I'm looking for a song like Electric Light Orchestra's "Do Ya"

November 28, 2004 7:29 PM

I'm looking for a song. Not a specific one, but that fits the following: Something a bit retro 70s/80s, but not dated; energetic, with lots of life, and a little rock-starish. Along the lines of Electric Light Orchestra's "Do Ya".

Any suggestions from music buffs? My personal collection doesn't match this style, so I don't even know where to begin.
posted by still to Media & Arts (17 answers total)

Some Queen songs might fit the bill.
posted by davidmsc at 7:38 PM on November 28, 2004

First artist that comes to mind is Patrick Hernandez - 'Born to be Alive'. It is certainly energetic with LOTS of life. not sure about the rock-star aspect though

Another energetic song is Abacab - Genesis

You might also want to look at Rod Stewart and David Bowie
posted by seawallrunner at 7:52 PM on November 28, 2004

Can it be overplayed? Van Halen's "Right Now" is retro, not-dated, energetic, and Rockstarish.
posted by stovenator at 7:53 PM on November 28, 2004

It might help if you described what this is for. Is it for a soundtrack to a film you're making? A wedding? Letting us know a little bit more will help a lot.
posted by interrobang at 8:02 PM on November 28, 2004

Response by poster: I'm working on a broadcast reel, combining lots of clips and footage from my schoolwork. It's all very dynamic and motion-driven, and I'm trying to find the music to fit. Still looking through my library to find the right bill - and I'll check out those listed above. Thanks guys!
posted by still at 8:05 PM on November 28, 2004

Hard to make recommendations based on those criteria, but I'd consider some Talking Heads. I'd say they have plenty of energetic and motion-driven music. Also, they're awesome.
posted by ludwig_van at 8:09 PM on November 28, 2004

Criteria still a wee bit vague (and I don't know that ELO song), but a few thoughts:

New Order - "Temptation"
Roxy Music - "Virginia Plain"
David Bowie - "Suffragette City"
The Jam - "Beat Surrender"

I'll second that Talking Heads suggestion, too.
posted by flashboy at 8:28 PM on November 28, 2004

scissor sisters. new retro.
posted by fishfucker at 8:45 PM on November 28, 2004

Pink Floyd - Another Brick in the Wall pt 2
Sex Pistols - My Way
Ramones - Beat on the Brat
Ramones - KKK Took my Baby Away
Bad Religion - American Jesus (eh, I don't know. Just had this song stuck in my head today)
posted by pemdasi at 9:41 PM on November 28, 2004

The immediate obvious choice given your description is: "Joining A Fan Club" -- Jellyfish (very Queen/ELO-like -- check out the chorus)

But a quick look through my iTunes directory also gives me:

"Rollover DJ" -- Jet (this is so 70s it kills me)
"Let Me Entertain You" -- Robbie Williams
"Saltwater Drinks" -- The Merrymakers (very happy and hooky, good road trip music)
"Surrender" -- Cheap Trick
"Dreaming" -- Blondie (both these last two covered by the Posies as well)
"Are You Gonna Be My Girl" -- Jet
"The Real Me" -- the Who or the recent cover by Bastards of Melody

And if you like "Do Ya", Jason Falkner did a really good cover version of it on a Jeff Lynne tribute album a while back.
posted by litlnemo at 10:49 PM on November 28, 2004

Rise Up by Parachute Club
Whatever that snappy Men Without Hats song was - Mystery Dance?
posted by Rumple at 11:01 PM on November 28, 2004

safety dance.

the video had midgets.
posted by fishfucker at 12:01 AM on November 29, 2004

Maybe Jon Brion? Not sure about the rock star aspect though.
posted by hootch at 12:40 AM on November 29, 2004

out of curiosity... anything wrong with just using "do ya"? 'cause the song rocks, and it sounds like what you're looking for, given that you use it as an example. unless you've already used it, or if you're looking for something you can use without paying royalties through the nose.
posted by caution live frogs at 6:13 AM on November 29, 2004

Van Halen's "Right Now" is retro, not-dated, energetic, and Rockstarish.

Not dated?!?!?
posted by Quartermass at 6:55 AM on November 29, 2004

Response by poster: Thanks again for all the suggestions. I'm going through a lot of them today.

re:
out of curiosity... anything wrong with just using "do ya"?

I've already used that song in a similar context. :-)
posted by still at 7:22 AM on November 29, 2004

If you're still looking, maybe '20th Century Boy' by T. Rex?
posted by sre71 at 12:35 PM on November 29, 2004