The Go-Go's - Beauty and the Beat

When the 1970s punk scene was washed away by the undertow of '80s new wave, few bands surfed the transition as well as the Go-Go's. These Valley grrrls dressed up their punk heritage with a sense of glamour so that their music was at once ballsy and fanciful. The peppery singles "We Got the Beat" and "Our Lips Are Sealed" were their debut's chart climbers and glossiest tracks. The rest of the album has a tougher crust. For example, the jittery "Can't Stop the World" would make the Ramones proud. And take a look at the lyrical content of "This Town": "Change the lines that were said before / We're all dreamers--we're all whores / Discarded stars / Like worn out cars / Litter the streets of this town." Hole's single "Celebrity Skin" is a '90s rendition of the same theme: "When I wake up with my makeup / Have you ever felt so used up as this? / It's all so sugarless / Hooker / Waitress / Model / Actress / Oh, just go nameless." Just as Courtney Love has made a career out of publicly displaying her glam-trash lifestyle, the Go-Go's song about the self-eroding lifestyles of Hollywood revealed that they, too, were more hard living than hard candy. --Beth Bessmer Amazon.com

BEST LP of 1981...

Okay, after 28 years (???), BEAUTY AND THE BEAT remains one of my top 5 records of all time. Not a weak track in the bunch, and the GoGo's punky exuberance that was streamlined and smoothed out for radio shines on this brilliant debut. The single OUR LIPS ARE SEALED is perhaps one of the rock era's best introductory singles, and despite a brief career of 3 albums during their initial heyday, and a full length follow-up in 2001, this particular CD remains timeless, classic, and current. This one practically defined my 7th grade. A no-brainer if you dont own this one-- Its essential. December 31, 2008

I remembered.........

...the rather quirky cover of this from WAY back in the LP days, and decided to give it a try. Belinda Carslile and her girls were the first all-girl rock band, and weren't afraid to show some flesh on the album jackets; I'm sure that sold some records to guys. Good marketing.

OK...the whole is greater than the sum of parts...the music rocks a bit harder than I care for, and the words are a bit muddy in places [by contrast, Pink rocks MUCH harder, still, you can pick out every word], but the record is a pleasant diversion, and an enjoyable experience.

This is a time capsule...80s girls...80s music...a lot of fun. Don't expect anything profound, but I'll bet you have a good time. Enjoy. December 19, 2008

All Hail the Go-Go's

The Beauty and the Beat is 35 minutes and 33 seconds long. This was their first album they put out back in 1981. I like all the songs on th CD like; This Town, Fading Fast and Lust To Love. If you grew up in the 1980's era, then add this to your collection. November 27, 2008

Gotta love them

This group was my past, they started it all for me as music group. I am still searching among my mothers saved material things of videos, some very important personal stuff is believed to be gone but I really want to locate this video of recorded videos and conversation footage of the girls. This was my past, my first ever major concert and it was at a amusement park that is no longer there. Six Flags Houston Astroworld, started it for me. I waited many hours before the concert was to begin, so excited and more excited trying to catch Gina's drum sticks. I was so into them as musical artist, In High school spirit week i dressed up as them with my black patent leather high heels with pointed toes along with my black mini skirt. Belinda had style. Probably got lots of laughs and giggles behind my back, but I went for it.
Anything new on the group, would love to know. Thank you I need a vacation........ October 21, 2008

The Alumb That Started It All

Here it is the go go's very first alumb i mean cd the one that started it all and when they sing that their lips are sealed they ain't kidding it is one of their best and the only thing i can say is you go girls they are still with us.

Rondall May 30, 2008

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