Getting The Knack... Again
by Gregory Potter Jr.

Most music critics and fans alike would consider me a complete idiot for even suggesting that the Knack had much to offer, aside from an annoying but catchy single called "My Sharona." But a little investigation into this band's history reveals some irresistible music and some interesting facts. The Knack are perhaps the best known band from the California new wave and power pop movement of the late 1970s. They appeared on the LA club scene in 1978 and quickly developed a reputation as one of the best live bands in the area. Imagine the Beatles performing Buddy Holly songs on speed and you've got an idea of their infectious energy on stage. They developed a sound that effectively updated the excitement of 50s and 60s rock and roll with their own melodic touches.

The band's performances on the LA club scene in 1978 became such events that they were joined on stage that year by Ray Manzarek, Tom Petty, Eddie Money, Stephen Stills and Bruce Springsteen. When a bidding war ensued among record labels, they signed with Capitol and recorded their debut for only $18,000 in early 1979. The album, perhaps the definitive power pop recording of the new wave era, was basically a snapshot of their live show and effectively showcased what an incredibly tight and energetic band they were.

Soon after the album's release in June 1979, the Knack exploded onto the national music scene. "Get The Knack"  went gold in 13 days, platinum in six weeks, and at the time,  became the fastest debut to go platinum in history. The album held the top spot on the Billboard charts for five weeks and of course the smash single, "My Sharona," stayed at number one for six weeks and sold over two million copies. Unfortunately, something bad was also brewing that summer. A negative campaign formed against the band and the backlash grew nearly as popular as their hit single. Slogans like "Knuke the Knack" took the place of 'Disco Sucks" across the country.

While it seems strange that such criticism formed against a band that so effectively revived the excitement of rock and roll in an age of bland disco singles, there are several factors to consider. The Knack's reluctance to grant interviews to the press resulted in unfair and rather critical media coverage. Record reviewers called their music derivative and their lyrics misogynistic, glorifying the virtues of naughty girls ("Good Girls Don't" and "My Sharona") or dismissing women as bitches if they didn't give in to the band's horny overtures ("Frustrated" and "She's So Selfish.") The negative press was also fueled by the band's "overnight" success that grew so quickly that many felt it was undeserved. Even the band's marketing campaign soured several music critics. The Knack were accused of "stealing" an image pioneered by the Fab Four because they were signed to Capitol Records, wore suits on stage, supposedly modeled their album cover after "Meet the Beatles" and even played Beatles songs in their sets.

For a short time it seemed the band's popularity might help them to overcome their troubles with the media. The second single from their debut, "Good Girls Don't," hit the top ten and sold nearly a million copies. They embarked on a sold out tour of the U.S. and Japan and fans rioted in New York City when tickets went on sale for their legendary performance at Carnegie Hall. "My Sharona" was named Billboard's number one song of 1979 and the band even received two Grammy nominations.

Their second album, "But The Little Girls Understand," was an excellent follow up that sold over a million copies. But the lead off single, "Baby Talks Dirty,"  was a little too similar to their number one single from the previous year and public interest in the band was waning. By the release of their third album, "Round Trip," the critics wouldn't even listen anymore. I've seen reviews of this LP call it completely worthless. The truth is, "Round Trip" is an excellent, varied album that finds the band exploring new territory. It still stands up as one of the best albums of 1981. However, record company pressure to record another smash single and the media's relentless hounding took the wind out of their sails. The band split up shortly after the album's release, only to reunite years later for several reunion tours and three subsequent albums.

The Knack continue to tour and record, releasing albums that stay true to their original sound and as a result compare quite well to their initial recordings. However, they are usually lumped together with the "one hit wonders" of the late 1970s as a passing fad. What has unfortunately been lost was the band's redefinition of rock and roll during an era of soulless dance music. Doug Fieger and Berton Averre are excellent tune smiths and nearly every song on their first two albums are keepers. Fortunately their legendary performance at Carnegie Hall was filmed so fans can also appreciate this band's power on stage, which brought them to the attention of the music business before everyone heard "My Sharona" a million times.

While it is generally overlooked on those "greatest albums" lists, the unforgettable melodies, jangling guitars and lightning fast drumming on "Get The Knack" make it an essential album for fans of Beatles inspired pop rock. Doug Feiger called it a revival of "teenage rock and roll," and its music "high school songs with a teenage viewpoint." The album encapsulates these emotions perfectly and brings those hormones rushing back each time I listen. It's obvious that the Knack did not expect to be taken too seriously, especially in the 1970s when critics lauded artists who made grand statements in their music. But "Get The Knack" still resonates more with me than anything Dylan or Springsteen ever wrote. The album sounds like your first teenage romance, kiss and breakup all rolled into one and it's a hell of a fun trip down memory lane.

Discography:

Albums
Get The Knack, Capitol, 1979
...But The Little Girls Understand, Capitol, 1980
Round Trip, Capitol, 1981
Serious Fun, Charisma, 1991
Retrospective: The Best of the Knack, Capitol, 1992
Zoom, Rhino, 1998
Very Best of the Knack, Rhino, 1998
Proof: The Best of the Knack, Capitol, 1999
Normal as the Next Guy, Image, 2001

Singles:
My Sharona, 1979
Good Girls Don't, 1979
Baby Talks Dirty, 1980
Can't Put A Price On Love, 1980
Mr. Handleman, 1980
Pay The Devil (Ooo, Baby, Ooo), 1981
Rocket 'O Love, 1991

Links:
The Knack Official Site
An interesting background about the band and "My Sharona"