Vic Chesnutt will nev… Read Full Bio ↴Vic Chesnutt And Mr. & Mrs. Keneipp: Merriment
Vic Chesnutt will never have to worry about coming off as excessively upbeat. Since the late '80s, he's carved a particularly gloomy niche that doesn't leave a lot of room for laughs, sometimes skirting what sounds like severe depression even when the music is tempered by uneasy black humor.
His great 1996 album About To Choke—released after the paraplegic neo-folkie was celebrated on a Sweet Relief tribute compilation—even came with the morbid caveat, "Some of this album may be a bit obsessed with the premise that through death, life is nourished." Chesnutt's 1998 collaboration with Lambchop,
The Salesman & Bernadette, was a bit perkier than usual, and while the disc got him dropped from his label, the experience has led him to record another group effort. Kelly and Nikki Keneipp, the co-billed Mr. and Mrs., are associates of Jack Logan, and Backburner is their label. And while the pair contributed just about everything to Merriment except the lyrics and singing, it still sounds very much like a Chesnutt record. The title is, of course, an ironic red herring: The music is as dark and menacing as fans have come to expect.
The title track, "Fissle (Vapor And Soot)," and "Sonny Pasture" are sobering, surreal little mysteries akin to the quieter moments of late-period Big Star, while Chesnutt's delivery continues to bear a slightly less graceful but no less poetic resemblance to that of art-rock pioneer Robert Wyatt. Merriment isn't as diverse as the Lambchop project, nor are Chesnutt's lyrics as conceptually linked. But the tone is consistently glum, with a somber piano connecting each song even as the elliptical lyrics take them in different directions. Merriment is a comparatively minor work, but its late-night lonely pleasures are many.
AVClub: Vic Chesnutt And Mr. & Mrs. Keneipp: Merriment
James Victor Chesnutt was born on November 12, 1964 in Jacksonville, Florida. Died in Athens, Georgia on December 25th, 2009. Vic Chesnutt was a singer-songwriter living in Athens, Georgia. A car crash at age 18 left him partly paralyzed, and he performed in a wheelchair.
A regular of the 40 Watt Club scene, he was spotted by Michael Stipe who produced his first two albums.
In 1996, Chesnutt was exposed to a wider audience with the release of the tribute album Various - Sweet Relief II: Gravity Of The Situation (The Songs Of Vic Chesnutt), the proceeds from which went to the Sweet Relief Fund. The album consisted of Chesnutt covers by famous musicians including Garbage, Smashing Pumpkins, Madonna, R.E.M. and Live.
A prolific songwriter, Chesnutt worked with Lambchop, Widespread Panic (as Brute (2)), Elf Power as well as Bill Frisell, Guy Picciotto and members of A Silver Mt. Zion. On December 25, 2009, Chesnutt died from an overdose of muscle relaxants that had left him in a coma in an Athens hospital.
Discogs: Vic Chesnutt
MIResonance is a vision of Kelly and Dominique (Nikki) Keneipp. The married couple have always had a singular passion for music. They were reared in totally separate environments and backgrounds. Kelly grew up in rural southern Illinois, a self taught guitarist and pianist absorbing the sounds and stylings of Neil Young and Keith Richards, while Nikki hails from the suburban outskirts of Detroit, MI and received classical training in clarinet and piano under the tutelage of esteemed performers such as Lisa Rosenberg and Douglas Cornelson. In the mid 1990's Kelly and Nikki's separate worlds would meet under, of course, the guise of music.
Kelly had been writing and producing music with Jack Logan ( a long time friend and fellow musician) and other close friends from Athens, Ga for years. Music critics soon caught up with his unique "do it yourself" work. His band released two albums in short time, both receiving 4 out of 5 stars in Rolling Stone, as well as feature articles in People, Entertainment Weekly, and became the darlings of Timothy White, editor of Billboard Magazine. This led to television appearances on the Today show and Conan O'Brien, as well as, two national tours.
At the same time, Nikki was working on finishing her undergraduate degree at Oakland University. She was performing in chamber music ensembles, as well as playing in the Pontiac Oakland Symphony Orchestra and substituting second clarinet in the Rochester Symphony Orchestra and Southfield Symphony Orchestra. Nikki was interested in everything music related and saw as many music performances as she could. This is where Nikki met Kelly on February 8, 1996 at the Blind Pig in Ann Arbor, MI.
After receiving her BA in Music at Oakland University, Nikki relocated to Athens, GA to pursue a graduate degree, in music from the University of Georgia and to learn about recording and producing music in a studio. Nikki and Kelly were married at this time and were creating music together regularly. Even as the music critics moved on to "the next big thing", Kelly and Nikki couldn't stop creating music. They decided to start their own record label, Backburner Records, in hopes of shedding some light on some of the talented musicians around Athens. Parlaying their own money they purchased a 24 track music studio and produced 13 records from a myriad of local musicians. Backburner was featured in Billboard Magazine as one of the top small labels in the country.
Backburner's most lucrative release was a record entitled "Merriment" by Vic Chesnutt and Mr. and Mrs. Keneipp. Appropriately titled "Merriment", was a true joy to create. The collaboration between Vic, Kelly, and Nikki was not ignored by the press. "Merriment" broke the top twenty on the college radio charts and was hailed as "Americana Album of the Month" October 2000 in Mojo.
As Backburner was becoming more successful, Nikki's health was declining. Around the same time as the release of "Merriment", Nikki was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and began suffering panic attacks on a daily basis. Kelly and Nikki tried their best to keep secret what was happening, as neither one of them understood it. Not knowing where to seek help, Nikki and Kelly tried to continue to plug away at their own daily routines. Kelly worked at his highly physically demanding job as Nikki became ever more isolated. The music recording was at an ever increasing stall.
On Christmas Eve 2009 the severity of mental illness became an all too frightening reality, as their dear friend, Vic Chesnutt took his life. The devastating effects of Vic's suicide wreaked havoc on the mental health of Kelly and Nikki. Kelly became severely depressed and retreated into working, to the point of literally breaking his back and having to undergo spinal fusion surgery. Nikki was so isolated that she was house bound. Kelly's surgery was unsuccessful at ridding him of his chronic pain. So, in 2011 Kelly and Nikki moved back to Michigan, near family, taking with them their beloved pets, their musical instruments, and, of course, their 24 track studio.
It is here in Michigan that Kelly and Nikki were able to find the help they so desperately needed. Nikki's lifelong friend, Dr. Kathleen McCarthy, candidate of the Michigan Psychoanalytic Institute, helped the couple find the help they needed. Nikki was able to receive therapy at a reduced fee at MPI and is currently a patient of Dr. Steven Feldman, MD. and is no longer suffering from panic attacks. Kelly, too is working with Dr. Kathleen Moore Phd. and is working through his depression.
As their mental health improves, Nikki and Kelly now have another passion, in tandem with music. They would like to provide an easily accessible resource center dedicated to the overall health and welfare of musicians: MIresonance.
Source: Miresonance
DNA
Vic Chesnutt and Mr. and Mrs. Keneipp Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm only giving what really matters
A lot of these cats are brain scattered with no direction, they lost
Cought up in twist of the intersection, they cross
Blind to the beauty of spitting they own truth, from the O.Gs down to the youth
When you hit the Booth, burn it down
You know when them people love it when you turn it up
When start moving the crowd, watch em gather round
Of them bright lights, smoking mic's and the stage hop out the cage in a fit of rage
Ripping of the book of the artist that wrote
Now quote it right, you ain't down to sacrifice, you ain't never paid the price
You ain't dedicate yo life to yo passion
Wit disciplinary action till you cash in, got me laughing
Claiming you wit, you ain't even, I'm really bout it
That's how I'm sprouted understand I was born with it
Aye, aye, aye, it's in my DNA
Ring the alarm, another sound of dying hey
Ring the alarm another sound of dying
Look I spit soul food cabbage and collard greens
Gravy on top of dressing rice and black beans
If you ain't mentally stimulating your waisting my TikTok
Worth way more than that glitter you bust down on you wrist watch
Whether Rollie or Patek it don't matter we don't watch
You blew the labels budget and still flopped
Whenever you drop we don't cop we can't relate
You clout chase then we know that your out of date
Exterminate em right away like it's rapido underlay evacuate em in minute
What a minute, the timid sprinted till finish get dimmer
The wolves finning for dinner till the gimmick diminish
Can hang with the God's if you just kings of the kicks and the fits no match
For the king of the spit dip in melanin drip
That I was born with
The lyrics of "DNA" by Vic Chesnutt and Mr. and Mrs. Keneipp delve deep into the world of hip hop, offering a critique of the industry and challenging the authenticity and dedication of artists within it. The song starts by painting a picture of the competitive nature of hip hop where artists can easily be disposed of if they don't bring their A-game or offer substance in their music. The reference to serving up beats and getting served with heat on a platter sets the tone for the no-holds-barred attitude of the track.
The lyrics highlight the lost direction and lack of authenticity that some artists in the hip hop scene may possess. They criticize those who are caught up in the superficial aspects of the industry, such as chasing fame and fortune without truly embodying the essence of hip hop culture. The call to burn it down in the booth signifies the need for artists to bring their raw truth and passion to their music, rather than conforming to commercial expectations.
The mention of the spotlight, smoking mics, and stage performances symbolizes the glitz and glamour that often overshadow the true essence of hip hop. The lyrics emphasize the importance of dedication, sacrifice, and discipline in pursuing one's passion for music. The artists question the credibility of those who claim to be part of the hip hop culture but lack the genuine commitment and experience required to truly embody it.
In the closing verses, the artists assert their authenticity and roots in hip hop by referencing their DNA. They contrast materialistic displays of wealth with the true value of mental stimulation and substance in music. The critique of artists who prioritize clout chasing and superficial trends over genuine artistry reflects a desire for a return to the fundamentals of hip hop culture. The references to soul food, cultural richness, and the struggles of rising above industry trends allude to a deeper narrative of staying true to oneself and the roots of hip hop. Overall, the lyrics of "DNA" serve as a powerful commentary on the state of hip hop and the importance of authenticity and dedication in music.
Line by Line Meaning
Welcome to hip hop, where beats get bodies and murdered and MC'S they might get Served up or maybe they'll Serve ya with nothing but heat on a platter
Embrace the world of hip hop, where the music is powerful and the artist could face criticism or applause at any moment.
I'm only giving what really matters
I am focused on delivering meaningful and authentic content in my music.
A lot of these cats are brain scattered with no direction, they lost
Many artists lack focus and purpose, feeling lost in their creative journey.
Cought up in twist of the intersection, they cross
Confused at the crossroads of life, unsure which path to take.
Blind to the beauty of spitting they own truth, from the O.Gs down to the youth
Ignorant of the power of expressing their own stories through music, from the seasoned veterans to the young generation.
When you hit the Booth, burn it down
When you step into the recording booth, give it your all and leave a lasting impact with your music.
You know when them people love it when you turn it up
Recognition that audiences appreciate energy and passion in music performances.
When start moving the crowd, watch em gather round
As you engage the audience and create a connection, they will be drawn towards your performance.
When enter the spot gone head blow it up don't stop till you get enough
Arrive at the venue ready to energize the crowd and keep the momentum going until you've given your all.
Of them bright lights, smoking mic's and the stage hop out the cage in a fit of rage
Embrace the thrill of performing under the spotlight with intense passion and energy.
Ripping of the book of the artist that wrote
Taking inspiration from fellow musicians and adding your own unique style to the music industry.
Now quote it right, you ain't down to sacrifice, you ain't never paid the price
Ensure that your lyrics are authentic and truthful, reflecting the sacrifices and struggles you've faced in your career.
You ain't dedicate yo life to yo passion
If you haven't devoted your life to your art and passion, your work may lack depth and meaning.
Wit disciplinary action till you cash in, got me laughing
Laughing at those who seek success without putting in the hard work and discipline required to achieve it.
Claiming you wit, you ain't even, I'm really bout it
Challenging those who claim to be 'with it' or knowledgeable about the industry, asserting true dedication and commitment.
That's how I'm sprouted understand I was born with it
Acknowledging that music and artistry are innate talents, ingrained from birth.
Aye, aye, aye, it's in my DNA
Expressing that music and creativity are deeply embedded in one's genetic makeup and identity.
Ring the alarm, another sound of dying hey
Drawing attention to the decline of authentic and meaningful music in the industry.
Look I spit soul food cabbage and collard greens
Creating music with deep cultural roots and soulful authenticity.
Gravy on top of dressing rice and black beans
Adding layers of richness and depth to the music through meaningful lyrics and storytelling.
If you ain't mentally stimulating your waisting my TikTok
Only engaging with music that challenges and stimulates the mind, dismissing superficial and uninspired content.
Worth way more than that glitter you bust down on you wrist watch
Recognizing that true value lies in substance and meaning, not superficial displays of wealth.
Whether Rollie or Patek it don't matter we don't watch
Regardless of the materialistic displays or luxury watches, true creativity and artistry stand out.
You blew the labels budget and still flopped
Despite investing heavily in promotion and production, the music failed to connect with audiences.
Whenever you drop we don't cop we can't relate
Audiences are uninterested in supporting music that lacks authenticity and relevance to their lives.
You clout chase then we know that your out of date
Seeking fame and attention through superficial means reveals a lack of creativity and originality.
Exterminate em right away like it's rapido underlay evacuate em in minute
Eliminate unoriginal and uninspired music swiftly, like a quick evacuation.
What a minute, the timid sprinted till finish get dimmer
Artists who lack confidence and boldness may struggle to make a lasting impact or impression.
The wolves finning for dinner till the gimmick diminish
Those who seek to exploit trends and gimmicks will eventually fade away as audiences seek genuine and authentic artistry.
Can hang with the God's if you just kings of the kicks and the fits no match
True artistry and creativity can only be achieved by mastering the craft, not just focusing on material possessions and superficial trends.
For the king of the spit dip in melanin drip
Recognizing and celebrating authentic artists who embody cultural identity and heritage in their work.
That I was born with
Acknowledging that creativity and talent are innate gifts that are part of one's identity and heritage.
Lyrics © O/B/O DistroKid
Written by: Kevin Burley
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@jaechell8401
The 23 things inside Kendrick Lamar's DNA
1. Loyalty
2. Royalty
3. Concaine quarter piece
4. War
5. Peace
6. Power
7. Poison
8. Pain
9. Joy
10. Hustle
11. Ambition
12. Flow
13. Realness
14. Killing shit
15. Millions
16. Riches
17. Dark
18. Evil
19. Rot
20. Troublesome heart
21. Real N*gga
22. Dripping gold
23. Power shows
@luraxium
how is no one talking about how Don Cheadle totally NAILED this shit???
@MegaShinobi2011
On his interview on the People's Party, he says he basically learned his part in a few days and hadn't even heard the song before accepting the role in music video
@supervillianshaggy5238
Antonio Williams daaayyyuumm straight G SHIT
@Mr--_--M
luraxium I’m talking about it. Air high five through the Internet bro✋🏾👌🏾
@AlexanderPascalini
Nailed that shit thru his DNA
@caltorious9947
Init bro powerful vid
@saulsballs437
Producer : who do you want to invite in the video?
Kendrick : I need a War Machine
@sebastianguerrero1456
You mean Kung fu Kenny from rush hours 2
@jeffnieves5874
kung fu kenny !!
@apollo1949
I just rewatched rush hour two lmao