Oingo Boingo - Only a Lad - Music & Performance - CD

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Only a Lad introduced the world to a man who would later become one of its most recognizable popular composers. Danny Elfman, later to write the score for The Simpsons as well as countless movie soundtracks, formed Oingo Boingo in 1977, but it wasn't until Only a Lad's 1981 release that they achieved national recognition. Only a Lad contains obvious new wave elements, but it doesn't stick to any one style long, undulating over a vast musical terrain. Ska, new wave, classical, heavy metal -- they all make at least cameo appearances. The band's musicianship, even at this relatively early stage, far exceeds most of their peers, and Elfman's deft songwriting ability offers a clear glimpse of what was to come. Elfman's voice fits perfectly within an '80s context, but otherwise, the album sounds far ahead of its time. As such, it should come as no surprise the album had more influence on musicians and artists than on the charts. It's probably a good thing that this particular Oingo Boingo collection never reached too high a level of prominence, though, because the lyrical content of Only a Lad could have landed them in serious hot water. Although never vulgar, the album brazenly shuffles through taboos without compunction, writing from a pedophile's point of view in "Little Girls," not-so-clandestinely discussing masturbation in "Nasty Habits," and generally adopting a socially whimsical and irreverent attitude. The lone track not written by Elfman is a stellar tribute to the Kinks' classic cut "You Really Got Me." Later cited as an influence by such diverse bands as Nirvana, Mr. Bungle, and Fishbone, this album stands up well to the test of multiple listens and would make a worthwhile addition to any album collection. ~ Kieran McCarthy, Rovi

Performer	Oingo Boingo
Music genre	Alternative
Music subgenre	CD - Alternative Rock
Music release type	Release
Media format	CD
Original release date	1981-06-19
Edition	Standard Edition
Language	English
Is collectible	Y
Number of tracks	6
Has parental advisory label	N
Number of discs	1
Series title	Oingo Boingo - Only a Lad COMPACT DISCS
Track listing	Little Girls, Perfect System, On the Outside, Capitalism, You Really Got Me, Only a Lad, What You See, Controller, Imposter, Nasty Habits
Record label	A&M
Target audience	Family
Composer	Charlie Mackery
Songwriter	Charlie Mackery
Music producer	Pete Solley and Oingo Boingo
Number in series	1
Occasion	All Occasion
Track name	Little Girls, Perfect System, On The Outside, Capitalism, You Really Got Me, Only A Lad, What You See, Controller, Imposter, Nasty Habits, Violent Love, Ain't This The Life (10" Version), I'm So Bad, Ain't This The Life (12" Version)
Duration	38.09 min
Digital audio file format	Cd
Music media format	CD
Is edited	N
Is enhanced	N