"This Head I Hold" is the first single from Electric Guest's debut album Mondo. It was one of the best-selling singles in France of 2012.
Lyrics and composition Taccone said the song was conceived as a "constant reminder that you don’t have to follow in the steps of whatever kind of culture you’re a part of or whatever your society says you should or shouldn’t do."Gotch, Kristin (May 7, 2012), "An Interview with Electric Guest". PopMatters. Retrieved February 23, 2016. Taccone presented the demo to his friend, Brian Burton, with plans to give the song to a woman.Rolling Stone staff (April 11, 2012), "Danger Mouse Reveals Why He Produced Electric Guest's Debut Album". Rolling Stone. Retrieved February 25, 2016. Burton, however, insisted that it was too good to give away.
Music video On January 4, 2012, the band released a promotional video featuring the band playing the song live on stage.Isenberg, Daniel (April 23, 2012), 'Video: Electric Guest "This Head I Hold (Version 2)'". Complex.com. Retrieved February 23, 2016. In advance of the album's release, they released a second video built around the narrative of a talent competition and a desert expedition. It was directed by Keith Schofield.IFEANYI, KC (April 26, 2012), "Keith Schofield Leads Us On A Journey Of Self-Discovery And Dancing In Electric Guest's New Video". Fast Cocreate. Retrieved February 23, 2016.
Charts
Weekly charts Chart (2012) Peak position France (SNEP) 37 US Alternative Songs (Billboard) 30
Year-end charts Chart (2012) Position France (SNEP) 193
Reception Entertainment Weekly called it "all winking falsetto and retro swagger" that made "'hammock funk...the best new micro genre of the season."EW Staff (May 10, 2012), "EW's Spring Playlist: Nicki Minaj, Marina and the Diamonds, Schoolboy Q and more -- stream it here". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved February 22, 2016. The Canberra Times said the song "seems to have been designed specifically to get you on your feet."Lane, Jessica (04/12/2012), "fly". The Canberra Times. The Canberra Times.
Appearances in the media "This Head I Hold" was used in IKEA's 2014 'Every Meal is a Special Occasion' ad.MCCARTHY, JOHN (4 NOVEMBER 2014), "UK Top Shazamed Ads: Ikea retains the top spot with ‘This Head I Hold’ by Electric Guest". TheDrum.com. Retrieved February 23, 2016. The song was also used in the 2014 film Annie.
References