The Best New Artist of 1978, A Taste of Honey, is considered by many to be the most shameful winner in GRAMMYS history. The band won the award based on its smash disco hit, “Boogie Oogie Oogie”, but the real critical beef here is not the band’s hit song but, rather, the fact that GRAMMY voters had the nerve to overlook Elvis Costello.
None of us could look into the future in 1978. Who was to know that A Taste of Honey would all but fade while Costello would reel off a remarkable, dizzying run of albums before investing in a Yamaha DX7 and, soon thereafter, growing a beard. Let’s re-examine this vote based solely on what we knew in 1978.
I don’t know about you, but I am still incapable of looking into the future. I can, however, look back into the past of a typical, whining Rock Town Hall member – still ready to foam at the mouth at the mere thought of A Taste of Honey – and say with confidence that this person was not getting laid. The young Costello was the patron saint of teenage rock fans who were not getting laid. It was a match made in a locked bathroom.
Now that some of you have enjoyed the wonders of another human’s touch – it is safe to assume this development over the last 29 years – see if you can’t clear your mind and enjoy the subtle, percolating funk of “Boogie Oogie Oogie” not to mention the sweet, classy Look of the singer/bassist, Janice Marie Johnson. It’s time for closure, fanboys and fangirls. It’s time to look back through the eyes of a mature, sensual being and acknowledge the simple delights of “Boogie Oogie Oogie”.
No DOUBT, this is a very good song. I seriously wonder if that’s Eddie Hazel guesting on the hairy fuzz lead. Sounds like him. Not that I think a woman can’t throw down just as effectively.
He’s not credited, anyway.
I don’t have time to get into the inevitable argument that would ensue if I re-delved into my points on Elvis Costello, so I’ll simply say MAD PROPS to KingEd, and I’ll tell those who sneer that A Taste of Honey were one-hit wonders that they’ve clearly forgotten about their definitive version of “Sukiyaki.”
I know they’re not playing live in that video. but let me just say that singing and playing bass at the same time is very difficult.