The Ditty Bops — Ooh La La
Album: The Ditty BopsAvg rating:
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Total ratings: 1395
Length: 3:49
Plays (last 30 days): 0
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What among the lovers
What twang of temptation
What brought the house down
Strange sleepwalkers on the block
Unfamiliar writing on the ceiling
When she looks up
Momma buried pop atop the roof where he slept
One leg on each side of pointed shingles
Latest tests prove that she's happier with more
The oyster is open for any to pearl
Still she's got three different lullablies to sing
These fruited images are delicacies
Was it the fighting was it the fist
Was it adventure with a jealous twist
Was it desire for another's kiss
What brought the house down
Turmoil and passion such wondrous things
What they called Summer lovers happening in Spring
Who's dreaming of who tonight
Who'll be waking by your side
At the dawning's first light
Do all he can to save a soon to be dead past
Give it all up to find a new way that will last
Was she wrong to hold his heart another person's hand
The grass is always greener 'til it's covered up with sand
Was it other things
Fate, felicity
What rousing temptation
She knew that love could swell without barricades
Standards must be broken even these
Now she has three different lullabies to sing
These fruited images lead her to sleep
Was it the fighting was it the fist
Was it adventure with a jealous twist
Was it desire for another's kiss
What brought the house down
What twang of temptation
What brought the house down
Strange sleepwalkers on the block
Unfamiliar writing on the ceiling
When she looks up
Momma buried pop atop the roof where he slept
One leg on each side of pointed shingles
Latest tests prove that she's happier with more
The oyster is open for any to pearl
Still she's got three different lullablies to sing
These fruited images are delicacies
Was it the fighting was it the fist
Was it adventure with a jealous twist
Was it desire for another's kiss
What brought the house down
Turmoil and passion such wondrous things
What they called Summer lovers happening in Spring
Who's dreaming of who tonight
Who'll be waking by your side
At the dawning's first light
Do all he can to save a soon to be dead past
Give it all up to find a new way that will last
Was she wrong to hold his heart another person's hand
The grass is always greener 'til it's covered up with sand
Was it other things
Fate, felicity
What rousing temptation
She knew that love could swell without barricades
Standards must be broken even these
Now she has three different lullabies to sing
These fruited images lead her to sleep
Was it the fighting was it the fist
Was it adventure with a jealous twist
Was it desire for another's kiss
What brought the house down
Comments (309)add comment
Serious lyrics for a cute tune.
Ag3nt0rang3 wrote:
I've often thought the number and name of the rating don't really parallel each other. If someone scores 4 out of 10 on some kind of test they are unlikely to be told their result is 'acceptable'. Songs on RP that have only amassed an average rating of 4 are definitely not considered 'acceptable' by the vast majority of the listeners and they are unlikely to get much airplay either.
Okay, I'm dismounting from my soapbox now :)
I dunno -- "Acceptable" seems right to me, but "4" is too low...maybe the ratings need some tweaking?
I've often thought the number and name of the rating don't really parallel each other. If someone scores 4 out of 10 on some kind of test they are unlikely to be told their result is 'acceptable'. Songs on RP that have only amassed an average rating of 4 are definitely not considered 'acceptable' by the vast majority of the listeners and they are unlikely to get much airplay either.
Okay, I'm dismounting from my soapbox now :)
Quirky n chirpy
Fun song. Great lyrics.
Bop Ditty Bop
Liking this ... a soupcon of Kathleen Edwars I reckon.
I just imagined an electric version of this song played by Nirvana. What a great grunge peace it would make !
PSD brought this back into rotation. Great song and interesting lyrics.
I dunno -- "Acceptable" seems right to me, but "4" is too low...maybe the ratings need some tweaking?
fredriley wrote:
Silly and vapid work well for me. Thank you, yes thank you, mercy buckets. 8 from the very silly Nottingham jury.
Like they said.
Silly and vapid work well for me. Thank you, yes thank you, mercy buckets. 8 from the very silly Nottingham jury.
Like they said.
Have not heard this in a while and now I am satisfied. 
aspicer wrote:
Silly and vapid work well for me. Thank you, yes thank you, mercy buckets. 8 from the very silly Nottingham jury.
This is so silly and vapid. No thank you, no thank you, no thank you....
Silly and vapid work well for me. Thank you, yes thank you, mercy buckets. 8 from the very silly Nottingham jury.
This is so silly and vapid. No thank you, no thank you, no thank you....
