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Catherine Wheel — Black Metallic
Album: Ferment
Avg rating:
7.2

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1249









Released: 1992
Length: 7:14
Plays (last 30 days): 2
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I've never seen you when you're smiling
It really gets under my skin
You say it's easy when it's faster
I still can't guess what you're after

It's the colour of your skin
Your skin is black metallic
It's the colour of your skin
Your skin is black metallic
Your skin is black metallic
Your skin is black metallic

I think of you when you're sleeping
Of all the secrets that you're keeping
You can't stay all day under the covers
'Cause under there you'll discover

It's the colour of your skin
Your skin is black metallic
It's the colour of your skin
Your skin is black metallic
Your skin is black metallic
You're turning black metallic...

It's the colour of your skin
It's the colour of your skin...

Your skin is black metallic
Your skin is black metallic
Your skin is black metallic
You're turning black metallic

It's the colour of your skin
Your skin is black metallic
Your skin is black metallic
Your skin is black metallic
Your skin is black metallic
Your skin is black metallic
Your skin is black metallic
Comments (180)add comment
The only other place I can hear this tune these days is on my iPod
Thanks Bill!!!
Posted 2 years ago by KPC1    [ Reply ]
 Lazarus wrote:


You must have a big head!  This song is marvelous...




Maybe his real name is Todd? Hangs around with monsters? 
Posted 2 years ago by eeastridge    [ Reply ]
Who else loves upgrading ratings? Moving this from 8 to 9. 
Posted 3 years ago by element1    [ Reply ]
Oh that calm bridge before the final storm wall. 
This was such a fantastic discovery on late night obscure radio, and I still love it today.
Posted 3 years ago by easmann    [ Reply ]
I saw them in concert in SF in 93.  When they played this song, I became an instant fan. More shoegaze, please!
Posted 3 years ago by cavemanleong    [ Reply ]
I first heard this live at a small club in upstate NY back in '94. Fell in love with Catherine Wheel after banging my head to the this tune. One of my favorites of the 1990's.  
Posted 4 years ago by teeyodi    [ Reply ]
 the_jake wrote:

What is the hidden meaning of "black metallic" skin?   Must be important to this song because it comprises more than half of the lyrics.
 
It's a reference to a car. Lead singer studied automobile design. May even has his degree in it (industrial design)
Posted 4 years ago by phlattop    [ Reply ]
I remember buying the 12" single when this came out. I still have it. Top tune. Flows superbly, like an avalanche.
Towards the end, as it goes all tender is when the St Bernard shows-up with some brandy for you, to prepare you for the last verse.
Posted 5 years ago by ppopp    [ Reply ]
Love this one... our daughter used it as background for a video she did as a project with art from the Diamond Club Tattoo Studio in SF. If you're ever in SF look them up on Van Ness. Bill passed in January, but I think Junii is still there. A home for some world class artists whenever they are in town. I love those people and this song always brings me home.  As a side note, I  must have heard this 60 times while she was editing and still never got tired of it!
Posted 5 years ago by derhey9416    [ Reply ]
 handyrae wrote:
This goes on entirely too long for my taste. But that's what the mute button is for I suppose.
 
What is the hidden meaning of "black metallic" skin?   Must be important to this song because it comprises more than half of the lyrics.
Posted 5 years ago by the_jake    [ Reply ]
 melzabutch wrote:

Bill I need a follow up by Neds Atomic Dust Bin, Green Cell Grey and my head might explode.

 
That's an arguably louder (and great) song
Posted 7 years ago by phlattop    [ Reply ]
 melzabutch wrote:
Bill need more of this.  I wish my speakers would go to 11, and my rating for this song.

