U.S. Billboard Hot 100 Peak Position No. 57
Backstory: This American rock quartet formed originally as Renaissance in 1968 with a one shot single called "The Hi-Way Song" which didn't chart. A year later, they changed their name to Shango. The line-up consisted of Tommy Reynolds (later known for being in Hamilton, Joe Frank, and Reynolds), Richie Hernandez, Malcolm Evans, and Joe Earle. They scored their one and only hit in 1969 with this unique rock song that made fun of people who thought that California was going to get destroyed by an earthquake. It was actually a bigger hit in Canada, peaking at No. 39 on the Canadian RPM Charts. They only released two albums and eventually disbanded in 1970. Reynolds moved almost immediately to Hamilton, Joe Frank, and Reynolds soon afterwards.
The Review: This is a fun little tune with humorous lyrics about Los Angeles probably going to eventually get destroyed by an earthquake. But the calypso sound and interesting instrument usage is easily what makes this song awesome. Should've been a Top 30 hit or even bigger.
Final rating: 9/10
And as always, don't forget to comment down your opinion on this tune below.
Where have I heard this song before? Dr. Demento, maybe? Today, this song would probably be about the ocean levels rising because of global warming. But most of the lyrics would still apply.
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