The story actually begins deep in the heart of the Mississippi Delta, where band member Nick Krill was rummaging through the personal effects of his late grandfather, the guitar player Roy Spinto. For years, Roy had penned lyrics on the inside of Cracker Jack boxes, and in one simple juxtaposition of time and fate, Nick found the lyrics that would inspire the creation of the Spinto Band. And they hit the ground running. The energy was undeniable, and it wasn't long before Jon Eaton, Thomas Hughes, Nick Krill, Joe Hobson, Sam Hughes, Jeff Hobson and Albert Birney (who has since left the band to pursue the visual arts) found themselves with a massive musical proliferation at hand.
Eight years and seven self-released albums later, the Spinto Band is in the prime vein of musical prowess. Utilizing an indie-pop sensibility that brings to mind the Flaming Lips and Pavement, their songs can send you careening into the heights of lysergic bliss or provide the catchiest vibes to shake your tail feather to. Either way, this six-piece outfit has the goods to deliver us all from the doldrums of banality.
Currently teamed up with Nashville producing duo, Robin Eaton and Lij (of Alex the Great recording studios), and preparing a May release through Bar-None Records, the band's sound exudes a finesse that belies their youth (their ages range from 20-25). With rich, textured guitars, and multiple-part vocal harmonies, the Spinto Band's repertoire is a maelstrom of indie perfection. It's quirky, energetic, radiant, and aptly engaging.
The Spinto Band has performed with such acts as the Trachtenberg Family Slideshow Players, and Of Montreal. It's an inevitable transgression beyond the words on this page; the Spinto Band excels. Thank you, Roy.
Japan Is An Island
The Spinto Band Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The dog got out when I was playing Atari
Atari, Joey, Jeffery,
They died while I was playing Atari
Japan is an island way across the sea,
I've never been there but I heard of the scenery,
They assimilate the cultures to make their stuff
I can save my game, save my life
Atari, with me, baby, come on,
We can do it while I'm playing Atari
Atari, baby, Hershey, nutty,
Don't stop girl I'm playin Atari
I can save my game,
Can I save my life?
For relax, for refresh, for relax, for refresh, for relax, for refresh...
We're a culture to Japan, we're a culture to Japan...
I can save my game, save my life
I thought it was funny when you interrup-
-ted me the first time but I now I think it's getting old,
Just like you and me I still see,
That Cornelious is a Popstar
I can save my game, save my life
Atari, with me, baby,
Come on, we can do it while I'm playing Atari,
Atari, baby, Hershey, nutty,
Shut up you know I'm playing Atari
I can save my game, can you save my life?
The Spinto Band's song "Japan Is An Island" is a playful and quirky tune that explores the themes of cultural assimilation, pop culture, and the escapism of video games. The lyrics talk about Atari, Joey, and Jeffery, and how the dog went missing while the singer was caught up in a game of Atari. The song then goes on to talk about Japan, an island far across the sea, its beautiful scenery, and how it assimilates cultures to make their pop culture. Cornelius, a Japanese pop star, is also mentioned in the song.
The chorus of the song, "I can save my game, save my life," emphasizes the idea of escapism in video games, where people can find solace and distraction from the real world. The verse "For relax, for refresh, for relax, refresh, for relax, refresh..." further emphasizes this idea of using video games as a way to relax and refresh oneself.
The lyrics also touch upon a strained relationship between the singer and their partner who interrupts them while they are playing Atari. Despite finding it funny initially, the singer now finds it old and possibly indicative of a larger problem in their relationship. The ending line, "I can save my game, can you save my life?" seems to question the worth of the relationship and whether it can offer the escape and comfort that video games provide.
Line by Line Meaning
Atari, Joey, Jeffery,
I was busy playing Atari and wasn't able to pay attention to my pets, named Atari, Joey, and Jeffery.
The dog got out when I was playing Atari
One of my pets, the dog, escaped while I was playing Atari.
They died while I was playing Atari
Sadly, my pets, Atari, Joey, and Jeffery, died while I was preoccupied with playing Atari.
Japan is an island way across the sea,
Japan is a country located on an island that is far away from my current location.
I've never been there but I heard of the scenery,
Although I haven't visited Japan yet, I've heard that its landscapes are beautiful.
They assimilate the cultures to make their stuff
Japanese people blend aspects of different cultures to create their products and innovations.
And Cornelious is a popstar
Cornelius is a popular musician or celebrity in Japan.
I can save my game, save my life
Saving my game is important to me, as it can also provide a sense of relief and accomplishment.
Atari, with me, baby, come on,
I invite Atari to join me while I play my video games.
We can do it while I'm playing Atari
Together, we can have fun and enjoy ourselves while I play my Atari.
Atari, baby, Hershey, nutty,
I may indulge in some sweet treats, like Hershey's chocolate or Nutty Bars, while I play Atari.
Don't stop girl I'm playin Atari
Please don't interrupt me while I am playing my video games.
For relax, for refresh, for relax, for refresh, for relax, for refresh...
Taking breaks and refreshing myself is an important part of my routine while playing Atari.
We're a culture to Japan, we're a culture to Japan...
Our own culture may also influence or impact Japanese culture in its own way.
I thought it was funny when you interrup-
Initially, I found it humorous when someone interrupted me.
-ted me the first time but I now I think it's getting old,
However, as it continues to happen, I now find the interruptions to be tiresome and not as amusing.
Just like you and me I still see,
I recognize that the same monotony exists in other areas of my life or relationships, including with the person who interrupts me.
That Cornelious is a Popstar
Despite other issues, Cornelius is still a well-known celebrity and successful musician in Japan.
Shut up you know I'm playing Atari
I may become annoyed or frustrated when someone continues to talk or distract me while I am playing my video games.
Can you save my life?
Although saving my game is important, can you provide support or help me in other areas of my life as well?
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Nicholas Krill, Thomas Hughes
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
David Easton
Lovely nostalgic stuff!
Derek Fabry
David Easton tell me about it really takes me back!!
0tifaine
Thank you so much for playing it last week (in Paris), it was unexpected and really amazing. I definitely love you guys, please come back soon =) ...
Georges Casimir
Long live The Spinto Band!!!
Iridescent Peasant
This goes on my Sunshine Daydreams playlist. Good vibes (:
0tifaine
It's a shame this song isn't on any album :( ! The video is (as always) quite amazing ^^
Saku Rajala
One of my favourite songs out there
teddybomber182
Weee!! I love playing atari... This song make me sway my head to the beat!! Absolutely LOVE it :D The video just makes this song that much better!
ham_destroyer
nice and nicely done. its a great album!
ruger_92
Love you guys, fantastic work!