I have a few favorites from that series (Village Green Preservation Society, Radio City, Shangri-La's, Go-Go's), but they can be a little hit and miss.
I am not that familiar with the LA punk scene, but YouTube recently suggested this episode about "Chinatown Punk Wars" and it is fascinating (and mentions both the GoGos and 20/20, albeit in passing). It's long, but it made me think of you.
I'm always torn about the Go-Go's. I saw them a lot around L.A. back in their days. I remember a show at the Marquee where they were an opening band and only had three songs. I used to see various members hanging out at the Whiskey before they formed the band. They were all just a force of nature and blast to be around.
But...their pop stuff was much more fun to listen to. The first time I heard "We've Got The Beat," they were frantically thrashing away at it at about twice the speed of the familiar version. Yes, the label and their management rounded off the punkiest things. But given the solo output of some of the band, I think that pop stuff was hiding not far below the surface.
I love reading you two together!
Thank you! 🙏
All-female bands have not been getting real respect since the first ones came to be...
Terrible, but true.
...and there have been ones in virtually every genre, from jazz to rock.
For sure. Sounds like you might like the 33 1/3 book about "Beauty and the Beat' (if you haven't read it already).
I've got some books from that series out from the library, so probably....
I have a few favorites from that series (Village Green Preservation Society, Radio City, Shangri-La's, Go-Go's), but they can be a little hit and miss.
I am not that familiar with the LA punk scene, but YouTube recently suggested this episode about "Chinatown Punk Wars" and it is fascinating (and mentions both the GoGos and 20/20, albeit in passing). It's long, but it made me think of you.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DKa3g_I78wY
Cool. I *think* I saw the original drummer from 20/20 post about this. Been meaning to check it out. Thanks for the reminder!
There are a couple of places that feel repetitive, but generally quite well done and the people they interview are charismatic.
I'm always torn about the Go-Go's. I saw them a lot around L.A. back in their days. I remember a show at the Marquee where they were an opening band and only had three songs. I used to see various members hanging out at the Whiskey before they formed the band. They were all just a force of nature and blast to be around.
But...their pop stuff was much more fun to listen to. The first time I heard "We've Got The Beat," they were frantically thrashing away at it at about twice the speed of the familiar version. Yes, the label and their management rounded off the punkiest things. But given the solo output of some of the band, I think that pop stuff was hiding not far below the surface.
Fair enough. You were much closer to it than I ever was, but I love punk and pop. So, the whole package totally works for me.