The Fools - "Psycho Chicken"
Boston's The Fools were best known for an X-rated parody of The Talking Heads "Psycho Killer," called "Psycho Chicken". In 1979 a Boston D.J. played the song and it instantly became a local hit. They were quickly signed to EMI records who released their debut album "Sold Out" in 1980. The song was not included on the album but was included as a limited edition bonus single on colored vinyl with "bleeped" and "clucked" versions. During the 80's, the Fools opened for The Knack, The Ramones, The Cars, Blondie and many more. They continue to record and play today.
The Fools were/are: Mike Girard - lead vocals, Richie Bartlett - guitar, vocals, Stacey Pedrick - guitar, Chris Pedrick - drums, Doug Forman - bass, vocals and later Leo Black - drums, Joe Holaday - bass, vocals
Visit the Fools website, find more music and buy their latest CD
Read more about the Fools here
Read the "Psycho Chicken" lyrics and download "Psycho Chicken"
5 Comments:
I remember this song well and after a long while trawling the records stores and the internet for the name of the band, I have now come across your site. Just want to say a huge thanks for not only mentioning this 'unsung' song on here, but for saving my sanity!
Well done guys!!shedroolarabest
Yeah, I was in Boston in those days going to school and remember them well. Just dug out the vinyl and gave it a spin. Now I have to track down the guy who gave me this LP...John Lassiter, where are you?? Thx for creating this site! :0 Spent the rent...
JM
The Fools are the BEST band who never really made it big in America. I've been following the band since 1978, expecting them to be one of the top bands on the worldwide stage by the mid 80's, it never happened. I never doubted it, not for a second. I think EMI America really screwed up when they prematurely let them go after only 2 albums. They should have worked with the band longer, helping to build a larger audience. By NOT releasing "Psycho Chicken" as a regular single in 1980, was probably a bigger mistake. It was an international hit, reaching #1, in some countries outside the U.S. But the biggest blunder of them all, was by not allowing the Fools to be a funny band, their bread & butter for years, saying that "novelty bands" could never make a career out of it. It's a whole lot tougher making it big on minor, independent labels who have much smaller budgets. The Fools weren't really a novelty band, the Fools were and STILL are a great rock band who also play novelty songs. What a concept! The best BAND from Boston, period!
I went to see the fools at a beer bash at (then) NewHampshireCollege in Manchester NH in fall 1981. They were great. I was so basted I ended up chucking my paper beer mug at the lead singer. He looked at me with a "what is your problem, loser" glare. I was so embarrassed. It was a great show.
I used to see them in the 80's whenever they played Mr C's rock palace in Lowell MA. Thanks for the great memories and even better times.
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