Some bands have the fortune of being immortalized by one song. At the same some bands are cursed by being immortalized by one song. The Troggs are best known for the song Wild Thing and is known to most people because of sporting events and the movie Major League, in which Rick “Wild Thing” Vaughn (played by Charlie Sheen) is introduced with it.
Originally signed in 1965, by the manager of the Kinks, they were originally known as the Troglodytes until their manager Larry Page suggested they shorten the name. From that point on, they were known as the Troggs. “Wild Thing” was their second single and was a massive success. Every garage band in the world, and artists like Jimi Hendrix, have covered the song. It’s biting guitar riff and universal lyrics contain more rock and roll essence than a year’s worth of today’s releases. You may be surprised to learn The Troggs covered “Wild Thing” as it was originally recorded by The Wild Ones in 1965 (Take a listen to it).
The Troggs managed to become gold certified with “Wild Thing”, “Love is All Around”, and “With a Girl Like You.” The rough edged sounds and pop hooks are signatures of garage rock and is a formula that continues to succeed up to today.
However, the Troggs were not limited to rough edged garage rock as evidenced by the ballad “Love is All Around.” The harmonies of the song did not hide the rock attitude, but a different side of the Troggs is shown.
With artists such as Iggy Pop, MC5, The Ramones, citing them as covers, and artists such as REM, The Buzzcocks, and Jimi Hendrix covering their songs during live performances, the Troggs are a band that should not be known only for “Wild Thing.”
I still recall my introduction to the Troggs. It was the mid-90′s and I really wanted to have the song “Wild Thing.” I went to the local music store and the only option for acquiring the song was the Troggs Archaeology. I picked it up with the intention of recording the song I wanted and returning it the next day. Today, I still own that 3 CD set.
I remember going straight to “Wild Thing” at track 3, then deciding to check out some of the other songs. I listened to it again as I prepared to write this. Here are some highlights:
Lost Girl – I heard the opening riff and knew garage rock was something I would love. I would hear the same sound when I would first listen to The Seeds “Pushin’ Too Hard.”
The Yella in Me – I remember hearing this for the first time and laughing along to the song. The lyrics are about a guy who gets beat up while walking with his girlfriend.
Wild Thing – To this day, I debate whether this song or Louie Louie is the greatest garage rock song of all time.
With a Girl Like You – Garage pop perfection. To this day, I can’t resist going “Ba ba ba ba ba! ba ba ba bum!”
I Want You – Wild Thing redux?
Jingle Jangle – I think everyone has a Byrds song.
I Can’t Control Myself – “OH NO!” more “Ba ba”
I Can Only Give You Everything – Guitar riff used on Beck’s “Devil’s Haircut”
Cousin Jane – A fantastic pop song that creates a dark atmosphere
Love is All Around – One of the great ballads that no one ever seems to know.
Good Vibrations – Interesting cover of the Beach Boys
Get You Tonight – A little bit of glam in the garage
