The band progressed to conventional venues. At this time the bands electronic influences such as Kraftwerk, Can and Suicide became blurred by the band acheiving its own sound, a hybrid of hi speed hypnotic acoustic rock. Early reviews saw them as a type of Violent Femmes/ Feelies group but increasingly Rolo, the main writer, would write new kinds of song in a desire to not repeat themselves.
This never changed with record companies and reviewers finding them harder to pigeonhole.
the Woodentops recorded the first single Plenty for Food records in 1984, followed by support tours for artists such as Julian Cope and Everything But the Girl. John Peel picked the group for several BBC sessions on his show and championed the group untill his death. Frank de Freitas and Benny Staples became the definative rhythm section.
Rough Trade records signed the group, leading to a canonade of highly respected singles "Move me", "Well Well Well" and "Good Thing" . The album "Giant" saw them reaching the top 30 in the conventional charts, whereas all singles and albums attained number one spots in the independant charts. The live album "Hypnobeat Live" maintained the number one indie position for several weeks.
This live lp spawned "Why Why Why" one of the first big hits of the late 80s club scene in Ibiza. "Woodenfoot Cops on the Highway", the 2nd studio album, followed in 1987 and the band toured worldwide. Two singles from the album were released, and a final single "Tainted World" was power played on the NYC garage station by Tony Humphries. The group took a 15 year break, returning to perform again in 2006.
An extraordinary night at the London's Queen Elizabeth Hall in 2009 saw the band back on top form, collaborating with original album cover artist Panni Bharti. Original members Rolo McGinty, Simon Mawby and Frank de Freitas are joined by Paul Ashby on drums and Áine O'Keeffe on keyboards. This was swiftly followed by a successful European tour with the band taking their unmistakable sound to Belgium, Germany and France, and appearances at Glastonbury and other UK festivals in 2010.
The group has collaborated with musicians Tackhead, Gary Lucas, Gods and Monsters, Lee Scratch Perry, Arthur Russell, Adrian Sherwood, Andy Partridge, John Leckie, Bob Sargeant, Arthur Baker, Bang the Party. They were also the recipients of the 1st Paul Oakenfold remix and an appearance in the first film by French film director Olivier d'Assayas, Desodre.
Woodentops is an old nickname for an acoustic guitar,the name of a UK puppet TV series from the early 60's, a nickname for the police force, or an idiot.
The Woodentops' website is at http://woodentopsmusic.com/
Shout
The Woodentops Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
These are the things I can do without
Come on, I'm talking to you, come on
In violent times
You shouldn't have to sell your soul
In black and white
They really really ought to know
That took you for a working boy
Kiss them goodbye
You shouldn't have to jump for joy
They gave you life
And in return you gave them hell
As cold as ice
I hope we live to tell the tale
I hope we live to tell the tale
And when you've taken down your guard
If I could change your mind
I'd really love to break your heart
I'd really love to break your heart
The Woodentops’s song, “Shout” is a powerful and deeply evocative composition that encourages listeners to embrace their voices and their right to self-expression. The catchy chorus, “shout, shout, let it all out” is an encouragement to those who may feel silenced or discouraged to speak up and be heard. The lyrics, “these are the things I can do without” are a direct challenge to the oppressive forces that seek to stifle our voices and dilute our power. The song calls on the listener to stand up and take a stand for what they believe in, to fight against injustice and to refuse to let anyone make them feel small or insignificant. There is a sense of urgency to the song, an energy that encourages listeners to take action and take charge of their lives.
The verses of the song revolve around the struggles of living in violent times, where people are forced to compromise their morals and values in order to survive. The idea that one should not have to sell their soul to make a living is a recurrent theme throughout the song. The lyrics, “they gave you life, and in return you gave them hell” seem to suggest that there are forces that act against us, that seek to hold us back and keep us down. However, the lines, “I hope we live to tell the tale” is a message of hope, a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always the chance for redemption, for change, or for a new beginning.
Overall, “Shout” is a powerful anthem of resistance and hope, a song that urges listeners to embrace their voices and to stand up for what they believe in. The Woodentops’s song is an important reminder that in a world that can be cold and cruel, our voices and our strength are the most powerful tools we have.
Line by Line Meaning
Shout, shout, Let it all out
Express yourself without restraint
These are the things I can do without
I don't need these negative things in my life
Come on, I'm talking to you, come on
Encouraging someone to speak their mind
In violent times
During times of conflict and turmoil
You shouldn't have to sell your soul
You shouldn't have to compromise your beliefs or values
In black and white
Clearly and unambiguously
They really really ought to know
They should be aware of the consequences of their actions
Those one track minds
People who have a narrow, uncompromising focus
That took you for a working boy
That underestimated your abilities and potential
Kiss them goodbye
Say goodbye to those who have held you back
You shouldn't have to jump for joy
You shouldn't have to be overly grateful for basic respect
They gave you life
Your parents gave you birth and a start in life
And in return you gave them hell
You rebelled against your parents or authority figures
As cold as ice
Emotionally distant and unapproachable
I hope we live to tell the tale
I hope we survive and can share our story
And when you've taken down your guard
When you've lowered your defenses
If I could change your mind
If I could make you see things differently
I'd really love to break your heart
I'd like to challenge your beliefs and emotions
Writer(s): Rolo Mcginty Copyright: Emi Music Publishing Ltd.
Contributed by Oliver R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@wildswan66
one of the best albums ever!!!
@wwgt
I Love this Song
@stoneroses13
this song really rocks!
@109ecroyd
I originally bought Giant on cassette years ago but as I no longer own a cassette player (who does ?) and I missed listening to it I managed to track down a CD copy . Definitely one of the best albums I ever bought and it still kicks ass
@woodentops
Hi! we will be touring the Giant album playing it in full October 2015 onwards , beginning UK
@goingnutts57
thanks matscheck01