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White Pony

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White Pony is the third studio album by American alternative metal band Deftones. Released in 2000, it marks a significant growth in the band's sound, incorporating New Wave and shoegaze influences with the alternative metal edge the group had become known for. To this end, it is generally regarded by fans and critics alike as their most mature outing and is also their highest-selling album to date.

The album features three successful singles as well as the 2001 Grammy Award-winning track for Best Metal Performance, "Elite."

Background and recording

After a break from touring, the band spent four months in the studio writing and recording White Pony, the longest amount of time they had dedicated to an album thus far. Moreno explained that the majority of this time was spent trying to write songs, and that the writing of "Change (In the House of Flies)" was the turning point where the band began working as a group.

Despite being pressured to release the album sooner, the band decided to take their time making the album. Cheng explained that "We didn't feel like we had anything to lose, so we made the record we wanted to make." Moreno did not have a common theme in mind lyrically, but made a conscious decision to bring an element of fantasy into his lyrics, explaining that "I basically didn’t sing about myself on this record. I made up a lot of story lines and some dialogue, even. I took myself completely out of it and wrote about other things. Once I did that I was able to sing about anything I wanted to, I could be a lot more general. There’s a lot of stuff on this record that people are going to question me about, and I can just remove myself from it. It’s not me. I’m writing a story here."[2][3]

The album features guest vocals by Maynard James Keenan on "Passenger", Scott Weiland on "Rx Queen", and Rodleen Getsic on "Knife Party".

Album name and cover

White Pony is street slang for cocaine. However, there are more likely meanings for the album name, including an obvious sexual reference:

"There's a lot of different references for White Pony. One of them is a cocaine reference and there's a lot of stuff... have you ever heard stuff like in dream books that if you dream about a white pony then you're having a sexual dream? There's a lot of stuff that kinda goes around it. And there's an old song (that goes) 'ride the white horse.' That's obviously a drug reference song."[4] Crystal methamphetamine use is commonly referred to as "riding the white pony." [5]

The original gray cover for White Pony is rumored to have been inspired by the album cover for the Hum album, You'd Prefer an Astronaut., of which Chino stated in an interview "...it's where Deftones get a big part of our influence from, tone-wise." and "Deftones were definitely influenced by it."[6] The art mimics the mostly empty one color cover, with Hum's zebra in the lower left corner being replaced by a stallion in the lower right of the Deftones album.

Release and variations

Four different editions of the album exist. On its release date, limited edition copies were released with solid red and black jewel cases. The two differently-colored cases also featured different booklet inserts. Both limited edition versions include "The Boy's Republic" but do not include "Back to School (Mini Maggit)."

The first edition with a gray cover was supposed to be released as the non-limited version of the album. In addition, this version did not feature the track "Back to School (Mini Maggit)." This is the proper[citation needed] version of the album (which was also pressed on clear red vinyl for a promotional run of about 1000 copies), and "Back to School" was only added as a marketing strategy; vocalist and contributing guitarist Chino Moreno has stated that he was not happy about it.[7]

Reception

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
Allmusic [8]
Rolling Stone [9]
Spin magazine(8.0/10)[10]
Sputnikmusic [11]
Checkout.com(9.0/10)[10]
Sonicnet[10]
BBC Music(Favourable)[12]
Q magazine[10]
Billboard [10]
Select magazine(Unfavourable)[10]
NME(8.0/10) [13]

White Pony was well received by critics, garnering an aggregate rating of 72 on Metacritic.[14] Several reviewers praised Moreno's increasing lyrical sophistication and the group's sonic experimentation.[15] With Spin magazine stating: Far and away Deftones' most daring and impassioned work to date.

Other positive review came from Checkout.com concluding that White Pony is "A complex, heavily textured album that aims for the stars" Billboard gave it four out of five stars, but stated that the band's continious inclination toward a bludgeoning experimental sonic attack and Moreno's violent, impressionistic lyrics makes the album a tough pill to swallow for most listeners. Publications such Rolling Stone and Q magazine where less enthusiastic, with the last wondering if White Pony is "Their most adventurous and assured album to date?". A rather unfavourable review came from Select magazine, saying that "Maybe when they abandon their arrested development and stop convincing themselves the world is aligned specifically for their personal displeasure, they'll arrive with something listenable."

