Interpol - Obstacle 2 Lyrics

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What phase of the band's history did 'Obstacle 2' mark?

   'Obstacle 2' marked the end of a phase of writer's block for Interpol. The band had been experiencing a creative drought for a few months, and writing this song helped them overcome it.

2. Why was the distortion used on the vocals significant?

   Paul Banks insisted on recording his vocals with distortion printed directly onto the track, which was unusual. This led to tension as bassist Carlos Dengler wanted to adjust the distortion later, but producer Peter Katis said it couldn't be changed.

3. How did the recording timeline relate to historical events?

   'Obstacle 2' and other songs on the album were written before September 11, 2001. However, recording began in October of that year, impacting the tone and introspective nature of the album due to the events in New York City.

4. Why is the song titled 'Obstacle 2'?

   The title 'Obstacle 2' was a working title suggested by guitarist Daniel Kessler. Interpol often uses working titles, and they decided to keep it because they liked how it sounded, even though 'obstacle' doesn't appear in the song.

5. Did Interpol have any specific inspirations for the lyrics?

   Some listeners believe a line in 'Obstacle 2' may reference Shakespeare's 'If music be the food of love, play on.' Specifically, it alludes to love being likened to culinary creativity. This could reflect Paul's intention behind the lyrics, though it's not officially confirmed.

6. What was Paul Banks' reaction to the album after its release?

   Paul Banks admitted that he didn't listen to 'Turn on the Bright Lights' for a year after its release. The historical context around when the album was recorded made it emotionally difficult for him to revisit the album initially.