Album Information:

About The Knack:

The Knack was an American band formed in Los Angeles, California in 1978. The band's most notable members were Doug Fieger (lead vocals and guitar), Berton Averre (guitar), Prescott Niles (bass), and Bruce Gary (drums). Fieger was born on August 20, 1952, in Oak Park, Michigan. Before forming The Knack, he had worked as a session musician and songwriter in the music industry. Averre was born on September 13, 1952, in Portland, Oregon. He had studied music at Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts. Niles was born on June 2, 1952, in Springdell, California, and had played with a number of bands before joining The Knack. Gary was born on April 7, 1951, in Burbank, California, and had worked as a session drummer prior to joining the band.

The Knack's first major hit came in 1979 with their debut album 'Get the Knack.' The album's lead single, 'My Sharona,' quickly became a chart-topping hit and spent six weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song's catchy guitar riff and Fieger's charismatic vocals played a significant role in making it one of the most iconic songs of the era. The album followed suit, reaching the top of the charts and selling over one million copies in just two weeks.

The band went on to release several more albums throughout the 1980s, including '…But the Little Girls Understand' (1980), 'Round Trip' (1981), 'Get the Knack Live' (1991), and 'Zoom' (1998). Though they never achieved the same level of success as their debut, the band continued to tour and record new material.

However, personal and professional conflicts eventually led to the band's breakup in 1982. Fieger continued to work on various musical projects, including songwriting and producing, until he was diagnosed with cancer in 2006. He passed away on February 14, 2010, at the age of 57.

The Knack's legacy as a pop-rock sensation of the late 1970s and early 1980s lives on through their distinctive sound, memorable hits, and influence on subsequent generations of musicians. While their music may be firmly rooted in the past, it remains a testament to the power of catchy lyrics, infectious melodies, and the enduring appeal of rock and roll.

About the album Get The Knack:

Get The Knack is the debut album by the American band, The Knack, released in 1979. The album is known for its catchy power-pop hooks and simple, yet infectious, rhythms that made it an instant hit with audiences around the world.

The album opens with the hit song 'Let Me Out,' which features a driving guitar riff and a sing-along chorus that immediately grabs the listener's attention. The second track, 'Your Number or Your Name,' showcases lead singer Doug Fieger's distinctive vocal style, which is reminiscent of Elvis Costello and Buddy Holly.

The third song, 'Oh Tara,' is a fun, up-tempo tune that showcases the band's pop sensibility, with catchy guitar hooks and a memorable chorus. '(She's So) Selfish' is an energetic, punk-inspired track with a frenetic guitar solo and Fieger's sarcastic, tongue-in-cheek lyrics.

Other standout tracks on the album include 'Maybe Tonight,' a mid-tempo rocker with a sing-along chorus, and 'Good Girls Don't,' a catchy, radio-friendly tune that is still played on classic rock stations today.

The album also features a cover of 'Frustrated,' a song originally recorded by the Los Angeles-based power-pop band The Brats, and a hidden bonus track called 'That's What the Little Girls Do.'

Overall, Get The Knack is a classic power-pop album that combines irresistibly catchy melodies and hooks with the raw energy of punk rock. Its success inspired a new generation of power-pop bands, and it remains a beloved classic among fans of the genre to this day.

Members:

The Knack was a rock band formed in Los Angeles in 1978. The band consisted of four key members including:

1. Doug Fieger (Lead Vocals and Guitar) - Doug Fieger was born on August 20, 1952, in Oak Park, Michigan. Fieger started his career in music as a teenager, forming a band called 'Sky' with his brother. He later moved to Los Angeles to pursue a music career and formed The Knack in 1978. Fieger was the lead vocalist and primary songwriter for the band, co-writing their biggest hit, 'My Sharona'. Fieger passed away on February 14, 2010, due to complications from cancer.

2. Berton Averre (Lead Guitar and Backing Vocals) - Berton Averre was born on September 13, 1953, in California. Averre attended high school with Doug Fieger and the two formed The Knack together. Averre was the lead guitarist for the band and co-wrote many of their songs with Fieger. After The Knack disbanded in 1981, Averre continued to work in the music industry as a songwriter, producer, and composer.

3. Prescott Niles (Bass Guitar and Backing Vocals) - Prescott Niles was born on February 2, 1954, in California. Niles was hired as The Knack's bassist in 1978, just before the band was signed to a record deal. He played on all of the band's albums and helped to define The Knack's signature sound. After the band disbanded, Niles continued to play music and worked as a sideman for a variety of artists.