Awards and accolades

Alternative Press ranked White Pony as the second best album of the year in 2000 and, subsequently, in their September 2010 issue placed it in their list of the “Top 10 Most Influential Albums of 2000.” UK rock magazine Kerrang! named White Pony their third best album of the year behind Queens of the Stone Age’s Rated R and At the Drive-In’s Relationship of Command.

The track "Elite" won the Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance in 2001.[16] About the awards' night, Deftones drummer Abe Cunningham comments: "All the people were on the ground, on the floor, and we were up sort of in the balcony, we were like, 'We're not gonna win. Look where we're sitting.' Everybody else who was winning, they'd get up there quick and get back. So we were just watching it and the whole thing was rad, just seeing the (stuff) go down. And all of a sudden they called our name. We just jumped over this balcony down onto the floor and ran up there. It was pretty cool, man."[17]

Read more: Deftones hit the clubs, break out old favorites

White Pony is rated  G  in New Zealand.

Track listing

All songs by Deftones, except "Passenger" by Deftones and Maynard James Keenan.

Original Edition (Gray cover)

No.TitleLength
1."Feiticeira"3:09
2."Digital Bath"4:15
3."Elite"4:01
4."RX Queen" (feat. Scott Weiland)4:27
5."Street Carp"2:41
6."Teenager"3:20
7."Knife Prty" (feat. Rodleen Getsic)4:49
8."Korea"3:23
9."Passenger" (feat. Maynard James Keenan)6:07
10."Change (In the House of Flies)"5:00
11."Pink Maggit"7:32

Original Limited Edition (Red and Black covers)

No.TitleLength
1."Feiticeira"3:09
2."Digital Bath"4:15
3."Elite"4:01
4."Rx Queen" (feat. Scott Weiland)4:27
5."Street Carp"2:41
6."Teenager"3:20
7."Knife Prty" (feat. Rodleen Getsic)4:49
8."Korea"3:23
9."Passenger" (feat. Maynard James Keenan)6:07
10."Change (In the House of Flies)"5:00
11."Pink Maggit"7:32
12."The Boy's Republic"4:37

Re-release edition (White cover)

No.TitleLength
1."Back to School (Mini Maggit)"3:57
2."Feiticeira"3:09
3."Digital Bath"4:15
4."Elite"4:01
5."Rx Queen" (feat. Scott Weiland)4:27
6."Street Carp"2:41
7."Teenager"3:20
8."Knife Prty" (feat. Rodleen Getsic)4:49
9."Korea"3:23
10."Passenger" (feat. Maynard James Keenan)6:07
11."Change (In the House of Flies)"5:00
12."Pink Maggit"7:32

Track overview

*From original release (gray cover)

Feiticeira

  • Music: The song is composed of subtle changes from like static guitar riffs and slow verses to fast and loud choirs. The final chorus features heavy distorted vocals.
  • Meaning: "The name Feiticeira is some Portuguese name that I read in a magazine and just liked. It's based on the scenario of being taken captive. It's completely fictional. I want that people who listen to it feel like they are the ones in the situation. Because of that I sing it in first person." - Chino.[18]

Digital Bath

*Main article: Digital Bath

  • Music: The song starts with a low trip-hop beat and verses which build into a loud massive chorus that expands each time.
  • Meaning: The song is about a man putting a girl into a bathtub and electrocuting her by throwing a electrical device in the water. He then dries her body and puts her clothes back on.[19]

Elite

  • Music: A very heavily distorted song that melts distorted vocals, heavy guitars, and electronic samples on the same proportion.
  • Meaning: "this is laughing at everybody trying to become what they already are. if you want to be one of the elite, you are." - Chino.[20]

Rx Queen

  • Music: It starts with constant soft drums and few bass chords to then connect with a heavy chorus and features a bridge containing distorted vocals by Scott Weiland.
  • Meaning: The song is about a man's affection for a girl despite her severe illness (Rx stands for "medical prescription").[21]