 
Bill I need a follow up by Neds Atomic Dust Bin, Green Cell Grey and my head might explode.
Posted 7 years ago by melzabutch    [ Reply ]
cacophony..
Posted 7 years ago by IndyDoug    [ Reply ]
Bill need more of this.  I wish my speakers would go to 11, and my rating for this song.
Posted 8 years ago by melzabutch    [ Reply ]
GRUNCHY OUT OF TIME
Posted 8 years ago by Panchoalico    [ Reply ]
Not so much a wall, more of a crock.
Posted 8 years ago by trevc    [ Reply ]
 merkin_muffley wrote:
Said it before, about a year ago but

a superb wall of sound. 
 
yeah, wall of sound is right. I'd imagine that live they must have been incredibly loud. Fine band that should've been bigger in the U.S.
Posted 8 years ago by phlattop    [ Reply ]
When you get to 10 where can you go from there? Where? 11 !

Limpopoking wrote:
Bill, we need an 11 that we can pull out in cases of unbridled rapture... like now!

Think about it and get back to me {#Biggrin} 

 


Posted 8 years ago by jeffcuk    [ Reply ]
Absolutely AWESOME
Posted 8 years ago by melzabutch    [ Reply ]
A Perfect Description of this fabulous song....from a fantastic album!!! {#Cheers}




merkin_muffley wrote:
Said it before, about a year ago but

a superb wall of sound. 
 


Posted 10 years ago by d48m02h    [ Reply ]
Said it before, about a year ago but

a superb wall of sound. 
Posted 11 years ago by merkin_muffley    [ Reply ]
Bill, we need an 11 that we can pull out in cases of unbridled rapture... like now!

Think about it and get back to me {#Biggrin} 
Posted 11 years ago by Limpopoking    [ Reply ]
...good with this... 8+
Posted 11 years ago by drivingunit103    [ Reply ]
SUPERB.
Posted 11 years ago by Bridieboo    [ Reply ]
 Limpopoking wrote:
EVERYBODY IN MY HEAD LOVES THIS SONG {#Lol}
 

You must have a big head!  This song is marvelous...


Posted 11 years ago by Lazarus    [ Reply ]
Love love love it!!!
Posted 11 years ago by Dav3thedog    [ Reply ]

Everybody in my church loves this song...

Posted 11 years ago by Lazarus    [ Reply ]
Sold! To the smiling man way in the back.
Posted 11 years ago by houston    [ Reply ]
This is an excellent tune. Solid 7.
Posted 11 years ago by DD gypsyman    [ Reply ]
 mostling wrote:
Catherinewheel and the Pixies really helped with the transition from the 80's into the 90's
 



Soft, loud, soft?
Posted 12 years ago by Sasha2001    [ Reply ]
One wall of sound...
Can't make anything of this...
PSD for me...
Posted 12 years ago by vanmas    [ Reply ]
That is one cool cover. 
Posted 12 years ago by Zep    [ Reply ]
Epic. Like it!
Posted 12 years ago by Nadine    [ Reply ]
Catherinewheel and the Pixies really helped with the transition from the 80's into the 90's
Posted 12 years ago by mostling    [ Reply ]
This goes on entirely too long for my taste. But that's what the mute button is for I suppose.
Posted 12 years ago by handyrae    [ Reply ]
Wow! Fantastic!!
Posted 12 years ago by Josua    [ Reply ]
An now things just got much better for me hearing this song. 
Can head into CrossFit with much better frame of mind.  
Posted 12 years ago by Kaisersosay    [ Reply ]
a 10 is not enough for this amazing piece of music.
A great British band who really did not get the recognition they deserved.
Posted 12 years ago by merkin_muffley    [ Reply ]
EVERYBODY IN MY HEAD LOVES THIS SONG {#Lol}
Posted 12 years ago by Limpopoking    [ Reply ]
I would rate this a 12 if I could.
Posted 12 years ago by SlinkyJ    [ Reply ]
Still a 10, after all these years
Posted 12 years ago by coding_to_music    [ Reply ]
This is one that needs to be boosted up a few notches.
Posted 12 years ago by eroz    [ Reply ]
 leap wrote:
This song is very cool, ist's like to be into a big orange pool swiming with pink dolphins {#Whistle}
 

Done that in the Apure River Venezuela, but the big orange pool never did occur to me - damn.
Posted 12 years ago by TerryS    [ Reply ]
 Poacher wrote:

It that why you have tissues sticking out of your ears?
 
