From the fabulous 1981 Punk/New Wave documentary Urgh! A Music War, an at-that-time (1980) unsigned Go-Go's doing my favorite version of the Charlotte Caffey-penned "We Got the Beat." They were tearing it up at the Whisky and lead singer Belinda Carlisle was considerably less glamorous here than she became later. Love the random audience members jumping up on stage.
While looking for this vid I was amused to see all the uploads of this song by Guitar Hero guy gamers pretending to play the tasty licks Charlotte's laying out here. Not a lot of successful women lead guitarists out there.
I've always loved this song, and now I love it even more. Long live the Go-Go's; they got the beat.
Posted by: Paco Malo at January 10, 2008 04:33 PMWhat a tight performance. They really had it going on. I love the song too; all elements are distinctive: drumming, bass, lead guitar, vocals, and lyrics. A little gem.
When Mr. Cracker heard the opening from the other room, he had to come in and sit down and watch all the way through. He says they really did have the beat too.
Urgh, A Music War has some great performances by some fairly obscure groups. Definitely worth watching the 2 hour full version.
Jim
Posted by: jimf at January 11, 2008 09:37 AMI miss the days when the Girl played the tamborine.
Posted by: James at January 11, 2008 07:59 PMAh, decoration. Unless it was Stevie Nicks, who'd probably written whatever song she was tambourining to.
Posted by: Donnah at January 11, 2008 08:25 PMCheck out my link. Scroll down (or search for) "Titanic"
Posted by: James at January 12, 2008 12:00 AMAll male GO GO's coverband.
http://www.wegotthemeat.com/
Posted by: msfanni at January 13, 2008 02:58 PM