Ping Pong

Stereolab

About Ping Pong

Ping Pong is a 1994 EP by the English-French avant-pop band Stereolab. It served as the lead single from their third full-length album Mars Audiac Quintet. Three limited 7" runs were released in green, black, and pink colors. It was also released on CD and 10" vinyl. All four of its tracks were later re-released on the Oscillons from the Anti-Sun compilation, along with an alternative mix of "Ping Pong" which had been prepared for Mars Audiac Quintet but has not been used. "Ping Pong" is an upbeat satirical synthesiser and brass-led pop song which discusses the business cycle. The subject matter, considered to be unusual in popular music, has been cited by critics in support of a description of the group as "Marxist pop", a label that the group rejected."Ping Pong" reached #45 in the UK singles chart and was voted #9 in John Peel's Festive Fifty for 1994. 


Year:
1994
3:02
66 
#1

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It's alright 'cause the historical pattern has shown 
How the economical cycle tends to revolve
In a round of decades three stages stand out in a loop
A slump and war then peel back to square one and back for more

Bigger slump and bigger wars and a smaller recovery
Huger slump and greater wars and a shallower recovery

You see the recovery always comes 'round again
There's nothing to worry for things will look after themselves
It's alright recovery always comes 'round again
There's nothing to worry if things can only get better

There's only millions that lose their jobs and homes and sometimes accents
There's only millions that die in their bloody wars, it's alright

It's only their lives and the lives of their next of kin that they are losing
It's only their lives and the lives of their next of kin that they are losing

It's alright 'cause the historical pattern has shown
How the economical cycle tends to revolve
In a round of decades three stages stand out in a loop
A slump and war then peel back to square one and back for more

Bigger slump and bigger wars and a smaller recovery
Huger slump and greater wars and a shallower recovery

Don't worry be happy things will get better naturally
Don't worry shut up sit down go with it and be happy

Dumb, dumb, dumb, de dumb dumb, de duh de duh de dumb dumb dum... ah ah
Dumb, dumb, dumb, de dumb dumb, de duh de duh de dumb dumb dum... ah ah

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Stereolab

Stereolab are an alternative music band formed in 1990 in London, England. The band originally comprised songwriting team Tim Gane (guitar/keyboards) and Lætitia Sadier (vocals/keyboards/guitar), both of whom remained at the helm across many lineup changes. Other long-time members include Mary Hansen (backing vocals/keyboards/guitar), who played with the group from 1992 until her accidental death in 2002, and Andy Ramsay (drums), who joined in 1993, and who is still in the official line-up. more »

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Written by: LAETITIA SADIER, TIMOTHY JOHN GANE

Lyrics © DOMINO PUBLISHING COMPANY, Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Artist Analysis
"Ping Pong" is a song by Stereolab, an English-French avant-pop band known for their eclectic style combining influences from krautrock, lounge, and 1960s pop music.
Album Context
The song is included in the album "Mars Audiac Quintet", which was released on August 8, 1994. This was Stereolab's fourth studio album and it marked a significant evolution in the band's sound.
Lyrics Interpretation
The lyrics of "Ping Pong" are considered highly political, considered a critique of unchecked capitalism and its cyclic nature of boom and bust.
Commercial Success
Despite Stereolab's often niche appeal, "Ping Pong" became one of their most recognizable and popular songs. It even reached the kind of commercial success that is rare for an avant-garde band, charting at number 45 in the UK Singles Chart.
Music Video
The music video for "Ping Pong" was directed by Nick Abrahams and Etienne Daho. In the strange and fascinating video, band members can be seen playing ping pong with rather unusual objects, including but not limited to teacups, lobsters, shoes, and books.
Melody and Sound
"Ping Pong" is known for its upbeat, almost perky melody, despite its serious lyrics. This contrast is seen by some critics as a representation of the misleading allure of capitalism.
Live Performances
"Ping Pong" remains one of Stereolab's most frequently performed songs during their live shows.
Acclaim
The song is often praised for its catchy, layered arrangements and the combination of pop and experimental music, making it a tune that is accessible but still rich in substance.
Public Perception
Although the band members have talked about how the song is a satirical critique of economics, many fans love the song for its bright, poppy sound and catchy lyrics.
Band's Perspective
Stereolab member Tim Gane has said in an interview that "Ping Pong" was a big step forward for the band in terms of songwriting, and he considered it to be a very important song for Stereolab's evolution.

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    Ping Pong

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    Album

    Ping Pong [EP]

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