Drivin' by Pearl Harbor & the Explosions

Album: Pearl Harbor And The Explosions (1979)

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Songfacts®:

Hailing from San Francisco, California, Pearl Harbor & the Explosions emerged as pioneers of the American new wave movement with their debut single, "Drivin'." The song, released in 1979 on 415 Records, quickly gained popularity on local radio stations in the Bay Area, propelling the band to sign a major label deal with Warner Bros. Records.

Frontwoman Pearl Harbor spoke about the origins of "Drivin'" in an interview with Songfacts in 2024: "'Drivin'' was the first song that we wrote together. The band was fooling around with the bassline and guitar riff, and we were all excited because it was so catchy. I mentioned that it should be a song about movement, because it was so bouncy, and I said, 'How about 'Drivin'?' We all agreed. We wrote the lyrics together in the kitchen in about an hour or so."
In 1980, Pearl Harbor & the Explosions re-recorded "Drivin'" for their self-titled debut album, which was produced by David Kahne. The album showcased a broader exploration of jazzier influences. When reflecting on the album, Harbor expressed mixed feelings to Songfacts: "I like 'Drivin'' because I am basically a rock and roll fan, but too much of the record veers into jazz-fusion territory. My bandmates and David were all on the same page about loving jazz fusion, and they teased me about my love of 'mindless rock and roll.'"
Jane Aire and the Belvederes, fellow new wave pioneers from Akron, Ohio, covered this song in 1980.
After Pearl Harbor & the Explosions dissolved, Harbor relocated to London to embark on a solo career. Adopting the Anglicized stage name "Pearl Harbour," she released her debut solo album, Don't Follow Me, I'm Lost Too. The album boasted an impressive lineup of musicians, including Mick Jones, Paul Simonon, and Topper Headon from The Clash; Wilko Johnson from Dr. Feelgood; Steve Goulding from Graham Parker & The Rumour; Nigel Dixon from Whirlwind; and Steve New from Rich Kids.

During her time in London, Harbor found love with and subsequently married Simonon, the bassist of The Clash. Their union lasted seven years. Speaking about her introduction to the London Calling legends, Harbor remarked to Songfacts: "It was fantastic and I had a blast. I met them through Kosmo Vinyl, who was the personal manager of The Clash, as well as Ian Dury and The Blockheads. He suggested that I move to London and he arranged for me to work with them. The music scene in London was amazing and we went out to see live music every week. I was so lucky to be there at that time."

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