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
Shrink Wrap
This Heat Lyrics
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wolf in sheep's clothing
enshrine our latest product
define the hollow spaces
mobilised cellophane
untouched by human hand
don't bite the hand that feeds you
you can have your cake and eat it
it's an expanding universe
The lyrics of "Shrink Wrap" by This Heat are characterized by a sense of deception and manipulation. The use of the phrase "shrink wrap" suggests the process of packaging something to make it appear perfect and untainted, while the repeated phrase "you lie, you lie, you lie" suggests that this perfection is fraudulent. The metaphor of a wolf in sheep's clothing is used to describe the manipulation, as something that appears innocent and gentle is actually predatory and dangerous.
The second verse of the song further emphasizes the idea of manipulation, as the company "enshrines" their latest product, defining "hollow spaces" in empty packaging to make it appear as if the product is more substantial than it actually is. The use of "mobilised cellophane" reinforces the idea that the packaging is being actively used to deceive the consumer, rather than simply being a passive container.
The final lines of the song suggest a warning against trusting the packaging and external appearances, cautioning against naivety and greed. The phrase "you can have your cake and eat it" suggests that seeking immediate gratification regardless of the consequences could lead to disappointment and disillusionment. The final line, "it's an expanding universe," could be interpreted as a comment on the larger context of capitalism and consumerism, suggesting that the deceptive practices of shrink wrap are just one small part of a much larger problem.
Line by Line Meaning
shrinkwrap, you lie, you lie, you lie
Shrinkwrap appears innocent, but it deceives and misleads us.
wolf in sheep's clothing
Shrinkwrap is akin to something that is disguised as being helpful but is actually harmful.
enshrine our latest product
Shrinkwrap is used to present and protect newly produced items and make them seem more valuable.
define the hollow spaces
Shrinkwrap shows the emptiness in between an object and the packaging covering it.
mobilised cellophane
Shrinkwrap is thin and stretchable plastic film that can move around and adapt to different shapes and sizes.
untouched by human hand
Shrinkwrap is made by machines and automated processes, removing the human touch from the packaging of a product.
don't look a gift horse in the mouth
Shrinkwrap is presented as a gift with a valuable product inside, so questions about its integrity and usefulness should not be asked.
don't bite the hand that feeds you
Shrinkwrap is supporting and protecting the product, therefore one should not criticize or harm it.
you can have your cake and eat it
Shrinkwrap creates a perfect image of a product, which can be sold and consumed, giving the illusion that everything can be had without consequence.
it's an expanding universe
The use of shrinkwrap is increasing, and it's becoming a part of our expanding and developing world, so the importance of being aware of its limitations is significant.
Contributed by Adrian C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
mahoganyman
This caught me off guard on my first listen, I thought the album had restarted
Mono Aural
awesome!
arteryman
a fitting tribute to boxing day
hotelmario510
This song is way too short.