Boingo Alive

Performer: Oingo Boingo
Engineer: Dean Burt; Jim Scott; Bill Jackson
Distributor: Universal Distribution

Notes: Oingo Boingo: Danny Elfman (vocals, guitar); Carl Graves (vocals, keyboards); Steve Bartek (guitar); Sam Phipps (soprano & tenor saxophones); Leon Schneiderman (baritone saxophone); Dale Turner (trumpet, trombone); John Avila (bass); Johnny "Vatos" Hernandez (drums, percussion). Additional personnel: Bruce Fowler (trombone). Producers: Danny Elfman, Steve Bartek, John Avila. Recorded at The Power Plant Rehearsal Studio, North Hollywood, California. In honor of the band's 10th Anniversary, Oingo Boingo re-recorded their favorite tracks on a live soundstage. The CD contains 9 bonus tracks, 2 never-before recorded songs and two songs from Danny Elfman's solo album (SO-LO). Personnel: Danny Elfman, Steve Bartek (vocals, guitar); Carl Graves, Carl Grave (vocals, keyboards); John Avila (vocals); Sam Phipps (saxophone, soprano saxophone, tenor saxophone); Leon Schneiderman (saxophone, baritone saxophone); Dale Turner (trumpet, trombone); Bruce Fowler (trombone); Johnny Hernandez (drums, percussion). Audio Mixers: Jim Scott; Bill Jackson. Recording information: The Power Plant Rehearsal Studio, North Hollywood, CA. Photographers: Sean Riley; Jon Burlan; Laura Engel; John Scarpati; Steve Jennings. To commemorate Oingo Boingo's first decade of existence, the band recorded a two-disc live set of their favorite songs. The fact that there was no audience for these sessions--they were recorded in the band's rehearsal space--is telling; Oingo Boingo primarily existed for their own benefit. Never interested in hit records or magazine-cover stardom, the band simply played their quirky, Zappa-and-Devo-influenced horn rock for their own amusement. On the other hand, BOINGO ALIVE isn't at all self-indulgent, and in fact is one of the band's most engaging and enjoyable records. The performances are filled with good humor--singer/songwriter Danny Elfman almost bursts out laughing during several songs--and the performances, especially those of the horn section, with guest Zappa sideman Bruce Fowler, are both tight and relaxed. The CD version contains two brand new songs and two songs from Elfman's album SO-LO.

Oingo Boingo began in 1972 as the Mystic Knights of Oingo Boingo, a cabaret-influenced musical theater troupe. In 1980 they pared down to an octet and changed their sound to reflect new wave, ska, post-punk, and world music elements. Their eponymous EP spawned the hit single "Only a Lad," and a full-length by that name appeared in 1981. The hit "Nothing Bad Ever Happens to Me," from 1983's GOOD FOR YOUR SOUL, continued the band's winning streak, as did 1985's DEAD MAN'S PARTY. Songs from the album appeared in several films, including WEIRD SCIENCE and BACK TO SCHOOL. Four less successful album followed, including BOINGO, which featured a more guitar-driven sound. Around this time, original member Danny Elfman left to pursue a successful career in film composing. Oingo Boingo disbanded in 1996.

Click Here for Shipping Options and Policies

Shipping or Dimension weight in pounds: 0.25