BOI-NGO

by

Oingo Boingo

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"Boi-Ngo" was the second album of Oingo Boingo material I bought. The first was the compilation album "Skeletons in the Closet," which can give one a very specific idea of what Boingo's style is. But when I saw this album in stores and bought it without even thinking about it, I was completely enthralled by how much ground Danny Elfman had covered in style. So my ideas of Boingo are based on this album and "Skeletons in the Closet" mostly, because they were the first ones I ever heard. And the first Boingo song I heard was "We Close Our Eyes" which is Track 5 on this album. It hooked me in the first place, so I have a natural affinity for this particular album. However, of all of Boingo's stuff, this is the "sweetest" sounding, if that makes sense enough. The messages are no heavier or lighter than any of Elfman's earlier songs, like "Grey Matter" or "Only a Lad," but they resonate with more of a charm to them. It's unfortunate that present styles of punk and ska and all that has turned people against the cliche 80s sound that Boingo was one of the manufacturerers of.

Track 7 "My Life" is the sweet part of this deal. It really is one of those songs that yanks my heart strings.

Dance-friendly and usually catchy (although "New Generation" isn't really all that catchy), "Boi-Ngo" offers a very specific sound and feeling that you can't get anywhere else. One of my all-time favorites of Boingo, "Elevator Man" is featured Track 3. Listen if you want to enjoy yourself in this life! And might I suggest you really examine the lyrics and see if you can find the hidden meanings I did.

Last of all, Track 9 "Pain" is probably the most musically appealing on this album, very much the familiar sardonic rock from earlier Boingo, but with a matured style. And a great ending to the album!