Description
Bob Geldof – Room 19 Sha La La La Lee – 7 Inch Vinyl Record
Bob Geldof’s “Room 19 (Sha La La La Lee)” is a track from his 1990 solo album The Vegetarians of Love. The song reflects Geldof’s distinctive storytelling style, blending humor, satire, and social commentary within a folk-rock framework. As a solo artist after the Boomtown Rats, Geldof embraced a more eclectic and introspective approach, and “Room 19 (Sha La La La Lee)” captures this shift in his artistic direction.
Musically, “Room 19 (Sha La La La Lee)” is a lively, folk-inflected tune with upbeat rhythms, melodic hooks, and an infectious chorus featuring the repetitive “Sha La La La Lee” refrain. The arrangement incorporates accordion and acoustic guitar, creating a playful, almost pub-song vibe that contrasts with the bittersweet narrative of the lyrics. The track is lyrically rich, as Geldof reflects on themes of transience, loneliness, and fleeting moments of human connection, centered around the metaphor of a nondescript hotel room.
The song juxtaposes its vibrant instrumentation with introspective storytelling, capturing the essence of Geldof’s post-Boomtown Rats style. The repetition of “Sha La La La Lee” lends the track an anthemic quality, inviting audience participation and evoking a sense of shared experience.
The Vegetarians of Love, produced by Rupert Hine, represents a departure from Geldof’s punk and new wave roots, exploring folk, rock, and world music influences. “Room 19 (Sha La La La Lee)” fits seamlessly into the album’s eclectic mix, standing out for its catchy chorus and poignant narrative. The album as a whole marked a period of personal and artistic growth for Geldof, focusing on introspection and social issues.
“Room 19 (Sha La La La Lee)” was one of the album’s more accessible and memorable tracks, receiving radio play and resonating with fans for its catchy, singalong nature. Critics highlighted the song’s clever lyrics and its ability to balance humor with pathos, a hallmark of Geldof’s songwriting. Though not a major chart hit, the song has remained a notable entry in Geldof’s solo catalog, appreciated for its storytelling and melodic charm.
If you enjoy the narrative-driven style of artists like Elvis Costello, Nick Lowe, or Billy Bragg, “Room 19 (Sha La La La Lee)” is a great track to explore. Its blend of catchy folk-rock and reflective lyricism showcases Bob Geldof’s unique voice as a solo artist.
45 RPM single
Brand new, never played with some jacket wear from storage
Vertigo Records 1992
Song Listing
Room 19 (Sha La La La Lee)
Huge Birdless Silence
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