| Two-Timing Touch and Broken Bones | |
| Cover: | TwoTimingTouchAndBrokenBones.jpg |
| Type: | single |
| Artist: | The Hives |
| Album: | Tyrannosaurus Hives |
| Released: | 4 January 2005 |
| Recorded: | 2004 |
| Genre: | Garage punk, garage rock |
| Length: | 2:00 |
| Label: | Polydor |
| Prev Title: | Walk Idiot Walk |
| Prev Year: | 2004 |
| Next Title: | Abra Cadaver |
| Next Year: | 2004 |
"Two-Timing Touch and Broken Bones" is the second single from the album Tyrannosaurus Hives by The Hives. Released as an Enhanced CD with B-side tracks in 2005, "Two-Timing Touch and Broken Bones" was considered a hit for The Hives,[1] [2] and appeared on several compilations.
The guitar riff for "Two-Timing Touch and Broken Bones" is borrowed from a song by The Monkees 1966 hit "(I'm Not Your) Steppin' Stone", which was written by Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart.[3] The chord sequence, which has been described as being jerky and monotonous by Marc Spitz of Spin magazine, is similar to the song "Kicks" by Paul Revere & the Raiders.[4] "Two-Timing Touch and Broken Bones" has also been said to sound like Devo, and embraces the "garage rock" sound.[5]
Other than appearing on the album, it was released on 4 January 2005, as a 7" single and Enhanced CD along with the songs "Born To Cry" and "Little Lil",[6] both of which did not appear on Tyrannosaurus Hives. "Two-Timing Touch and Broken Bones" was included on the soundtracks of a couple video games, namely the Madden NFL 2005[7] and the MotoGP '06 soundtracks, as well as on several other compilations.
A video for "Two-Timing Touch and Broken Bones" was made,[6] and it was included on the single in QuickTime format.[8]
The Hives also went on tour during the winter of 2004 in order to promote "Two-Timing Touch and Broken Bones" and the release of Tyrannosaurus Hives.[9] The song is generally considered an enjoyable moment in their live performances,[10] where Almqvist's stage antics are found particularly entertaining.[11] "Two-Timing Touch and Broken Bones" remains a favorite among fans.[12]
"Two-Timing Touch and Broken Bones" reached number 44 on the UK "Top 75" charts, during the week of 30 October 2004.[13] The music video debuted on MTV Europe's Top 20 list on 4 December 2004 at number 19.[14] It peaked at number 16 on 18 December 2004, and remained on the charts for 4 weeks, departing on 8 January 2005.[15]
Reviews among critics were mixed; James Snodgrass of NME said "'Two-timing touch and broken bones' might as well be 'too dumb, and Dutch, and broken bones'.[16] Heather Phares of AllMusic liked the speed of the song in comparison with those it was structurally built from, saying that it "cut(s) right to the chase".[4] It has also been said to be a straightforward song which embodies The Hives' sound,[17] and one of the highlights of Tyrannosaurus Hives.[18]
Information on Enhanced CD track listing.[19]
Information on 7" track listing.[20]
| Chart (2004) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| UK Top 75 Charts | 44 |
| MTV Europe (music video) | 16[21] |
Information on appearances.[22]