Camper Van Beethoven - "Take the Skinheads Bowling"
(Album Release: 1985)
Is this a song about social harmony or does it mean absolutely nothing? I don't know, but I enjoy the hell out of this song. Of course, Michael Moore managed to find not so subtle meaning in it and included a cover version of it to open up his film, Bowling for Columbine. Isn't that what the best art is all about? The fact that a song, with lyrics as silly as this one, can be so wildly funny and entertaining while at the same time providing a much deeper interpretation, is testament to its genius. Though I liked this song quite a bit in 1985, I didn't become a huge Camper Van fan until their major label releases, Our Beloved Revolutionary Sweetheart and Key Lime Pie. "Pictures of Matchstick Men" is still one of my favorite covers of all time. "Skinheads," however, is the first successful song from a band that was not and is not appreciated near enough. Coming from Redlands, CA and displaying such eclecticism in their music probably had people pegging them as stoners, but this song proved that all labels and stereotypes were not to be taken seriously. This song also introduced me to the riveting voice of David Lowery who would go on to form his second underrated band, Cracker. But, before I finish this up, take a look at the lyrics of the song in all their dadaist, nonsensical glory and tell me it doesn't make you smile just a little.
One man's writings, thoughts, and appreciations of all things cultural.
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