Gwenno and Ani Saunders were singers in the group with Gwenno occasionally taking to the keyboard.
The Pipettes, at that time consisting of Julia Clark-Lowes, Rose Elinor Dougall, and Becki Stephens and their backing band, The Cassette, formed at a seaside party in Brighton in 2003 and entertained audiences with their trademark polka dot dresses, doowop anthems and choreographed hand movements.
Their first major single, Dirty Mind, reached #61 in the UK singles charts with the follow-up, Your Kisses Are Wasted on Me, reaching #35 in April 2006. Their album, We Are the Pipettes, was released on 17th July including the new single, Pull Shapes which reached #26 in the UK Top 40 Singles Chart, after being released on 3rd July. We Are the Pipettes reached #41 in the album charts after its first week of release. Judy was the 4th single to be released from We Are the Pipettes; it failed to reach the UK Top 40, coming in at #46. However, it did reach #1 on the Indie Chart.
In 2005, The Pipettes completed successful headline tours in the UK and Europe, as well as high-profile support slots with The Magic Numbers, Graham Coxon, British Sea Power and The Go! Team, that has won them fans in high places including Radio One DJ Huw Stephens, and Radio 2's Mark Radcliffe.
A very small tour of America took place in early 2007; every show played was sold-out, culminating in six successful showcases at SXSW 2007. A tour of the UK and Europe in April and May 2007 was followed by a tour across north america, coinciding with the release of the EP Your Kisses are Wasted on Me in the US which reached #5. Through summer 2007 they played a number of festivals in Europe and Japan. October saw a tour of North America, although delayed by visa difficulties, along with the US launch of We Are The Pipettes, including two new songs. A Japanese launch followed with a Japanese tour in December, and 2008 was seen in by the band with a mini-tour in Australia.
In February 2008, Gwenno and Becki appeared at several events without Rose, namely a DJ set in Glasgow and three gigs with Mark Ronson in Brighton and London, leading to speculation that he would be producing their second album.
On April 18th 2008, The Pipettes announced the departure of Rose and Becki, meaning that the group now featured none of the original singers. They were replaced with Ani (Gwenno's sister) and a BRIT School graduate, Anna McDonald. They also reported they were currently demoing twenty to twenty-five new songs with a view to recording their second album in the summer of 2008.
The new lineup made its debut at Corsa Presents Bandstand with Mark Ronson on May 3rd 2008. The band performed Because It's Not Love (But It's Still A Feeling).
On November 12th 2008, the band announced another departure; this time of Anna, who had only been in the band for seven months. Anna's unexpected decision to leave and concentrate on her songwriting meant the band had to cancel their appearance at Sŵn Festival.
On February 11th 2009, the band posted a video blog on their website to introduce the newest Pipette, Beth Mburu-Bowie. With Beth, they are currently finishing work on their second album.
Previous members of the band include Julia Clark-Lowes (now of The Indelicates), Rose Elinor Dougall, Becki Stephens, Joe van Moyland (now of Joe Lean and the Jing Jang Jong) and Anna McDonald.
http://www.thepipettes.co.uk
Captain Rhythm
The Pipettes Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
That you were takin' me on a journey, outer space
And he said that when we get there
All the stars will fall at our feet, so what, we'll like it
If they come on board
At least I can be sure
By the time it is right
I wanna go out of my mind, Captain Rhythm
I know that you are one of a kind, see I'm forgiven
For doubting you had any control, I'd give my heart and soul
Just to serve you, 'cause you're my number one
You came along with the latest
Called for drumbeat and the girls to save and navigate us
So now that we're together
I can't wait another day to tell you, you're my forever
If they come aboard
At least I can be sure
That the timing is right
Captain Rhythm, take me with you tonight
I wanna go out of my mind, Captain Rhythm
I know that you are one of a kind, see I'm forgiven
For doubting you had any control, I'd give my heart and soul
Just to serve you, 'cause you're my number
One, one is two
That's me and you're what I love
I'm what you need
I need, I love you, soul and soul
One and one is two
That's me and you're what I love
I'm what you need
I need, I love you, soul and soul
I wanna go out of my mind, Captain Rhythm
I know that you are one of a kind, see I'm forgiven
For doubting you had any control, I'd give my heart and soul
Just to serve you, 'cause you're my number
'Cause you're my Number One
(Out of my mind, Captain Rhythm)
'Cause you're my Number One
(I know that you are one of a kind, see I'm forgiven)
'Cause you're my Number One
(For doubting you had any control, I'd give my heart and soul)
'Cause you're my Number One
(Just to serve you)
'Cause you're my Number One
The Pipettes’ song Captain Rhythm tells a story of a journey to outer space that is led by Captain Rhythm, who saves the day with his drumbeat and the girls’ help. The singer has doubts about Captain Rhythm’s plans initially but is eventually convinced that he is in control and falls in love with him. The song is an ode to falling for someone who seemingly has everything under control and being willing to give heart and soul to serve them. Perhaps the most poignant part of the song is the repeated declaration of Captain Rhythm being the singer’s number one, indicating that the person has finally found someone worth following and loving.
The song is upbeat in its music, with a catchy and fun tune that is reminiscent of the 60s pop sound. It is especially interesting as a feminist commentary on traditional roles, as it features three women singing about following a male captain figure. The Pipettes were known for their conscious decision to create a “girl group” sound, with polished choreography and matching outfits, and Captain Rhythm feels like a playful take on that style. The song was also part of a larger album concept in which the group played fictional characters in a fictional universe.
Line by Line Meaning
I heard it from Sergeant Baseman
I was told by someone I trust that you are taking me on a journey through outer space
That you were takin' me on a journey, outer space
You are taking me on a trip through outer space
And he said that when we get there
Sergeant Baseman said that once we arrive at our destination
All the stars will fall at our feet, so what, we'll like it
We will be so great that the stars will fall at our feet, and we will enjoy it
If they come on board
If others come aboard the spaceship
At least I can be sure
I can be certain
By the time it is right
When the timing is correct
Captain Rhythm, won't you take me tonight?
Captain Rhythm, will you take me with you tonight?
I wanna go out of my mind, Captain Rhythm
I'm filled with excitement and want to go beyond what I thought was possible, Captain Rhythm
I know that you are one of a kind, see I'm forgiven
I understand that you are unique and special, and I forgive myself for doubting you
For doubting you had any control, I'd give my heart and soul
I didn't think you were in control, but I am willing to give everything for you
Just to serve you, 'cause you're my number one
I am willing to serve you in any way because you are my top priority
You came along with the latest
You came with the most current and up-to-date technology or knowledge
Called for drumbeat and the girls to save and navigate us
You asked for drumbeats and female help to rescue us and guide us
So now that we're together
Now that we are together
I can't wait another day to tell you, you're my forever
I can't wait any longer to express to you that you are my forever
One, one is two
Together we make two
That's me and you're what I love
That refers to us, where I love you and you complete me
I'm what you need
I am what you can't live without
I need, I love you, soul and soul
I need and love your soul and we are intertwined as such
'Cause you're my Number One
Because you are my top priority
Contributed by Anthony S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.