This Head I Hold
"This Head I Hold" | |
---|---|
Single by Electric Guest | |
from the album Mondo | |
Released | January 4, 2012 |
Length | 2:56 |
Label | Downtown Records |
Producer(s) | Danger Mouse |
"This Head I Hold" is the first single off of the debut album, Mondo, by Electric Guest. It was one of the best-selling single in France of 2012.
Lyrics and composition
Taccone said the song was conceived as a "constant reminder that you don’t have to follow in the steps of whatever kind of culture you’re a part of or whatever your society says you should or shouldn’t do."[1] It was the first song Taccone wrote for the album, and they almost did not include it.[2] Taccone presented the demo to his friend, Brian Burton, with plans to give the song to a woman.[3] Burton, however, insisted that it was too good to give away.[3] The vocals (reportedly recorded on a "Dictaphone") and the drums were both done in one take.[2]
Music video
On January 4, 2012, the band released a promotional video featuring the band playing the song live on stage.[4] In advance of the album's release, they released a second video built around a the narrative of a talent competition and a desert expedition.[4] It was directed by Keith Schofield.[5]
Charts
Chart (2012) | Peak position |
---|---|
French Albums (SNEP)[6] | 37 |
US Alternative Songs (Billboard)[7] | 30 |
Reception
Entertainment Weekly called it "all winking falsetto and retro swagger" that made "'hammock funk...the best new micro genre of the season."[8] The Canberra Times said the song "seems to have been designed specifically to get you on your feet."[9] The Sun found it to be a "breezy track...melding soulful vocals with lo-fi production."[10]
Appearances in the media
"This Head I Hold" was used in IKEA's 2014 'Every Meal is a Special Occasion' ad.[11]
References
- ↑ Gotch, Kristin (May 7, 2012), "An Interview with Electric Guest". PopMatters. Retrieved February 23, 2016.
- 1 2 SWIFT, JACQUI (April 19, 2013), "WELCOME GUEST". The Sun :55
- 1 2 Rolling Stone staff (April 11, 2012), "Danger Mouse Reveals Why He Produced Electric Guest's Debut Album". Rolling Stone. Retrieved February 25, 2016.
- 1 2 Isenberg, Daniel (April 23, 2012), 'Video: Electric Guest "This Head I Hold (Version 2)'". Complex.com. Retrieved February 23, 2016.
- ↑ IFEANYI, KC (April 26, 2012), "Keith Schofield Leads Us On A Journey Of Self-Discovery And Dancing In Electric Guest's New Video". Fast Cocreate. Retrieved February 23, 2016.
- ↑ . SNEP http://acharts.co/artist/electric_guest#songs. Retrieved March 16, 2016. Missing or empty
|title=
(help) - ↑ . Billboard http://www.billboard.com/artist/301589/electric-guest/chart?f=377. Retrieved March 16, 2016. Missing or empty
|title=
(help) - ↑ EW Staff (Mary 10, 2012), "EW's Spring Playlist: Nicki Minaj, Marina and the Diamonds, Schoolboy Q and more -- stream it here". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved February 22, 2016.
- ↑ Lane, Jessica (04/12/2012), "fly". The Canberra Times. The Canberra Times.
- ↑ Cosyns, Poppy (May 31, 2013), "HOT TRACKS". The Sun. :62
- ↑ MCCARTHY, JOHN (4 NOVEMBER 2014), "UK Top Shazamed Ads: Ikea retains the top spot with ‘This Head I Hold’ by Electric Guest". TheDrum.com. Retrieved February 23, 2016.