In 1995, The Radio Dept. was formed by Elin Almered and Johan Duncanson (who were old school friends). The name was taken from a gas station/radio repair shop in Lund, Sweden, which had a large sign with the name Radioavdelningen, ("The Radio Department" in Swedish) hanging outside their shop.
Since 1995 members have been coming and going and at some points there has never really been a Radio Department at all.
Martin Carlberg and Johan Duncanson started playing together in 1998 and decided to use the name The Radio Dept. Since then the band has done lots of gigs and lots of recordings. The Radio Dept. recorded 4-tracks in friends' living rooms or at home, in smelly warehouse, in demo studios with blinking fluorescent lightning and at schools.
In the autumn of 2001 Lisa Carlberg and Per Blomgren (Bass & drums respectively), joined the band and they started rehearsing in the way bands so often do. Soon afterwards they were all joined by Daniel Tjader on the keyboards. Their recordings were sent to the music magazine Sonic and got a nice review. They were also on the free CD sampler that comes with the magazine. That's where Labrador Records discovered and learned to love the band. Now they're a part of Swedish indie label, Comings and goings
Original band member, Elin Almered, left the band before the recording of The Radio Dept.'s debut (lesser matters), but still made an appearance singing vocals for "Strange Things Will Happen".
Per Blomgren, Drummer, left the band before the release of Lesser Matters. The band opted instead for digital assistance with regards to drums & percussions for their songs.
Lisa Carlberg, bassist, departed from the Radio Dept soon after the release of "This past week EP". The band no longer felt the need for a member that solely specialized in bass. The band was taking a new direction and preparing for their second album, "Pet Grief", which wouldn't require a member that played bass guitar.
The current line up of the band is:
Johan Duncanson (Guitar & Vocals), Martin Carlberg(Guitar) and Daniel Tjäder (Keyboards & Synth) (2006).
More details can be found on the radio dept. website: theradiodept.com.
Record Labels.
Slottet:
Created in 2001, this is the Radio Dept's original label. Created & managed by the band themselves. They published and distributed their own recordings in order to spread their music to the world.
The "Against The Tide EP" & coveted "Annie Laurie EP" were both released on this label in 2002.
At sporadic moments over the years, whenever the band have wanted to release something quickly or for free, they'd do so through the Slottet label (e.g. bachelor Kisses in 2008).
Labrador :
After the success of the self released records and some glittering reviews in local publications, several major labels came calling. The Radio Dept. rejected most of these offers and instead signed with Labrador records. Although the band don't consider themselves connected ideologically or musically with Labrador and the other bands on the label, they have much respect for the label which has officially become the home of The Radio Dept.
Shelflife records:
Shelflife are an american indie label that operate on a similar philosophy to that of Sarah Records. They select highly innovative, creative & melodic bands and offer them transatlantic distribution. Several labrador bands had achieved success through shelflife, so it seemed an obvious choice to use them again for the distribution of 'Lesser Matters'. No futher Radio Dept records were released through shelflife.
Rex records:
Rex records was an London based experimental indie label started by an ex-XL employee. The aim was to release demos and promote leftfield indie music. Only two Radio Dept. records were released on Rex, Why Won't You Talk About It and the rare Liebling 7".
XL Recordings:
During 2004/05, XL funded, distributed and promoted The Radio Dept.
During this short partnership 4 records were released. Lesser Matters, Where Damage Isn't Already Done, Why Won't You Talk About It? and Ewan. A short european tour was organised for the band as well as lots of press and an appearance on an XL compilation with the likes of Ratatat & MIA.
Track & Field Records:
Track & Field are another London based record label that took a chance on The Radio Dept.
In 2006 Track & Field were employed to distribute Pet Grief in the UK. They also promoted the band and planned for an extensive UK tour. This plan was abandoned and a series of special one-off London shows were organised to supplant the tour.
Pony Canyon:
After years as an experienced distributor of DVD's & kids toys, Pony Canyon, tried their hand at promoting & distributing indie records. So far they've only distributed a special edition of Pet Grief in Japan.
