Can't Go Back

Album: Beautiful Future (2008)
Charted: 48
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This song was produced by Paul Epworth. Among his other production credits are "Foundations" by Kate Nash, which he also co-wrote, "Graffiti" for Maximo Park and "Helicopter," "So Here We Are" and "Banquet" for Bloc Party.
  • The video features a number of models including, Lily Cole, being dispatched by a cruel maniac. It was directed by Kim Gehrig who recalls on Promo News: "When I was researching this video I spent an entire weekend locked up in my flat watching Italian horror movies. I was home alone and by Sunday night I was so completely freaked out, I couldn't even go to the shop for milk, and had to drink black coffee.

    Bobby (Gillespie) was so great to work with. He really got into the idea - although he was pretty keen to be the one to kill the girls himself, and it took a little while to talk him round! Bobby is very original in the way he performs and incredibly compelling to watch. The idea of the colored light corridor was to give him an unusual stage on which to perform. I wanted him to be the central force in the video, and for it to feel like he was almost willing the deaths.
    Katy England styled the video and we went for a subtle '70s vibe. We managed to get great models to star in the deaths - Lily Cole, Alice Dellal, Rosemary Fergusson and Kiera Gormley. Very easy on the eye, and by the way big up the fabulous hair and make-up team of Petros Petrohilos and Eamonn Hughes.
    The final image of each death was really important. I wanted each one to be almost like the murderer was an artist creating images. I think Lily's chandelier hat is my favorite. (Director of Photography) Tom Townend and I got into the 'giallo' mood with the colourful lighting. We wanted to use strong colours, a bit psychedelic without it becoming too sickly. The art direction, by Gregg Shoulder, also had that retro feel. The most difficult thing was probably constructing the rig for the chandelier to land on Lily's head."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Zakk Wylde

Zakk WyldeSongwriter Interviews

When he was playing Ozzfest with Black Label Society, a kid told Zakk he was the best Ozzy guitarist - Zakk had to correct him.

Greg Lake of Emerson, Lake & Palmer

Greg Lake of Emerson, Lake & PalmerSongwriter Interviews

Greg talks about writing songs of "universal truth" for King Crimson and ELP, and tells us about his most memorable stage moment (it involves fireworks).

Scott Gorham of Thin Lizzy and Black Star Riders

Scott Gorham of Thin Lizzy and Black Star RidersSongwriter Interviews

Writing with Phil Lynott, Scott saw their ill-fated frontman move to a darker place in his life and lyrics.

A Monster Ate My Red Two: Sesame Street's Greatest Song Spoofs

A Monster Ate My Red Two: Sesame Street's Greatest Song SpoofsSong Writing

When singers started spoofing their own songs on Sesame Street, the results were both educational and hilarious - here are the best of them.

Christmas Songs

Christmas SongsFact or Fiction

Rudolf, Bob Dylan and the Singing Dogs all show up in this Fact or Fiction for seasonal favorites.

Bill Medley of The Righteous Brothers

Bill Medley of The Righteous BrothersSongwriter Interviews

Medley looks back on "Unchained Melody" and "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'" - his huge hits from the '60s that were later revived in movies.