About

“Rocket” is the debut studio album by American alternative rock band Primitive Radio Gods, released in 1996. The album is most famous for its lead single, “Standing Outside a Broken Phone Booth with Money in My Hand,” which became a substantial hit, thanks in part to its inclusion in the movie “The Cable Guy” and its heavy rotation on radio and MTV. This song is notable for its catchy use of a B.B. King sample, blending it with a lo-fi, electronic beat and introspective lyrics, capturing the mid-’90s alternative rock and electronic music zeitgeist.

The rest of “Rocket” delves into a mix of alternative rock, electronic, and trip-hop influences, with songwriter and lead vocalist Chris O’Connor’s reflective lyrics often exploring themes of alienation, technology, and existential doubt. The album’s sound is characterized by its innovative use of samples, programming, and traditional rock instrumentation, creating a distinctive atmosphere that is both melancholic and ethereal.

Despite the massive success of its leading single, “Rocket” did not produce another hit of similar magnitude, and Primitive Radio Gods struggled to replicate their initial success in subsequent releases. However, “Rocket” remains a cult classic, appreciated for its unique place in the alternative rock landscape of the 1990s and its ability to encapsulate the mood and concerns of its era through a singular hit song and a cohesive, though underappreciated, body of work.