Street Carp

  • Music: A fast & raw alternative metal song that resembles the band's early work.
  • Meaning: Is about meeting a person on the street that you have not seen in a long time who you really do not want to talk to, but its somebody you are still infatuated with. Although the song was not released as a single, a promo video was made for it.[22]

Teenager

  • Music: A moody trip-hop song featuring low beat and acoustic guitar chords with light vocals, this was Deftones first attempt to create a dream pop song, manner that will be explored further on singer Chino Moreno's side project: the band Team Sleep, as well on Deftones future releases.
  • Meaning: It deals with a youthful romance coming to an end. Chino has stated that he wrote these lyrics when he was 15 after a first date.[23]

Knife Prty

  • Music: A fast chord-by-chord progression opens the way for a massive heavy intro, the pattern stills throughout the song. It features an uncommon vocal bridge sung by Rodleen Getsic in Spanish-Arabic style.
  • Meaning: The song is about going to a "shooting gallery" - a place where people go to inject themselves with drugs. The line "my knife is sharp and chrome" refers to a slang for a syringe used to inject drugs into the bloodstream.[24]

Korea

  • Music: A heavy and fast paced song but this time featuring intense guitars, drums, and a more melodic vocal style. The song's bridge features a "scratch" solo by the band's DJ: Frank Delgado.
  • Meaning: "This was the first song we wrote for the record. It's a little heavy. It talks about the white pony, strippers, and drugs." The name "white pony" refers to a very highly potent form of cocaine.[25]

Passenger

  • Music: A song that first moves among slow atmospheric verses, then heavy guitar breakups arrives to introduce loud choirs.

Change (In the House of Flies)

*Main article: Change (In the House of Flies)

  • Music: The intro as well the verses are composed of low guitar and a bit loud drums and bass with keyboards effects driving into heavy choirs who expands every time that they arrive. "Change" would become one of the most well known songs by Deftones.
  • Meaning: "It's a metaphorical song. You could take it in the literal sense of me watching someone turn into a fly and taking them home with me and pulling of their wings and laughing. It spawns from me being a complete a--hole and getting the complete repercussion for it by having my life taken away." - Chino.[27]

Pink Maggit

  • Music: The song starts low with atmospheric sounds and woman moans like those on "Knife Prty." Near the half point, the song becomes a heavy, fast paced piece that progressively dissolves away leaving only a rhythmic sound akin to a heart beat.
  • Meaning: "The title comes from a Kool Keith song. We just thought it was some funny stuff. The song is meant to be triumphant. I'm trying to spread a little confidence. Lots of artists try to make songs for the kids who are tormented in school, telling them it's okay to be tormented. But it's not okay. Don't be ridiculed. Become the leader of your surroundings. Confidence is one of the most important things in life. If you are confident, you can do whatever you want." - Chino.[28]

*From re-release edition

Back to School (Mini Maggit)

*Main article: Back to School (Mini Maggit)

  • Music: Basically a heavier, uptempo rerecording of "Pink Maggit" song with rap verses. It is the first track of the re-release edition of White Pony.

*From original limited edition

The Boy's Republic

  • Music: Loud electronic distortion is heard throughout the track with decipherable vocals.
  • Meaning: The song is about someone desperately seeking redemption. On original album edition (red or black cover), this track comes after "Pink Maggit," making it the last track.[29]

Personnel

Band members

Other personnel

  • Kim Biggs – creative director
  • Robert Daniels – assistant engineer
  • Terry Date – production, mixing
  • DJ Crook – programming
  • Michelle Forbes – assistant engineer
  • Scott Weiland - additional vocals (on "Rx Queen")
  • Rodleen Getsic – additional vocals (on "Knife Prty")
  • Maynard James Keenan – additional vocals (on "Passenger")
  • Frank Maddocks – art direction, album design
  • James Minchin III – photography
  • Scott Olsen – Pro Tools engineer, additional engineering
  • Ted Regier – assistant engineer
  • Jason Schweitzer – assistant engineer
  • Howie Weinberg – mastering
  • Ulrich Wild – additional engineering

Chart positions

Certifications

Country Certification
Australia[36] Gold
Canada[37] Gold
United Kingdom[38] Gold
United States[39] Platinum