Love it, love it, love it! edit on 30 August: If you think this is vapid fluff, read the lyrics and stop judging a song by its vocalist or instrumentation.
that song hit me home literally on just too many ways.
sweet, bitter and just a bit scary.
sweet, bitter and just a bit scary.
nice !
Poacher wrote:
That is because when you are listening via the internet Bill has direct access to your computer and knows what you are looking at. . . he also has control over your screen camera.
I'd stop looking at those pictures and put your trousers back on.
Poacher wrote:
That is because when you are listening via the internet Bill has direct access to your computer and knows what you are looking at. . . he also has control over your screen camera.
I'd stop looking at those pictures and put your trousers back on.
Poacher wrote:
That is because when you are listening via the internet Bill has direct access to your computer and knows what you are looking at. . . he also has control over your screen camera.
I'd stop looking at those pictures and put your trousers back on.
Dammit Poach, you weren't supposed to tell anyone about that! The only way Bill keeps this place afloat is by selling the camera feeds.
Sheesh some people. Can't have anything nice.
That is because when you are listening via the internet Bill has direct access to your computer and knows what you are looking at. . . he also has control over your screen camera.
I'd stop looking at those pictures and put your trousers back on.
Dammit Poach, you weren't supposed to tell anyone about that! The only way Bill keeps this place afloat is by selling the camera feeds.
Sheesh some people. Can't have anything nice.
Wow I need to get more of this.
MORE CRICKET! 
The Ditty Bops kick ass! Really good live too.
Horrible...just horrible.
Is it possible to give it a 1 more often than 10 times?
Sorry, felt i had to state this.
Sorry, felt i had to state this.
i just had my ditty bops cherry popped
Poacher wrote:
That is because when you are listening via the internet Bill has direct access to your computer and knows what you are looking at. . . he also has control over your screen camera.
I'd stop looking at those pictures and put your trousers back on.
Hey, that's not funny - what's that smoke coming out of my computer?
That is because when you are listening via the internet Bill has direct access to your computer and knows what you are looking at. . . he also has control over your screen camera.
I'd stop looking at those pictures and put your trousers back on.
Hey, that's not funny - what's that smoke coming out of my computer?... The oyster is open for any to pearl...
I hadn't really heard that line before. Changes my appreciation of Mama.
I hadn't really heard that line before. Changes my appreciation of Mama.
osbyec wrote:
That is because when you are listening via the internet Bill has direct access to your computer and knows what you are looking at. . . he also has control over your screen camera.
I'd stop looking at those pictures and put your trousers back on.
Whoaaaa... plate of shrimp phenomenon! I was looking up images of Vaudeville musicians to use in my music class, and an image came of up the Ditty Bops in Vaudeville costume and makeup. I had never really heard of them. Looked at the picture and moved on. 30 seconds later this song came on RP. Crazy.
That is because when you are listening via the internet Bill has direct access to your computer and knows what you are looking at. . . he also has control over your screen camera.
I'd stop looking at those pictures and put your trousers back on.
I don't understand all the negativity around this song... it's a pleasant, solid piece of good quality pop.
satanpez wrote:
Yeah, what's up with that?! Had tix to see 'em earlier this year, and they cancelled—I think the tour was cancelled. Huh?
My only thing that I dislike about the Ditty Bops is the fact they hardly tour anymore. :(
Yeah, what's up with that?! Had tix to see 'em earlier this year, and they cancelled—I think the tour was cancelled. Huh?
Love the breakdown banjo. Tricky murder ballad of a poem.
Whoaaaa... plate of shrimp phenomenon! I was looking up images of Vaudeville musicians to use in my music class, and an image came of up the Ditty Bops in Vaudeville costume and makeup. I had never really heard of them. Looked at the picture and moved on. 30 seconds later this song came on RP. Crazy.
My only thing that I dislike about the Ditty Bops is the fact they hardly tour anymore. :(
That's more like it!! 
In addition to being a fun tune, this song has a place in my heart as the first one I commented on at Radio Paradise.
These two know how to rock!
funky little number
Such a perfect little song.
FlatCat wrote:
Your comment prompted me to read the lyrics. The whole song changes. Thanks.
That oyster lyric is absolutely precious. Love this.
Your comment prompted me to read the lyrics. The whole song changes. Thanks.
Abby and Amanda kicka$$ 8/10
That oyster lyric is absolutely precious. Love this.
