Louie, Louie and the FBI

The supposedly pornographic lyrics of garageband classic “Louie Louie” by the Kingsmen were, improbably, thoroughly investigated by the FBI, who reached a conclusion on May 17th, 1965, when the FBI Laboratory declared the lyrics to be “officially unintelligible”. 

The FBI had spent two years analyzing the song, consulting outraged parents, and playing it at different speeds to uncover hidden obscenities.

In this episode, Arion, Rebecca and Olly explain how the controversy helped cement the reputation of this punk pop classic; explain how ‘Louie Louie marathons’ also played a part in the song’s virality; and reveal that there actually IS a hidden obscenity on the track…

Further Reading:

• ‘The FBI Investigated the Song ‘Louie Louie’ for Two Years’ (Smithsonian Magazine, 2013): https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/the-fbi-investigated-the-song-louie-louie-for-two-years-78752777/
• ‘‘Louie, Louie’, the most misunderstood song in history’ (Far Out Magazine, 2021): https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/the-kingsmen-louie-louie-fbi-investigation/
• ‘The Kingsmen - Louie Louie’ (Wand Records, 1963): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3EqzTiDc-1k

#60s #US #Strange #Music

Love the show? Join 🌴CLUB RETROSPECTORS 🌴 to DITCH THE ADS and get an additional full-length episode every SUNDAY!

Plus, get weekly bonus bits, unlock over 70 bits of extra content and support our independent podcast.

Join now via Apple Podcasts or Patreon. Thanks!

 

We'll be back tomorrow! Follow us wherever you get your podcasts: podfollow.com/Retrospectors

 

The Retrospectors are Olly Mann, Rebecca Messina & Arion McNicoll, with Matt Hill.

Theme Music: Pass The Peas. Announcer: Bob Ravelli. Graphic Design: Terry Saunders. Edit Producer: Sophie King.

Copyright: Rethink Audio / Olly Mann 2023.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices