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David Sylvian & Robert Fripp — God's Monkey
Album: The First Day
Avg rating:
6.3

Your rating:
Total ratings: 604








Released: 1993
Length: 4:49
Plays (last 30 days): 0
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One push
You fall in
Born in darkness
Born in darkness
Built on shame
And hurting
Filled with silence
Filled with silence
And stars, stars, stars

Find the ladder
Climb the ladder
To God's monkey

No songs
To sing
That I believe in
That I believe in
Can't breathe the air
It's too thin
This far from heaven
This far from heaven
And stars, stars

Find the ladder
Climb the ladder
To God's monkey
Comments (92)add comment
Hmm. Thought this was Cake for a minute.
Posted 3 years ago by MayBaby    [ Reply ]
ok. i don't like this, but strangely i can understand why some people would like it.
that's very odd...
and good on Bill for continuing to give us this kind of exposure, whether we like it or not.

lol
Posted 3 years ago by bluefrog    [ Reply ]
soooosooooosoooo bad
Posted 3 years ago by ckcotton    [ Reply ]
Thanks Bill, for playing this crazy sh*t.
Some of us love it.  ; )
Now I dare you to play the trippy 17-minute "Darshan" from the same album.
Posted 4 years ago by On_The_Beach    [ Reply ]
the song was released in 1993 ! time flys ! 
Posted 5 years ago by Azrica    [ Reply ]
Good memories. Caught this tour with Michael Brook opening.
Posted 5 years ago by Steely_D    [ Reply ]
Love this. Haven't heard it in ages...though it sits among my collection. Particularly fond of "Jean the Birdman."
Posted 5 years ago by rushed    [ Reply ]
 kaybee wrote:
Here is a plea for help!

I have finally gone over to high-speed and tried and tried to upload something from Japan's "Gentleman Take Polaroids", but because RP will only take MP3s, it has been unsuccessful and frustrating {#Crashcomp}, since there is absolutely nothing by Japan on this station!)   I can't understand it because we all know Bill and Rebecca like New Wave music.  If they like this by David Sylvian, why no Japan?

  Could somebody please, PLEASE try to upload something from Japan, especially Gentlemen take Polaroids (just not Night Porter please) or even one of their other albums.  I would be really happy and I think a few others here would be too.



 
You should be able to upload songs by Japan in an MP3 format acceptable to Bill and Rebecca. Here are the technical requirements for uploading: 

https://www.radioparadise.com/#name=musicupload&op=upload

You should be able to find applications that can convert AIFF songs (those found on CDs) to MP3s. For instance, iTunes for OS X will import songs from CDs in MP3 format, although to meet RP's technical requirements you'll have to change the sample and streaming rates with the Custom option found in "import settings" in iTune's Preferences. There's even a Website that convert files into MP3s, although I'm not sure how how good the quality of its encoding is...

PM me if you need more help! 
Posted 10 years ago by kcar    [ Reply ]
Great song - a classic duo!
Posted 11 years ago by aspicer    [ Reply ]
 oooresultooo wrote:
What? God's monkey? R E T A R D E D!
 

We're real mature now, aren't we.
Posted 11 years ago by lemmoth    [ Reply ]
What? God's monkey? R E T A R D E D!
Posted 11 years ago by oooresultooo    [ Reply ]
 smackiepipe wrote:
Cheese n crackers! I haven't heard this in 12-13 years. Great blast from one of my favorite 'lost' CDs. And the rare cover shot of Fripp laughing. I think that was the first time I ever saw him use those particular muscles.
 

And now it's been almost 5 years since I've heard this song again, as that post was from Sept. 4, 2007.  Tempus Fugit...
Posted 11 years ago by smackiepipe    [ Reply ]
I esp. like "Brilliant Trees" and "Secrets of the Beehive". And, ofcourse, his Japan-period!
Posted 12 years ago by Dinges,_the_Dude    [ Reply ]
"God's Monkey" is good. But I particularly like "Jean the Birdman," off this same album. Must upload!!
Posted 12 years ago by rushed    [ Reply ]
Here is a plea for help!

I have finally gone over to high-speed and tried and tried to upload something from Japan's "Gentleman Take Polaroids", but because RP will only take MP3s, it has been unsuccessful and frustrating {#Crashcomp}, since there is absolutely nothing by Japan on this station!)   I can't understand it because we all know Bill and Rebecca like New Wave music.  If they like this by David Sylvian, why no Japan?

  Could somebody please, PLEASE try to upload something from Japan, especially Gentlemen take Polaroids (just not Night Porter please) or even one of their other albums.  I would be really happy and I think a few others here would be too.


Posted 12 years ago by kaybee    [ Reply ]
but what does it all mean?
Posted 12 years ago by rp1125    [ Reply ]
This song is not available on iTunes, but it is sold on Amazon:

God's Monkey

Cool, here's a very tight live version:

YouTube

Neil

Posted 13 years ago by NeilBlanchard    [ Reply ]
Oh wow!  I heard this and asked myself, "Could it be?  David Sylvian??  Geez, that sounds a lot like Frippertronix....  Fripp??"  YES!  Very cool RP, thank you.
Posted 13 years ago by S-curvy    [ Reply ]
Great to hear Sylvian again on RP. Some more Fripp either solo or with King Crimson never hurts. Or there's even a piece with Daryl Hall, that is awesome,  is it "Dark Moon"? I have it somewhere on vinyl (and never found it digitally).

Posted 13 years ago by joemama    [ Reply ]
 Sloggydog wrote:
Reminds me a bit of syphilis in so far as that i don't like it and its not going away.
  

Feel sorry for you!
Mine did...!

Posted 13 years ago by Stingray    [ Reply ]
FRIPPERTRONIC!
Posted 13 years ago by Stingray    [ Reply ]
I too very much enjoy most of David Sylvian's creations. Thank you for bringing him back to my listening pleasure.
Posted 13 years ago by Zelidar    [ Reply ]
 Sloggydog wrote:
Reminds me a bit of syphilis in so far as that i don't like it and its not going away.
 
yer kind of an ass aintcha?{#Moon}

Posted 13 years ago by orpheus    [ Reply ]
Reminds me a bit of syphilis in so far as that i don't like it and its not going away.
Posted 14 years ago by Sloggydog    [ Reply ]
Oh, more David Sylvian please . . .
Posted 14 years ago by Albert1967    [ Reply ]
 dctrpunda wrote:

I took the phrase as that to serve you are following a will other than your own and do so willingly.  We are all God's monkeys if you think about it..

 
Except the atheists, who are their own monkeys.

Posted 14 years ago by nate917    [ Reply ]
 Deadwing wrote:

You realize that the keyboard player from Japan (Richard Barbieri) is the brilliant keyboard soundscaper behind the intense wall of atmospheric Porcupine Tree sound? I know you must judging by your knowledge of the band- but other people may be interested to know   {#Yes}

 
No, I didn't know that, and it is very interesting, so thanks for posting. I don't have any knowledge of Japan, other than that David Sylvian was the singer and that I had the album way back when. And, err, that's the extent of my knowledge, but thanks for thinking that I knew more than I did :o)

Posted 14 years ago by fredriley    [ Reply ]

7 {#Arrow} 8

Reminds me a bit of Jerry Harrison's Casual Gods - but that's a good thing. . . 

{#Meditate}

Posted 14 years ago by vandal    [ Reply ]
I didn't know God had a monkey, But phat groove.
Posted 14 years ago by derekd    [ Reply ]
Hey Bill...when ar eyou going to add more david Sylvian to the mix? His solo catalogue is rich with songs appropriate for RP. 
Posted 14 years ago by iscoot4peace    [ Reply ]


Posted 14 years ago by crockydile    [ Reply ]
Wow, I thought that guitar work sounded familiar. Nice to hear Fripp some more.
Posted 14 years ago by Marr    [ Reply ]
 Pyro wrote:
Perhaps this is a reference to people who participate in organized religions. This is one of those collaborations (like John Cale and Eno) that just works. Beautifully.
 
I took the phrase as that to serve you are following a will other than your own and do so willingly.  We are all God's monkeys if you think about it..

Posted 14 years ago by dctrpunda    [ Reply ]
 diazo wrote:
This is cool. Never knew these two had teamed up. Always something to learn on RP!
 
Actually, Fripp played with Sylvian on two of Sylvians earliest solo albums - Alchemy: An Index of Possibilities and Gone to Earth, from 1985 and 1986, respectively.


Posted 15 years ago by SinisterJazz    [ Reply ]
 fredriley wrote:
David Sylvian still going, eh? Judging by this anodyne number he's gone a bit MOR from his 'China' days when he did some very good, original stuff. I used to have the album Tin Drum, which he recorded when part of Japan, and that was really innovative (and apposite these days with the meteoric rise of China as a world power). 4 from the Nottingham jury.

 
You realize that the keyboard player from Japan (Richard Barbieri) is the brilliant keyboard soundscaper behind the intense wall of atmospheric Porcupine Tree sound? I know you must judging by your knowledge of the band- but other people may be interested to know   {#Yes}

Barbieri has commented that is was hard at first for him to go from a well known band back to a "11 people paying to see us play band" but he had enormous faith in Steven Wilson's talent and vision so he stuck with it. Now he is very proud to be part of a second band that has grown from a miniscule following to a very respectable group of extremely supportive fans,

Besides Wilson (obviously) I think Barbieri's presence is most responsible for PTs overall sound.


I own this CD and it's really very good. The song Jean the Birdman especially stands out for me  {#Music}

Posted 15 years ago by Deadwing    [ Reply ]
David Sylvian is now recording under the name Nine Horses. The album Snow Borne Sorrow is excellent.

Posted 15 years ago by Inamorato    [ Reply ]
...david sylvian!..i haven't heard anything from him in sixteen years...

...michael brook seems an appropriate match to open...

Posted 15 years ago by mandolin    [ Reply ]
David Sylvian still going, eh? Judging by this anodyne number he's gone a bit MOR from his 'China' days when he did some very good, original stuff. I used to have the album Tin Drum, which he recorded when part of Japan, and that was really innovative (and apposite these days with the meteoric rise of China as a world power). 4 from the Nottingham jury.
Posted 15 years ago by fredriley    [ Reply ]
radioparadisehead wrote:
I agree. I like monkeys, though. But, I get the impression that he's calling some human a monkey, which is not as nice.
Perhaps this is a reference to people who participate in organized religions. This is one of those collaborations (like John Cale and Eno) that just works. Beautifully.
Posted 15 years ago by Pyro    [ Reply ]
Hey, thanks for playing this, it brought back memories - I got to see them on tour when this album came out, what a great show. Michael Brook opened for them, he was great too!
Posted 16 years ago by doctec    [ Reply ]
Sylvian's voice seems to be a combination of James McMurtry and Michael Hutchins. I dunno, I could be daft. Pretty cool tune!
Posted 16 years ago by TexasAggies    [ Reply ]
This Monkey gone to heaven.
Posted 16 years ago by Tailypoe    [ Reply ]
lee_sf wrote:
Always thought of this as one of my cult albums that nobody else knew about.
Me2! Where else but on RP?
Posted 16 years ago by On_The_Beach    [ Reply ]
Always thought of this as one of my cult albums that nobody else knew about. Darshan is cool but a little long at 17:19. Jean The Birdman might be my favorite. Love the opening on this one.
Posted 16 years ago by lee_sf    [ Reply ]
Great song, great album. Thanks. I like Firepower and Darshan.
Posted 16 years ago by jjfflyboy    [ Reply ]
This is cool. Never knew these two had teamed up. Always something to learn on RP!
Posted 16 years ago by diazo    [ Reply ]
penkle wrote:
I love it when RP plays music from my favorite obscure artists!
If Robert Fripp's an "obscure artist to you" you're the one who has been living in a cave....
Posted 16 years ago by iggy33    [ Reply ]
penkle wrote:
I love it when RP plays music from my favorite obscure artists!
Yep! I agree. I only knew a few of Sylvian's ingenious solo parts, but that's interesting stuff, too...
Posted 16 years ago by Nabla    [ Reply ]
diane wrote:
Did I blink when the lyrics other than "..ladder', God's monkey" were playing? Totally annoying repetition. =; And would someone please tell us what/who is the monkey?
I agree. I like monkeys, though. But, I get the impression that he's calling some human a monkey, which is not as nice.
Posted 16 years ago by radioparadisehead    [ Reply ]
Cheese n crackers! I haven't heard this in 12-13 years. Great blast from one of my favorite 'lost' CDs. And the rare cover shot of Fripp laughing. I think that was the first time I've ever saw him use those particular muscles.
Posted 16 years ago by smackiepipe    [ Reply ]
I love it when RP plays music from my favorite obscure artists!
Posted 16 years ago by penkle    [ Reply ]
oh yeah!!!! more more more david sylvian pleeeeease!!!
Posted 17 years ago by exciter76    [ Reply ]
Bill played "Apeman" after this. Groan.
