The Cribs - Moving Pictures | Single & Video Review
August 17, 2007 by Dave Parrack
Carrying on the trend for reviewing singles about 2 weeks late I’m afraid. I will catch up honest, it’s just bad time management that’s all! Here we have The Cribs new single called ‘Moving Pictures’ which was released on July 30th in the UK.
I’m a big fan of The Cribs, well at least their music that is, some of their attitude and controversial rantings just annoy the hell out of me. I had enough of that kind of bitching during the Britpop era of British music, when Oasis claimed everyone else was crap apart from them. They were the biggest band in the world at the time though, so at least had some justification. The Cribs are still on their way up however, and have yet to reach the top of their career arc.
This song is very much in keeping with The Cribs usual style of single, with punk drums and noisy guitars being layered under both singing brothers throaty vocals. If you don’t know much about The Cribs or have never heard of them, they are all brothers, with twins Ryan and Gary Jarman joined by younger brother and drummer Ross. Take a look at the video, the similarity is pretty plain to see.
The song is basically about fame, and people who dream of getting famous. There also seems to be elements of an argument or the end of a relationship in there, as the lyrics “Guarded thoughts, firing off, parting shots, missing lots” seems to imply. On one of the lyrics sites I frequent, someone also mentioned John F Kennedy and his assassination as being an inspiration behind the song, which does make sense to a certain degree.
The video is a mix of a live performance in what looks like a garage or lock up, with old film tricks such as the reel showing, and imperfections. It’s not the most exciting Cribs video I’ve ever seen, and the one for last single ‘Men’s Needs’ was much better. It’s still good though, and works for the song.
I’ve seen The Cribs live twice, once supporting Maximo Park and Kaiser Chiefs on an NME tour, and once at their own gig. Both times, they were a sight to behold, and not all of it good. The twins seemed to be pissed before even setting foot on stage at their own gig, and continued to drink throughout. This lead to Ryan playing the guitar with a half empty can of lager at one point, which is a bit of a spin on Jimi Hendrix playing with his teeth I suppose.
nice review, i agree that the video is a just alrite but compensated by the song - about jfk? weird.
anyway, totally sucks that you didn’t enjoy them live cuz they were “pissed.” i hate when bands do that, luckily for me when i saw them for the first time in chicago on mar 25 08 they were sober and put on a great show. ryan didn’t dive off the stage tho
you’re lucky you’ve seen them 3 times. anyway, check out my fotos and blog regarding the evening if you’re interested. the blog’s personal, but has a great tid bit regarding my run in with gary.
it’s also worth it to youtube this live performance because i think it’s interesting to see how american audiences react to them in comparison to european ones.
k….bye
I am completely infatuated with the cribs they are all great musicians and have a perfect atitude towards there ‘fame’ i have seen them live once and its was my first ever gig (a good while back now) but it was one of those nights you never forget. i can’t understand it when people look at at there atitudes as a negitive thing when its what makes then so great! as for that video it has to be the worst one of theres so far. I can’t wait to hear what they come up with now that J.Marr has joined them!