99 Red Balloons

I've always loved this song, "99 Luft Balloons". The German song about a few kids who let ninety-nine red balloons fly into the air only to have the government mistake it as a declaration of nuclear war. Air raid alarms go off and family's huddle into bomb shelters...all 'cause of a child having fun. It's always been a favorite of mine, the tune, the story, it's just a great song.

A few years ago I heard it on the radio, but it wasn't the "99 Luft Balloons" I knew, it was a faster paced more punk/ska version of the song in English. After a while of searching I found that it was a cover done by the band Goldfinger, and really, I think I like it more than the original.

The energy they put behind the cover is great, and best of all it didn't sacrifice the tune of the original at all. It's a must hear for anyone who loves the original, and for any punk/ska fans.

So here it is, Goldfinger's cover of "99 Red Balloons".

Goldfinger-99 Red Balloons (cover)

Nellie The Elephant

I heard this song for the first time two nights ago. I'm amazed that it took me so long to come across such a great song, and a punk classic at that.

I had heard of the Toy Dolls before, through a friend of mine giving me their LP "A Far Out Disc" when I was twelve. I didn't like it, and now, looking back I can't imagine what was going through my brain because these guys ROCK.

When I heard it on the radio I was blown away. It's so much fun. So strange, so childlike, but it totally works! I immediately went home and fished through a stack of old CD's to find "A Far Out Disc" and I'm so glad I did. Turns out I own the song! Hooray!

Anyway, Nellie The Elephant is really just a story being told in song. All about an elephant from a traveling circus. Very cool.

The style is very fast paced 80's punk, meets Ska, and Sharon, Lois & Bram's Elephant Show. Haha.
Check it out!

I was unfortunately unable to find a video with good quality video and audio. But I did find the album cut with the lyrics in the background (and the occasional picture of an elephant.).

Enjoy.

Nellie The Elephant-Toy Dolls