Posted 17 years ago by cherylg4    [ Reply ]
Much prefer the live version on Damage.
Posted 17 years ago by the_bink    [ Reply ]
MickMan wrote:
I'm a monkey by The Stones?
The Birth of the Odyssey ~ Monkey Magic by Godiego "In the worlds before Monkey, primal chaos reigned..."
Posted 17 years ago by electronicshaman    [ Reply ]
I love this disc. Great piece of work that was dropped on my desk years ago in the world of commercial radio. Try "Jean the Birdman".
Posted 17 years ago by birdland    [ Reply ]
jus10 wrote:
David Sylvian and Robert Fripp - God's Monkey Peter Gabriel - Shock The Monkey What's next? Everyone's Got Something To Hide Except For Me and My Monkey (Beatles)? Monkey Man (Toots and the Maytals)? Anything by the Monkees? Addendum: Bob Dylan - Highway 61 Revisited. Good thing I'm not a betting man.
I'm a monkey by The Stones?
Posted 17 years ago by MickMan    [ Reply ]
jus10 wrote:
David Sylvian and Robert Fripp - God's Monkey Peter Gabriel - Shock The Monkey What's next? Everyone's Got Something To Hide Except For Me and My Monkey (Beatles)? Monkey Man (Toots and the Maytals)? Anything by the Monkees? Addendum: Bob Dylan - Highway 61 Revisited. Good thing I'm not a betting man.
Monkey to Man - Elvis Costello.
Posted 17 years ago by ArmchairMusician    [ Reply ]
jus10 wrote:
David Sylvian and Robert Fripp - God's Monkey Peter Gabriel - Shock The Monkey What's next? Everyone's Got Something To Hide Except For Me and My Monkey (Beatles)? Monkey Man (Toots and the Maytals)? Anything by the Monkees? Addendum: Bob Dylan - Highway 61 Revisited. Good thing I'm not a betting man.
I vote for beastie boys - brass monkey
Posted 17 years ago by ElSupreme    [ Reply ]
David Sylvian and Robert Fripp - God's Monkey Peter Gabriel - Shock The Monkey What's next? Everyone's Got Something To Hide Except For Me and My Monkey (Beatles)? Monkey Man (Toots and the Maytals)? Anything by the Monkees? Addendum: Bob Dylan - Highway 61 Revisited. Good thing I'm not a betting man.
Posted 18 years ago by jus10    [ Reply ]
mfassett wrote:
Yes, Orpheus too please!!! This is a great cut at any rate, thanks!
good song choice
Posted 18 years ago by orpheus    [ Reply ]
Posted 18 years ago by Cruithne3753    [ Reply ]
YES ! Now hand me your camera please
Posted 18 years ago by fusionmuze    [ Reply ]
This is great, but the live album 'damage' romps all over it in terms of power, depth and heart-rending emotion - tracks like 'wave' and 'damage' are simply gorgeous, together with 'god's monkey' having some fantasic fripp solos...
Posted 18 years ago by reedevanston    [ Reply ]
\:D/ Great track. Fripp's guitar work goes very nicely with Sylvian's voice. This disc is one of my favorites by either of these artists.
Posted 18 years ago by MickMan    [ Reply ]
Yes, Orpheus too please!!! This is a great cut at any rate, thanks!
Posted 18 years ago by mfassett    [ Reply ]
Not my favourite, but it's always nice to hear DS.
Posted 18 years ago by shakylegs    [ Reply ]
Ooh, Ooh! Next tune? Monkey in the middle/S. Vega...
Posted 19 years ago by trekhead    [ Reply ]
I'm surprised I haven't heard that much of David Sylvian on RP, yet. I think he very much belongs here.
Well, it's not been for lack of listener effort. I uploaded some stuff late last year from Secrets of the Beehive, like "Orpheus." It didn't make the cut. I was quite disappointed.
Posted 19 years ago by chasech5    [ Reply ]
Aah, the sound and rhythm create a feel that's almost tangible! I'm surprised I haven't heard that much of David Sylvian on RP, yet. I think he very much belongs here.
Posted 19 years ago by Johray63    [ Reply ]
Did I blink when the lyrics other than "..ladder', God's monkey" were playing? Totally annoying repetition. =; And would someone please tell us what/who is the monkey?
Posted 19 years ago by diane    [ Reply ]
Talk about thinking out of the box... There's two completely different things going on here. It's like Fripp got a copy of the original song and was just screwing around in his basement listening to the CD. All I know... is that was really, REALLY cool.
Posted 19 years ago by bobringer    [ Reply ]
(Japan/Sylvian has a bunch of songs that would make a great addition to RP)
Posted 19 years ago by R_P    [ Reply ]
brighthue wrote:
