Bands who sound a bit like the Beatles at times

[Des]

Badfinger
Oasis
The Ruttles
ELO
Bootleg Beatles

[Dayna]

The Monkees

[CantSleepClownsWillGetMe]

Crowded House

[Gordon Moore]

Crowded House

Good one. Neil Finn is a superbly talented song writer and an excellent performer. I saw him once on the tele with two other guys (can't remember who) and his voice and guitar playing put them to shame imho. Anyone remember the show? I'd love a copy. They don't get mentioned on this forum, I'm not sure why?

[CantSleepClownsWillGetMe]

Hi Gordon,

Yes, that could be his solo album 'Seven Worlds Collide' (2001)?

Amazon sez "Recorded live in New Zealand, Neil Finn was joined onstage by various guests including Tim Finn, Lisa Germano, Eddie Vedder, The Smiths' Johnny Marr, and Radiohead's Ed O'Brien. The album features songs from Neil's solo career as well as his work with Crowded House. Tracks include 'Don't Dream It's Over', 'Weather With You'and 'She Will Have Her Way'" A snip on their site from only £3.26... and it mentions a DVD too.

Release the moths!

[Adam Blake]

Crowded House and their previous incarnation Split Enz made some excellent pop music: tuneful, thoughtful, funny, memorable - but that little hint of danger and menace just ain't there. Same with Squeeze - they should be on that list too, songs like "Is That Love", "Up The Junction", really first class British pop music, firmly in the tradition of the Beatles, and about as dangerous as a wet afternoon in Clacton...

[Dominic]

XTC in their later years

Nirvana in their early years

[Dayna]

The Bee Gees earlier.

[Gordon Moore]

Hi Gordon,

Yes, that could be his solo album 'Seven Worlds Collide' (2001)?

Ahh, didn't know about that album, must check it out. However, I don't think it will be that as the show I'm thinking of was a tv studio based programme. The three protagonists were sat on stools with their acoustic guitars and one by one they did two (or three) numbers. It was only a few years ago.

[CantSleepClownsWillGetMe]

Adam Blake said

Crowded House and their previous incarnation Split Enz made some excellent pop music: tuneful, thoughtful, funny, memorable - but that little hint of danger and menace just ain't there. Same with Squeeze - they should be on that list too, songs like "Is That Love", "Up The Junction", really first class British pop music, firmly in the tradition of the Beatles, and about as dangerous as a wet afternoon in Clacton...

I agree that Crowded House produced some excellent pop music. Melodic, catchy etc. It's one reason why they've always reminded me so strongly of The Beatles.

Only I ... would never have thought of The Beatles as even remotely 'dangerous'. Except maybe that time they played live on the rooftop. It was quite windy as I recall and the potential consequences of Paul's beard tangling up in John's glasses don't bear thinking about.

I realise I run the risk of causing a few strokes (and possibly one brutal slaying) by saying this, but I wasn't a Beatles fan. While I acknowledge the part they played in the history of music (as did so many others) I've never been able to make myself think of them as anything other than pretty good. Surely many of today's bands would be delighted to hear a non-fan say the same thing?!

PS A simple merciless kicking would be greatly appreciated.

[Adam Blake]

I'm bored stiff with lists on the Beatles but you have prodded into me into making one myself:

Dangerous Beatles Songs: (either dangerous for the sounds they make or the ideas they express - or both)

A Day In The Life
Revolution (Nos. 1 & 9)
I Want You (She's So Heavy)
Happiness Is A Warm Gun
Cry Baby Cry
Yer Blues
I Am The Walrus
Helter Skelter
Tomorrow Never Knows
Long Long Long
Come Together
I'm So Tired

to name but 12...

...and that's not including the dangerous growl in Lennon's voice on the cover versions of things like Twist and Shout and Money...

But I'm not going to get into a "you should like The Beatles" riff. Just don't tell me that the Beatles were never even remotely dangerous when it's so obvious that they were one of the only white pop/rock acts who actually were.

[CantSleepClownsWillGetMe]

Adam Blake said

...and that's not including the dangerous growl in Lennon's voice on the cover versions of things like Twist and Shout and Money...

But I'm not going to get into a "you should like The Beatles" riff. Just don't tell me that the Beatles were never even remotely dangerous when it's so obvious that they were one of the only white pop/rock acts who actually were.

