Bunch of Mockers
September 23, 2008 by Shauna OBrien
Filed under Anablog
Thanks to a link that I foolishly followed from the ever interesting boingboing blog I have become obsessed with WFMU’s search for the best Fake Beatles bands. Compiled partly of bands with monikers aimed at duping fans into purchasing what they think is the genuine article, names such as ‘Beatlerama’, ‘the Beatle Buddies’, and ‘John and Paul’ are amply present. The most intriguing appearances though are from the more alternative fakes.
One of my favourites and coming in at No. 11 on WFMU’s countdown is a cartoon subtly called the Beagles which followed the misadventures of the canine duo and their Scotty manager. The show featured original songs in the Beatle vein of sound which tied in with the plot.
[youtube:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IJB4sel2xA4&feature=related]
Other additions to the list include songs that have been mistaken as the Beatles, one of which ‘Peace of Mind/The Candle Burns’ is being claimed not only as a lost Beatles recording but also as a forgotten relic of Pink Floyd circa Syd Barrett era.
Although the BeeGee’s contribution to the ‘did they/didn’t they record it’ debate has deservedly been prioritised to the top spot.
The Rutles are abundantly mentioned with regards to parodies of the Fab Four but Dudley Moore and Peter Cook deservedly get a mention for their brilliant sketch on the band in their performance of L.S. Bumble Bee which ends with a cameo by John Lennon looking all dapper as some sort of exclusive toilet doorman.
[youtube:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yaQFQyYdZQU]
Are you a cod or a mocker?
Also many people mistook Canadian power-poppers Klaatu for The Beatles. The Carpenters had a huge hit with a cover of Klaatu’s “Calling Occupant Of Interplanetary Craft” of course. Beatles conspiracy theories were everywhere in the early to mid seventies. Even the Residents were accused of being The Beatles. the Bee Gees and Peter Frampton did have a role in the film version of Sgt Pepper but that film was just complete rubbish.
Another great Beatles inspired hit is “We Love You Beatles” by The Carefrees, a novelty hit from 1964. Might be worth having a look for that on Youtube actually now that I think of it…
To any fans of The Rutles, sixties pop, psychedelia or musical parody in general, I highly recommend The Dukes Of Stratosphear’s “Chips From The Chocolate Fireball” (which actually comprises of a mini album recorded in 1985 and a full album from 1987). It was of course XTC working under a false name. Originally the idea was to pretend that these songs had been unearthed in the vaults of some long defunct record label, “Nuggets” style!
Once again Ciaran redefines ‘of course’.