Getting Down the Germs
"Getting Down the Germs" is a solo track by Gerard Way, released as a single on October 26, 2018. The song was written in collaboration with Ray Toro.[1] Flutist Sara Andon and producer Doug McKean are also listed as collaborators.[2][3]
"Getting Down the Germs" | ||||
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Single by Gerard Way | ||||
Released | November 15, 2018 | |||
Genre | Indie rock | |||
Length | 4:51 | |||
Label | Reprise | |||
Songwriter(s) |
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Producer(s) |
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Gerard Way singles chronology | ||||
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Background
In a statement Way said, “I had really been wanting a song that featured the flute prominently for quite some time. It sits in there perfectly, like it was made to pay the song a visit. The whole song reminds me of wiggling squiggling wormy germs. It’s a very calm affair that shows a peek into where I may be heading musically.”[4][5]
In an interview Way explained, "‘Getting Down The Germs’ means getting down, or swallowing the harder things in life. But in a positive way — taking the bad with the good. I find it interesting how a phrase can mean a whole other thing in the context of a song."[6]
Critical reception
Graham Hartman of Loudwire stated the song was a "stripped-down, feel-good song reminiscent of ’60s psychedelic music and new school indie rock."[7] Billboard released a review on Friday stating Way "stays true to his punk rock roots", while giving the listener tastes of "the great rock-music flute solos of the '60s and '70s".[8]
Music video
The lyric video, directed by Claire Marie Vogel, was released on November 15, 2018. It shows puppets fashioned as germs dancing to the song.[4][9]
Personnel
- Gerard Way – lead and backing vocals, rhythm guitar
- Matt Gorney – bass guitar
- Ian Fowles – lead guitar
- James Dewees – keyboards
- Tom Rasulo – drums, percussion
- Sara Andon – flute
References
- "Gerard Way Drops New Solo Single, Getting Down The Germs — Kerrang!". Kerrang!. Retrieved 2018-11-16.
- "Gerard Way recruits Ray Toro on "Getting Down The Germs"". Alternative Press. 2018-11-16. Retrieved 2018-11-16.
- "Gerard Way shares catchy new track 'Getting Down The Germs' written with My Chemical Romance bandmate Ray Toro". NME. 2018-11-16. Retrieved 2018-11-16.
- "Gerard Way Reunites With Ray Toro on 'Getting Down The Germs' | iHeartRadio". iHeartRadio. Retrieved 2018-11-16.
- "Gerard Way Drops New Single 'Getting Down The Germs' - News - Rock Sound Magazine". Rock Sound Magazine. Retrieved 2018-11-16.
- Leimkuehler, Matthew. "Gerard Way Explains Why He's Not Overthinking His New Music". Forbes. Retrieved 2018-11-16.
- "Half of My Chemical Romance Wrote a New Song Together - Listen". Loudwire. Retrieved 2018-11-16.
- "Gerard Way Is 'Getting Down the Germs' With Infectious New Single: Listen". Billboard. Retrieved 2018-11-17.
- "Check out Gerard Way's laid-back new track Getting Down The Germs". loudersound. Retrieved 2018-11-17.