Their first radio airplay came from legendary DJ John Peel, to whom they sent a demo tape (recorded in a disused meat factory known as Cold Storage) in early 1977. During this time, they also recorded a session with Ghanaian musician Mario Boyer Diekuuroh, parts of which later appeared on a 1982 split cassette with Albert Marcoeur, released by the French experimental rock magazine Tago Mago.
Their self-titled debut album was recorded between February 1976 and September 1978, and surfaced in August 1979. It was characterized by heavy use of tape manipulation and looping, combined with more traditional instrumental performance, to create dense, eerie, electronic soundscapes and dub-inflected experimental rock. Also released in this period was an EP, Health & Efficiency, which foreshadowed the more rock-oriented sound of Deceit (1981), the band's second and final album. Produced with help from reggae mixer Martin Frederick, Deceit found the band incorporating more influence from punk rock, and consolidating the world music influences in their work. Although, like all of This Heat's releases, it sold poorly, Deceit is now seen as a classic of the post-punk era, on par with Joy Division's Closer or Public Image Ltd.'s Metal Box.
This Heat split up in 1982 after a final tour with new members Trefor Goronwy and Ian Hill following Williams' departure. Hayward went on to form Camberwell Now with Goronwy and former This Heat soundman, Stephen Rickard, and remains active musically with groups including Fred Frith's Massacre. In 1993 a new album of previously unreleased This Heat recording was unearthed. Repeat featured three long tracks, including the title track - a 20 minute remix of "24 Track Loop." Out of Cold Storage - a box set of all the band's official recordings - was released in June 2006 on This is!, a Recommended Records sub-label set up by Charles Hayward and Charles Bullen to re-release This Heat's back catalogue. It comprises This Heat, Deceit, Health and Efficiency, Made Available - a compilation of the band's Peel Sessions - and Repeat, plus Live 80/81, a CD of concert recordings.
Gareth Williams later formed Flaming Tunes with Mary Currie and released a cassette of new material in a much softer style than that of This Heat. He died in late 2001.
Official website: http://www.thisheat.org
Independence
This Heat Lyrics
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that all men are created equal,
that they are endowed by their Creator with certain Rights,
that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. —
That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men,
deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, —
That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends,
it is the Right of the People
The lyrics to This Heat's song 'Independence' are actually a direct quotation from the United States Declaration of Independence, a document written in 1776 asserting the independence of the thirteen American colonies from British rule. The passage states that all people are created equal by a higher power or "Creator" and that they possess certain inalienable rights, such as the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. It goes on to say that governments are established to protect these rights and that people have the right to alter or abolish a government that fails to do so.
The inclusion of this passage in This Heat's song is likely meant as a commentary on the relationship between individuals and the state. The band, known for their experimental approach to music, were also known for their politically charged lyrics and willingness to explore controversial topics. Through this quotation, they are challenging listeners to question their own relationship to power and authority, and to consider their own role in safeguarding their rights and freedoms.
Overall, 'Independence' is a powerful statement of individual and collective autonomy, both in its original context and as presented by This Heat. The lyrics serve as a reminder of the importance of protecting our inherent freedoms and the need to hold those in power accountable when they fail to do so.
Line by Line Meaning
We hold these truths to be self evident,
We strongly believe that what follows is unquestionable and universally accepted.
that all men are created equal,
All individuals are born with the same worth and value.
that they are endowed by their Creator with certain Rights,
There are certain fundamental human rights that are innate and cannot be taken away from any person by any external force.
that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. —
Some of the most basic and important rights that people have are the freedom to live, the freedom to be free and independent, and the freedom to create a life that makes them happy.
That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men,
To ensure these rights are protected and promoted, governments have been created and established among people.
deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, —
The authority of those in government is based on the agreement and approval of the people they govern.
That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends,
If a government is seen as a threat to people's basic rights or fails to protect these rights, then it is problematic.
it is the Right of the People
Individuals or groups of people possess the authority to make decisions about their collective well-being.
to alter or abolish it.
People are entitled to make changes, or even completely do away with, a government they see as unjust or inadequate.
Contributed by Eli J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.