No more of this one, thank you
Stefen wrote:
Well, based upon the comments, it appears to be about once a month.
Well, based upon the comments, it appears to be about once a month.
bindi wrote:
And one on the hearth is mighty good fortune - but y'all already know that in NC!
I love the cricket solo! catchy tune.
And one on the hearth is mighty good fortune - but y'all already know that in NC!
This just makes smile inside and out...
I do like this album, but this isn't my favorite song on it. My favorites are "Sister Kate," "Wishful Thinking" and "There's a Girl."
The Ditty Bops will always remind me of the original Bistro 147 on North Limestone. We miss you, Sonny!
Laptopdog wrote:
And more Doodlebops.
Less Ditty Bops, please.
And more Doodlebops.
Less Ditty Bops, please.
More Ditty Bops, please!
I love the cricket solo! catchy tune.
My, my... those girls have large tongues...
rtb wrote:
I nominate this song for retirement from its regular RP appearance.
Excelsior wrote:
Hey!
I've been misquoted!
That "You'd never know it..." line was written by Excelsior, NOT me! I QUITE like the Ditty Bops, thankyouverymuch!
And, I may add, this debut album is very high quality. Which does add a good argument in favor of playing other stuff from them.
I nominate this song for retirement from its regular RP appearance.
Excelsior wrote:
gekkosan wrote:
You'd never know it around here. This is the only song of theirs that gets (over)played on RP, and it's annoying as hell.
You'd never know it around here. This is the only song of theirs that gets (over)played on RP, and it's annoying as hell.
Hey!
I've been misquoted!
That "You'd never know it..." line was written by Excelsior, NOT me! I QUITE like the Ditty Bops, thankyouverymuch!
And, I may add, this debut album is very high quality. Which does add a good argument in favor of playing other stuff from them.
Guitar sounds a lot like Zepplin III - I like!
I'm tired of this too. And the annoyingly high notes almost hurt.
manbirdexperiment wrote:
Well, based upon the comments, it appears to be about once a month.
This song has become a sort of RP anthem. And I'm really tired of hearing it so often.
Well, based upon the comments, it appears to be about once a month.
manbirdexperiment wrote:
Quite. Was an 8. Going to a 5. I think excessive rotation brought the house down personally.
This song has become a sort of RP anthem. And I'm really tired of hearing it so often.
Quite. Was an 8. Going to a 5. I think excessive rotation brought the house down personally.
Reminds me of the Wailin' Jennies . . .
manbirdexperiment wrote:
I was tired of hearing it 30 seconds in the first time. Dreadful then, dreadful now!
This song has become a sort of RP anthem. And I'm really tired of hearing it so often.
I was tired of hearing it 30 seconds in the first time. Dreadful then, dreadful now!
at least the band is accurately named.. certainly a ditty bop
This song has become a sort of RP anthem. And I'm really tired of hearing it so often.
gekkosan wrote:
?? These gals are neither new on the scene, nor "one-hit wonders". They have several albums out, and are well known in the Folk circle. Their specialty is the flawless way they have with vocal harmonies - and a somewhat twisted sense of humor. Go look them up in Youtube. They have some good and fun stuff out there. (And some very weird stuff too!)
I took a chance and paid for the download of their album "Summer Rains". I admit, I am very pleasantly surprised both by the musicianship & the wordplay. Go try it. Flows great and well worth it.
?? These gals are neither new on the scene, nor "one-hit wonders". They have several albums out, and are well known in the Folk circle. Their specialty is the flawless way they have with vocal harmonies - and a somewhat twisted sense of humor. Go look them up in Youtube. They have some good and fun stuff out there. (And some very weird stuff too!)
I took a chance and paid for the download of their album "Summer Rains". I admit, I am very pleasantly surprised both by the musicianship & the wordplay. Go try it. Flows great and well worth it.
Everytime I see this band come up in the "Now Playing" box, I keep thinking that they are The Doodle Bops (the children's show "band") and it shocks me for a sec. I'm like "Why is Bill playing stuff from a kid's show?" Then I realize it's not them. 
This song is quite catchy. 7
This song is quite catchy. 7
This song is really annoying me today. It's cuteness is wearing thin.
Excelsior wrote:
I nominate this song for retirement from its regular RP appearance.
gekkosan wrote:
You'd never know it around here. This is the only song of theirs that gets (over)played on RP, and it's annoying as hell.
You'd never know it around here. This is the only song of theirs that gets (over)played on RP, and it's annoying as hell.