Soundtrack
Three tracks by the Radio Dept. have been featured on the Sophia Coppola's film Marie Antoinette (2006). They are: Pulling our Weight, Keen on Boys, I Don't Like It Like This.
We Would Fall Against The Tide
The Radio Dept. Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Today .... since 1994
....
When ... falls on their side
Cause you and I would fall against the tide
Leave home and ......
step out and realize that no one seems to care
A second few, just me and you, that .... would fall against the tide.
The Radio Dept.'s song "We Would Fall Against The Tide" speaks to the feeling of disillusionment that many people experience when they confront the harsh realities of the world beyond the limited scope of their personal experiences. The opening lines, "They're talking about politics, doesn't matter what they say / it only reflects their own sad lives", suggest that the public discourse around politics is often detached from the lived experiences of ordinary people, and can be a way for those in power to exercise control over others. Despite this, the singer of the song still believes in the power of collective action and solidarity to effect change, singing "Cause you and I would fall against the tide" as a way of expressing their conviction that together, they can resist the forces that seek to keep them down.
As the song continues, the singer talks about leaving home and venturing out into the wider world, only to find that "no one seems to care". This sense of isolation and disconnection is a common theme in the Radio Dept.'s music, as they often explore the ways in which individuals can feel marginalized by the larger society around them. However, the song also offers a glimmer of hope in the form of the phrase "just me and you", suggesting that even in the face of overwhelming odds, the bonds between people can be a source of strength and resilience.
Overall, "We Would Fall Against The Tide" is a deeply introspective and thoughtful song that speaks to the universal experience of struggling to find meaning and connection in a world that can often seem indifferent to our hopes and dreams.
Line by Line Meaning
They're not sure what it doesn't reflect
The subject is uncertain about what the reflection portrays
Today feels like it's been here since 1994
The day feels monotonous and never-ending
When the sun falls on their side
Referring to a different group of people who have an advantage
Cause you and I would fall against the tide
Despite the disadvantage, the subject and their partner will persevere
Leave home and they won't leave alone
Leaving home alone is not an option for the subject
step out and realize that no one seems to care
The subject feels neglected by society
A second few, just me and you
Only the subject and their partner matter
that we would fall against the tide
The subject and their partner will overcome challenges together
Contributed by Thomas G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Stefan Bubanj
They're wrong about so many things I don't know where to begin
I've hated them since 1995
But times on our side
With a ... in their side
Cause you and I would fall against the tide
Leave home and fix a ... for which you're unaware
Step out and realize that no one seems to care
Except those few, that's me and you, and .... would fall against the tide
Anthony Dolgos
George Soufradas They're wrong about so many things I don't know where to begin
I've hated them since 1995
But times on our side
With a ... in their side
Cause you and I would fall against the tide
Leave home and fix a ... for which you're unaware
Step out and realize that no one seems to care
Except those few, that's me and you, and .... would fall against the tide
DanRoiid
Best song ever made.
maviin1
Muy buen tema... ¿caimos contra la marea? Gracias por compartirlo con todos nosotros. Saludos
SOUR NerVouS
great song...
dua dua
Still the best
Jon Halsall
Beautiful
Diego
Long ago I downladed a LP that had this song, it was supose to be Clinging to a Scheme, but it wasn´t. That disc was amazing, does anyone know how is it called, or from what strange ep or something is this song?
WackSmackAttack
+icreatednothing yea someone uploaded radio dept's old songs as their new album lol. this song is on the passive aggressive singles compilation
Stefan Bubanj
They're wrong about so many things I don't know where to begin
I've hated them since 1995
But times on our side
With a ... in their side
Cause you and I would fall against the tide
Leave home and fix a ... for which you're unaware
Step out and realize that no one seems to care
Except those few, that's me and you, and .... would fall against the tide
디오 12
"we're a thorn in their side" is the first one, not sure about the second one
Cody Little
@디오 12 “Fix a point for which...” maybe? Fits the context and sound.