Universal Music 20th Century Masters (series)

The Best of The Boomtown Rats

Product Description:

The Boomtown Rats: Gerry Roberts (vocals, guitar); Bob Geldof (vocals); Johnnie Fingers (keyboards); Pete Briquette (bass guitar); Simon Crowe (drums).

Recording information: 1977 - 1980.

The work of the Boomtown Rats is often overshadowed by the later humanitarian achievements of lead singer Bob Geldof, who went on to organize Band Aid and the Live Aid concerts. But this 20th Century Masters Best Of collection reminds us that the Rats were a unique band in the punk milieu of the late '70s. With a mixture of soul, New Wave edginess, and saxophone and piano-driven rock & roll, the Rats sometimes resembled an Irish version of Bruce Springsteen and the E. Street band. They had a long string of singles in England, almost all of which are accounted for here, including "Like Clockwork," "Rat Trap," and "I Don't Like Mondays" (the band's only U.S. hit).