"Hellno" (alternatively stylised as "HELLno" or "H.E.L.L. No!") is a song by The Residents, likely recorded in 1983 and featured in the soundtrack of the 1984 film The Census Taker. It was released on the film's soundtrack album on February 16th 1985 by Episode Records.
The song features lead vocals from Hardy Fox's then wife Helen Hall (aka Nessie Lessons).
History[]
"Hellno" was written by Hardy Fox for his then wife, Helen Hall (who had frequently appeared as a vocalist on Residents releases in the early 1980s, often under the pseudonym Nessie Lessons). The title of the song is likely a play on her name. It was featured in the group's soundtrack for the 1984 comedy film The Census Taker, and was one of ten tracks on the soundtrack album which were recorded specifically for the film.
The song features lead vocals from Hall, uncredited on the original release (but credited as Nessie Lessons on later reissues). Fox and Hall divorced amicably in 1984; "Hellno" would be Hall's last collaboration with The Residents until the 1992 album Our Finest Flowers.
To date, "Hellno" has never been performed live or re-recorded by The Residents. In 1986 it was featured as the opening track of the compilation album Heaven?, and later appeared on the 1995 promotional release Louisiana's Lick. In 2005 the song was featured on a (likely unofficial) 2005 various artists CD-R compilation titled Mingo L'Indien Présente: Vol. 3.
In 1996, a cover version by Greg Roe was featured on the official tribute album Eyesore: A Stab at The Residents. It was covered by Brazilian artist Enzo Aprile in 2013, and a version by Peeno with DJ Napp was featured on the unofficial 2017 tribute album Who Killed Ralph? Volume Six. In 2018, a version by English band Gaw Nihc was interpolated into the official tribute/mash-up album I Am A Resident!.
Lyrics[]
I want your love You can't give it H-E-L-L no
One sees us No one wants to H-E-L-L no!
Come on, baby Show me heaven H-E-L-L no H-E-L-L no!
Come on, baby Show me heaven H-E-L-L no!
List of releases[]
- The Census Taker: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (1985) [Version 1]
- Heaven? (1986) [Version 1]
- Whatever Happened To Vileness Fats? CD reissue (1991) [Version 1]
- Louisiana's Lick (1995) [Version 1]
- Intermission / The Census Taker (2011) [Version 1]
- Heaven? / Hell! (2012) [Version 1]
- Whatever Happened to Vileness Fats? / The Census Taker (2014) [Version 1]
- I Am A Resident! (2018) [Version 2]