VIZA
MYSTIC KNIGHTS OF THE OINGO BOINGO
Dan, a staff writer, chose bands and songs that make you think about their lyrics, and how they conflict or conform to your own beliefs and ideas, be it based in political or relationship realms. I truly understand his thoughts as I can sit here and recite lyrics in my head that bring tears to my eyes (John Prine – “Hello In There” – aging or Peter Gabriel – “Don’t Give Up” –suicide). However, sometimes the last thing I want to do is think when I’m listening to music. I just want to be taken away from the everyday struggles of life. I want to have FUN! That’s where the balafon and oud come into play.
I’m cheating with my band of the week, because I’m choosing two bands of the week. One is modern and is constantly touring. They are named VIZA. The other has disbanded with no chance of a reunion as most of the members suffer from hearing lost and have no desire to make it worse with even one more concert. However, in the 80’s I was lucky enough to see this band, Oingo Boingo, live at least a half dozen times.
I’m cheating with my band of the week, because I’m choosing two bands of the week. One is modern and is constantly touring. They are named VIZA. The other has disbanded with no chance of a reunion as most of the members suffer from hearing lost and have no desire to make it worse with even one more concert. However, in the 80’s I was lucky enough to see this band, Oingo Boingo, live at least a half dozen times.
Their Halloween shows are legendary. Every concert was an exhilarating high. It was on your feet fun from the first notes of the balafon from “Grey Matter” to the last shouts of “Goodbye Goodbye.”
Danny Elfman was the lead singer, composer, and writer of their songs. He no longer needs the band. He is a four time Oscar nominated composer for such films as “Batman” and “Edward Scissorhands.” He is also the man responsible for “The Simpsons” television theme song. Additionally, he was the singing voice for Jack Skellington in “The Nightmare before Christmas.” He also plays the balafon, which is an African xylophone type instrument.
They had eight members in the band, playing drums, guitars, keyboards, along with a three-piece horn section. Their recordings generate some of the experience of a live show, but after hearing their music you can imagine it live and feel the excitement. I love all their albums, but my favorite and the one that best demonstrates their talents is 1982’s “Nothing to Fear.”
They had eight members in the band, playing drums, guitars, keyboards, along with a three-piece horn section. Their recordings generate some of the experience of a live show, but after hearing their music you can imagine it live and feel the excitement. I love all their albums, but my favorite and the one that best demonstrates their talents is 1982’s “Nothing to Fear.”
There is the silliness to songs like “Reptiles and Samurai” and “Wild Sex in the Working Class.” “Grey Matter” and “Nothing to Fear” are more serious works but don’t lose the tone of the album’s playful edge. These are not records that spawn deep discussions. This music gets you off your feet and signing along with the band. Once they disbanded, I believed I would never again experience a live show that produced such an entertaining, dance-filled fun time. Then I was introduced to the oud.
The oud is a pear-shaped stringed instrument commonly used in Arabic, Hebrew/Jewish, Greek, Turkish, Byzantine, North African (Chaabi, Classical, and Andalusian), Somali and Middle Eastern music. It is not very popular in modern American music, be it hip-hop, country, or rock-n-roll. However, it is a featured instrument in the band VIZA.
The oud is a pear-shaped stringed instrument commonly used in Arabic, Hebrew/Jewish, Greek, Turkish, Byzantine, North African (Chaabi, Classical, and Andalusian), Somali and Middle Eastern music. It is not very popular in modern American music, be it hip-hop, country, or rock-n-roll. However, it is a featured instrument in the band VIZA.
Along with the oud, the band incorporates guitars, bass, drums, and a percussionist to create a very distinctive blend of music. Like Oingo Boingo they are from Los Angeles, California. And like Oingo Boingo, they are FUN!
They have a very diverse group of musicians in their band. Their social backgrounds have a heavy influence of Armenian and Greek. The drummer is Hispanic. They have fused all these styles and experiences to create something real
special and unique. Nobody sound like them. My favorite album is 2010’s “Made in Chernobyl.”
They have a very diverse group of musicians in their band. Their social backgrounds have a heavy influence of Armenian and Greek. The drummer is Hispanic. They have fused all these styles and experiences to create something real
special and unique. Nobody sound like them. My favorite album is 2010’s “Made in Chernobyl.”
The lyrics can be thought of as just nonsense at first listen, but if you try you can find deeper meaning to the words. However, with VIZA, I’m not looking for hidden messages or spiritual guidence. I’m too busy dancing, smiling and having a good time.
Eleven songs and not one you would want to skip in the bunch. If you only buy one album this year. Please buy this one.
If you already have this album, and want something else to keep your feet moving, then check out old Oingo Boingo. They have a couple of greatest hits compilations. These two bands are all about the FUN! They received equal time in my play lists.
Eleven songs and not one you would want to skip in the bunch. If you only buy one album this year. Please buy this one.
If you already have this album, and want something else to keep your feet moving, then check out old Oingo Boingo. They have a couple of greatest hits compilations. These two bands are all about the FUN! They received equal time in my play lists.
 | Hank Lujan is awesome. End of story. |
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