Get off my lawn you lousy kids!!
71. Coasters "Yakety Yak"
Many have said that a good chunk of rock and roll's rebellion is merely adolescent anger at the mundane frustrations of everyday life. If so, this song would have to qualify as the ultimate rebel anthem. Legendary songwriters Jerry Lieber & Mike Stoller had a stroke of genius in placing the lyrics entirely in the voice of the angry parent bellowing orders and complaints until you can completely picture the teenager in question walking off pouting. The Coasters rise to the occasion with the terrific bass voice of the phrase '...don't talk back,' and the inspired delivery of the line ' tell your hoodlum friends outside..' both things anyone who's ever been a teenager can remember hearing. The stomping beat and rollicking sax from King Curtis don't hurt either. This is still one of the catchiest songs ever. I first heard it on a TV commercial for a mail order oldies compilation when I was around seven and it's been under my skin ever since.
Many have said that a good chunk of rock and roll's rebellion is merely adolescent anger at the mundane frustrations of everyday life. If so, this song would have to qualify as the ultimate rebel anthem. Legendary songwriters Jerry Lieber & Mike Stoller had a stroke of genius in placing the lyrics entirely in the voice of the angry parent bellowing orders and complaints until you can completely picture the teenager in question walking off pouting. The Coasters rise to the occasion with the terrific bass voice of the phrase '...don't talk back,' and the inspired delivery of the line ' tell your hoodlum friends outside..' both things anyone who's ever been a teenager can remember hearing. The stomping beat and rollicking sax from King Curtis don't hurt either. This is still one of the catchiest songs ever. I first heard it on a TV commercial for a mail order oldies compilation when I was around seven and it's been under my skin ever since.
