Oingo Boingo - Only a Lad (35th anniversary)

Today (June 19th) marks the thirty-fifth anniversary of Only a Lad, the first full-length studio album from Oingo Boingo. This 1981 record spent five weeks on the US Billboard Album chart, peaking at number 172.

For my full review, click here.

For more from Oingo Boingo, click here.

Oingo Boingo - Only a Lad

Founded as a performance art troupe in 1972 (they actually appeared on the Gong Show in 1976), the Los Angeles group known as Oingo Boingo transitioned into a ska-influenced New Wave band in 1979. Lead by singer-songwriter Danny Elfman, the eight man band released a self-titled four song EP in 1980 and then their first full-length studio album Only a Lad on June 19th of 1981.

Their albums were hardly high charters or mega sellers even though their career as a band ran until 1995. This one spent five weeks on the US Billboard Album chart, peaking at number 172. Thanks to their quirky sound and off-beat view of the world, Oingo Boingo developed a dedicated cult following.