Boingo Alive (CD - 1988)

Oingo Boingo: Danny Elfman (vocals, guitar); Carl Graves (vocals, keyboards); Steve Bartek (guitar); Sam Phipps (soprano & tenor saxophones); Leon Schneiderman (baritone saxophone); Dale Turner (trumpet, trombone); John Avila (bass); Johnny "Vatos" Hernandez (drums, percussion).

Additional personnel: Bruce Fowler (trombone).

Producers: Danny Elfman, Steve Bartek, John Avila.

Recorded at The Power Plant Rehearsal Studio, North Hollywood, California.

In honor of the band's 10th Anniversary, Oingo Boingo re-recorded their favorite tracks on a live soundstage. The CD contains 9 bonus tracks, 2 never-before recorded songs and two songs from Danny Elfman's solo album (SO-LO).

Personnel: Danny Elfman, Steve Bartek (vocals, guitar); Carl Graves, Carl Grave (vocals, keyboards); John Avila (vocals); Sam Phipps (saxophone, soprano saxophone, tenor saxophone); Leon Schneiderman (saxophone, baritone saxophone); Dale Turner (trumpet, trombone); Bruce Fowler (trombone); Johnny Hernandez (drums, percussion).

Audio Mixers: Jim Scott; Bill Jackson.

Recording information: The Power Plant Rehearsal Studio, North Hollywood, CA.

Photographers: Sean Riley; Jon Burlan; Laura Engel; John Scarpati; Steve Jennings.

To commemorate Oingo Boingo's first decade of existence, the band recorded a two-disc live set of their favorite songs. The fact that there was no audience for these sessions--they were recorded in the band's rehearsal space--is telling; Oingo Boingo primarily existed for their own benefit. Never interested in hit records or magazine-cover stardom, the band simply played their quirky, Zappa-and-Devo-influenced horn rock for their own amusement.

On the other hand, BOINGO ALIVE isn't at all self-indulgent, and in fact is one of the band's most engaging and enjoyable records. The performances are filled with good humor--singer/songwriter Danny Elfman almost bursts out laughing during several songs--and the performances, especially those of the horn section, with guest Zappa sideman Bruce Fowler, are both tight and relaxed. The CD version contains two brand new songs and two songs from Elfman's album SO-LO. minimize