References in songs
Gertrude Stein (1874-1947) - Roseability - "Gertrude Stein said that's enough."
Legendary American author born on February 3, 1874 in Pennsylvania, USA. Spent her early years in Parisian literary circles and was catapulted to fame with the publication of "The Autobiography of Alice B. Toklas" in 1933. During The Nazi occupation she hit on hard times and lived in poverty, walking miles each day for food. She only just outlived the war, dying on 27th July 1947 of colonic cancer. Famously said "a rose, is a rose, is a rose," which could explain the title of this song. Gertrude Stein produced over 400 pieces of work and most are found in the Yale Collection of American Literature, Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library at Yale University.
Queen of the Troubled Teens
If you look at the original lyric sheet for "Smells Like Teen Spirit," by Nirvana (a band who undoubtedly influenced idlewild) in the book "Come as you are" by Michael Azzerad (p.212), you can read the lyrics (in Kurt Cobain's own writing),
"Who will be the king and queen
of the outcasted teens?"
Hugh Miller (1802-1856) - Idea Track - "Dear Hugh Miller..."
A Scotsman famed for being a stonemason, geologist, editor and writer.He recorded almost 350 legend and customs, most of which can be found in his most famous book, Scenes and Legends of the North of Scotland. He has a visitor centre built in memory of him at Cromarty near Inverness.
Jackson Pollock - Idea Track
born - Jan. 28, 1912, Cody, Wyo., U.S.
Paul Jackson Pollock, American abstract painter,describes as
'Action Painting'.He
developed the "drip painting" technique that
became his hallmark.
He suffered many nervous breakdowns, was always in hospital, and also became an alcoholic, he comitted suicide in 1956.
One of Roddy's favorite painters, the name 'jackson' appears on a
birthday cake in the 'when I argue I see shapes' video.
died - Aug. 11, 1956, East Hampton, N.Y.
Palace Flophouse -(Peeps into fairyland cover)
That song's about Mad Dog Coll and Dutch Schultz, two of
New York's most notorious gangsters of the 30s. They were enemies and Dutch
was killed in Newark, New Jersey at his taven which was called "Palace Chop
House" That was where everyone went to "take care of" killings and such.
Thanks to Nicole for the info
Syd Barrett - When i argue i see shapes
Born Jan. 6, 1946
Original name Roger Keith Barrett, he was the original vocalist of
rock band Pink Floyd.
Anyway....that's why the songs called Palace Flophouse, and why it says "Mad
Dog" over and over again throughout the entirty of the song. And why it says
"
The palace flophouse, is a good place to be if you ever need any help, like
if anyone's ever dead"
"Your croft, dated back to the beginning of the century"
In 1968 Barrett,
was struggling with schizophrenia and was
replaced by guitarist David Gilmour.
Is name-checked in the song 'when I argue I see shapes'.
"And when I argue Syd Barrett makes me laugh"