4. Bruce Gary (Drums and Backing Vocals) - Bruce Gary was born on April 7, 1951, in California. He was a renowned session drummer who played on many hit records throughout the 1970s and 1980s. Gary joined The Knack in 1978 and played on all of the band's records. After The Knack disbanded, Gary continued to work as a session drummer and producer. He died on August 22, 2006, due to cancer.

Track List for Get The Knack:

1. 'Let Me Out' (2:27) - A fast-paced, energetic track that sets the tone for the album. Featuring catchy guitar riffs and lead singer Doug Fieger's distinctive vocals, this song is a classic power pop anthem.

2. 'Your Number or Your Name' (2:57) - The album's first single and another upbeat rock tune. The lyrics depict a man trying to find a woman's identity using only her phone number, with Fieger's vocals alternating between crooning and shouting.

3. 'Oh Tara' (3:02) - A mid-tempo song with a more laid-back groove. The lyrics are about a girl named Tara, who is the subject of the singer's affection. The chorus is particularly catchy, with Fieger singing, 'Oh Tara, don't you know I'm in love with you?'

4. '(She's So) Selfish' (4:30) - A slower, more moody track with a heavy bassline and atmospheric guitar work. The lyrics are about a woman who is selfish and hard to love, but the singer can't help himself from being drawn to her.

5. 'Maybe Tonight' (4:00) - Another upbeat, catchy song with a prominent piano riff. The lyrics tell the story of a guy trying to muster up the courage to ask a girl out.

6. 'Good Girls Don't' (3:07) - The album's biggest hit and a classic example of power pop. The song features infectious guitar riffs and sing-along choruses, as well as coy lyrics about a girl who is supposed to be good but can't help being bad.

7. 'My Sharona' (4:52) - The band's signature song and one of the biggest hits of the 1970s. With its pounding drum beat, insistent guitar riff, and Fieger's breathless vocals, 'My Sharona' is a timeless rock anthem that still gets airplay to this day.

8. 'Heartbeat' (2:11) - A short but sweet track that showcases the band's ability to create catchy, memorable melodies. The lyrics describe the thrill of falling in love and feeling your heart race.

9. 'Siamese Twins (The Monkey and Me)' (3:25) - A more experimental track with a funky bassline and off-kilter guitar riffs. The lyrics are about a man who feels like he's trapped in a dysfunctional relationship, likening himself to a monkey and his partner to his 'siamese twin.'

10. 'Lucinda' (4:05) - A mid-tempo ballad with a dreamy, atmospheric feel. The lyrics are about a man who is haunted by the memory of a lost love named Lucinda.

11. 'That's What the Little Girls Do' (2:41) - Another catchy, upbeat track with a simple but memorable guitar riff. The lyrics are about how little girls always seem to know more about love and relationships than boys do.

12. 'Frustrated' (3:26) - A fast-paced, punk-influenced track with shouted vocals and frenzied guitar work. The lyrics are about feeling trapped and frustrated by society's expectations.

Overall, Get The Knack is a classic album that showcases The Knack's infectious energy and knack (pun intended) for crafting catchy, memorable pop-rock tunes. From the upbeat anthems to the moody ballads, every track has something to offer, making it a staple of 70s rock.

Discography for The Knack:

The Knack discography:

Albums:
1. Get the Knack - June 11, 1979
2. ...But the Little Girls Understand - February 14, 1980
3. Round Trip - October 1981
4. Serious Fun - February 1986
5. Normal as the Next Guy - March 15, 2001

Singles:
1. 'Let Me Out' / 'Your Number or Your Name' - 1978
2. 'Good Girls Don't' / 'That's What the Little Girls Do' - 1979
3. 'My Sharona' / 'Let Me Out' - 1979
4. 'She's So Selfish' / 'Maybe Tonight' - 1979
5. 'Frustrated' / 'Lil' Rounder' - 1980
6. 'Baby Talks Dirty' / 'End of the Game' - 1980
7. 'Can't Put a Price on Love' / 'The Hard Way' - 1981
8. 'Pay the Devil (Ooo, Baby, Ooo)' / 'One Day at a Time' - 1981

Other releases:
1. '…But the Little Girls Understand' (EP) - 1980
2. 'ZOOM' (single) - 1991

Note: There may be additional non-album releases and live recordings.