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Chipmunk Punk facts for kids

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Chipmunk Punk
Chipmunk Punk Cover.jpg
Studio album by
Released June 15, 1980 (1980-06-15)
Recorded September 1979–April 1980
Genre Rock
New wave
Novelty
Length 29:27
Label Mercury (UK)
Excelsior (later Intersound International)
MCA (1990 reissue) (US)
Geffen (2005 reissue) (US)
Producer Steve Vining
The Chipmunks chronology
The Chipmunks Go to the Movies
(1969)
Chipmunk Punk
(1980)
Urban Chipmunk
(1981)
Singles from {{{Name}}}

Chipmunk Punk is a fun music album by Alvin and the Chipmunks. It was released on June 15, 1980. This album was special because it was the first one made after Ross Bagdasarian, Jr. took over the voices of the Chipmunks. His father, who created the Chipmunks, passed away in 1972. Even though the album is called "Chipmunk Punk," the songs on it are not actually punk rock music. Instead, they are covers of popular rock and new wave songs from that time.

The album was very popular. It reached No. 34 on the Billboard 200 music chart in the United States. It even earned a "gold" award on October 14, 1980. This means it sold over 500,000 copies! This was the first time a Chipmunks album went gold. In Canada, the album reached No. 59 on their music charts. In 2005, the album was released again on CD. This CD version was only available through the official Chipmunks website.

About Chipmunk Punk

This album marked a new era for The Chipmunks. It was the first album where Ross Bagdasarian, Jr. provided the voices for Alvin, Simon, and Theodore. He continued the legacy of his father, Ross Bagdasarian, Sr., who created the famous singing chipmunks.

What Kind of Music Is It?

Despite its name, Chipmunk Punk does not feature real punk rock music. Instead, the album has the Chipmunks covering popular songs from the late 1970s and early 1980s. These songs were originally performed by famous rock and new wave bands. The Chipmunks put their own unique, high-pitched spin on these hits.

Album Songs

Chipmunk Punk features many well-known songs. The album was released on both vinyl records and cassette tapes. Later, a CD version was released with a slightly different order of songs.

Vinyl and Cassette Track List

Here are the songs that were on the original vinyl and cassette versions of the album:

  • "Let's Go" (by The Cars)
  • "Good Girls Don't" (by The Knack)
  • "How Do I Make You" (by Linda Ronstadt)
  • "Refugee" (by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers)
  • "Frustrated" (by The Knack)
    • This song includes a short part of "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction" by The Rolling Stones.
  • "Call Me" (by Blondie)
  • "You May Be Right" (by Billy Joel)
  • "Crazy Little Thing Called Love" (by Queen)
  • "My Sharona" (by The Knack)

CD Track List

When Chipmunk Punk was re-released on CD in 2005, the order of the songs was changed:

  • "Call Me"
  • "Refugee"
  • "Frustrated"
  • "You May Be Right"
  • "Crazy Little Thing Called Love"
  • "My Sharona"
  • "How Do I Make You...?"
  • "Good Girls Don't"
  • "Let's Go"

Who Made the Album?

Many talented people worked on Chipmunk Punk. Here are some of the key people involved:

The Chipmunks' Voices

  • Ross Bagdasarian, Jr. provided the voices for all three Chipmunks:
    • Alvin Seville: lead guitar and vocals
    • Simon Seville: bass and vocals
    • Theodore Seville: drums and vocals

Production Team

  • Steve Vining: He was the main producer for the album.
  • Bob McNabb: He worked as the engineer, making sure the sound was just right.
  • Ross Bagdasarian, Jr.: He also helped as a production consultant.
  • Doug Oudekerk: He created the cool cover art for the album.

2005 CD Edition Credits

When the album was re-released on CD in 2005, these people helped:

  • Janice Karman: She was the reissue producer.
  • Spencer Chrislu: He did the digital remastering, making the old songs sound great on CD.
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