"You Should All Be Murdered" is a cult classic indie pop single by Another Sunny Day, the solo project of Harvey Williams, released in 1989 on the legendary Sarah Records label. The song later appeared on the compilation album London Weekend (1992), which collects the band’s essential tracks1.
Background and Style
- Artist: Another Sunny Day was essentially the work of Harvey Williams, who crafted jangly, bittersweet indie pop with sharp, literate lyrics.
- Sound: The track is emblematic of the C86/Sarah Records sound—melancholic yet melodic, with jangling guitars, understated vocals, and a lo-fi, DIY production style.
- Scene: The song is a touchstone of the late-80s/early-90s British indie pop scene, beloved by fans of bands like The Field Mice, The Orchids, and early Belle and Sebastian1.
Lyrics and Themes
- Dark Irony: Despite its shocking title, "You Should All Be Murdered" is not a literal call to violence. Instead, it uses dark humor and hyperbole to express feelings of alienation, frustration, and bitterness—common themes in indie pop, but delivered here with a sardonic twist.
- Emotional Honesty: The lyrics channel the angst and social awkwardness of youth, with Williams turning his outsider status into a wry, memorable anthem. The song’s narrator feels so isolated and misunderstood that he resorts to imagining a world without the people who have wronged or ignored him.
- Contrast: The sweet, jangly melody contrasts sharply with the morbid title and lyrics, heightening the song’s sense of irony and emotional complexity.
Legacy
- Cult Status: "You Should All Be Murdered" is widely regarded as one of the defining tracks of the Sarah Records era and a classic of British indie pop. Its blend of vulnerability, wit, and melodic charm has ensured its lasting appeal among fans and collectors1.
- Influence: The song’s confessional style and blend of melancholy and humor influenced later indie pop and twee bands, helping to shape the sound and sensibility of the genre.
Conclusion
"You Should All Be Murdered" by Another Sunny Day stands out for its combination of jangly indie pop and darkly comic lyricism. Harvey Williams’s ability to turn alienation into an oddly catchy and relatable anthem has made the song a beloved classic in the indie pop canon1.
