Empty Vessels

Album: Wall of Arms Deluxe Version (2009)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Brighton-based Indie rockers The Maccabees persuaded South London rapper Roots Manuva to come on board on a reworked and re-titled version of their 2009 track "No Kind Words." It was released as the lead single from their expanded edition of Wall of Arms. "He put his vocals over the track and we rearranged it and chopped it up a bit," guitarist Hugo White told The London Times January 29, 2010. "The moment he approved what we had done it felt like a success."
  • Frontman Orlando Weeks explained to The London Times that his original lyric was "an appeal to a friend to sort themself out a bit." Manuva's contribution transformed the song into a hip-hop parable of someone getting what he deserves.
  • Orlando Weeks recalled to NME Roots Manueva's arrival to lay down his vocals: "We were in this rehearsal space in Bermondsey, south London," he said, "and someone opened the door to have a cigarette or what you have you and he turned up and cycled straight into the studio without stopping. That set the precedent."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Brenda Russell

Brenda RussellSongwriter Interviews

Brenda talks about the inspiration that drove her to write hit songs like "Get Here" and "Piano in the Dark," and why a lack of formal music training can be a songwriter's best asset.

Francesca Battistelli

Francesca BattistelliSongwriter Interviews

The 2011 Artist of the Year at the Dove Awards isn't your typical gospel diva, and she thinks that's a good thing.

Eric Clapton

Eric ClaptonFact or Fiction

Did Eric Clapton really write "Cocaine" while on cocaine? This question and more in the Clapton edition of Fact or Fiction.

Supertramp founder Roger Hodgson

Supertramp founder Roger HodgsonSongwriter Interviews

Roger tells the stories behind some of his biggest hits, including "Give a Little Bit," "Take the Long Way Home" and "The Logical Song."

Producer Ron Nevison

Producer Ron NevisonSong Writing

Ron Nevison explains in very clear terms the Quadrophenia concept and how Heart staged their resurgence after being dropped by their record company.

Jon Foreman of Switchfoot

Jon Foreman of SwitchfootSongwriter Interviews

Switchfoot's frontman and main songwriter on what inspires the songs and how he got the freedom to say exactly what he means.