One of the b-sides to the single from Dusk (Consequences, 2006) was a very sombre and introspective track called Echoes of Perfection. Around the time we released it, I was listening to one of the final mixes, and realised that although I loved it, it was a little dreary, and didn't really fit the way I felt any more. So Better Days is my response to that track - three years on, and I was much more well adjusted.
The lyrics spurred something in Simon, as well. Having just moved to Southampton, and taking inspiration from Röyksopp's Poor Leno and Depeche Mode's I Feel Loved, he turned it into a frantic, rhythmic dance track. We added some extra flanging onto the end of the album version just to make it all the more special.
Most of the drum sounds are sampled pots and pans being hit with a knife.
Well things were different then
I had no way of saying what I felt
But now I’ve reached another phase
I think this time I have found better days
Now I’ll be closer to perfection
I’ll tell you all my thoughts
I’ll give you my attention
I’ll scream until I’m hoarse
The skies are blue today
At last I feel that I am on my way
Life was grey, but through the haze
I hope this time I have found better days
Now I’ll be closer to perfection
I’ll tell you all my thoughts
I’ll give you my attention
I’ll scream until I’m hoarse
So times will always change
I know I’ll go through bitter times again
But for now, though it seems strange
Perhaps this time I have found better days
Now I’ll be closer to perfection
I’ll tell you all my thoughts
I’ll give you my attention
I’ll scream until I’m hoarse
(R. Martin / S. Martin)
