The Flying Lizards ~ Money (That's What I Want) 1979 New Wave XTension

The songs of Motown have been covered by just about everyone at some time or another, even fellow Motown groups recorded a version each others hits. There has never been a more surprising version of Motown than the New Wave version of the Barrett Strong single from 1960 as done by The Flying Lizards in 1979.

Avant garde UK artist David Cunnigham was the brainchild behind the Lizards, forming the band after he released his 1975 album "Grey Scale" where he recorded a low tech rousing version of Eddie Cochrane's 50's nugget of teen lament "Summertime Blues". Using a flat, tuneless vocal style, Deborah Evans laid down the blueprint for further Lizard singles with Steve Beresford on guitars and JJ Johnson on drums.


Cunningham quips that he was able to record "Summertime Blues" for 20 pounds (about 23$ US) and that economy is what led to their one off release via Virgin Records in 1978. The label felt it could recoup its costs and make some quick money.

There was enough buzz on the single for Virgin to order a full LP and Cunningham went on the search for more songs to record eventually choosing Strong's "Money". Using the Yoko Ono type vocals of Evans and the low rent instrumentation with a toy piano and guitar and a disco thump filled out with an experimental dub style that only added to the weird charm of the frenetic music track. While the song peaked at #50 on the pop charts, it did reach #22 on Billboard's Disco Chart.

It did way better in the UK peaking at #5 on their national survey. "Money" was followed up by "Summertime Blues" which did not chart anywhere. Virgin ordered another album and Cunningham released "Fourth Wall" but further waxings were met with diminishing returns and the name was finally shelved after 1984's "Top Ten".

Cunningham has since revived the Flying Lizard's repertoire by remixing and expanding on the dub versions in 1996, with CD releases of their other two albums in 2010. However, their time had passed and neither charted. The Lizards brought some humour and edge to the New Wave movement but were unable to maintain that popularity, but they were not built to.

[KatieHellOnHeels]

*lol* I just love how such a tune can be so silly but awesome all at once. I love it. 🤑😁😜🤑

[mikedrown]

I was 33 years old when this song came out in 1979

[michaeldomino]

This version was a actually the wedding song for a couple I used to know.

[hadockshow]

Mais parece um treinamento de instrumento para tocar em marchinha

[gutierrezkazzioivan]

@DJDiscoCat, Could you make a remix of the song named Forget Me Nots by Patrice Rushen? Thank you in advance.

[tanyakelly]

I remember this in the NYC club Dancertria wow such wonderful memories back then

[cripbabe]

Still have my original 45 rpm of this New Wave-y classic! Great job DiscoCat!!

[princessgrace]

Forgot this old Paradise Garage '70's classic..Give Me Your $$$

[bill]

I always thought this was Yoko Ono! lol

[tuxedoinn]

Wow DJDiscoCat! Fabulous remix of an esoteric oldie. Remember singing this one with my friends on the cruise to the club in the way back way back.

[marcap]

Move On Up by The Flying Lizards is another good new wave/disco jam ❤️👌🏼

[pauladams]

Bought this the day it was released and still have it, complete with picture sleeve. Plus I have all their other wonderful singles. I think TV is perfect for a remix

[diamondeyes]

Thank Especially teaching us the history of motown song Money B ...virgin records ...Berry Bradford

[adadc]

Totally tubular!! Rad!! Awesome dude!!

The TV show BOND Street"The Billion Pound Street "brought me here.

[daveinprogress]

Strangely memorable; emphasis on the word 'strange' - 'Summertime Blues' entered the Australian chart the same week that 'Money did in November of 1979 - the former only made #75 and the latter went to #11 in early 1980.

[raynunez]

Horrible cover !!!! Barret Strong, ..is the best ....The Beatles and the Stones made it better

[antoniohernandez]

The Best Music of the World!
🎛️🎛️💿🗼👍💖💚🎤

[robertgalvez]

genial j adore 45 ans apres c est toujours new wave c est comme le don giovanni de lorenzo da ponte different mais envoutant merci aux flying lizards et a mozart

[DrRobato]

Not the best cover of this awesome song imho.