Who Doesn't Like A Bit Of Hot Chip Every Now and Then?

Every now and then I experience one of those days where a song jumps into my head from nowhere. I don't know where it comes from, I can't remember what I'm doing when it happens as I get too involved in the song straight away. But it triggers of course all the memories attached to that song and then I reflect on the artist themselves and remind myself I need to go and dig that song up, play it and reconnect with it as it has been way too long.

Well today I had one of those days. The song is called Boy From School and was released by a group called Hot Chip in 2006. For those of you unfamiliar with Hot Chip they are an English electronic outfit and got together around 2000. They rely heavily on synths, their sound is a bit synth-pop, and has sometimes been described as 'alternative dance'. Whatever the genre you place them in their sound is definitely original and refreshing.

(Hot Chip in 2019)

Originally a duo there are now five guys who form the band. They are Joe Goddard, Alexis Taylor, Owen Clarke, Al Doyle and Felix Martin. As the original partnership between Alexis Taylor and Joe Goddard they released songs by themselves for many years, starting off with more acoustics but then moving into electronica. They were eventually signed by Moshi Moshi in 2003. Shortly after releasing their debut album in 2004 entitled Coming On Strong they were joined by the other three band members.

After starting work on their second album they were signed by EMI and DFI Records in a UK US deal. It is this second album entitled The Warning that is the particular focus of this post as the song that popped into my brain earlier today, Boy From School, is taken from this album.

(Hot Chip Live at Brixton Academy, 2022)

It was such a unique moment hearing that song for the first time. I was completely galvanised and surprised in the most delightful way that only music can achieve. To this day I have still never been able to work out what it is about the melody and the tones and the layers built into that song that moves me so much. Don't get me wrong the lyrics are fine but with that song I am all about the tones.

I first listened to the song in question when I bought a CD copy of the album back in 2006. The sounds and tones of that song interest me far more than the lyrics. I had never really heard such an evocative sound on a mainstream album release before, in fact I don't think I had ever heard anything like it ever anywhere before then.

Here's the song with the official video. Just listen to the sounds and tones, I don't believe anyone can not be affected by them. To this day this tune for me ranks in the top 5 songs of all time to have had a positive impact on my life. I just hope it may have had the same impact on other peoples' lives.

Of course back then I was taking a break from my filmmaking degree but there was no stopping the surge of creativity that was pulsating through my mind listening to that song. For me the perfect visual accompaniment to a Boy From School is black and white 8mm or 16mm film. I don't know why but if I had the chance to make a music video to that song I would film it all in black and white film, not video.

Fancy another? Go on try this quirky little number. Enjoy!

I will never understand music. You don't need to.

Peace!