It's Martini Time

Album: It's Martini Time (1996)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • The title cut from the band's 1996 Interscope Records album, it marked a change in producers for the band. Previously using Ministry's Al Jourgensen on their 1994 album Liquor in the Front, the band brought in producer Thorn Panunzio, who had previously worked for John Lennon and U2. Panunzio's influence brought a sound that was less abrasive from previous albums. The finished work was smoother and injected more humor. He also got the band using sound loops for the first time.
  • This breezy dance tune reflects a dialogue between two characters. The simple universal question, "Hey, buddy do you got the time?" spawns an exchange between the two. It invokes job loss and being down and out and how a martini is the answer. Must be serious, "I live my life for a layer of ice."
  • The background vocals by Jimbo Wallace attempt to lighten the mood. As Reverend Horton sings the chorus "martini time" three times, Wallace shouts right behind The Rev as if Prohibition has just been repealed: "vodka ice shaker! olive or lime! gotta have glasses!" You can drift back in time to when movies were black and white and folks danced the jitterbug.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Andrew Farriss of INXS

Andrew Farriss of INXSSongwriter Interviews

Andrew Farriss on writing with Michael Hutchence, the stories behind "Mystify" and other INXS hits, and his country-flavored debut solo album.

Danny Kortchmar

Danny KortchmarSongwriter Interviews

Danny played guitar on Sweet Baby James, Tapestry, and Running On Empty. He also co-wrote many hit songs, including "Dirty Laundry," "Sunset Grill" and "Tender Is The Night."

Chris Frantz - "Genius of Love"

Chris Frantz - "Genius of Love"They're Playing My Song

Chris and his wife Tina were the rhythm section for Talking Heads when they formed The Tom Tom Club. "Genius of Love" was their blockbuster, but David Byrne only mentioned it once.

Dean Pitchford

Dean PitchfordSongwriter Interviews

Dean wrote the screenplay and lyrics to all the songs in Footloose. His other hits include "Fame" and "All The Man That I Need."

Who's Johnny, And Why Does He Show Up In So Many Songs

Who's Johnny, And Why Does He Show Up In So Many SongsSong Writing

For songwriters, Johnny represents the American man. He has been angry, cool, magic, a rebel and, of course, marching home.

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.