I nominate this song for retirement from its regular RP appearance.
hmm...its a song of "gri-gri"........
such a great song!!
I think I want to be the ditty bops. they are great!
gekkosan wrote:
?? These gals are neither new on the scene, nor "one-hit wonders". They have several albums out, and are well known in the Folk circle. Their specialty is the flawless way they have with vocal harmonies - and a somewhat twisted sense of humor. Go look them up in Youtube. They have some good and fun stuff out there. (And some very weird stuff too!)
You'd never know it around here. This is the only song of theirs that gets (over)played on RP, and it's annoying as hell.
?? These gals are neither new on the scene, nor "one-hit wonders". They have several albums out, and are well known in the Folk circle. Their specialty is the flawless way they have with vocal harmonies - and a somewhat twisted sense of humor. Go look them up in Youtube. They have some good and fun stuff out there. (And some very weird stuff too!)
You'd never know it around here. This is the only song of theirs that gets (over)played on RP, and it's annoying as hell.
Excelsior wrote:
?? These gals are neither new on the scene, nor "one-hit wonders". They have several albums out, and are well known in the Folk circle. Their specialty is the flawless way they have with vocal harmonies - and a somewhat twisted sense of humor. Go look them up in Youtube. They have some good and fun stuff out there. (And some very weird stuff too!)
This is an extremely annoying song, but it sounds like this group has some good potential. I really wish someone would upload another song by them!
?? These gals are neither new on the scene, nor "one-hit wonders". They have several albums out, and are well known in the Folk circle. Their specialty is the flawless way they have with vocal harmonies - and a somewhat twisted sense of humor. Go look them up in Youtube. They have some good and fun stuff out there. (And some very weird stuff too!)
Excelsior wrote:
This is an extremely annoying song, but it sounds like this group has some good potential. I really wish someone would upload another song by them!
Some of the good ones have been uploaded and rejected already....according to their website, there's a new cd out...but i'm having problems with the site....mental note to check back later.
This is an extremely annoying song, but it sounds like this group has some good potential. I really wish someone would upload another song by them!
Nice - enjoyed that
I'm gonna move to Hawaii some day! Kerly wrote: 
Yup...
One-hit wonders, but very nicely done.
It was poor foundations or an abandoned mine!
legseleven wrote:
If you don't 'get' The Ditty Bops then shame on you!! Brilliant production and toons; what an album! If you think her voice is odd (as some suggest) try what's come on RP straight after - Joni Mitchell!!! BYT has the worst end to any record EVER made...
I don't understand these attacks on people's tastes. There is no moral imperative to like or dislike any music.
Naaldekoker wrote:
So happy & uplifting! Thx
Are you sure about that? You might want to check the lyrics.
This one makes me smile...which is always a good thing!
Btw:
Good morning, America. 
So happy & uplifting! Thx
What fun! Thanks yet again, RP.
great fun...after listening bought both albums...if you like close harmony fun try The Puppini Sisters
Ahh, yes, the heavy rotation favorite on RP these days.
Pretty good, but hate the lyrics getting stuck in my head.
driver8 wrote:
funny! I wanne see them in concert!
Yo soy el nino de la maize
polkadude wrote:
... I think Amanda was a carrot, Abby an artichoke or vice versa.....
funny! I wanna see them in concert!
Really cool tune!!!
Yahooooo!
These chicks are fun!!
These chicks are fun!!Saw them at the Ark in Ann Arbor. I think Amanda was a carrot, Abby an artichoke or vice versa. VERY diverse crowd - all ages, backgrounds and orientations. Everyone was into the music and had a great time.
bmeador wrote:
It's a toe tapper, no doubt. Solid 7.5....
tappin' toes can't be wrong!
8 for me
If you don't 'get' The Ditty Bops then shame on you!! Brilliant production and toons; what an album! If you think her voice is odd (as some suggest) try what's come on RP straight after - Joni Mitchell!!! BYT has the worst end to any record EVER made...
This really grows on me ... love to listen and then close my eyes and start up that old fashioned movie machine.
My closed eyelids a personal Imax screen ... the flickering, gritty, grainy, eight millimeter hand held home made movie starts ... oh yeah, baby, yeah ....
oh my god .. no, wait! stop! It's Amy and Amanda and they are naked and they are ... OMG! Ewwwwwwwww
Quick find me a Scissor Sisters Album!
