The legend of Ugly Casanova was based around the character of Edgar Graham, a.k.a. "Ugly Casanova", who (according to the Ugly Casanova press release) met the band Modest Mouse while backstage at a concert in Denver, Colorado.
"After some prodding, he shared his work with the band, and began performing it early before shows while some people were milling around. Whenever he completed these performances, he retreated quickly with a look of anger and shame. After a time, a few small recordings were created, after which Edgar vanished." The release goes on to mention that the batch of songs found on Sharpen Your Teeth was delivered to Sub Pop, "in a strange parcel filled with Silly Putty and pelts of three unidentifiable rodents."
In truth, Ugly Casanova is a side-project of Modest Mouse frontman Isaac Brock and a number of other collaborators. In fact, two U.C. tracks -- Baby's Clean Conscience and Parasites have appeared as unreleased Modest Mouse demos from their 1993 "Paracite Sessions".
The origin of the band name itself is contested. Brock has admitted he created the pseudonym to "escape having to do interviews", but Modest Mouse's 1996 EP The Fruit That Ate Itself was credited to the production company "Ugly Casanova", suggesting Brock may have used the name to retain creative control and publishing rights while under a major label.
Though Ugly Casanova is Brock's brainchild, he shares some co-writing and vocal duties with Holopaw's John Orth. The collective also included Tim Rutili (Califone, Red Red Meat), Pall Jenkins (The Black Heart Procession) and Brian Deck.
It seems that another release is unlikely, owing to contract issues between Modest Mouse's label, Epic Records, and the contract Brock signed with Sub Pop Records to produce the record.
So Long to the Holidays
Ugly Casanova Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
So long...
So long to the Saturdays
So long...
Repeats
The lyrics of Ugly Casanova's song "So Long to the Holidays" reflect a sense of finality and closure, as the lines "So long to the holidays" and "So long to the Saturdays" are repeated throughout the song. The repetition emphasizes the passing of time, and the end of a joyful period or season. The song may be interpreted as a reflection on the transience of happiness and the inevitability of change.
The use of the word "ugly" in the artist's name may also be significant in interpreting the lyrics. It may suggest a sense of disillusionment or cynicism in the face of the fleeting nature of pleasure and the struggle to find meaning in life.
In addition to their poetic qualities, the lyrics of "So Long to the Holidays" are supported by a haunting melody and a sparse, atmospheric arrangement. The song creates a melancholic mood that captures the bittersweet feelings of saying goodbye to something beloved.
Line by Line Meaning
So long to the holidays
Farewell to the festive season and the joyous times that come with it
So long...
Goodbye
So long to the Saturdays
Farewell to the leisurely weekends spent relaxing and having fun
So long...
Goodbye
Contributed by John B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@fastheartmartvideos
There's so many holiday songs, but very few songs about the somber feeling of the holidays being over. Enter Isaac Brock and crew. It seems like everything Issac Brock does is genius and this Ugly Casanova project is no exception. So good!
@7SomeGuy7
Thank you for these words I'm happy to see somebody recognize Isaac and friends for there hard work.
@kristinstemberga7812
As a peasant who's always worked retail, I always interpreted this song as never being able to get a fucking break again.
@jasonfossil3882
Always visit this song on January second
@amritb7901
what a feeling, this song
@andrewcameron3043
makes u feel like a wintry Sunday morning
@luciferchrist4682
I only feel bad
@shawnlindeboom7485
I’m afraid this gives me courage
@luciferchrist4682
I'm afraid of courage
@RedSquidz
When you realize you're an adult now and never saw it coming