Dull Tool

Last updated
"Dull Tool"
Song by Fiona Apple from the film This Is 40
Released2012
Length4:22
Label Capitol Records
Universal Music
Songwriter(s) Fiona Apple
Producer(s) Jon Brion

"Dull Tool" is a song by American singer-songwriter Fiona Apple, released on the soundtrack to the comedy film This Is 40 (2012). [1] It is the first track Apple wrote solely for a film. [2] "Dull Tool" was produced by Apple's long-time collaborator Jon Brion, and leaked online in November 2012, several weeks before the soundtrack hit stores on December 11.

Contents

Background and composition

Fiona Apple in 2012 Fiona Apple 10 2012.jpg
Fiona Apple in 2012

American singer-songwriter Fiona Apple became involved with the comedy 2012 film This Is 40 after being sent a script by its writer and director, Judd Apatow. The two had met a few years previously during a benefit concert for a family clinic; Apatow was a self-described fan of her music. Some time after sending Apple the script, [3] film composer Jon Brion told Apatow that Apple had recorded a demo for the film. Apatow later commented in an interview with Pitchfork Media, "I didn't know she would write anything. The song was perfect, and I knew exactly where to put it." [3] He added that Apple had recorded a second song, but he could not find an appropriate place to insert it into the film; he called this song "equally as great as 'Dull Tool'. It was heartbreaking not to put it in, but I'm sure it'll reach people at some point. It's a beautiful song." [3] Brion, a long-time collaborator of Apple's, [4] produced "Dull Tool", as well as every other original song featured on the album. [5] The second song written by Apple for the film, "Cosmonauts", was also recorded with Jon Brion, but went unreleased at the time, eventually appearing in re-recorded form on Apple's acclaimed 2020 album, Fetch The Bolt Cutters .

Producer Jon Brion, 2004 Jon Brion (cropped).jpg
Producer Jon Brion, 2004

"Dull Tool" has been perceived to reference a poorly-ended relationship, [6] in which Apple begins by discussing the game hide and seek and ends by "launching into a barrage of insults." [7] Lyrically, various music critics considered the "dense and fevered" song to be the "tortured antidote" or "painful sequel" to "Hot Knife", a song from Apple's 2012 album, The Idler Wheel... . [6] [7] Slate noted that the song included Apple's regular "fast-tumbling waltzes on the piano" as well as "an orchestra’s worth of mandolins, violins, electric guitars, and timpani." [7]

Release and reception

The song appears in This Is 40, but was not initially planned for inclusion in the film's soundtrack. [8] [9] In October 2012, Pitchfork Media reported a supposed conflict between Apple and her record label, Epic Records. Apple had reportedly "lashed out at her label for pulling promotional support from her new album [ The Idler Wheel... ] in response to her placing a song on a soundtrack" that was being produced by two other music companies. [10] This led to speculation that Epic did not want the soundtrack to be released. [11] It leaked online in November 2012, several weeks before the soundtrack debuted in stores on December 11. [7] [12]

In a review of the soundtrack, Rolling Stone called the song "sprightly but vicious", [13] while the Corpus Christi Caller-Times opined that the album was "smartly assembled" and Apple's song "convincingly echo[ed] domestic frustration". [14] Though Apple's music has been featured on other film soundtracks, "Dull Tool" marked the first time she could be eligible for an Academy Award. [2] The Huffington Post revealed that Universal had listed it among other pieces it submitted for consideration to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, [15] but it did not receive a nomination for Best Original Song. [16]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fiona Apple</span> American musician (born 1977)

Fiona Apple McAfee-Maggart is an American singer-songwriter. She released five albums from 1996 to 2020, all of which reached the top 20 on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart. Apple has received numerous awards and nominations, including three Grammy Awards, two MTV Video Music Awards, and a Billboard Music Award.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Aimee Mann</span> American singer-songwriter (born 1960)

Aimee Elizabeth Mann is an American singer-songwriter. Over the course of four decades, she has released more than a dozen albums as a solo artist and with other musicians. Her work with the producer Jon Brion in the 1990s was influential on American alternative rock, and she is noted for her sardonic and literate lyrics about dark subjects.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jon Brion</span> American musician

Jon Brion is an American singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, record producer, and composer. He performed with the Excerpts, the Bats, 'Til Tuesday and the Grays before becoming an established producer and film score composer.

<i>Extraordinary Machine</i> 2005 studio album by Fiona Apple

Extraordinary Machine is the third studio album by American singer-songwriter Fiona Apple, released by Epic Records in the United States on October 4, 2005. Produced by Jon Brion, it was expected to be released in 2003 but was delayed several times by the record label without explanation, leading to speculation that a dispute had arisen over its commercial appeal. The controversy surrounding the album and leaked recordings of the Jon Brion sessions were the subject of substantial press attention, as well as a highly publicized fan-led campaign to see the album officially released. In collaboration with producers Mike Elizondo and Brian Kehew, Apple re-recorded the album over 2004 and 2005, and it was eventually released more than three years after the original recording sessions began.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Not About Love</span> 2006 song performed by Fiona Apple

"Not About Love" is a song written by American singer-songwriter Fiona Apple and produced by Mike Elizondo and Brian Kehew for her third album Extraordinary Machine (2005). It was released as the album's third single in January 2006.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fast as You Can</span> 1999 single by Fiona Apple

"Fast as You Can" is a song written by Fiona Apple, and produced by Jon Brion for her second album, When the Pawn.... It was released as the album's lead single in the United States on October 5, 1999, and in the United Kingdom on February 14, 2000. It became one of Apple's most successful singles in both countries, and its music video, directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, was well received. The video and track were popular on MTV Europe's US Top 20, resulting in some popularity for Apple across Europe.

<i>When the Pawn...</i> 1999 studio album by Fiona Apple

When the Pawn... is the second studio album by the American singer-songwriter Fiona Apple. Released by Epic Records in the United States on November 9, 1999, When the Pawn... was wholly written by Apple, with production by Jon Brion.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sky Ferreira</span> American singer-songwriter, model, and actress (born 1992)

Sky Tonia Ferreira is an American singer-songwriter, model, and actress. As a teenager, Ferreira began uploading videos on Myspace of herself singing songs she had written, which led to her discovery by producers Bloodshy & Avant and a recording contract with Parlophone in 2009. She released her first extended play, As If!, in 2011, which combined elements of electropop and dance music. Ferreira's second EP Ghost (2012), however, incorporated pop with more stripped-down song structures and featured collaborations with Jon Brion and Shirley Manson, as well as the critically acclaimed track "Everything Is Embarrassing", which she composed with Dev Hynes.

<i>The Idler Wheel...</i> 2012 studio album by Fiona Apple

The Idler Wheel Is Wiser Than the Driver of the Screw and Whipping Cords Will Serve You More Than Ropes Will Ever Do, frequently abridged as The Idler Wheel..., is the fourth studio album by Fiona Apple. Like her second album When the Pawn..., its title derives from a poem written by Apple herself. It was released in the UK on June 18, 2012 and in the US on June 19 by Epic Records. The album debuted at number three on the Billboard 200, her highest debut yet, selling 72,000 copies in its first week. The album received a nomination at the 2013 Grammy Awards for Best Alternative Album. The album received widespread acclaim from critics, and was frequently included in year and decade-end lists by several publications; in 2020, Rolling Stone placed the album at number 213 on its list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Beez in the Trap</span> 2012 single by Nicki Minaj featuring 2 Chainz

"Beez in the Trap" is a song by rapper Nicki Minaj featuring 2 Chainz for her second studio album, Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded (2012). Written by the artists alongside producer Kenoe, the track was released as the album's third single on May 29, 2012 following "Starships" and "Right by My Side".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Idler Wheel Tour</span> 2012 concert tour by Fiona Apple

The Idler Wheel Tour is the fourth tour by American singer-songwriter Fiona Apple. Apple announced a small tour in Spring 2012 prompting speculation over a new album. Ahead of her first performance on the tour, Apple confirmed the album. The tour marked Apple's first performances outside of Los Angeles in over five years. Apple kicked off the tour with two performances at the South By Southwest Festival where she debuted three new songs from The Idler Wheel.... Apple's first date at the Lincoln Hall sold out quickly and caused the Lincoln Hall's servers to crash. A second date was announced at Lincoln Hall shortly after. Apple was originally scheduled to perform at the Sixth and I Historic Synagogue on March 21 but was postponed to March 28.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Paper Bag (song)</span> 2000 single by Fiona Apple

"Paper Bag" is a song by American singer-songwriter Fiona Apple, released as the third single from her second studio album, When the Pawn... (1999). The song earned Apple a Grammy Award nomination for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance for the 43rd Grammy Awards (2001).

<i>Cosmic Angel: The Illuminati Prince/ss</i> 2012 mixtape by Mykki Blanco

Cosmic Angel: The Illuminati Prince/ss is a mixtape by American recording artist Mykki Blanco, released on November 9, 2012.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bring the Noize</span> 2013 single by M.I.A.

"Bring the Noize" is a hip-hop song by British recording artist M.I.A. from her fourth studio album, Matangi (2013). The track was written by Maya "M.I.A." Arulpragasam, Surkin, Switch, Para One and Hugues Rey, and produced by Switch and Surkin. It references Public Enemy's 1987 song "Bring the Noise" and Janis Joplin's track "Me and Bobby McGee".

<i>Night Time, My Time</i> 2013 studio album by Sky Ferreira

Night Time, My Time is the debut studio album by American singer Sky Ferreira, released on October 29, 2013, by Capitol Records. The album was originally set to be released in 2011, following the singles "17", "One", and "Obsession". However, they became commercial failures and caused her label to postpone the album repeatedly. As a result, many recording sessions were held for the album; some of which went towards two extended plays (EP), As If! (2011) and Ghost (2012).

<i>Dirty Gold</i> 2013 studio album by Angel Haze

Dirty Gold is the debut studio album by American rapper Angel Haze. It was released on December 30, 2013, by Island Records and Republic Records. The 12-song effort features production from Markus Dravs, Mike Dean, Greg Kurstin, Malay, Rudimental and A Tribe Called Red, and a track written by Australian singer-songwriter Sia. The album was supported by two singles: "Echelon " and "Battle Cry" featuring Sia; along with the promotional single, "No Bueno".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sky Ferreira discography</span>

American singer and songwriter Sky Ferreira has released one studio album, three extended plays, 10 singles, three promotional singles, and 15 music videos. She signed a recording contract with Parlophone in 2009, and released the song "One" through the label in 2010. It was written by Ferreira, Bloodshy & Avant, Magnus Lidehäll, and Marit Bergman, and peaked at number 64 on the UK Singles Chart. It was followed by "Obsession" later that year, which was written by Ferreira, Jerrod Bettis, Justin Franks, and Ryan Tedder. It reached number 37 on the US Billboard Hot Dance Club Songs chart. During this time, much of her lyrical content incorporated themes of rebellion and teenage romance.

<i>Fetch the Bolt Cutters</i> 2020 studio album by Fiona Apple

Fetch the Bolt Cutters is the fifth studio album by American singer-songwriter Fiona Apple. It was released on April 17, 2020, Apple's first release since The Idler Wheel... in 2012. The album was recorded from 2015 to 2020, largely at Apple's home in Venice Beach. It was produced and performed by Apple alongside Amy Aileen Wood, Sebastian Steinberg and Davíd Garza; the recording consisted of long, often improvised takes with unconventional percussive sounds. GarageBand was used for much of this recording, and Fiona Apple credited the album's unedited vocals and long takes to her lack of expertise with the program.

References

  1. ↑ Erlewine, Stephen Thomas. "This Is 40 [Original Motion Soundtrack]". Allmusic . Rovi Corporation . Retrieved February 1, 2013.
  2. 1 2 "Fiona Apple's 'This Is 40' Song 'Dull Tool' Leaks". Rolling Stone . November 18, 2012. Retrieved February 1, 2013.
  3. 1 2 3 Fitzmaurice, Larry (December 11, 2012). "Interviews: Judd Apatow". Pitchfork Media . Retrieved February 1, 2013.
  4. ↑ Rosen, Christopher (October 22, 2012). "Fiona Apple & 'This Is 40': Original Song 'Dull Tool' Will Appear On Soundtrack". The Huffington Post . Retrieved February 1, 2013.
  5. ↑ Davis, Edward (November 17, 2012). "Listen: Fiona Apple's "Dull Tool" From The 'This Is 40' Soundtrack; Paul Rudd Hearts Ween In New Poster". IndieWire . Retrieved February 1, 2013.
  6. 1 2 Golden, Zara (November 19, 2012). "Fiona Apple Digs In With "Dull Tool," Her New Song For Judd Apatow's This Is 40". VH1 . Viacom. Archived from the original on May 11, 2013. Retrieved February 1, 2013.
  7. 1 2 3 4 Wickman, Forrest (November 19, 2012). "Listen to a New Song From Fiona Apple". Slate . The Washington Post Company . Retrieved February 1, 2013.
  8. ↑ Battan, Carrie (October 23, 2012). "Fiona Apple Records Song for Judd Apatow Movie". Pitchfork Media . Retrieved February 1, 2013.
  9. ↑ Battan, Carrie (November 8, 2012). "Fiona Apple's Song for the Judd Apatow Movie This Is 40 Will Be Released After All". Pitchfork Media . Retrieved February 1, 2013.
  10. ↑ Battan, Carrie (October 24, 2012). "Did Fiona Apple's Label Epic Records Stop Her Judd Apatow Film Song From Being Released?". Pitchfork Media . Retrieved February 1, 2013.
  11. ↑ "Fiona Apple feuding with label over Apatow film song?". MSN. October 25, 2012. Archived from the original on February 19, 2013. Retrieved February 1, 2013.
  12. ↑ Cruz, Araceli (November 19, 2012). "Fiona Apple's "Dull Tool" Leaks". Fuse . The Madison Square Garden Company . Retrieved February 1, 2013.
  13. ↑ Rosen, Jody (December 11, 2012). "This Is 40 Album Reviews". Rolling Stone . Retrieved February 1, 2013.
  14. ↑ De Leon, Jesse (January 25, 2013). "'This is 40' soundtrack signals middle age in style". Corpus Christi Caller-Times . The E.W. Scripps Company . Retrieved February 1, 2013.
  15. ↑ Makarechi, Kia (November 18, 2012). "'Dull Tool': Fiona Apple's 'This Is 40' Song Arrives With Plenty Of Spunk". The Huffington Post . Retrieved February 1, 2013.
  16. ↑ Dobbins, Amanda (January 10, 2013). "Turns Out the Academy Doesn't Like Cool Music". Vulture . New York Media. Retrieved February 1, 2013.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.