From the sleeve notes for the latest release End Titles...Stories For Film released in July 2008, the current line-up is stated as James Lavelle and Pablo Clements, also a member of the Psychonauts.
The original line-up was James Lavelle, Tim Goldsworthy (now a member of DFA) and Kudo (Major Force West, Skylab). This incarnation released several EPs and singles, usually involving collaborations with other Mo'Wax affiliated artists.
In 1998, after the departure of Goldsworthy and Kudo, Lavelle enlisted US producer DJ Shadow to help complete UNKLE's debut album, "Psyence Fiction". On this album they collaborated with a variety of guest artists including Thom Yorke (Radiohead), Mike D (Beastie Boys), Badly Drawn Boy and Richard Ashcroft (The Verve). The album contained songs which merged indie-rock with hip hop.
In 2003 UNKLE released "Never, Never, Land". At this time UNKLE consisted of Lavelle and new collaborator Richard File, and the album also featured Ian Brown (The Stone Roses), Josh Homme (Queens of the Stone Age), Robert Del Naja (Massive Attack), Mani (The Stone Roses, Primal Scream) and others.
A third album entitled "War Stories" was released in July 2007. It features collaborations with Josh Homme (Queens of the Stone Age), Ian Astbury (The Cult), Autolux, Robert Del Naja (Massive Attack), The Duke Spirit, and Gavin Clark, and is far more strongly rock-influenced than previous releases. The album was preceded by an EP, Nights Temper, of which a limited pressing was released in May 2007.
Lavelle has also released several mix albums and remixes under his own name and under the name UNKLEsounds (together with Richard File).
UNKLE is known for remixing music from artists such as Explosions in the Sky, Massive Attack, and Oasis.
Chaos
UNKLE Lyrics
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influence of powerful forces behind the scene, you can bring order out of the
chaos that we see. We know, for instance, that much of the
An eerie order underneath even chaos, as if the finger of God,,
In order and disorder, is always there
I think he has nothing to support this. why-you're so full of it!
Aliens, protecting society how? Chaos happens.
There's too many people here
Hat over eye
Feeling dead more than alive
Give her something to rely on
One more time.
No one hears the sound
Fear is all around
Turn the music loud
No more lullaby.
No way in, no way out
Empty talk and TV shouts
Got to find the way around
No, you ain't no lifer
In this town.
No one hears the sound
Fear is all around
Turn the music loud
No more lullaby.
Stop the beat, hear the sound
Time has come for you to speak
Your mind
Can't you hear the sound?
Chaos all around
Turn the music loud
No more lullaby
Dee-dee-dee
Dee-dee-dee
Learn to fly.
The lyrics of UNKLE ft Mark Hollis on piano and Atlantique Khan on vocals' song Chaos explore the concept of bringing order out of chaos through the influence of powerful forces behind the scenes. The phrase "Ordo ob kao" which means "Order out of chaos" is a popular slogan used by proponents of the New World Order theory. The song suggests that even in the midst of chaos, there is always an eerie order underneath it, as if the finger of God is orchestrating everything.
The lyrics also touch upon the idea of aliens protecting society, but questions how chaos can still happen despite their supposed presence. The overwhelming number of people in society is also highlighted as a contributing factor to chaos. The singer laments feeling dead more than alive and seeks to find something to rely on.
The song encourages the listener to not be afraid and to speak their mind amidst the chaos around them. It suggests that turning up the music and drowning out the chaos is a way to find peace. The lyrics end by encouraging the listener to learn to fly and break free from the chaos.
Line by Line Meaning
Ordo ob kao, 'Order out of chaos', and the idea is that, uh, with the influence of powerful forces behind the scene, you can bring order out of the chaos that we see.
The concept of 'Order out of chaos' means that superior forces can transform chaos into order.
An eerie order underneath even chaos, as if the finger of God,
There's a strange kind of structure in the midst of chaos. The sense of order but unknown origins remind us of the proverbial hand of God.
In order and disorder, is always there
A degree of normality exists even in disarray. The two exist in tandem.
I think he has nothing to support this. why-you're so full of it!
There's a skeptic in the house who discredits the theory of 'Order out of chaos'.
Aliens, protecting society how? Chaos happens.
How can aliens unravel chaos? They can't. Because chaos seems to be an inherent part of life.
There's too many people here. Gotta learn the way to turn
The population is too dense, and we need to find ways to alleviate the chaos it creates.
Hat over eye, feeling dead more than alive.
We're drained out, tired, and fed up with everything, as if we're just living out our days without meaning.
Give her something to rely on, one more time.
The need for security is urgent, and we need something to count on in the face of uncertainty.
No one hears the sound, fear is all around. Turn the music loud, no more lullaby.
We feel alone, and fear is everywhere. We need to create some noise and be more vocal about what's happening.
No way in, no way out. Empty talk and TV shouts. Got to find the way around. No, you ain't no lifer in this town.
We're stuck in this town, and there seems to be no escape from the lies and noise we see and hear every day.
Stop the beat, hear the sound. Time has come for you to speak your mind. Can't you hear the sound? Chaos all around. Turn the music loud, no more lullaby.
We need to slow down and pay attention to what's happening around us. It's time to speak out and voice your concerns as the world is in a disarray.
Dee-dee-dee. Dee-dee-dee. Learn to fly.
Let's put aside our fears, and it's high time to learn new things and find ways to soar above the chaos that's around us.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: ATLANTIQUE KHANH
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind