Genius or Fool?
A lot has been written about the lyrics on Art Brut's debut record, Bang Bang Rock & Roll. Its rock 'n' roll poetry is either some of the most brilliant or idiotic lyrics every committed to record. I read off some lyrics to frontman Eddie Argos, in a vain attempt to settle the score once, and for all.
Formed a band/we formed a band/look at us/we formed a band. ("Formed a Band")
I was so happy-I can't play an instrument or sing-that these people would let me in their band. I thought if I said, "We formed a band," they'd keep me in. I was just really excited. When I say, "Yes, this is my singing voice," in the verse, it's because I was singing in the studio, and the engineer stopped everything and said, "Are you okay? Can I get you a glass of water?"
I'm considering a move to LA (he's considering a move to LA)/I'm considering a move to LA (he's considering a move to LA). ("Moving to LA")
I can't drive anywhere on my bike, because everything's so far apart there. I'm going to have to get a chauffer, if I move there, or a horse-so some sort of mode of transport that's not a car.
Bang Bang Rock & Roll/I can't stand the sound/of the Velvet Underground/I can't stand the sound/the second time around. ("Bang Bang Rock & Roll")
The Velvet Underground put things forward and did some amazing things, and The Strokes are just a really good pop band. I'm thinking of bands copying bands, and I'm just being really, really petty basically. I think the Velvet Underground are a perfectly good reason to wear sunglasses and take drugs. I tell people now it's about their reunion in 1993, because they weren't very good when they go back together, were they?