Song:We Got The Beat
Album:Beauty and the Beat
The all girl rock group The Go-Go's scored their biggest hit with We Got The Beat in 1981. They were formed in 1978 in Los Angeles as The Misfits. Guitarist Jane Weidlin was already a big part of the LA punk music scene. Lead singer Belinda Carlisle was a member of The Germs. The other two members were Margot Olavarria on bass and Elissa Bello on drums. Elissa was soon replaced by Gina Schock. And Charlotte Caffey was added on keyboards. Charlotte and Jane wrote most of the band's songs. The Go-Go's big break came when they opened a British tour for the ska revival band Madness and Stiff Records released We Got The Beat as a single. Olavarria was replaced by Kathy Valentine. Olavarria was unhappy with the band's move to a more pop sound. The Go-Go's signed with I.R.S. Records in 1981. Their 1981 debut album Beauty and the Beat was produced by punk music veteran Richard Gottehrer. We Got The Beat was the second single. It reached #2 on the Billboard Hot 100. The album Beauty and the Beat was certified 2XPlatinum. The Go-Go's released three albums. Other hits included Vacation and Head over Heels. We Got The Beat was their biggest hit and signature song. There is no comp in print right now. But Beauty and the Beat is available as a budget CD. There is also a Deluxe Edition with a second live CD. The Go-Go's began to fall apart after Jane Weidlin left in 1984 to go solo. After a brief attempt to tour, The Go-Go's split up in 1985. Of course Belinda Carlisle had a significant solo career. Caffey continued to work with her. Gina Schock released a solo album in 1988. Kathy Valentine went in a blues direction and eventually moved to Austin, TX. The Go-Go's reunited several times. It became more permanent in 1999. They just finished what was called their farewell tour. But you know how the music business is. Never say never. here's the video for We Got The Beat by The Go-Go's.
I remember them all to well from the 80's. I liked their music and their hit as well a few of their other songs. Had a crush on Jane Weidlin for a while. They were something else to be sure. They seem to exemplify the 80's women rockers in their success and excess.
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