There once was a young man from Brighton,
Who remarked to his woman, 'My, you're a tight one.'
She said, 'Upon my soul,
You're in the wrong hole,
There's plenty of room in the right one
Posted 12 years ago by TerryS    [ Reply ]
me likey.................
Posted 13 years ago by Tamster    [ Reply ]
 Alafia wrote:
3 chords and two lines of lyric, repeated over and over and over and over and over........

  would be uber-boring if it wasn't so annoying.

 
totally agree....the term caterwauling comes to mind.


Posted 13 years ago by ShinyTop    [ Reply ]
 kaviksdad wrote:
I just had an eargasm...
 
It that why you have tissues sticking out of your ears?
Posted 13 years ago by SquiddlyDiddly    [ Reply ]
 Alafia wrote:
3 chords and two lines of lyric, repeated over and over and over and over and over........

  would be uber-boring if it wasn't so annoying.

 
Really sorry that is all you can hear....there is so much more there!

Posted 13 years ago by sbegf    [ Reply ]
3 chords and two lines of lyric, repeated over and over and over and over and over........

  would be uber-boring if it wasn't so annoying.

Posted 13 years ago by Alafia    [ Reply ]
Loving the way this song kicks in near the end!
Posted 13 years ago by sbegf    [ Reply ]
Was loving these guys when everyone else was fawning over Oasis and Blur.  Much better than either of the latter bands IMHO.
Posted 13 years ago by Canlistener    [ Reply ]
 MrSpaz wrote:
Anyone else hear Cranberries in there? I think the Cranberries lifted from this song, but I can't remember the title of the song I'm thinking of.

Edit: Looks like its "The Rebels" from "To The Faithful Departed." The beginning part of this song and that entire track seem to share a similar riff.
 
Definitely.


Posted 13 years ago by MA    [ Reply ]
Very nice song!
Posted 13 years ago by fabduchi    [ Reply ]

8 {#Arrow} 9

Posted 13 years ago by vandal    [ Reply ]
Ahhhhhh.....love Catherine Wheel!  I still have this CD — whole thing is great.  Wonder why no one has uploaded "I Want To Touch You"? 
Posted 13 years ago by socalhol    [ Reply ]
I just had an eargasm...
Posted 13 years ago by kaviksdad    [ Reply ]
 htowncoog wrote:
I was lucky enough to see these guys with about 40 folks in the audience. I remember when they played this song, I was looking around the room, realizing this was a very cool, almost private concert. 9.
 
remember seeing these guys in a tiny club in Temple Bar almost 20 years ago; this was the only song I knew from them at the time, and i'm damned if i can remember any others now.  was this their only hit?


Posted 13 years ago by rah    [ Reply ]
thank you, thank you, thank you
Posted 13 years ago by SlinkyJ    [ Reply ]
This song is very cool, ist's like to be into a big orange pool swiming with pink dolphins {#Whistle}
Posted 13 years ago by leap    [ Reply ]
First time I hear this and it sound good!!
Posted 13 years ago by Dinges,_the_Dude    [ Reply ]
Is this Porcupine Tree again
Posted 13 years ago by cohifi    [ Reply ]
Kinda like Porcupine Tree but lacking the production values.

 

Would guess that Catherine Wheel members were either influenced by Talk Talk or both bands drank from the same well.

 



 


Posted 13 years ago by westslope    [ Reply ]
I was lucky enough to see these guys with about 40 folks in the audience. I remember when they played this song, I was looking around the room, realizing this was a very cool, almost private concert. 9.
Posted 14 years ago by htowncoog    [ Reply ]
The only 10 I think I'll ever give a song. The best.
Posted 14 years ago by SlinkyJ    [ Reply ]
 redstorm wrote:
Has a bit of Porcupine Tree feel. Which is  good thing, IMHO
 
Well,I think this song owes a whole lot to Talk Talk, especially the voice and instrumentation during the more quiet parts.

