What makes Gorilla by Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band notable?

This album features the hit single Death Cab for Cutie, which not only became one of their signature songs but also influenced subsequent artists within the psychedelic pop genre. The Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band's playful subversion of musical norms helped pave the way for future avant-garde and comedic acts in popular music. Gorilla is the third studio album by the Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band, released in October 1967, following their breakthrough with Gorilla's predecessor, Doughnut in Granny's Greenhouse. At this point, the band was solidifying their unique blend of comedy rock and psychedelia, gaining recognition for their theatrical performances and eclectic sound.

How many songs are on Gorilla?

Gorilla has 15 tracks, running approximately 35 minutes.

Released 59 years ago this October

Gorilla

Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band · 1967

35 min · 15 tracks · comedy rock

Whimsical melodies and absurdist humor intertwine in a psychedelic tapestry of sound that defies conventional rock boundaries.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Death Cab for Cutie — This track stands out for its catchy melody and witty lyrics that satirize romantic clichés, encapsulating the band's irreverent approach to songwriting.
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The Intro and the Outro — A quintessential example of the band's humor, this track creatively introduces band members through an elaborate narrative that showcases their theatrical flair.
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Jazz, Delicious Hot, Disgusting Cold — This song cleverly blends musical styles and juxtaposes contrasting elements, reflecting the band's innovative spirit and penchant for absurdity.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

50 /100

Foothills

Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album's blend of humor and varied musical styles creates a distinctive sound, though its cohesion suffers from the eclectic tracklist.

What we noticed

Tracks like 'Death Cab for Cutie' and 'The Intro and the Outro' showcase distinct shifts in tempo and style, blending whimsical melodies with satirical lyrics.
There are multiple instances of unconventional song structures, such as abrupt changes in instrumentation and unexpected key shifts.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 4/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Cool Brittannia 1:00
2 The Equestrian Statue 2:49
3 Jollity Farm 2:29
4 I Left My Heart in San Francisco 1:04
5 Look Out, There’s a Monster Coming 2:55
6 Jazz, Delicious Hot, Disgusting Cold 3:11
7 Death Cab for Cutie 2:56
8 Narcissus 0:27
9 The Intro and the Outro 3:04
10 Mickey’s Son and Daughter 2:43
11 Big Shot 3:30
12 Music for the Head Ballet 1:45
13 Piggy Bank Love 3:04
14 I’m Bored 3:06
15 The Sound of Music 1:22

What to play next

Listen next

The Doughnut in Granny's Greenhouse

1968

Go back to

The Best of The Bonzo Dog Band

Full Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band discography Artists like Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band

comedy rock psychedelic pop

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata