Wayne Riffs on THE GODFATHERS and their album, Birth, School, Work, Death from April 1988. (S.T.B / Cause I Said So / If I Only Had Time / Birth, School, Work, Death) ENTERTAINMENT TRACK: “Pump Up the Volume” by M.A.R.S.S. STAFF PICKS:“Electric Blue” by Icehouse — Rob. “Shattered Dreams” by Johnny Hates Jazz — Bruce. “Kiss Me Deadly” by Lita Ford — Brian. “Only A Memory” by The Smithereens — Wayne. COMEDY TRACK: “Eat It ” by "Weird Al" Yankovic
Sometimes classified as alternative rock or new wave, London band The Godfathers has a British punk feel to it with their stark lyrics and cynical style — one that Wayne loves and appreciates! Peter and Chris Coyne formed this five piece group, and dressed in mafia-style suits with skinny ties. When they toured the United States, Living Colour was their opening act. Their sound is "brass knuckles punches," and "body slamming production." Join us on this journey as we explore Birth, School, Work, Death - a rough and tumble yet melodic album.
S.T.B.
This song was the first one that Wayne thought really rocked.
Cause I Said So
How many of us heard this phrase when we were young? You sense the angst of their working class background. Lots of their songs have a "worst case scenario" feel to it.
If I Only Had Time
This is Wayne's favorite Godfather's song. "If I only had time, I would come up with the perfect crime." Front man Peter Coyne was in six of the seven "Harry Potter" movies.
Birth, School, Work, Death
This title track is definitely the hit off the album. This describes life as it is - though perhaps quite summarized. The video to this song received considerable airplay on MTV at the time.
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
“Pump Up the Volume” by M.A.R.S.S.
This song was a track off the Michael J. Fox movies "Bright Lights, Big City."
STAFF PICKS:
“Electric Blue” by Icehouse
Rob digs this song by Australian synth-pop band Icehouse that was actually co-written by John Oates, giving it a definite "Hall & Oates" feel. The video features a prominent mullet and Paris Jefferson, best known as Xena, Warrior Princess.
“Shattered Dreams” by Johnny Hates Jazz
Bruce's staff pick features some minor key angst. Interestingly, the group was discovered while performing in a jazz club. The video was produced by David Fincher of "Fight Club" fame.
“Kiss Me Deadly” by Lita Ford
Brian's rocking staff pick features the queen of heavy metal/glam rock. Sharon Osbourne produced the album.
“Only A Memory” by The Smithereens
Continuing the angst theme, this great break up song was released in April. "I search the room but you're not there, your perfume lingers everywhere."
COMEDY TRACK:
“Eat It ” by "Weird Al" Yankovic
Although this spoof was originally released in 1984, it also appeared on Yankovic's Greatest Hits album, released in 1988.