Excellent choice, BillG. A full-flavored and balanced blend of finesse and funk; grit and legendary technique. IMHO, RP has a purpose and selections like "God's Monkey" prove it. The Music Industrial Complex (big labels and commercial stations, the media conglomerates that own them and their lackeys in government and RIAA) usually filters out music that exhibits originality, true talent and intellectual content. Anything with more than 1 dimension is usually rejected. Genuine music must be heard and its creators must be rewarded. Thanks and kudos to Bill, Rebecca, RP listeners -- everyone who makes RP possible.
Nicely put!... And, seemingly, true. :D/
Posted 19 years ago by trekhead    [ Reply ]
OMG not heard this in years. i wore this Album out when it first came out. brilliant !
Posted 19 years ago by Harani    [ Reply ]
Wow RP You surprize me.......in a good way. I'm fripperized....sorry
Posted 19 years ago by fusionmuze    [ Reply ]
Wow, another big surprise from RP.... great CD, "The First Day" is metal for grownups. "Monkey" is a cool track, but "Darshan" REALLY has it going on.
Posted 19 years ago by mc    [ Reply ]
OMG this song is a joke right?
Posted 20 years ago by DavidCarrico    [ Reply ]
David Bowie does Talking Heads, different, but wouldn't want to hear it again.
Posted 20 years ago by Tryathlete    [ Reply ]
I heard God's monkey can throw his feces in ALL directions AT ONCE!
Posted 20 years ago by mrselfdestruct    [ Reply ]
Fripp--now THERE\'S a guy who has a recognizable guitar...Excellent guitarist and a good tune to boot, though I prefer the Crimson fare--thanks for the treat, though!
Posted 20 years ago by Anchored_Earl    [ Reply ]
Originally Posted by brighthue: Excellent choice, BillG. A full-flavored and balanced blend of finesse and funk; grit and legendary technique. IMHO, RP has a purpose and selections like "God's Monkey" prove it. The Music Industrial Complex (big labels and commercial stations, the media conglomerates that own them and their lackeys in government and RIAA) usually filters out music that exhibits originality, true talent and intellectual content. Anything with more than 1 dimension is usually rejected. Genuine music must be heard and its creators must be rewarded. Thanks and kudos to Bill, Rebecca, RP listeners -- everyone who makes RP possible.
totally agree :D :)
Posted 20 years ago by orpheus    [ Reply ]
Thanks for spinnin\' this tune- 1 of my favorites from an excellent disc!
Posted 20 years ago by SnipeHunter    [ Reply ]
Great stuff. Most of Sylvian\'s music is too distant and abstract for me, but this is a great tune. Good ol\' Fripp, he should be a studio guy, his technique is huge.
Posted 20 years ago by rgrace    [ Reply ]
Originally Posted by brighthue: Excellent choice, BillG. A full-flavored and balanced blend of finesse and funk; grit and legendary technique. IMHO, RP has a purpose and selections like "God's Monkey" prove it. The Music Industrial Complex (big labels and commercial stations, the media conglomerates that own them and their lackeys in government and RIAA) usually filters out music that exhibits originality, true talent and intellectual content. Anything with more than 1 dimension is usually rejected. Genuine music must be heard and its creators must be rewarded. Thanks and kudos to Bill, Rebecca, RP listeners -- everyone who makes RP possible.
yes, this is a really interesting and engaging sound. it did, though, get some commercial radio play(tripleA,natch) when first released. sound great hearing this again in the excellent RP soup of good music.
Posted 21 years ago by mperry    [ Reply ]
Thanx RP! Buy the way, Bill, isn\'t it SylvIAn? You said \"SylvAIn\". But maybe I am mistaken... Greetz, Heeb.
Posted 21 years ago by heeb    [ Reply ]
Now that has a groove, very talking heads-ish!
Posted 21 years ago by trancefussion    [ Reply ]
Excellent choice, BillG. A full-flavored and balanced blend of finesse and funk; grit and legendary technique. IMHO, RP has a purpose and selections like "God's Monkey" prove it. The Music Industrial Complex (big labels and commercial stations, the media conglomerates that own them and their lackeys in government and RIAA) usually filters out music that exhibits originality, true talent and intellectual content. Anything with more than 1 dimension is usually rejected. Genuine music must be heard and its creators must be rewarded. Thanks and kudos to Bill, Rebecca, RP listeners -- everyone who makes RP possible.
Posted 21 years ago by brighthue    [ Reply ]