
Contributed by Adeline J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.