The Bongos — Number With Wings
Album: Numbers With WingsAvg rating:
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Total ratings: 765
Length: 4:21
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I spy
I see through everything
But I know
I don't know anything
And on cold nights
My soul is like anyone's
And on slow nights
I'd forgive anyone
I've got a number with wings
I've got a number with wings
Time flies
Hands of the hourglass
Getting born
Watching the seasons pass
And on cold nights
My soul is like anyone's
And on slow nights
I'd forgive anyone
I've got a number with wings
I've got a number with wings
I know
I'll live through everything
But I cry
I'll cry about anything
And on cold nights
My soul is like anyone's
And on slow nights
Well, I'd forgive anyone
I've got a number with wings
I've got a number with wings
I've got a number
I see through everything
But I know
I don't know anything
And on cold nights
My soul is like anyone's
And on slow nights
I'd forgive anyone
I've got a number with wings
I've got a number with wings
Time flies
Hands of the hourglass
Getting born
Watching the seasons pass
And on cold nights
My soul is like anyone's
And on slow nights
I'd forgive anyone
I've got a number with wings
I've got a number with wings
I know
I'll live through everything
But I cry
I'll cry about anything
And on cold nights
My soul is like anyone's
And on slow nights
Well, I'd forgive anyone
I've got a number with wings
I've got a number with wings
I've got a number
Comments (77)add comment
A real jammer of a song, I think! I love the flashes of Blondie, too... Dig the frenetic beats to finish it off!
keller1 wrote:
CHRW, London, Ontario here.
More than a few - transplanted london native here 6X FM had to be alive in the late 70s till about 81 to listen in That was Fanshawe's answer to CHRW The Clash, The Demics, Teenage Head
CHRW, London, Ontario here.
More than a few - transplanted london native here 6X FM had to be alive in the late 70s till about 81 to listen in That was Fanshawe's answer to CHRW The Clash, The Demics, Teenage Head
treatment_bound wrote:
In Ontario Canada, this song was everything! Never ignored. Danced many a night away with friends and LOVED when the DJ spun this one, every night.
GREAT POP SONG FROM THE 80'S WHICH WAS TOTALLY IGNORED.
But hey, here's the new one from Howard Jones!!
In Ontario Canada, this song was everything! Never ignored. Danced many a night away with friends and LOVED when the DJ spun this one, every night.
This group does another song called "Barbarella" which is really catchy.
rocco1207 wrote:
...Maxwell's ?-) The best club in NY, although (like the Giants and the Jets)
it's in NJ...
Tony in NJ
W.A.S.T.E.
I come from the same neck of the musical woods as the Bongos (Hoboken, NJ) and I followed them quite a bit way back when but I must say its been MANY years since I've heard one of their songs or even thought about them. I guess they're currently residing in the "where are they now?" file
...Maxwell's ?-) The best club in NY, although (like the Giants and the Jets)
it's in NJ...
Tony in NJ
W.A.S.T.E.
Sloggydog wrote:
good catch. But that's Isaak covering the Yardbirds.
This is really reminding me of a Chris Isaak song but which one - is it heart full of soul?
good catch. But that's Isaak covering the Yardbirds.
This is really reminding me of a Chris Isaak song but which one - is it heart full of soul?
1983? Somehow, this sounds well ahead of its time.
The Bongos, wow, great to hear them here.
awesome flashback : )
webslinger48 wrote:
Well, if you want to get technical about it most people would say the Smiths defined the 80's more than many of the bands you mention, if for no other reason then because all of their music came out smack-dab in the middle of the decade. U2 was catching fire near the end of the decade, but for my money hit their peak with Achtung Baby in 1990. For many people, REM's apex was Automatic for the People which came out around '93. Vega and Muses really hit their stride in the early 90's as well, so really you're not citing real 80's bands. The Bongos released 3 albums, all in the 80's. I think that was what the guy was saying. SInce you cared about rock in the 80's, other bands you were probably listened to were INXS (who were as big as U2 in 1989), Springsteen and Crowded House.
I think you were a bit late to the party, U2 released 6 full albums and an EP before 1987 which were arguably the records that "made" them before the '90's. Their first was Boy and was released in 1980. REM had a very strong and very well regarded body of work that was produced early in their career between 1983 and 1987. There is no way that the Smiths defined the 80's just by the virtue of having produced records in the middle of the era. That would be like calling someone the fastest or the best just because they were standing in the front of the line. There were others that started in the 70's moving into the 80's that had more influence and had a more defining role in what 80's music would become.
Well, if you want to get technical about it most people would say the Smiths defined the 80's more than many of the bands you mention, if for no other reason then because all of their music came out smack-dab in the middle of the decade. U2 was catching fire near the end of the decade, but for my money hit their peak with Achtung Baby in 1990. For many people, REM's apex was Automatic for the People which came out around '93. Vega and Muses really hit their stride in the early 90's as well, so really you're not citing real 80's bands. The Bongos released 3 albums, all in the 80's. I think that was what the guy was saying. SInce you cared about rock in the 80's, other bands you were probably listened to were INXS (who were as big as U2 in 1989), Springsteen and Crowded House.
I think you were a bit late to the party, U2 released 6 full albums and an EP before 1987 which were arguably the records that "made" them before the '90's. Their first was Boy and was released in 1980. REM had a very strong and very well regarded body of work that was produced early in their career between 1983 and 1987. There is no way that the Smiths defined the 80's just by the virtue of having produced records in the middle of the era. That would be like calling someone the fastest or the best just because they were standing in the front of the line. There were others that started in the 70's moving into the 80's that had more influence and had a more defining role in what 80's music would become.
SoundThinker wrote:
A ferret dipped in Vaseline, so righteous man!
These guys were GREAT in concert! Saw them at the Rainbow Music Hall in Denver. What was that thing Richard used on the guitar, I forgot?
A ferret dipped in Vaseline, so righteous man!
Super cool!
agkagk wrote:
Defining bands of the 80's continued:
The Police
Eurythmics
Duran Duran
Tears for Fears
The Clash
I'll take any tracks of the 70's work from The Clash & The Police over their 80's output.
Defining bands of the 80's continued:
The Police
Eurythmics
Duran Duran
Tears for Fears
The Clash
I'll take any tracks of the 70's work from The Clash & The Police over their 80's output.
GREAT POP SONG FROM THE 80'S WHICH WAS TOTALLY IGNORED.
But hey, here's the new one from Howard Jones!!
But hey, here's the new one from Howard Jones!!
Proclivities wrote:
thank-you
I won't mention any of the popular hair-metal bands of that era.
thank-you
Proclivities wrote:
I agree about The Smiths' relevance in the '80s, but it's still largely a matter of personal perception. The Police, Psychedelic Furs, and Squeeze were also very popular in that decade and not mentioned in any prior posts. Suzanne Vega's most popular album, Solitude Standing, was released in 1987. I remember this band from back then but was not as interested in them as I was in several other bands. I won't mention any of the popular hair-metal bands of that era.
Defining bands of the 80's continued:
The Police
Eurythmics
Duran Duran
Tears for Fears
The Clash
I agree about The Smiths' relevance in the '80s, but it's still largely a matter of personal perception. The Police, Psychedelic Furs, and Squeeze were also very popular in that decade and not mentioned in any prior posts. Suzanne Vega's most popular album, Solitude Standing, was released in 1987. I remember this band from back then but was not as interested in them as I was in several other bands. I won't mention any of the popular hair-metal bands of that era.
Defining bands of the 80's continued:
The Police
Eurythmics
Duran Duran
Tears for Fears
The Clash
SoundThinker wrote:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Bongos
These guys were GREAT in concert! Saw them at the Rainbow Music Hall in Denver. What was that thing Richard used on the guitar, I forgot?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Bongos
These guys were GREAT in concert! Saw them at the Rainbow Music Hall in Denver. What was that thing Richard used on the guitar, I forgot?
webslinger48 wrote:
Well, if you want to get technical about it most people would say the Smiths defined the 80's more than many of the bands you mention, if for no other reason then because all of their music came out smack-dab in the middle of the decade. U2 was catching fire near the end of the decade, but for my money hit their peak with Achtung Baby in 1990. For many people, REM's apex was Automatic for the People which came out around '93. Vega and Muses really hit their stride in the early 90's as well, so really you're not citing real 80's bands. The Bongos released 3 albums, all in the 80's. I think that was what the guy was saying. SInce you cared about rock in the 80's, other bands you were probably listened to were INXS (who were as big as U2 in 1989), Springsteen and Crowded House.
I agree about The Smiths' relevance in the '80s, but it's still largely a matter of personal perception. The Police, Psychedelic Furs, and Squeeze were also very popular in that decade and not mentioned in any prior posts. Suzanne Vega's most popular album, Solitude Standing, was released in 1987. I remember this band from back then but was not as interested in them as I was in several other bands. I won't mention any of the popular hair-metal bands of that era.
Well, if you want to get technical about it most people would say the Smiths defined the 80's more than many of the bands you mention, if for no other reason then because all of their music came out smack-dab in the middle of the decade. U2 was catching fire near the end of the decade, but for my money hit their peak with Achtung Baby in 1990. For many people, REM's apex was Automatic for the People which came out around '93. Vega and Muses really hit their stride in the early 90's as well, so really you're not citing real 80's bands. The Bongos released 3 albums, all in the 80's. I think that was what the guy was saying. SInce you cared about rock in the 80's, other bands you were probably listened to were INXS (who were as big as U2 in 1989), Springsteen and Crowded House.
I agree about The Smiths' relevance in the '80s, but it's still largely a matter of personal perception. The Police, Psychedelic Furs, and Squeeze were also very popular in that decade and not mentioned in any prior posts. Suzanne Vega's most popular album, Solitude Standing, was released in 1987. I remember this band from back then but was not as interested in them as I was in several other bands. I won't mention any of the popular hair-metal bands of that era.
Wow! 1st time in almost 4 years!
You should add some songs from their full-length debut album...It's AWESOME!!
You should add some songs from their full-length debut album...It's AWESOME!!
This probably reflects an age difference—I was 22 in 1985—but, I've just got to point out:
U2: War - 1983
REM: Murmur - Document 1983 - 1987
Suzanne Vega: Solitude Standing - 1987
Springsteen: Born to Run: 1975
webslinger48 wrote:
Well, if you want to get technical about it most people would say the Smiths defined the 80's more than many of the bands you mention, if for no other reason then because all of their music came out smack-dab in the middle of the decade. U2 was catching fire near the end of the decade, but for my money hit their peak with Achtung Baby in 1990. For many people, REM's apex was Automatic for the People which came out around '93. Vega and Muses really hit their stride in the early 90's as well, so really you're not citing real 80's bands. The Bongos released 3 albums, all in the 80's. I think that was what the guy was saying. SInce you cared about rock in the 80's, other bands you were probably listened to were INXS (who were as big as U2 in 1989), Springsteen and Crowded House.
U2: War - 1983
REM: Murmur - Document 1983 - 1987
Suzanne Vega: Solitude Standing - 1987
Springsteen: Born to Run: 1975
webslinger48 wrote:
Well, if you want to get technical about it most people would say the Smiths defined the 80's more than many of the bands you mention, if for no other reason then because all of their music came out smack-dab in the middle of the decade. U2 was catching fire near the end of the decade, but for my money hit their peak with Achtung Baby in 1990. For many people, REM's apex was Automatic for the People which came out around '93. Vega and Muses really hit their stride in the early 90's as well, so really you're not citing real 80's bands. The Bongos released 3 albums, all in the 80's. I think that was what the guy was saying. SInce you cared about rock in the 80's, other bands you were probably listened to were INXS (who were as big as U2 in 1989), Springsteen and Crowded House.
don't forget about "barbarella" from these guys!
old_muley wrote:
You need to seriously clean out your ears.
I hear Oingo Boingo meets Revolting Cocks....
You need to seriously clean out your ears.
tpa29970 wrote:
They may have only had one (mainstream) hit...but: Oh, yes! It was wonderful.
They may have only had one (mainstream) hit...but: Oh, yes! It was wonderful.
Zep wrote:
you so crazy.
Arite younguns, lissen up, this is what the 80s were really about.
Duran Duran? A Soviet spy.
Bonnie Tyler? A diversion.
Hall and Oates? Music for the masses.
The Bongos were where it was at.
Duran Duran? A Soviet spy.
Bonnie Tyler? A diversion.
Hall and Oates? Music for the masses.
The Bongos were where it was at.
you so crazy. Shimmer wrote:
You have got to be joking. For people who cared about rock music, the 80's were about REM, U2, Talking Heads, Elvis Costello, The Police, etc. Not to mention lesser-known but still influential performers like Throwing Muses, The Pixies, Kate Bush, Suzanne Vega, etc. (I was 20 years old in 1986.)
The Bongos? This tune's OK, but I've never even heard of them.
Well, if you want to get technical about it most people would say the Smiths defined the 80's more than many of the bands you mention, if for no other reason then because all of their music came out smack-dab in the middle of the decade. U2 was catching fire near the end of the decade, but for my money hit their peak with Achtung Baby in 1990. For many people, REM's apex was Automatic for the People which came out around '93. Vega and Muses really hit their stride in the early 90's as well, so really you're not citing real 80's bands. The Bongos released 3 albums, all in the 80's. I think that was what the guy was saying. SInce you cared about rock in the 80's, other bands you were probably listened to were INXS (who were as big as U2 in 1989), Springsteen and Crowded House.
You have got to be joking. For people who cared about rock music, the 80's were about REM, U2, Talking Heads, Elvis Costello, The Police, etc. Not to mention lesser-known but still influential performers like Throwing Muses, The Pixies, Kate Bush, Suzanne Vega, etc. (I was 20 years old in 1986.)
The Bongos? This tune's OK, but I've never even heard of them.
Well, if you want to get technical about it most people would say the Smiths defined the 80's more than many of the bands you mention, if for no other reason then because all of their music came out smack-dab in the middle of the decade. U2 was catching fire near the end of the decade, but for my money hit their peak with Achtung Baby in 1990. For many people, REM's apex was Automatic for the People which came out around '93. Vega and Muses really hit their stride in the early 90's as well, so really you're not citing real 80's bands. The Bongos released 3 albums, all in the 80's. I think that was what the guy was saying. SInce you cared about rock in the 80's, other bands you were probably listened to were INXS (who were as big as U2 in 1989), Springsteen and Crowded House.
Shimmer wrote:
You have got to be joking. For people who cared about rock music, the 80's were about REM, U2, Talking Heads, Elvis Costello, The Police, etc. Not to mention lesser-known but still influential performers like Throwing Muses, The Pixies, Kate Bush, Suzanne Vega, etc. (I was 20 years old in 1986.)
The Bongos? This tune's OK, but I've never even heard of them.
Yeah, I kinda agree. Although I did prefer the early 80s. I really enjoyed some Fisher Z but I don't think they made it into the states - Besides,the 80s angst-nuke-war music is less in favor these days. Red Skies was good.
You have got to be joking. For people who cared about rock music, the 80's were about REM, U2, Talking Heads, Elvis Costello, The Police, etc. Not to mention lesser-known but still influential performers like Throwing Muses, The Pixies, Kate Bush, Suzanne Vega, etc. (I was 20 years old in 1986.)
The Bongos? This tune's OK, but I've never even heard of them.
Zep wrote:
You have got to be joking. For people who cared about rock music, the 80's were about REM, U2, Talking Heads, Elvis Costello, The Police, etc. Not to mention lesser-known but still influential performers like Throwing Muses, The Pixies, Kate Bush, Suzanne Vega, etc. (I was 20 years old in 1986.)
The Bongos? This tune's OK, but I've never even heard of them.
Arite younguns, lissen up, this is what the 80s were really about.
Duran Duran? A Soviet spy.
Bonnie Tyler? A diversion.
Hall and Oates? Music for the masses.
The Bongos were where it was at.
Duran Duran? A Soviet spy.
Bonnie Tyler? A diversion.
Hall and Oates? Music for the masses.
The Bongos were where it was at.
You have got to be joking. For people who cared about rock music, the 80's were about REM, U2, Talking Heads, Elvis Costello, The Police, etc. Not to mention lesser-known but still influential performers like Throwing Muses, The Pixies, Kate Bush, Suzanne Vega, etc. (I was 20 years old in 1986.)
The Bongos? This tune's OK, but I've never even heard of them.
Arite younguns, lissen up, this is what the 80s were really about.
Duran Duran? A Soviet spy.
Bonnie Tyler? A diversion.
Hall and Oates? Music for the masses.
The Bongos were where it was at.
Duran Duran? A Soviet spy.
Bonnie Tyler? A diversion.
Hall and Oates? Music for the masses.
The Bongos were where it was at.
I love coming here to rate a song a sucko-barfo only to find that I already have. Sometimes its good to have consistencies in life
aquadonia wrote:
No problem. I thought RP could use this gem.
...and they could certainly use something off Drums Along The Hudson. Can you get Zebra Club or The Bulrushes up and going?
No problem. I thought RP could use this gem.
...and they could certainly use something off Drums Along The Hudson. Can you get Zebra Club or The Bulrushes up and going?
rocco1207 wrote:
There's a (relatively) new book from Richard Barone out called "Frontman" that's been a pretty entertaining read if you care to read what Mr. Barone's been up to. In fact, it goes all the back to his childhood days as a "guest DJ" in his native Tampa.
Here's the Amazon link to paste in your browser if you're interested in more information:
https://www.amazon.com/Frontman-Surviving-Rock-Star-Myth/dp/0879309121/ref=pd_bbs_sr_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1222711538&sr=8-2
P.S.-he'll be performing at Carnagie Hall in NYC on 10/1/08
I come from the same neck of the musical woods as the Bongos (Hoboken, NJ) and I followed them quite a bit way back when but I must say its been MANY years since I've heard one of their songs or even thought about them. I guess they're currently residing in the "where are they now?" file
There's a (relatively) new book from Richard Barone out called "Frontman" that's been a pretty entertaining read if you care to read what Mr. Barone's been up to. In fact, it goes all the back to his childhood days as a "guest DJ" in his native Tampa.
Here's the Amazon link to paste in your browser if you're interested in more information:
https://www.amazon.com/Frontman-Surviving-Rock-Star-Myth/dp/0879309121/ref=pd_bbs_sr_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1222711538&sr=8-2
P.S.-he'll be performing at Carnagie Hall in NYC on 10/1/08
rtkmusic wrote:
Seems like there a few of us former college radio types who have gravitated to RP!
CHRW, London, Ontario here.
Seems like there a few of us former college radio types who have gravitated to RP!
CHRW, London, Ontario here.
I hear Oingo Boingo meets Revolting Cocks....
You know, I can't be certain, but I think I heard it mentioned that this guy has a number... with wings.
This song's rating has a number, too. 3. With wings.
Huey wrote:
Never heard of them before, but I like what I'm hearing 
Agreed!! The more I hear, the more I like it!
sub-arctic wrote:
Never heard of them before and I definitely dislike what I'm hearing.
Shades of Al Stewart's Year of the Gato.
Huey wrote:
Never heard of them before, but I like what I'm hearing
Never heard of them before and I definitely dislike what I'm hearing.
I'm hearing The Stranglers.
Never heard of them before, but I like what I'm hearing
Reminds me of stuff like the Plimsouls. Very early-mid '80's. But that makes sense, right?
Marr wrote:
Does anyone else hear Split Enz?
Now that ya mention it, yes. Man, haven't heard this since I traded in most of my vinyl collection at the dawn of the CD age.
Zep wrote:
Needs a little Hunters and Collectors for a chaser.
Yes!
ChardRemains wrote:
straight from the "hot box" in my college radio station's air studio! and not too stale either!
Zep wrote:Wow it's great to hear old stuff like this. I used to have the Bongos in heavy rotation in my college radio days. This and Zebra Club. Way cool.
Seems like there a few of us former college radio types who have gravitated to RP!
Needs a little Hunters and Collectors for a chaser.
Does anyone else hear Split Enz?
superwaveknaller !!!
Wow!
This would be a great test for an aspiring DJ:
Get from Steely Dan to The Bongos in four songs or less.
I had this ep once. It was a perfect little collection of songs.
radioprogrammer wrote:Go figure. maybe try (click here)? Sometimes I have luck there.
I agree that the Bongos catalog needs to be reissued. Where's Rhino Records when you need them?
Of course, now that CD is out of print as well! Or just not through Amazon! Darn it! haha
I love that song. I have it on vinyl. I listen to it whenever I can. They are right...it should be reissued. the song is amazing. the band even more so, and the album it originally came from (an ep) was astonishing!
maybe try (click here)? Sometimes I have luck there.
I agree that the Bongos catalog needs to be reissued. Where's Rhino Records when you need them? Of course, now that CD is out of print as well! Or just not through Amazon! Darn it! haha
I love that song. I have it on vinyl. I listen to it whenever I can. They are right...it should be reissued. the song is amazing. the band even more so, and the album it originally came from (an ep) was astonishing!
aquadonia wrote:
You can get this track on Just Can't Get Enough: New Wave Hits of the 80's, Vol. 6.
That's how I got it. ;) I'm so glad you all like my upload!
keller1 wrote:
Wow ... I just looked at Amazon to see if this was available ... C$125 and up. They obviously need to reissue this.
You can get this track on Just Can't Get Enough: New Wave Hits of the 80's, Vol. 6.
That's how I got it. ;) I'm so glad you all like my upload!
Wow ... I just looked at Amazon to see if this was available ... C$125 and up. They obviously need to reissue this.
I come from the same neck of the musical woods as the Bongos (Hoboken, NJ) and I followed them quite a bit way back when but I must say its been MANY years since I've heard one of their songs or even thought about them. I guess they're currently residing in the "where are they now?" file
Fan-freakin'-tastic!! Haven't heard this one on the airwaves since my college radio days!
Wow it's great to hear old stuff like this. Way cool.
Oh wow, I forgot all about this!
What great stuff....
I'd forgotten about this song!
80's music? Wow this is great stuff!
wow! Thanks for pulling this out...Richard Barone certainly deserves to be heard again. To quote Wooderson from 'D & C'--"It would be a lot cooler if you did"...start playing stuff off "Drums Along the Hudson".
aaaa....aaahhhh...chooooooooo...
thick layer of dust on this one...good to hear it again after about a million years...used to listen to this one LOUD in college...
lyrics are still as impenetrable as ever, but hey, it's got a good sound...
straight from the "hot box" in my college radio station's air studio! and not too stale either!
This rocks! I hadn't heard of this band before... thanks RP 
Wow, taking me back to sweaty Hoboken clubs in the early 80's..go RP
whoah! where the heck did you find this one?
I love this song. A flashback straight to college days...thanks RP!
dionysius wrote:No problem. I thought RP could use this gem.
Thanks to the uploader! Great tune from the proto-alternative of the early eighties. Power pop meets jangle-rock with a great melodic sense.
Another enjoyable flashback courtesy of RP!
Seems to be a very close match to "Barbarism Begins at Home" by the Smiths. I like both songs...
Fondly remembered as one of the better 80s power pop bands--everything had a little bite to it.
Heinous, I just ate lunch, this song came on and I think I'll be seeing lunch again soon. Oh well, you can't win them all.
(*Retching Noises)
Thanks to the uploader! Great tune from the proto-alternative of the early eighties. Power pop meets jangle-rock with a great melodic sense.