Banquet (song)


"Banquet" is a song from British band Bloc Party's debut album Silent Alarm. Originally released on a double A-side single along with "Staying Fat" in May 2004 by Moshi Moshi Records, it was re-released as a regular single in the United Kingdom by Wichita Recordings on 25 April 2005. It was their first single to chart on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks where it came in at number 34, and is often credited as their breakthrough single in North America. It was also featured in the song "Bloc Party" on the Fort Minor Mixtape: We Major. It was #31 in NME's top 100 tracks of the decade, and was number 54 in Triple J's Hottest 100 of all time. It peaked at #13 on the UK singles chart. In 2011, NME placed it at number 20 on its list "150 Best Tracks of the Past 15 Years".

Background and music

The song was originally written by Okereke on tour in 2003. Okereke was inspired by Pixies' record Doolittle at the time, specifically the song called "I Bleed", which was later used for the phrasing of "Banquet". Apart from Pixies, Okereke was also inspired by the song "Prince Charming" by Adam and the Ants.
The song is in the key of A♯ minor and in 4/4 time signature. One of the most notable parts of the song is the guitar interplay between Okereke and Lissack, which continues through much of the song.

Meaning

The song is about sex.

Music videos

There were two videos for "Banquet". A non-released version contains a recurring theme of hands with the hands pushing around band members Russell Lissack and Gordon Moakes while other hands cover up drummer Matt Tong's head and cast a shadow over frontman Kele Okereke. The hands eventually try to stab all of Bloc Party, set fire to the set and destroy the instruments and amps. Meanwhile, the released version shows the group performing in front of many different people. It is shown in full color and in black and white. The music video has gained around 32 million views on YouTube.

Remixes

The song has been remixed 10 times. Its remix by Phones was released as a promotional single for their remix album Silent Alarm Remixed and their EP Bloc Party EP. The songs remix by The Streets had a music video made and was released as one of the b-sides for their single "Two More Years". Its two remixes by Boys Noize were released as a 10" single.
This is a list of all remixes of the song:
"Banquet " was a promotional single by Bloc Party from their first EP "Bloc Party EP", and their remix album "Silent Alarm Remixed". It was originally released as a one sided white label vinyl to promote the "Bloc Party EP", which was limited to 250 copies, but was re-released to promote "Silent Alarm Remixed" with the original version of "Banquet" on side B. This version is still available on the . The remix appeared in the video game.

Track listing

Original 12" vinyl
  1. "Banquet " - 5:25
Re-release 12" vinyl
  1. "Banquet " - 5:25
  2. "Banquet" - 3:21
Digital Download
  1. "Banquet " - 5:25

    Track listing

CD: Wichita / WEBB078SCD (UK)

  1. "Banquet"
  2. "Compliments"
  3. "Banquet"

    CD: Wichita / VVR5032983 (European Release)

  4. "Banquet"
  5. "Banquet"
  6. "Banquet"
  7. "Banquet"
  8. "Banquet"
  9. "Banquet"

    DVD: Wichita / WEBB078DVD (UK)

  10. "Banquet"
  11. "So Here We Are"
  12. "Banquet"
  13. "Little Thoughts"

    7": Wichita / WEBB078S (UK)

  14. "Banquet"
  15. "Tulips"

    Charts

Certifications