History lesson! This punk rock band was formed in Ireland in 1973, fronted by Bob Geldof (who would go on to play Pink in the movie version of The Wall). They had quite a few big hits in the UK and Ireland, but in the US...not so much.
Technically, I'm cheating by having them here as a one hit wonder, because their biggest US hit didn't even crack the top 40. However, that song is fairly well-known amongst fans of classic rock, and most people who know of this band only know them for this song. What song is it?
Before I get into that, I will give you the background leading up to this song. Their first album The Boomtown Rats was a pretty big success in the UK. Their second album, A Tonic for the Troops, was also a hit. Not only did it have 3 hit singles, but one of those singles, "Rat Trap" was the first song by an Irish rock band to hit the number 1 spot in the UK, the first new wave song to do so, and the first song by any Irish band to top the official BBC charts. Despite all that, the band didn't see any real success in the U.S. until 1979, when they released the single "I Don't Like Mondays", which was the only song of theirs to crack the top 100 in the U.S.
This song opens with a piano line, with drums kicking in a little bit later. However, the vast majority of the song is completely piano driven for the music, so it's a good thing that the piano line is awesome. As for the singing, Bob Geldof has a voice that is made for punk rock. Even when doing a ballad like this one, you can hear the punk tones in his voice, but he has very solid singing skills.
The lyrics for this song are quite dark, belying the rather upbeat piano line and peppy chorus. Basically, this song was written about Brenda Ann Spencer, one of the earliest school shooters, who opened fire on Cleveland Elementary School from across the street earlier in 1979 with a .22 rifle. While no kids were killed, it wasn't from a lack of trying, with one kid taking a bullet only an inch from his heart. In the end, there were eight children and a police officer injured, and the principal and a custodian were killed.
What does that have to do with the song? When she was arrested and the police asked her why she did it, she allegedly answered "I don't like Mondays. This livens up the day." That comment struck a chord with Geldof, who basically wrote this song in his attempt to understand just what could drive someone so ordinary to do something this terrible.
Overall, this is the happiest song about a school shooting you will ever hear. The piano line is quite catchy, as is the singing. You are likely to start singing along before the impact of the impact of the quite dark and serious lyrics hits you. I strongly urge anyone who has not heard this song to give it a listen.
As I said, that was the closest this band ever came to success in the U.S. They had a great deal more success in the UK and Ireland, however. That said, this song is nowhere near an indication of The Boomtown Rats' true style.
For example, let's look at the song "Banana Republic". Here, you have a more reggae sound to the music, with a reggae guitar and bongos opening it up. The singing is much different as well, sounding more similar to David Bowie than anything. The lyrics are basically an attack on Ireland, describing it as "the septic isle screaming in the suffering sea".
Well, let's look at their landmark hit "Rat Trap". Once again, there is piano, but they also have a brass section backing them up, along with a bass line. The singing is more similar to Phil Lynott (Thin Lizzy) or Bruce Springsteen. The lyrics show even more Springsteen influence. Basically, this song is "Born to Run" done by an Irish band.
Should they have had more success in the U.S.? Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. I can't say it enough. This band showed diversity that was quite rare in a punk band, being able to ape styles quite successful. Bob Geldof, especially, is noticeable in his ability to sing in multiple styles. They recently reformed, and are apparently performing again, so I would encourage any fans in the UK or Ireland to check them out.
Previously: Vanessa Carlton [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.825107-One-Hit-Wonderful-Vanessa-Carlton]
Next: The Corrs [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.825437-One-Hit-Wonderful-The-Corrs]
Technically, I'm cheating by having them here as a one hit wonder, because their biggest US hit didn't even crack the top 40. However, that song is fairly well-known amongst fans of classic rock, and most people who know of this band only know them for this song. What song is it?
Before I get into that, I will give you the background leading up to this song. Their first album The Boomtown Rats was a pretty big success in the UK. Their second album, A Tonic for the Troops, was also a hit. Not only did it have 3 hit singles, but one of those singles, "Rat Trap" was the first song by an Irish rock band to hit the number 1 spot in the UK, the first new wave song to do so, and the first song by any Irish band to top the official BBC charts. Despite all that, the band didn't see any real success in the U.S. until 1979, when they released the single "I Don't Like Mondays", which was the only song of theirs to crack the top 100 in the U.S.
This is what Bob Geldof looked like around the time of this song. If I can say so myself, pretty damn hot.
This song opens with a piano line, with drums kicking in a little bit later. However, the vast majority of the song is completely piano driven for the music, so it's a good thing that the piano line is awesome. As for the singing, Bob Geldof has a voice that is made for punk rock. Even when doing a ballad like this one, you can hear the punk tones in his voice, but he has very solid singing skills.
The lyrics for this song are quite dark, belying the rather upbeat piano line and peppy chorus. Basically, this song was written about Brenda Ann Spencer, one of the earliest school shooters, who opened fire on Cleveland Elementary School from across the street earlier in 1979 with a .22 rifle. While no kids were killed, it wasn't from a lack of trying, with one kid taking a bullet only an inch from his heart. In the end, there were eight children and a police officer injured, and the principal and a custodian were killed.
What does that have to do with the song? When she was arrested and the police asked her why she did it, she allegedly answered "I don't like Mondays. This livens up the day." That comment struck a chord with Geldof, who basically wrote this song in his attempt to understand just what could drive someone so ordinary to do something this terrible.
Overall, this is the happiest song about a school shooting you will ever hear. The piano line is quite catchy, as is the singing. You are likely to start singing along before the impact of the impact of the quite dark and serious lyrics hits you. I strongly urge anyone who has not heard this song to give it a listen.
As I said, that was the closest this band ever came to success in the U.S. They had a great deal more success in the UK and Ireland, however. That said, this song is nowhere near an indication of The Boomtown Rats' true style.
For example, let's look at the song "Banana Republic". Here, you have a more reggae sound to the music, with a reggae guitar and bongos opening it up. The singing is much different as well, sounding more similar to David Bowie than anything. The lyrics are basically an attack on Ireland, describing it as "the septic isle screaming in the suffering sea".
Well, let's look at their landmark hit "Rat Trap". Once again, there is piano, but they also have a brass section backing them up, along with a bass line. The singing is more similar to Phil Lynott (Thin Lizzy) or Bruce Springsteen. The lyrics show even more Springsteen influence. Basically, this song is "Born to Run" done by an Irish band.
Should they have had more success in the U.S.? Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. I can't say it enough. This band showed diversity that was quite rare in a punk band, being able to ape styles quite successful. Bob Geldof, especially, is noticeable in his ability to sing in multiple styles. They recently reformed, and are apparently performing again, so I would encourage any fans in the UK or Ireland to check them out.
Just...don't expect a heartthrob.
Previously: Vanessa Carlton [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.825107-One-Hit-Wonderful-Vanessa-Carlton]
Next: The Corrs [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.825437-One-Hit-Wonderful-The-Corrs]