Gay or not, they have a great sound in spite of that spoiled oyster imagery.
Love that break ... "Was it the fighting, was it the fist ..."
Those verses, though ... argh ... sound like a 12 year old boy going through puberty.
jktravl wrote:
oooo her voice is annoying
seems to be a consensus dislike for the vocals. I don't hate them, they just seem _so_ out of place in this rockin' song. Guitars are awesome on this I think
Amanda and her friend Michael have a funny sketch comedy show on YouTube:
(click here)
oooo her voice is quite fun!
jktravl wrote:
oooo her voice is annoying
oooo her voice is annoying
marmelock wrote:
Aren't oysters pearled when you inject some stuff (e.g. a sand corn) into them?
As a kind of defensive reaction to the injection they cover the inserted stuff with nacre, no? Hmmm.... 
An oyster is "pearled" when one takes the pearl OUT of the oyster...takes ADVANTAGE of the oyster, DEFLOWERS it, per se.
Hmm, I think she's singing about opening her personal private oyster, so anyone can pearl it, methinks.
Noooooooooo...
This one is hard for me to get used to.
The mental picture of the old man mounted on the roof is priceless. Hell hath no furry like a woman's scorn!
cc_rider wrote:
I have NO idea...
Aren't oysters pearled when you inject some stuff (e.g. a sand corn) into them?
As a kind of defensive reaction to the injection they cover the inserted stuff with nacre, no? Hmmm....
While I like the lyrics, and the instrumentation, I can't take the singers voice. A 3 for the singer, a 7 for the rest of it.
MrCaps wrote:
"Latest tests prove that she's happier with more
The oyster is open for any to pearl "
What-ever could they mean?.... mmmmm
I have NO idea...
"Latest tests prove that she's happier with more
The oyster is open for any to pearl "
What-ever could they mean?.... mmmmm
...still like the song... 
I\'m very happy to say that I caught the Ditties at the Palms Playhouse in Winters CA...they were outstanding, especially from the 2nd row. I thoroughly expected a throbbing crowd and rushed to buy tickets, then was deeply mystified at the poor showing. They were funny, warm, and very interactive with the audience. I, of course, discovered them on RP at least 2 years ago
MylenerHead wrote:
Can something, even a rating, be solid if a half exists?
I surmise the reviewer was referring to the overall rating. While individuals may only vote with integer numbers, the average of their votes may be expressed as a fraction.
How's that for geek-speak?
Oh yeah: The Ditty Bops make some boppin' ditties!
c.
Day by day I explore new music for my collection...
Never expected me to be so 'ignorant'...
I've never thought I've settled for too less in the 'find-good-music-department'...
hence the sarcasm...
MylenerHead wrote:
Can something, even a rating, be solid if a half exists? I can envision a solid 8 or a solid 7, but 7.5 doesn't sound solid to me. It has that little half dangling at the end.
WOW, where'd they come from, I've been missing this?!!? 
bmeador wrote:
It's a toe tapper, no doubt. Solid 7.5....
Can something, even a rating, be solid if a half exists?
It's a toe tapper, no doubt. Solid 7.5....
Old RP Favorite. Old - is a relative term...
chordcloud wrote:
I heard this track here first and bought the CD straight away. Like others here, I wasn't sure at first, but once I took it into the car, it started to grow on me. I don't like country, skiffle, jazz or folk music, but I DO like the Ditty Bops, if you see what I mean :-)
Yes, I know what mean. The Ditty Bops borrow from many musical styles but can't be pigeonholed. If you like their first album, you'll really like their second, Moon Over the Freeway. I saw them perform in a smallish venue a couple of months ago and don't recall ever smiling so much at a concert.
I heard this track here first and bought the CD straight away. Like others here, I wasn't sure at first, but once I took it into the car, it started to grow on me. I don't like country, skiffle, jazz or folk music, but I DO like the Ditty Bops, if you see what I mean :-)
A nearly perfect song. Hoedown meets David Byrne in the body of a minx.
helene wrote:
I'm so very sick of this song, but I'd be interested in hearing something else from them. Anyone else?
I bought this album on the strength of "Wishful Thinking," which got a lot of rotation on WERS in Boston a couple of years ago. The first few times I listened to the CD I didn't know what to make of it, but the rest of it started to grow on me, and now it is absolutely one of my favorite albums.
Also from that CD I recommend "Pale Yellow." I haven't listened to their new one enough to know what I think of it.