But sure, whatever floats your boat and all that.
Agree to both! :-) nice. 8. :-)

Posted 14 years ago by mineralBOB    [ Reply ]
Nice.
Posted 14 years ago by On_The_Beach    [ Reply ]
 redstorm wrote:
Has a bit of Porcupine Tree feel. Which is  good thing, IMHO
 
Well,I think this song owes a whole lot to Talk Talk, especially the voice and instrumentation during the more quiet parts.

But sure, whatever floats your boat and all that.

Posted 14 years ago by Darkmatter    [ Reply ]

Genie-us


Posted 14 years ago by fuh2    [ Reply ]
 redstorm wrote:
Has a bit of Porcupine Tree feel. Which is  good thing, IMHO
 
Catherine Wheel came first.. so it's gotta be the other way around. Either way, a good thing.

Posted 14 years ago by Ntropy    [ Reply ]
real good guitarsound, here from underground best sound
Posted 14 years ago by crucy    [ Reply ]
Has a bit of Porcupine Tree feel. Which is  good thing, IMHO
Posted 14 years ago by redstorm    [ Reply ]
You just can't beat a bit of early nineties shoegazing

Anyone remember Chapterhouse?
Posted 14 years ago by salice    [ Reply ]
Best song ever. Seriously. Thanks so much for playing CW!
Posted 14 years ago by SlinkyJ    [ Reply ]
 1wolfy wrote:
GOOOOD   Song  {#Bounce}  colooooooor

 
No doubt!!
 I had to keep checking to see if it was still the same song! Awesome cut.

Posted 15 years ago by j7    [ Reply ]
Some spine-tingling hooks in this one.
Posted 15 years ago by fuh2    [ Reply ]
GOOOOD   Song  {#Bounce}  colooooooor

Posted 15 years ago by 1wolfy    [ Reply ]
 phlattop wrote:

He's singing about a car. The singer, Rob Dickinson, was/is a car designer.

 
Hello, Overly Literal. Damn kids don't understand simile and metaphor these days.

Oh yeah, and get off my lawn!!

Posted 15 years ago by dsrtfalcon    [ Reply ]
If it is possible to wear out a CD, I did so with this one back in the day.  Love the wall of sound.
Posted 15 years ago by snowcat    [ Reply ]
"It really gets under my skin......"

And I sing it all day.  Fripp is pretty darn good to listen to also....from the Chrome Album if I recall.

This station keeps getting better.  Now I can plug my BB phone into my car and vroom!!  No ads!  Kewl!  Thanks Mr. Bill  !!

Posted 15 years ago by GlassMan!    [ Reply ]
CW was one of the better things about the early '90s from what I recall...musically speaking. {#Yes}
Posted 15 years ago by Tim_in_N_FL    [ Reply ]
Good stuff, love these guys!
Posted 15 years ago by jhorton    [ Reply ]
I was just listening to this song on my drive into work. Love it.
Posted 15 years ago by teapot    [ Reply ]
 azdcryan wrote:
bare feet
gallon water jugs
friends & lovers
psilocybin
thousands moving as one
super kind
copious sunshine
HFStival
many many moons ago
 

The original HFStivals were incredible..
Posted 15 years ago by Kdubba    [ Reply ]
 stevetipp wrote:
let me get this straight. the color of your skin, it's black metallic? you might want to come in and let's have a look a that.
 
He's singing about a car. The singer, Rob Dickinson, was/is a car designer.

Posted 15 years ago by phlattop    [ Reply ]
this_sucks
Posted 15 years ago by gutboy    [ Reply ]
 In 2007 RadioDoc wrote:
Everything that's old is new again: Now Playing: Catherine Wheel - Black Metallic
Breeders - Drivin' On 9
My Morning Jacket - Golden
Joe Henry - Time Is A Lion
 
I'll pay $100 to get Joe Henry back in that slot instead of the insipid Overkill River track that replaced it. Luckily the rest of the set redeems even that piece of trash.

