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.
Glow
UNKLE Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
(issue's) laughter rings inside of me
Aching paths don't cross so easily
Break my back to see things differently
So glow
We've held off the cold
Low and behold
I find reasons and stop wondering
The different ways in which we feel the same
Give too much to what-if imagery
Now the second time means more to me
So glow
We've held off the cold
So glow
We've held off the cold
Low and behold
Turns winter spring and fall.
The lyrics to UNKLE's song Glow are poetic and open to interpretation. The first verse describes the feeling of having laughter inside despite being in unfamiliar contexts and situations. The line "aching paths don't cross so easily" suggests that the singer has had difficulties in their life, but they are willing to work hard to change their perspective and see things differently. The chorus encourages listeners to "glow" and cherish their inner light. It mentions holding off the cold, likely referencing the winter season and the challenges it brings. By doing so, the singer acknowledges the passage of time, from winter to spring and fall, and the lessons that come with it.
The second verse is about finding common ground or shared emotions with others. The singer has stopped wondering about the differences between themselves and others and instead focuses on the similarities. They also caution against giving too much attention to hypothetical situations ("what-if imagery") and urge listeners to appreciate the present moment. The repetition of "So glow" reinforces the idea of radiating one's inner light, even in times of darkness.
Line by Line Meaning
Out of all contexts and scenery
No matter the situation or environment
(issue's) laughter rings inside of me
Laughter from the current struggles echoes within me
Aching paths don't cross so easily
Difficult journeys cannot be easily traversed
Break my back to see things differently
Put in maximum effort to perceive things from a new perspective
So glow
Radiate positivity
We've held off the cold
We've overcome the harshness of a difficult period
Low and behold
Behold, witness this transformation
The season's passing toll
The effects of time passing
I find reasons and stop wondering
I discover justifications and halt my speculation
The different ways in which we feel the same
Despite our differences, we share common emotions
Give too much to what-if imagery
Devote excessive attention to hypothetical scenarios
Now the second time means more to me
After experiencing it again, the significance of it is greater
Turns winter spring and fall
The changing of seasons
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Peermusic Publishing, WORDS & MUSIC A DIV OF BIG DEAL MUSIC LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: RUSTY ANDERSON, RUSTY S ANDERSON, CARLA AZAR, PAUL ANTHONY BUSHNELL, PAUL BUSNELL, SCOTT CUTLER, ANNE PREVEN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind