The band was formed by singer/guitarist Lenny Lashley, drummer Eric Edmonston, and bassist Mike Gurley in 1996 and developed a large following around Massachusetts. In 1997 the band recorded a nine-song demo tape, and in 2000 released their debut album, 22 Songs You'll Never Want To Hear Again! The album instantly cemented their reputation in the Boston punk scene, filled with songs about beer, being a loser, and even a few juvenile-but-hilarious potshots at other local bands (and even the group's own members).
That same year the band added a second guitarist, Paul Delano. In addition, Danny O'Halloran replaced Edmonston as the group's drummer a few months later, and it was this lineup of Lashley, Gurley, Delano, and O'Halloran which won the WBCN Rock & Roll Rumble that year.
In 2001 the band recorded five songs for a split EP with Tommy and the Terrors. The new songs received mixed reviews from the group's fans, some of whom felt that the new songs were "too serious." Lashley decided to break up the band the same week, following a grinding month-long U.S. tour.
In 2003 all of the ex-members of the group (including Edmonston) reunited for a few shows, and began recording a new album in 2004, though Delano left the band shortly before recording commenced. The new album, A Weakness For Spirits, strikes a balance between the more mature subject matter of the split EP and the cheap laughs of the first album, while displaying Lashley's knack for writing concise, catchy punk rock songs to fine effect. Indeed, Darkbuster embodies the concept that "brevity is the soul of wit" since many of the band's funniest songs clock in at under a minute in length.
In May 2005, Lashley injured his left hand in a construction accident at Boston University, leaving him unable to play guitar for several months. The band brought Amy Griffin (Raging Teens/Avoid One Thing) onboard as a second guitarist. A DVD containing concert footage of Darkbuster and Lenny and the Piss Poor Boys was released shortly after the accident, with proceeds set aside to help Lashley with his medical bills. A 2005 benefit concert featuring both of Lashley's bands performing with guest singers also raised money to help cover his medical bills.
In December 2005 it was announced that Edmonston would again be leaving the band at the end of the year, with Griffin becoming a full member and Lashley returning to guitar duties.
In May 2006 the band signed with I Scream Records, who re-released A Weakness For Spirits in August 2006. The band is also currently compiling footage for a 10th anniversary DVD.
Currently the band is on hiatus, although an official breakup has not been announced.
The band returned to the stage with the Mighty Mighty Bosstones in Dec. 2009, to quote their myspace page, "heard you missed us, we're back!"
Good Times
Darkbuster Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It's been weeks since I been home
I'm gonna finish what I started
Clench my fists and stand alone
There ain't no time like the present
And there ain't secrets there
And if drinkin' was my livin'
Here's to good times
Here's to good times
May our roads one day cross again
I am pretty
Oh pretty vacant
And I ain't afraid to die
I ain't weak or complacent
Can't you see that in my eye?
And to hell with all the others
That don't feel the same as me
And to the devil with what they're sayin'
Because I know who I must be
Here's to good times
Here's to good times
May our roads one day cross again
The lyrics to Darkbuster's song "Good Times" depict a feeling of loneliness and a sense of standing up for oneself. The opening lines indicate a loss of direction and heartbreak, with the singer being away from home for weeks. The following lines suggest a desire for closure, with the singer determined to finish what they started, even if it means standing alone.
The next section highlights the importance of the present moment and honesty. The singer seems to value authenticity and straightforwardness, rejecting any notion of secrets. The line "if drinkin' was my livin'" suggests that the singer might be a heavy drinker, but they also imply that they would be financially successful if that were the case. This section could be interpreted as a critique of the capitalistic priorities of society, which value profit and success over personal fulfillment and honesty.
The final section of the song features a declaration of self-confidence and a rejection of those who don't understand the singer's worldview. The line "I am pretty, oh pretty vacant" could be interpreted as a reference to the Sex Pistols song "Pretty Vacant," which criticized shallow consumer culture. The singer's declaration that they are not afraid to die indicates a sense of fearlessness and a willingness to stand up for themselves, even if it means facing danger.
Overall, "Good Times" is a song about finding strength in difficult times, rejecting societal pressures, and valuing honesty and authenticity.
Line by Line Meaning
I am lost and broken hearted
I am feeling hopeless and crushed emotionally.
It's been weeks since I been home
I haven't been home in several weeks.
I'm gonna finish what I started
I will complete what I began.
Clench my fists and stand alone
I will stand alone with a resolved attitude.
There ain't no time like the present
There is no better moment than the present time.
And there ain't secrets there
There are no secrets there.
And if drinkin' was my livin'
If my profession were to be drinking.
Well then I'd be a millionaire
Then I would be rich.
Here's to good times
A toast to enjoyable moments.
Here's to good times
A toast to enjoyable moments.
May our roads one day cross again
May we meet again in the future.
I am pretty
I may look attractive
Oh pretty vacant
But there's not much going on behind my eyes.
And I ain't afraid to die
I am not scared of death.
I ain't weak or complacent
I am not submissive and weak.
Can't you see that in my eye?
You can tell that by looking into my eyes.
And to hell with all the others
I don't care about the others.
That don't feel the same as me
Who don't share the same feelings as I do.
And to the devil with what they're sayin'
I don't care about what they're saying.
Because I know who I must be
I am aware of my true identity.
Here's to good times
A toast to enjoyable moments.
Here's to good times
A toast to enjoyable moments.
May our roads one day cross again
May we meet again in the future.
Contributed by Chloe S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
VivaRevolucionDGS
Before his incredible solo music, this was the best song he wrote. The more you listen to it, the more you feel the emotion and pain.
Julie Van
I loved this song in my youth, and I still love it now. Thanks for uploading it....
Kaileen Crane
ive been looking for this version of this song forever. THANK YOU
Eli Oswald
What a great song.
Cara Petronelli
I still think of the last Darkbuster show at The Living Room R.I.P
Chad Scott
as soon as that riff plays im wisked away to yester-year, the days of my youth, the all or nothin; days, living in a cardboard box, drinking under the highway at the toth and generally not giving a fuck and as the song picks up a smile creeps across my face. "to the devil with what they're thinking, cuz i know who i must be"
Chad Scott
".. and if drinkin', was my livin' well then i'd be a millionaire "
HammerinSpanky HankeDPW
Me too! I mean, I have it, but no one's uploaded it til now. Thanx.
Marc Newberry
Cara We were there!
Bernhard Bernard
happy New year fuckers!!