The name, The Raveonettes, is a direct reference to The Ronettes, and Buddy Holly's song Rave On!.
Their songs juxtapose the structural and chordal simplicity of 50s and 60s rock with intense electric instrumentation, driving beats and often dark lyrical content, similar to another of the band's influences, The Velvet Underground. Altogether, they sound very much like a slightly more melodic version of The Jesus and Mary Chain.
http://www.theraveonettes.com
On April 4th, 2011, they released "Raven in the Grave", a nine-track studio album with Vice Records. It's their 5th studio album.
From their site bio:
“I think we have finally hit on something quite important and different for this album,” explains Sune. “This is the first Raveonettes album we've done which doesn't feature the signature Raveonettes surf drumbeat. None of the tunes have any real sunshine to them. It’s all very un-Rave.”
“It has a mood of ethereal defiance” Sharin adds. “It’s dark but not bleak, like the single minded determination caused by crisis that is not quite hope but just as powerful. It’s the perfect winter soundtrack just in time for spring”.
Rebel Invasion
The Raveonettes Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Blow, blow, blow safe, in heaven you rule
Visions of Jack
Jack is safe, in heaven dead
Neal is safe, in heaven dead
Allan is safe, in heaven dead
The rebel invasion, Bert is cool
Bert is safe, in heaven dead
The lyrics to The Raveonettes' song Rebel Invasion are a tribute to the 1950s Beat Generation writers, particularly Jack Kerouac, Neal Cassady, Allen Ginsberg, and Herbert Huncke. The song speaks of a "rebel invasion" which can be interpreted as the impact that these writers had on American literature and culture at the time. The line "Jack Kerouac is cool" refers to Kerouac's status as a countercultural icon, and "Blow, blow, blow safe, in heaven you rule" may allude to the fact that the writer died relatively young but has since achieved a kind of immortality through his contributions to literature.
The repeated phrase "safe, in heaven dead" can be seen as a way of memorializing the Beats, who have all passed away, while also emphasizing their enduring influence. The song also mentions Herbert Huncke, a lesser-known figure in the Beat movement who was nevertheless a key player in its early years. By including Huncke in the song, The Raveonettes are giving recognition to the many other writers and thinkers who contributed to the Beat ethos.
Line by Line Meaning
The rebel invasion, Jack Kerouaq is cool
We embrace the spirit of rebellion embodied by Jack Kerouac.
Blow, blow, blow safe, in heaven you rule
Keep on living life to the fullest, even if it means taking some risks. You will always reign supreme in heaven.
Visions of Jack
We hold dear the memory and ideals of Jack Kerouac.
Jack is safe, in heaven dead
Though Jack may no longer be with us, we like to think that he is now in a place of peace and safety.
Neal is safe, in heaven dead
We similarly find comfort in believing Neil Cassidy to be at peace, even though he has left this world.
Allan is safe, in heaven dead
We also honor the memory of Alan Ginsberg and the cultural contributions he made during his lifetime.
The rebel invasion, Bert is cool
We continue to celebrate the revolutionary spirit, as was embodied in the life and work of Bertrand Russell.
Bert is safe, in heaven dead
Though Bertrand Russell may be gone, we hope that he is now in a peaceful and safe place.
Contributed by Michael F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.