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A Town Called Insomnia
(4:02) Song Description
Originally recorded for Infinite's second album, 'A Town Called Insomnia' is interesting in the fact that it technically isn't even a song. Heavily inspired by the circus, and The Beatles song 'Being For The Benefit of Mr. Kite', Eric Quillington sought to create a recreation of a carnival. With background instrumental noises provided by Quillington, Greg Oldson, and Jason Smith (the producer of 'Insomnia'), Quillington's vision is realized. A noteworthy fact of this song is the quiet and subdued voices of the members in the audience of the 'circus'; they consist of the four members of Mind, and of Quillington's family. As his mother had passed away long before the creation of this song, her recording consists of a small snippet of a home video-recording. Although the Lithe family was initially uncertain about it's inclusion, they were eventually convinced that it would be a wonderful tribute.
Quillington steps away from singing in this song, and instead steps into the spoken role of a Circus Ringmaster. Oddly enough, the lyrics are quite different from a ringmaster's usual job of introducing the show; they consist of a charismatic salesman talking to his audience about a town that grants eternal youth. Entrance to the paradise, called Insomnia, costs nothing more than 'a shiny penny'. Throughout the eccentric song, there are various indications that the ringmaster is simply manipulating the audience; lines such as 'Insomnia places your face towards the sun' and 'all deals are final' give the revealed town a sinister undertone.
The lyrics of this song, and the idea of a town by the name of Insomnia granting eternal youth, were considered too out-of-place for Midnight Skies (the album it was initially recorded for). However, Infinite realized the potential of the song, and eventually agreed that their next album would be based around the themes prevalent in this song. A re-recording of the song was deemed necessary, to fit with the atmosphere of the album 'Insomnia' as a whole. As a result, there is a sense of uncertainty in the air; The whispered voices have a tone of quiet dread, even though their mumbled words are impossible to make out.
After the ringmaster's final words are spoken, guitar feedback and white noise can be heard getting progressively louder. The volume of the voices also steadily increases, giving a sense that their fear of doom is being justified. This continues for several seconds, before all noises are abruptly cut. An eerie piano is the only remanding sound as the song slowly fades out into silence.
Lyrics
"Welcome, one and all, to a town called Insomnia
Step on up and you will see your dreams realized
Pay nothing more than a shiny penny
And your life with be filled with endless days and nights
For living in Insomnia grants eternal youth
All the skeptics in the audience need merely to ask themselves;
“Is simple human cynicism worth losing the gift of a lifetime?”
I am but a simple salesman, yet my words speak loud and true
Mostly the former, but you won’t notice after I give these gifts to you
For living in Insomnia places your face towards the sun
Wave goodbye, one and all, to your possessions of this world
In its place will be a world unspeakable in its beauty
Basking in eternal light will serve as proof that you made the right choice
Although this world is priceless, all deals are final
For living in Insomnia gives me all my hopes and desires"
Personnel
Eric Quillington- Lead Vocals, Keyboards, Guitar, Lyricist
Greg Oldson- Drums, Keyboards
Jason Smith- Producer, Drums, Horn
Richard Lithe- Background Voice
John Lithe- Background Voice
Kelly Lithe- Background Voice [Recording]
Aaron Del Petro- Background Voice
Harry Thornton- Background Voice
Robert Edwards- Background Voice
Edited by user 24 February 2011 03:17:45(UTC)
| Reason: Not specified |
Kid Anything- Indie/Britpop/Shoegaze; influenced by Sigur Ros, XXYYXX, Kanye West, Blur, Oasis (Bringing together an eclectic group of influences, Ulysses' songs are sung with carefree abandon by Nick Junk) Kurt Ulysses - Songwriter, Guitarist, Backup Vocalist Nick Junk - Vocals, Mojo Infinite- Alternative/Experimental Rock; influenced by Muse, Radiohead, and The Beatles (Known best for their experimental music and their frontman's eccentric behavior, the band disbanded after Eric Quillington's death to pursue solo careers or, in Matt Robert's case, peace of mind. Infinite released four albums over the course of their career; Blue Nebula, Midnight Skies, Insomnia, and Dancing about Architecture.) Eric Quillington (Deceased) - Lead Vocals, Lead Guitar, Piano, Primary Lyricist Matt Roberts - Bass Greg Oldson - Drums, Backup Vocals, Secondary Lyricist Amelia Florentine - Keyboards, Piano, Lyricist, Backup Vocals "When asked 'how do you write?' I invariably answer, 'one word at a time', and this answer is invariably dismissed. But that's all it is. It sounds too simple to be true, but consider the Great Wall of China, if you will: one stone at a time, man. That's all. One stone at a time. But I've read you can see that motherfucker from space without a telescope." - Stephen King |