Posted 15 years ago by RadioDoc    [ Reply ]

Posted 15 years ago by gutboy    [ Reply ]
bare feet
gallon water jugs
friends & lovers
psilocybin
thousands moving as one
super kind
copious sunshine
HFStival
many many moons ago
Posted 15 years ago by azdcryan    [ Reply ]
{#Frustrated}{#Rolleyes} I DON'T GET IT
Posted 15 years ago by Mandible    [ Reply ]
{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana_2}{#Bananajam}{#Guitarist}{#Drummer}{#Bananasplit}{#Dancingbanana}{#Whistle}
Posted 15 years ago by obzidian    [ Reply ]
Unfortunately, I'm at work listening to this. Otherwise I boost up the volume. Great song!
Posted 15 years ago by Boston_Ed    [ Reply ]
 Ntropy wrote:

One of the most underrated bands EVER! I miss them..whatever happened to them (goes to wiki){#Bananajam}


 

Yeah, I've always loved their stuff, as well. I absolutely love the "Happy Days" CD.

As far as what happened to them...according to wikipedia, they went on hiatus around nine years ago. Brian Futter (lead guitarist) and Neil Sims (drummer) have an ongoing project called 50 ft Monster. After working with/ playing live with Tracy Bonham for several years, Rob Dickinson (lead singer/guitarist) released a solo album in 2005 called Fresh Wine for the Horses. Rob continues to perform live and has recently signed a recording contract with Universal Music Canada.
Posted 15 years ago by Danimal174    [ Reply ]
 KurtfromLaQuinta wrote:
well... it finally made it! i uploaded this a few months back. it got 11/1 vote with a sorry. i guess it got uploaded again and got accepted.
 
coding_to_music wrote: Nah, sometimes B&R change their mind. Happened to me the other day with another song!


I hate when this happens.
It really wrecks havoc with my accepted / rejected record. {#Mrgreen}

Posted 15 years ago by KurtfromLaQuinta    [ Reply ]
 KurtfromLaQuinta wrote:

Robot love.

YEAH BABY!! 

{#Whipit}

Posted 15 years ago by The_Enemy    [ Reply ]
 stevetipp wrote:
let me get this straight. the color of your skin, it's black metallic? you might want to come in and let's have a look a that.
 
Robot love.

Posted 15 years ago by KurtfromLaQuinta    [ Reply ]
Man I do love that song
Posted 15 years ago by Kaisersosay    [ Reply ]
 kazuma wrote:

Well put.

Question to CW fans: If I'm going to buy one CD from this group, which one should it be?
 

You can't just get one. It's like potato chips... one leads to the next, and the next and the next
Posted 15 years ago by Ntropy    [ Reply ]
 Ntropy wrote:

One of the most underrated bands EVER! I miss them..whatever happened to them (goes to wiki){#Bananajam}


 

I agree.
Posted 15 years ago by teapot    [ Reply ]
What a great Friday tune!!  {#Bananajam}
Posted 15 years ago by coolpeople_rule    [ Reply ]
LOVE IT!!!
Posted 15 years ago by dkeifer    [ Reply ]

One of the most underrated bands EVER! I miss them..whatever happened to them (goes to wiki){#Bananajam}


