Despite the similarity in name to the British band The Verve, there is no relation between the two.
In 1992, working with producer/engineer Jon Frazer, they released their first album, I've Suffered a Head Injury, which featured an acoustic version of the band's calling-card hit, "The Freshmen." The original 10-song version of the CD is no longer available. A 7-song version, without the original recording of "The Freshmen" and two songs written by Stout, was later released as an EP.
The band, known for its energetic live performances, built strong followings during its early years, especially in the college towns of Kalamazoo and East Lansing.
In the fall of 1993, the band released a second album, Pop Smear again working with Frazer that helped them gain a devoted following in their native state of Michigan and their eventual signing with RCA Records in 1995. AJ Dunning replaced Stout on guitar for the recording of Pop Smear and remained in the band for their three RCA records. This album featured the popular tracks "Spoonful of Sugar" and "Victoria" among others. While Doug Corolla played on Pop Smear, he was not a full member of the band until 1994.
Their first major label release was 1996's Villains, which was a minor hit and launched two respectably-selling singles, first Photograph then the #1 hit The Freshmen. They came back with The Verve Pipe in 1999, with such tracks as "Supergig," "Generations" and "She Has Faces." The album, however, failed to contain the commercial appeal of its predecessor.
The band's final release for RCA Records was 2001's Underneath. The song "Colorful," from Underneath, was featured on the soundtrack of Rock Star. Underneath's release unfortunately coincided with the September 11th terroist attacks which contributed to the album's poor sales which led to the band being dropped from RCA.
On September 15, 2009, Brian Vander Ark announced on his Web site that the band would be releasing a new album called A Family Album in October, 2009. The band had been approached to contribute a song for an album called "Calling All Kids" which led to them creating an entire album of family friendly songs.
Lead singer Brian Vander Ark has also released four solo albums: 2003's Resurrection, 2006's Angel, Put Your Face On, 2008's self-titled release Brian Vander Ark and 2011's Magazine.
Since the release of Underneath, the band's line up has changed frequently with former members including Joel Ferguson, Dan Matheny and John Conners. The current line up is as follows:
* Brian Vander Ark – lead vocals, guitars
* Donny Brown – drums, background vocals
* Andy Reed – bass, background vocals
* Randy Sly – keyboards, background vocals
* Lou Musa - guitars, background vocals
* Craig Griffith - harmonica, background vocals
Veneer
The Verve Pipe Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
all along adopt-a-highway lay the empty cans of
masquerade
thirteen miles on 31 are drying
the sky is lavender with ivory clouds that threaten
drops of finger-paints
puddle jumping children clad
purple of veneer
rows and rows of animals, their shiver skin
is painted different shades
and from grazing painted grass their teeth
are stained the incandescent green
indifferent they watch the rainfall steady
blend their spots and run their stripes
of veneer
lovely ladies strip themselves of furs the winds require
lovely ladies bathe themselves in technicolor mire
lovely gentleman
at 85 on 31 i'm flying
flying
The song "Veneer" by The Verve Pipe is a vivid depiction of a drive along Route 31, Michigan, with the singer highlighting various events that he observes along the way. The verse “thirteen miles on 31 are drying, all along adopt-a-highway lay the empty cans of masquerade” suggests a deserted and abandoned area with empty cans indicating a party or gathering that may have ended. The verse paints a picture of a deserted place that is left abandoned after the party is over which is further amplified as we get to “the sky is lavender with ivory clouds that threaten drops of finger-paints” indicating a storm that may cause more emptiness which radiates sadness and an overall feeling of loneliness.
In the second verse “rows and rows of animals, their shiver skin is painted different shades and from grazing painted grass their teeth are stained the incandescent green” we see a description of the animals’ painted skin and the green-stained teeth depicting the harmful effects of chemicals in their diet while grazing on painted grass. The “puddle jumping children clad in yellow raincoats” provides a contrast to the overall bleak and dull surroundings. They embrace a childlike joy and curiousness that seems to have been lost in the other scenes. The repeated references to “veneer” throughout the song suggest an artificial or superficial layer masking what is underneath.
Overall, the song “Veneer” is a commentary on the superficiality of modern society and the cost it exacts on the natural world. The song touches on themes of abandonment, loneliness, and the loss of innocence.
Line by Line Meaning
thirteen miles on 31 are drying
The singer is driving and describing the road ahead, which stretches for thirteen miles with no signs of life around.
all along adopt-a-highway lay the empty cans of masquerade
The singer notices that the roadside cleanup program has seemingly turned into a farce, with the place littered with empty cans and garbage everywhere.
the sky is lavender with ivory clouds that threaten drops of finger-paints
The singer observes the pretty yet ominous color of the sky with the clouds reminding him of rain drops and finger-paints being mixed together.
puddle jumping children clad in yellow raincoats splash the deeper purple of veneer
The artist notices children playing in the rain, wearing bright yellow raincoats while doing so. They jump into puddles and leave deeper shades of the color purple behind on the surface of the water.
rows and rows of animals, their shiver skin is painted different shades
The artist observes animals in fields with skin markings that look derivative of the painter's palette.
and from grazing painted grass their teeth are stained the incandescent green
The animals seem to graze on grass that bears colors reminiscent of neon green, tainting their teeth as they chew.
indifferent they watch the rainfall steady blend their spots and run their stripes of veneer
The animals are seen as if not a part of their surroundings completely apathetic to the rain and the slow blend of color taking place around them.
lovely ladies strip themselves of furs the winds require
The artist observes the dressing habits of some ladies that lead them to strip off furs that the wind makes them wear.
lovely ladies bathe themselves in technicolor mire
The ladies make their way through a rain-soaked battlefield, visible as a technicolored mire.
lovely gentleman at 85 on 31 I'm flying, flying
The artist is now driving at a breakneck speed of 85 miles per hour enjoying the rush and feeling of flying.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: A.J. DUNNING, BRAD VANDER ARK, BRIAN VANDER ARK, DONNY BROWN, DOUG CORELLA
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind