Oingo Boingo "Good for Your Soul" 1983****

Nowadays that Danny Elfman has found his niche as a reknowned film soundtrack composer, it's difficult to think of him as the former singer/leader of new wave group Oingo Bongo. Did he have ambitions of pop stardom? It's difficult to tell. From one point of view, Oingo Boingo seem to be playing the game: danceable rhythm, catchy melodies, latest production tricks and the obligatory videos make them look like a typical new wave group of the era. I was in my teens during the mid-80's and, while I don't remember them from that time, they sound like a lot of other bands one could hear on the radio or see on MTV. On the other hand, there's a certain quirkiness that sets them apart from the mainstream: the dance numbers are more frantic and less melodic than usual, the world music elements more pronounced - only the Talking Heads and probably Peter Gabriel were utilizing them in such an extent in pop. The lyrics are likewise darker and more bookish than the average pop band, with references to Orwell's 1984 and H.G.Wells' Island Of Dr. Moreau. Opener "Who Do You Want to Be" is a super-charged ska-punk number while "Good for Your Soul" is more melodic ska-pop with softer vocals (usually Elfman's vocal are more frantic and abrasive), and "Fill the Void" is laid-back reggae. "No Spill Blood"'s lead vocal is almost a rap while the chorus sounds like an excerpt from a musical - a possible throwback to the beginning of the group which started out as a theatrical troupe. Some great lead guitar here from Steve Bartek whose solos are always interesting and imaginative, even though the guitar is often buried under the wall of sound produced by the 8-person band (4 horns, keyboard, percussion, guitar, bass and synths). "Cry of the Vatos" is a frenzied instrumental with Afro-Latin rhythms and wild shrieks and shouts. "Sweat" and "Dead or Alive" are a couple of fast rockers and "Nothing Bad Ever Happens" a new wave/synth piece that, lyrically and musically, reminds me of Talking Heads' "Once In A Lifetime". It's about people who are only interested in themselves and are indifferent to the problems of the rest and has a suitably sarcastic video to go with it (see below). It strikes the perfect balance between art and commercialism, something that follower "Wake Up (It's 1984)" misses by leaning too much on the disco side. Now, Oingo Boingo may be occasionally dark lyrically, but they're usually musically light, if not outright jubilant. "Pictures of You" is an exception that reveals their Goth side, which is about equal to The Cure's happy side. The album ends with the bouncy "Little Guns". With its wacky lyric, spaghetti western and ska beat it could be an outtake from one of Elfman's soundtracks for Tim Burton, while the cool sax reminds me of Madness (I take it you can all hum the melody of "One Step Beyond?") On the whole this is a wildly idiosyncratic album that will delight those of us who love Elfman's music from his Tim Burton soundtracks. If it wasn't for the cheesy 80's synths, Oingo Boingo could sneak in among my favorite bands of the period. In any case, "Good for Your Soul" has certainly earned its place in my collection.

**** for Who Do You Want to Be, Good for Your Soul, No Spill Blood, Nothing Bad Ever Happens, Pictures of You

*** for Cry of the Vatos, Fill the Void, Sweat, Wake Up (It's 1984), Dead or Alive, Little Guns