Nice N Neat

The Zoo Crew is spinning "Nice N Neat" by The Boomtown Rats from their 1979 album The Fine Art of Surfacing, and the Zoo Freaks are loving this quirky, thought-provoking track. One piece of trivia about "Nice N Neat" is its sharp commentary on religion, with lyrics that playfully question faith and dogma. The song’s outro, with its "na-na-na-na, bop shoo wop shoo wop" chant, has a retro, almost barbershop quintet vibe, which contrasts with its punky guitar stabs, giving it a unique place on the album. According to a 2015 blog post by Matt Fogelson, this blend of styles harkens back to the band’s early punk roots while showcasing their evolving new wave sound. The song’s lyrical wit, penned by frontman Bob Geldof, explores a conversation with God, where the divine response is that there’s “no truth” — a bold statement for a late ‘70s rock tune.

Another interesting tidbit comes from fan discussions on platforms like The Boomtown Rats Fans Facebook group, where listeners note that "Nice N Neat" was never a single but remains a cult favorite for its irreverent take on spirituality. Some fans speculate the song was inspired by Geldof’s experiences growing up in Catholic Ireland, though no direct quotes from the band confirm this. A YouTube cover of the song uploaded in 2012 describes it as a “questioning of religion,” highlighting its enduring appeal to those who dig its philosophical edge. The track’s lively tempo and catchy hooks make it a perfect fit for the Zoo Crew’s eclectic vinyl-spinning sessions.

The Boomtown Rats formed in 1975 in Dublin, Ireland, when Bob Geldof, a restless young man with a knack for words, rallied a group of friends to start a band. The lineup included Garry Roberts (guitar), Johnnie Fingers (keyboards), Pete Briquette (bass), Gerry Cott (guitar), and Simon Crowe (drums), all hailing from Dun Laoghaire. Initially called The Nightlife Thugs, they adopted the name The Boomtown Rats from a gang mentioned in Woody Guthrie’s autobiography. Their early days were fueled by the raw energy of punk, playing gritty gigs in Dublin pubs. Their first single, “Looking After No.1,” released in 1977, cracked the UK Top 5, marking their arrival as a force in the punk and new wave scene. Their second album, A Tonic for the Troops, went platinum in the UK, and by the time The Fine Art of Surfacing dropped, they were tackling bigger themes, blending social commentary with pop hooks.

The band’s rise wasn’t just about music; it was about attitude. Geldof’s outspoken personality and lyrical bite set them apart, earning them comparisons to the Rolling Stones in the British press. Their tours, especially in the US, shaped their perspective, with The Fine Art of Surfacing reflecting both fascination and mockery of American culture. Though they disbanded in 1986, the Rats reformed in 2013, proving their lasting appeal. You can keep up with them on their official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X. Fans also gather on the Boomtown Rats Fans Facebook group and sites like Last.fm, where discussions about tracks like "Nice N Neat" keep the Rats’ legacy alive for new and old Zoo Freaks alike.