(January 2026) Episode 700 is THE TUBES. When asked which band I would like to have seen live, I list The Tubes near the top, given their reputation for wildness, role playing and parody. Unsurprisingly, their first albums reflect this theatrical quality, often with lampooning lyrics and song titles, epitomized by “White Punks on Dope.” It evokes the stuff Zappa was putting out in the mid-1970s. As the 1980s approached, they shifted to strive for radio/MTV hits, with successes like “Talk to Ya Later” and “She’s a Beauty.” (This was probably the first time in 40+ years I’d heard “Sushi Girl” and “Tip of my Tongue,” but I still sang along!). All in all, they don’t leave much of a legacy. The energy they gave to live shows doesn’t well translate to album, and the later albums are unremarkable 80s pop/rock.
Favorite album: The Tubes
Favorite song: What Do You Want From Life
Compared to expectations: ↓
Recommendation: The first two albums provide some parodic moments and maybe pull up some of those singles for nostalgia, but that’s it.
Opus Project 