CANDY WHIPS Unveils Dancetrack Cover Of ’50s Doo Wop Classic “Stranded In The Jungle”

Featuring modernized and creative takes on radio hits of the 1950s, including the classic singles “Duke of Earl” (originally recorded by Gene Chandler), “Earth Angel” (The Penguins), and “Bad Boy” (Jive Bombers), among others, the EP Moonlight was inspired by both “the Post-punk and New Wave bands of the late ‘70s/early ‘80s who in turn were inspired by the music of the ‘50s and early ‘60s.”

“Moonlight is my way of connecting with those roots of yore. Modernizing these songs helps me to be a stronger writer, he explains.” Ripe with vocal effects, drum machines, synths, Wendy rejuvenates the songs by dusting them off and polishing them with modern flourishes. “My choice of tracks is more of an intentional thing. I’ve noticed that I’m particularly drawn to doo wop and old vocal groups.”

The Moonlight EP opens up with synth-drenched first single, The Flamingos’ “I Only Have Eyes For You.” From there, Wendy injects a pulsating, mechanized rhythm into Marvin and Johnny’s “Cherry Pie”, transforming the swoony dancehop sway into a midnight dancefloor waltz. Adding a blast of bright light to the Chordettes/Pat Ballard’s girl group classic “Mr. Sandman,” he creates a twinkling lullaby for babies counting electric sheep. “If I could turn young people on to this old music, that would be amazing,” Wendy professes. “It sometimes bums me out that this stuff isn’t as ubiquitous as it was in my childhood. This era is the well that most good music sprung from!”