Look here mate ... no, that's not the right tone .... erhm ... thanks Adam. Yes there are some really good tunes on your list. Some may even be exceptionally good. But, to me, none of them sounds dangerous. To me. Or are my views, because they differ from yours, not valid?

I could be wrong ... hold on ... (sound of kettle filling accompanied by nonchalant whistling) .. nope, sorry, they still don't. But I respect your right (and the rights of others) to think they do.

I'd agree though, that there's not been a lot of dangerous growling around my neck of the woods this past while. Well, not 'til today.

[Adam Blake]

to me, none of them sounds dangerous. To me. Or are my views, because they differ from yours, not valid?

I do apologise if that was the impression you got from my previous post. That wasn't what I meant to infer at all. I realise that something like this is entirely subjective, but if you really do think that nothing on the list I quoted sounds dangerous, then I would be fascinated to know what you DO think sounds dangerous - restricting yourself to acts in a comparable context, ie, the canon of white pop/rock acts.

[CantSleepClownsWillGetMe]

Adam Blake responded

I realise that something like this is entirely subjective, but if you really do think that nothing on the list I quoted sounds dangerous, then I would be fascinated to know what you DO think sounds dangerous - restricting yourself to acts in a comparable context, ie, the canon of white pop/rock acts.

And as Adam carefully places branches, in a criss-cross fashion, over the freshly dug pit .... did anybody else hear a crackling sound as they read the word 'fascinated' there ? No? Then it must just be me.

Okay. Without fear or explanation, here's a few that might be on my own personal 'Canon: White/Pop/Rock: Section (iv) Dangerous A-Z; Sub-Category (g) Fascinating' shelf. If I had one. -

Sisters of Mercy - 'Ribbons', Radiohead - 'Creep', Sensational Alex Harvey Band Live - 'Next', The Animals - Various, Free - 'Wishing Well'..(I did say without explanation!) , Just about anything by the Pogues, Sisters of Mercy - 'Vision Thing, Dave Matthews Band (Sorry. Black AND white, I'm so ashamed) - 'Typical Situation' ... etc etc etc e

From that light smattering I'd say my larger preference is for rough, throaty vocals. So it follows that I tend to avoid what my ears define as more nasal sounds. But, as your own Gordon Neill might say, maybe I should just get better ears.

On a more personal note, I've had to cut Safri Duo's 'Played-A-Live [The Bongo Song]' from my list. Not just because it would be inadmissable , but also because its only 'danger' is it could very well shear my neck brace.

[Adam Blake]

Adam Blake responded

I realise that something like this is entirely subjective, but if you really do think that nothing on the list I quoted sounds dangerous, then I would be fascinated to know what you DO think sounds dangerous - restricting yourself to acts in a comparable context, ie, the canon of white pop/rock acts.

And as Adam carefully places branches, in a criss-cross fashion, over the freshly dug pit .... did anybody else hear a crackling sound as they read the word 'fascinated' there ? No? Then it must just be me.

You imply that I am disingenuous. I am really interested in talking about music on this forum. When I was a kid I used to lie with my head between the speakers of my parents stererogram terrifying myself listening to "Revolution No.9". I still find it scarey, one of the only pieces of music that genuinely disturbs me. To me, that's dangerous. When someone says quite emphatically that they don't find it dangerous at all, I am fascinated by what they do find dangerous. Your list is really interesting. I am moved by Free's "Wishing Well" - the crescendo at the end of the guitar section sounds dangerous to me, too, and the song is a beautiful lament. I can't stand The Sisters of Mercy or Radiohead but I know what you mean about the SAHB, and I was lucky enough to see the Pogues first gig (when they were Pogue Mahone) and the atmosphere on the stage was very dangerous! Such a shame about Shane. I don't know the Safri Duo's "Bongo Song" but I'm sorry if you have to wear a neck brace.

A while back there was a thread about "Scarey Music". Maybe we could move this into a thread about "Dangerous Music". I'd have the Stooges "Fun House" and The Who "Live At Leeds" on the heavy end, actually surprisingly little metal (but I don't know much, mainly from my students) but I'd have Sabbath's "Fairies Wear Boots" - that's a monster! On the light side I'd have some of Love's "Forever Changes"... And if we extend it to other musics then the sky's the limit. But maybe it is all too subjective... The most dangerous music I know is old blues like Howlin' Wolf singing "I'll Be Round" (and you better believe it!) but some people really don't like the blues and we don't want to get into all that again (or do we?)