Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band - The History Of The Bonzos
2 x CD, Compilation, Remastered, UK, 1998
BGO Records
On one level the musical roots to The Monty Python world and on another plane - total original artists playing in the field of commercial pop. I first heard of them through the world of The Beatles. They appeared in The Magical Mystery Tour, and of course they were the most interesting aspect of that film. Satirists on one level, but also brilliant pop songwriters as well.
A perfect storm of sorts, with the combination of theorist lead singer Vivian Stanshall, the musical pop talents of Neil Innes and the other eccentrics that make up this band. As an introduction to their madness, The History of The Bonzos is a perfect introduction. Not only does it have the hits, but also the obscure solo recordings as well by the key members of this band.
Does the humor stand up? I don’t know, I am not British, but I appreciate their scope and skill. The musician skills are top-notch, and Vivian I suspect was a genius, who should have last longer on this planet (he died in a fire). Spike Jones aesthetic but mixed in a highly British way, and they’re seductive with their wit. Comedy record or serious music playing? In the end it doesn’t really matter, it is rather enjoyable experience.
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