from the 12” single, Nettwerk Records, 1987One of the more successful experimental crews from the ‘80s, Australia’s Severed Heads had already transitioned into a more mainstream sound (albeit, no less dark) by the time of this hopping single (laugh at the bad pun), one which undoubtedly had a major impact on Trent Reznor as he was preparing his debut album. Composer, and long-standing band member, Tom Ellard explains the name choice, “…we were called Mr. & Mrs. No Smoking Sign, because that was really ugly; then, we wanted to fool people that we were industrial, and it worked… Severed Heads was a really dumb name, so that’s what stuck, forever… I hate it, by the way…” With that sarcastic vibe in mind, I’m leaning towards this track being merely metaphor, although it could espouse something darker & kinkier all together (re: pediculophilia, ala Lords of Acid’s “Crablouse”), “…I am covered in filth, at least it's my own; my smell, well, you know you can't get higher…one day in my life is six in your world; with filth, it's all a little faster…I am off the leash, and hot with fleas, family couldn't be stronger; I am off your leash and hot with fleas…” Ellard has been quoted as saying that this track was written at a bad time for feelings, but a good time for wising up, which is a perpetual state of being for some of us.