Posted 15 years ago by Ntropy    [ Reply ]
YES!!!!
Posted 15 years ago by teapot    [ Reply ]
corioj wrote:
Same set today...funny. good stuff.
A word to the wise: It's not a coincidence when the same set comes up several times over the course of a few months. Instead of randomizing the playlist, BillG puts together sets of music while he is at the desk, and when he creates a good set, he preserves it so that the set will be played again later, even if he's asleep or gone for groceries or whatever. I find that when I just get used to hearing a set of songs being played together, and start to anticipate the next song, he changes the set. This is, to my taste, perfect.
Posted 16 years ago by Ag3nt0rang3    [ Reply ]
sdn wrote:
Okay, so I'm a sucker for hard guitars and heavy reverb. So sue me!
I won't sue you, but it sure ain't my cuppa tea!
Posted 16 years ago by Gednabb    [ Reply ]
sdn wrote:
Okay, so I'm a sucker for hard guitars and heavy reverb. So sue me!
wont be any lawsuit here
Posted 16 years ago by davin    [ Reply ]
Okay, so I'm a sucker for hard guitars and heavy reverb. So sue me!
Posted 16 years ago by sdn    [ Reply ]
tenacious_v wrote:
and again!!! Everything that's old is new again: Now Playing: Catherine Wheel - Black Metallic Breeders - Drivin' On 9 My Morning Jacket - Golden Joe Henry - Time Is A Lion
Today Joe Henry is replaced by Fleet Foxes - Mykonos. Personally, I think it is a better fit.
Posted 16 years ago by robco1    [ Reply ]
This song brings on a mild melancholy. I haven't heard this song in years, haven't thought about it in as long, and now I'm suddenly younger. I don't know if I can handle nostalgia this afternoon.
Posted 16 years ago by formersnowbug    [ Reply ]
kazuma wrote:
Well put. Question to CW fans: If I'm going to buy one CD from this group, which one should it be?
I'd go for "Happy Days". It was their most solid effort, I think.
Posted 16 years ago by Danimal174    [ Reply ]
tenacious_v wrote:
and again!!! Everything that's old is new again: Now Playing: Catherine Wheel - Black Metallic Breeders - Drivin' On 9 My Morning Jacket - Golden Joe Henry - Time Is A Lion
and again
Posted 16 years ago by 25demayo    [ Reply ]
let me get this straight. the color of your skin, it's black metallic? you might want to come in and let's have a look a that.
Posted 16 years ago by stevetipp    [ Reply ]
Same set today...funny. good stuff. RadioDoc wrote:
Everything that's old is new again: Now Playing: Catherine Wheel - Black Metallic Breeders - Drivin' On 9 My Morning Jacket - Golden Joe Henry - Time Is A Lion
Posted 16 years ago by corioj    [ Reply ]
RadioDoc wrote:
Everything that's old is new again: Now Playing: Catherine Wheel - Black Metallic Breeders - Drivin' On 9 My Morning Jacket - Golden Joe Henry - Time Is A Lion
and again!!! Everything that's old is new again: Now Playing: Catherine Wheel - Black Metallic Breeders - Drivin' On 9 My Morning Jacket - Golden Joe Henry - Time Is A Lion
Posted 16 years ago by tenacious_v    [ Reply ]
RadioDoc wrote:
So sayeth the guy who gave William Shatner an 8.
heheheheeee so we ALL have bad taste in music, then?
Posted 16 years ago by coccyx    [ Reply ]
coccyx wrote:
those are hives
So sayeth the guy who gave William Shatner an 8.
Posted 16 years ago by RadioDoc    [ Reply ]
queenjill on Jul 04, 2006 wrote:
Catherine Wheel - Black Metallic Breeders - Drivin' On 9 My Morning Jacket - Golden Coldplay - Sparks Great set, Bill!
Everything that's old is new again: Now Playing: Catherine Wheel - Black Metallic Breeders - Drivin' On 9 My Morning Jacket - Golden Joe Henry - Time Is A Lion
Posted 16 years ago by RadioDoc    [ Reply ]
fairchance wrote:
Gives me goosebumps!!!!!!!
those are hives
Posted 16 years ago by coccyx    [ Reply ]
bokey wrote:
Crap.I walked into the room as this was winding down.it sounded good.Play it again.
Exactly!! whoops, I just read past the first word of your post. Never mind.
Posted 16 years ago by coccyx    [ Reply ]
Wow. Bill just made my day.
Posted 16 years ago by dsrtfalcon    [ Reply ]
Wow, this one of my all time favs. Sounds just as good as I remember.
Posted 16 years ago by teapot    [ Reply ]