Maidenhead

Album: Under Color of Official Right (2014)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Maidenhead is a town that lies just south of the River Thames, 25 miles from London. Its riverside location has drawn many celebrities to live there. So why did Detroit punk band Protomartyr record a song about the English place?

    Vocalist Joe Casey told NME the track was inspired by writer Patrick Hamilton's book Hangover Square about a London-based drunk who wishes he could live in Maidenhead but after finally getting there he finds it to be as depressing as everywhere else he's ever been. He explained: "I like the way he describes the periods of dead moods this guy has, and I kind of latched onto that in a good way. I think in Detroit a lot of people think, 'If I didn't live in Detroit my whole life would be so much better', and after traveling around a little bit I can see that no matter where I am I'm still the same guy – so there's no Maidenhead out there for me."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Five Rockers Who Rolled With The Devil

Five Rockers Who Rolled With The DevilSong Writing

Just how much did these monsters of rock dabble in the occult?

Dwight Twilley

Dwight TwilleySongwriter Interviews

Since his debut single "I'm On Fire" in 1975, Dwight has been providing Spinal-Tap moments and misadventure.

Weezer

WeezerFact or Fiction

Did Rivers Cuomo grow up on a commune? Why did they name their albums after colors? See how well you know your Weezer in this Fact or Fiction.

Glen Phillips of Toad the Wet Sprocket

Glen Phillips of Toad the Wet SprocketSongwriter Interviews

The "All I Want" singer went through a long depression, playing some shows when he didn't want to be alive.

Director Nick Morris ("The Final Countdown")

Director Nick Morris ("The Final Countdown")Song Writing

Nick made some of the biggest videos on MTV, including "The Final Countdown," "Heaven" and "Don't Know What You Got (Till It's Gone)."

Linda Perry

Linda PerrySongwriter Interviews

Songwriting Hall of Famer Linda Perry talks about her songs "What's Up" and "Beautiful," her songwriting process, and her move into film music.