References

  1. ^ Christie, Ian (2003). "Virtual Ozzy & Metal's Digital Rebound". Sound of the Beast: The Complete Headbanging History of Heavy Metal. HarperCollins. p. 329. ISBN 0-380-81127-8.
  2. ^ Deftones – Ride On [interview]. Alternative Press, August, 2000.
  3. ^ http://www.deftonesworld.com/txt/ap_0800.txt
  4. ^ Fischer, Blair R. (2004). "Interview:Deftones". sexnrocknroll.com. Retrieved 2007-09-18.
  5. ^ "Methamphetamine Slang Names". Kci.org. 2007-04-02. Retrieved 2011-08-13.
  6. ^ Turner, Luke (2010-11-23). "Bakers Dozen: Deftones' Chino Moreno Chooses His Top 13 Albums". The Quietus. Retrieved 25 November 2010. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  7. ^ [1][dead link‍]
  8. ^ Allmusic Review
  9. ^ Rolling Stone Review[dead link‍]
  10. ^ a b c d e f http://www.metacritic.com/music/white-pony/critic-reviews
  11. ^ "Sputnik Music Review". Sputnikmusic.com. Retrieved 2011-02-04.
  12. ^ http://www.bbc.co.uk/music/reviews/2vb6
  13. ^ "NME Review". NME. Retrieved 2011-08-08. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  14. ^ "White Pony – Deftones". Metacritic. Retrieved 14 December 2010.
  15. ^ "White Pony at Metacritic". The album holds a "generally favorable reviews" score of 73/100. Retrieved 2011-04-12.
  16. ^ "GRAMMY Winners Search". Grammy.com. Retrieved 2007-09-18.[dead link‍]
  17. ^ "Deftones hit the clubs, break out old favorites". NewsTimes. 2004-10-15. Retrieved 2011-08-13.
  18. ^ "Feiticeira by The Deftones Songfacts". Songfacts.com. Retrieved 2011-02-04.
  19. ^ "Digital Bath by The Deftones Songfacts". Songfacts.com. Retrieved 2011-02-04.
  20. ^ "Lyrics | Deftones - Elite". SongMeanings. Retrieved 2011-04-04.
  21. ^ "Rx Queen by The Deftones Songfacts". Songfacts.com. Retrieved 2011-02-04.
  22. ^ Sign In or Sign Up now to post a comment! (2009-10-26). "Deftones - Street Carp (Video)". YouTube. Retrieved 2011-08-13.
  23. ^ "Teenage by The Deftones Songfacts". Songfacts.com. Retrieved 2011-04-04.
  24. ^ "Knife Party by The Deftones Songfacts". Songfacts.com. Retrieved 2011-04-04.
  25. ^ "Korea by The Deftones Songfacts". Songfacts.com. Retrieved 2011-02-04.
  26. ^ "Passenger by The Deftones Songfacts". Songfacts.com. Retrieved 2011-04-04.
  27. ^ "Change (In The House of Flies) by The Deftones Songfacts". Songfacts.com. Retrieved 2011-04-04.
  28. ^ "Lyrics | Deftones - Pink Maggit". SongMeanings. Retrieved 2011-04-04.
  29. ^ "White Pony (Limited Edition Red) | Deftones Album | Yahoo! Music". New.music.yahoo.com. Retrieved 2011-08-13.
  30. ^ a b c d e f g h i j "Deftones - White Pony". australian-charts.com. Retrieved 2007-12-23.
  31. ^ a b "White Pony - Deftones". Billboard. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  32. ^ "Chartverfolgung / Deftones / Longplay" (in German). PhonoNet.
  33. ^ "Discography Deftones". irish-charts.com.
  34. ^ a b Zywietz, Tobias. "Chart Log UK: Asher D – Dyverse". Zobbel.
  35. ^ "Deftones Album & Song Chart History: Alternative Songs". Billboard. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  36. ^ "Accreditations - 2006 Albums". Australian Recording Industry Association.
  37. ^ "CRIA Searchable Database". Canadian Recording Industry Association.
  38. ^ "Certified Awards". British Phonographic Industry.
  39. ^ "RIAA Database Search Results for Deftones". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved 2007-09-01.
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