"THEY'RE ALL DIABOLICAL BOZOS!" |
by Charles Carreon
Killer Klowns From Outer Space -- Screenplay The Dickies are a classic of the LA rock scene who repeatedly opened acts for The Ramones when we lived there during the mid eighties through nineties, especially for the gigs out in the Valley. Their big hit was "Manny, Moe and Jack," yes, as in the three fraternal founders of Pep Boys Auto Parts, a southland tradition. If you ever hear this song, you will notice it sounds a lot like Killer Klowns, but the lyrics are a little more down to earth: The Dickies in Manny Moe & Jack wrote:
Once you're inside Killer Klowns came out on an EP with just three other songs. Two of them are totally forgettable, but "Booby Trap" is a classic, with spooky lyrics that complement the Krazy Karnival Kalliope sound of Killer Klowns with a little Transylvanian Rapture. This song always reminded me of Elvyra, Queen of the Dark, another LA original. The Dickies in Booby Trap wrote:
Estelle is a vampire ...
Forget her lies about not drinking
wine,
If you want to date her,
She's the kinda girl who'll put your
head in a whirl --
Don't look back!
She'll get your love like a hand in
a glove,
Don't look back! One night we saw The
Ramones at the Country Club out in the Valley. No booze 'cause they'd just
gotten popped for underage sales, so I went out to the place next door to
grab a brew after the Dickies finished their set and before the Ramones
came on. The bass player was having a burger in this place. Still wearing
his dress from onstage. He looked at me like he thought I was interesting
and displayed his left shoulder in a provocative way. I think we chatted a
little but I can't remember. Looked like a fun guy, sorta. |