“The Flying Lizards” – A Crazy Musical Genre I Love. For a while they turned out music of the likes that hadn’t been heard before. Going by music trends, we today likely enjoy the genre they started – albeit with more sophisticated technology.
Thapson
Reaching into my music vault, this time I’ve pulled out the music of “The Flying Lizards.” Not many of the younger generation have heard of The Flying Lizards. But they’ve likely heard their music on some movies, TV shows, and/or video games. Those who were around in the 70s are definitely aware of at least some of their music. Founded in 1976, the Flying Lizards recorded some cool hits and were pretty much forgotten by the mid-80s as the new wave trend established itself.
Origins of The Flying Lizards
The origins of The Flying Lizards go back to 1976, with the coming together of a interesting bunch of innovative musicians and composers led by David Cunningham. The rest being instrumentalists David Toop and Steve Beresford. Deborah Evans-Stickland, Patti Palladin and Vivien Goldman providing the vocals.
But this was no ordinary band. Formed during the era of punk music in the UK, the Flying Lizards decided to chart a different course with their music. You can call it art, anti-establishment, avant-garde, but I like to refer to it as a “non-linear” style. While other music has a path or rhythm to follow, The Flying Lizards sound “all over the place.” Each note, beat, and tune seems to have a personality of its own. It resembles sound in a kind of “3-D” format. And the result is brilliant!
Music Style
To understand the music style of The Flying Lizards, I credit my cousin. He would sing popular songs, but off tune, and key. At first it was weird but, after a while, it was fun. He’d subconsciously developed a new musical genre. I found myself doing the same thing, and occasionally I still do. Much to the chagrin of anyone listening.
So, when I heard The Flying Lizards do something on similar lines, I was impressed! But, when The Flying Lizards do it, there’s a distinct “method to the madness.” It’s fascinating and cool on a different level! The music, and that would be “music,” of the Flying Lizards is referred to as electric/dance. But I like to think of it as offbeat improvisation. And likely not everyone’s cup of tea.
Much of The Flying Lizard’s music consists of cover versions of hit songs, but done in their inimitable style.
The Music of The Flying Lizards
I could talk at length about the band, but the proper way of appreciating them would be by listening to it. Let’s check out some of the music that they are famous for. And the musical style that made them so unique.
The Flying Lizards came out with four albums and ten singles during their active years. I’m not going to go through each album or single here. We will listen to some of their hits. And if you weren’t already familiar with them, you will be, by the end of this play list. Since they specialized in cover music, let’s play both the original and their version for a proper appreciation.
“Money (That’s what I want) “
This was their second single, released in 1979, and included on their first album “The Flying Lizards.” And it’s also their biggest hit. This is the song that most people are familiar with. It is a cover of the original Barrett Strong song released in 1959. Deborah Evan-Stickland’s deadpan vocals, accompanied by the eccentric music composed, and played by David Cunningham and the original members is hypnotic.
YouTube / TheFlyingLizardsVEVO
And here’s the original 1959 Barrett Strong version, played, appropriately enough, on a record player. I’m sure you get the pattern.
YouTube / Brian Richmond
“Sex Machine”
Remember this hit by James Brown from 1970? I’m sure, you do. But how about the Lizard’s version? Check it out here. Once again, those deadpan vocals by Debora Evan-Stickland.
YouTube / ohnoitsnathan45
And here’s original huge hit by James Brown that takes you back – if you were around then.
YouTube / CANAL DO DJ MAJO BOY
Then He Kissed Me
Remember this memorable hit by The Crystals? Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve definitely heard it. Here they are with that brilliant “wall of sound” by the late Phil Spector from 1963.
YouTube / johnreynolds71
Okay, so how did The Flying Lizards interpret the song? Not many takers for sure. But those who like it, recognize brilliance.
YouTube / aj4539
Dizzy Miss Lizzy
Here’s yet another cool one from them. We have the Lizards taking on 1958 Larry Williams‘ hit “Dizzy Miss Lizzie.” Probably the most famous cover of this song is by The Beatles. How about the Lizards’ version?
YouTube / televandalist
And here’s the original hit by Larry Williams.
YouTube / jukejointjohnny48
Lovers and Other Strangers
This among the likely original production from them. This time the vocals are not Deborah Stickland, but Patti Palladin. Doing a good job continuing on that eccentric legacy à la The Pretenders. She is the second of the three female vocalists The Flying Lizards had. The third being Vivien Goldman.
YouTube / TheFlyingLizardsVEVO
So, this is a brief look at what The Flying Lizards were all about. They disbanded in 2004, but not without leaving this brilliant legacy of eccentric musical genius. They are referred to as avant-garde, revolutionary, warped. How would you describe them?
They were definitely ahead of their time. Current covers or inspirations of previous songs subconsciously use the style The Flying Lizards pioneered back then. They just happen to have the advantage of more sophisticated electronic / computerized technology.
One Final One ….
Sorry, but as I close, I can’t resist one of my favorites. Their take on the Jerry Lee Lewis hit “Great Balls of Fire,” with a straitlaced English accent and attitude!
YouTube / One Eyed King
Look out for The Flying Lizards’ music in TV and Movie soundtracks. I’ll reach into my music vault again in the near future. Until then, you’re welcome to share you views using the form below.
Last Three Posts Under “From the Music Vault”
Kenny Rogers and My Love of Country Music
The Shankar I Actually Understood
One of The Most Loved Yet Controversial Albums
