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Oingo Boingo

Written by Ghost

Thursday, 07 December 2006

Oingo Boingo first appeared with the song "I'm Afraid" on the Los Angeles Rock And New Wave Band compilation L.A. In (Rhino Records). In 1980, the same year the Forbidden Zone soundtrack would be released, their self-titled four-song EP earned them a hit song on KROQ's new wave playlist, with "Only a Lad". Although their music was fitting into the new wave format, they were categorically unrestrained and employed a horn section, and uncoventional instrumentation. They signed a contract with A&M Records and In 1981 their first full-length album named after the title song "Only a Lad" was issued. They followed up with 1982's Good for your Soul and 1983's Nothing to Fear. In 1984 Danny Elfman released a solo album in name only, as the band on So-Lo was actually members of Oingo Boingo. In 1985 Danny Elfman was also asked by Oingo Boingo fans comedian Paul Reubens and disney animator-director Tim Burton to score their first major studio motion picture, Pee Wee's Big Adventure. Although Danny was hesitant and unsure he could pull it off, he eventually accepted, beginning a longtime friendship with Tim Burton, and a new career as one of the most sought-after composers in the world. Also In 1985, Oingo Boingo moved to MCA Records and had a hit Gold record with "Dead Man's Party". The song got them a cameo appearance in, and a video for, the Rodney Dangerfield movie Back to School, which Danny Elfman also scored. It was also the title track for their next album Dead Man's Party. They had another soundtrack hit with the theme song for for John Hughes' Weird Science, a song that was rushed and never a favorite of theirs. Oingo Boingo was unable to sustain mainstream success with 1987's Boi-ngo. In 1988 they re-recorded their best songs as live studio takes and issued the excellent compilation Boingo Alive. A year after Danny's landmark Batman film score the band released Dark at the End of the Tunnel in 1987. In 1994 their last studio album Boingo was released. Although they had recorded without the horn section, they toured with them and other extras. It would be their final tour as the band departed on good terms in 1995, releasing their Farewell concert album and video. Continue Bio to Movies > Did you enjoy this article? Please bookmark it onto: