In 1979, a British “experimental rock” band named The Flying Lizards released an oddball interpretation of “Money (That’s All I Want),” the 1959 Motown hit by soul singer Barrett Strong.
The song reportedly was made as a gag, but it was a huge hit.
Plenty of bands had recorded “Money” over the years. The version by The Beatles was especially popular. But for sheer funk and off-the-wall strangeness, nobody tops The Flying Lizards.
One critic, praising the song’s “skull-thud beat,” wrote, “It’s hard to put your finger on why, but it all makes for an infectious and instantly likable (laughable?) groove that is easy to plug into — probably because of, rather than despite, it’s strategic lunacy.”
Notable about the song: the “mannequin singing” of vocalist Deborah Strickland; the background wailing of the Random Brothers; and the mix of screwball sound effects.
The recording was made in a large room with a single microphone. Its cord was too short to reach the drum, so it created an echo. Mixed in are a guitar, a piano, a bass with heavy reverb, handclaps, assorted sci-fi noises, and what sounds like a drumstick tapping on a garbage can lid.
“Strategic lunacy” about sums it up.
Money
By The Flying Lizards, 1979
Written by Janie Bradford and Berry Gordy
The best things in life are free,
But you can give them to the birds and bees.
I want money.
That’s what I want.
That’s what I want.
That’s what I want.
Your love gives me such a thrill,
But your love won’t pay my bills.
I want money.
That’s what I want.
That’s what I want.
That’s what I want.
Money don’t get everything, it’s true,
But what it don’t get, I can’t use.
I want money.
That’s what I want.
That’s what I want.
That’s what I want.
I want money!
I want lots of money!
In fact, I want SO much money!
Give me your money!
Just give me money!
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