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Album of the Day: Boi-ngo - Oingo Boingo

Album: Boi-ngo Artist: Oingo Boingo Year Released: 1986 How obtained: I remember that I bought myself this record, but I can’t remember if it was at the Wherehouse or Sam Goody.   Summary: Before Danny Elfman was known for writing the theme song for “The Simpsons” and soundtracks for countless Tim Burton movies, he was the front man for Oingo Boingo.  For those of us who grew up in Southern California in the ‘80’s, this was THE band.  They were prolific, terrific, spastic and fantastic; they appealed to the outcast in all of us from the too cool jock, to the D & D players meeting in undisclosed locations.  I own their albums on cassette, vinyl and CD.  During nervous times I would play “Nothing to Fear” on my stereo as I drove off to get me in the proper frame of mind.  It’s hard to believe today, but in my younger days I was too shy to talk to strangers or those I didn’t know very well.  During new experiences, such as job interviews, first dates, going to parties, the first day of school, I would become so nervous I almost threw up. Up until my 40’s I carried chewable Pepto-Bismol in my purse at all times- just in case.  As cliché as it is to say, Oingo Boingo was one of those bands that got me through some tough times. While “Boi-ngo” isn’t my favorite album, it’s like saying a cheeseburger with American cheese isn’t the best burger I’ve ever had; its still a burger and it still tastes better than a lot of things.  “Not My Slave” is still a great song even though I know a lot of people who still don’t seem to understand it. Side 1:

1. Home Again
2. Where Do All My Friends Go
3. Elevator Man
4. New Generation

Side 2:

1. We Close Our Eyes
2. Not My Slave
3. My Life
4. Outrageous
5. Pain