In a collab with Dan Pal, we take a look at a 1976 album oddity, and the subsequent embracing of an unlikely song as a career-boosting single. Did it work? We'll be "Calling Occupants" for the answer.
Great piece! I remember the 'Klaatu hype' well, sort of annoying at the time (I *never* thought it was The Beatles) but in hindsight it's gotta be one of the most brilliant and devious promotional campaigns in the history of the music biz! Capitol Records was absolutely shameless. . .
Thank you, Hugh! Glad you like! Yeah, that's what we thought at the time....we didn't want to pull the trigger too soon on the album. If we rushed to air it merely 'cause we thought it MIGHT BE The Beatles, and then it wasn't....that's egg on our faces! If we delayed airplay to play it safe (what we ended up doing), we could try to ferret through the noise...and, soon discovered that's what it all was (the peripheral noise)!
Thank you, Ken! And, again, thank you, as always, for "keeping us Canada honest"! I did good, din't I?.....I wrote it a few times!!!😁👍Glad you're enjoying!
Ha!.... We left out a few other versions too. I must admit that when I saw who recorded it I wasn't sure we needed to include it. I wonder who initiated it.
The story behind the Langley School recordings is fascinating. Get the CD and read the liner notes. It was released by a reasonably-big label a couple decades ago.
I don’t recall hearing this before…..thanks. I think I remember why I might have dug into them early-this-century. I just checked….they did an awful lot of Beach Boys!
Thank you, Andru! You mention a couple decades ago for The Langleys....When I first went to the video you linked to, The Langleys School suddenly sounded familiar (and that video thumbnail looked familiar)!
I wonder why they came to my attention coupla decades ago! It might have been their Klaatu cover, but as I was in the middle of teaching elementary, that may have been what got my attention, too...kids singing! Normally, our "Inside Tracks" have a couple more covers, but our goal for this was to really nail down that Klaatu rumour thing, and The Carpenters' choosing them as their attempt to climb back into chart relevance!
Glad you're here, Andru, and thank you for subscribing! See you at Tune Tag, Tuesday!😁
I wrote about the Klaatu/Beatles connection in the appendix of my book. It’s always fascinated me. Aside from that, I truly love their music—especially that first album.
From my POV, that mid-'76 kerfuffle is yet another example of how the confluence of record company, artist and artistry, publishing, radio, trade ads....the entire universe of what went into the record biz then came together...and, because there were so many "arms" flailing about, all after attention, sales, airplay, and money, something's BOUND to get all mucked up!
As I said to someone else here, if the band members had it to do all over again, however much blame this or that person or entity might be due from back THEN, they'd do it again in a heartbeat....and, hopefully avoid the pitfalls (whatever they were!) that befell them then.
But, all told...............THOSE were the good ole days!
I’m glad we (me, anyway) have @Maple Mixtape 🇨🇦 Ken to remind me….if I ever knew Klaatu was Canadian, I either forgot or might’ve found it “too minor,” amongst everything else, to remember to mention it! And, that wouldn’t be right….so, there ya go!
I think they’re from Toronto…at least that Daffodil label that distributed them throughout Canada (thanks to Capitol/Canada) was from Toronto!
The seventies were just such a weird decade in terms of the kinds of songs that came out and who covered them, and I think you guys have just proved it!
Well, that certainly encapsulates the '70s, in all their g(l)ory! From "Timothy" to "Sweet Jane" to "Lola" to "Piss Aaron" to "John, I'm Only Dancing," the elevator to Floor #4 1/2 got awfully crowded! Thank you, Ellen!
What a fascinating deep dive, guys! What I loved the most was hearing your different perspectives, from your respective contexts, and how you both arrived at what is, essentially, the same song, but from different places. The way the narrative was crafted here deserves a Pulitzer prize in and of itself, and the stories you both shared are golden and sincere. Two music lovers with different backgrounds and coming from different places, deeply united in music. Beautiful!
Thank you tons, Andy....so kind! This is probably the most stark example as we've got of two separate "poles" for a band and song, and makes it perfect for FRONT ROW & BACKSTAGE, as well as the "Inside Tracks" lane!
That's also what makes Dan's love for Carpenters and his ability to express that love so expertly such a key to what's happening here! That's why I wanted to/had to start with Dan's story and POV....that's what sets up the Klaatu drama and reveal!
And, for me to have been in radio at the time, as you know, Andy....any time I can bring that part of my past into play (while I still can!😉), it's fun to have Dan's POV as a cool counterpoint!
And, as I'm forever Tune Tagging, I'm so gobsmacked to be able to include that eye-popping Lemongello story, as Peter, Sr. had recorded that one song that Carpenters did, also....by the way, when Peter, Jr. was on American Idol (you get to see his perf clip in that link), Ryan Seacrest interviews Peter, Sr., as well! Of course, no mention is made of his nefarious past!
Thanks again, Andy! Your support, input, and presence here are solid gold!🤗
Good read, Carpenters: real good band. If there was anything like that today we'd be fine. So, I guess Boston (I worked for B. Rohan their lawyer shopping bands in the 90's to major labels, long nights at CBGB's RIP Hilly Kristal thanks for letting me do my job for free) Boston caught the AM Radio world off guard in '76 - Heavy polished old school rock? It worked and helped break Van Halen and the eventual resurrection of hair metal in the 80's. GnR, Ratt, Motley Crue, The Cult...
I was traveling around California (Just finished the prequel to Lostinaustinbook.substack.com) and I had just an AM Radio: Boston, Blue Oyster Cult, Manfred Mann's cover of Blinded by the Light - that one made it into the book but I try to keep the references to a minimum so as not to overload readers fragile eggshell minds. Eagles Hotel CA too. Of course, Fleetwood Mac it was a new era Boz Scaggs Lowdown, Bob Welch (F. Mac alum Sentimental Lady), Fooled Around (Elvin Bishop sung by Mickey Thomas. A new era usurped the old mainstays just like that AND stole punk thunder at the same time! Until New Wave could safely resume the new push backwards to the 50's Stray Cats anyone? We're going to be doing Jump Jive an' Wail so no flies on me bro.
It's only rock and roll but I like it!
So yeah, space age prog rock took a nosedive More Than a Feeling got me through many a 101 mile, as did Feel so Good (Chuck Mangione) and tons of EWF and other funky stuff. It's Sunday forgive me had a long night singing with the GSO Big Band in Kernersville NC for the Piedmont Swing Dance Society. We were barnstorming at the VFW! There were young folks there too!
Thank you, Steve! It's amazing how relatively "hard" and, at times, "progressive" the AM dial used to be! Certainly compared to the early-'70s., littered, as it was with the Denvers, Reddys, Croces, and T. Orlando & Dawn, et al!
Thanks for dropping in your California Dreams! I hope my readers check you out!
Loved this deep dive! Klaatu's career was undone by the hype and conjecture. Which is too bad. They had great songs that did sound like the Beatles, but so did ELO. Their second album, Hope, is probably their best, but their best Beatles-style single is Knee Deep in Love.
File under: I guess we’ll just ne’er know! However much the Klaatu lads might’ve enjoyed all the hubbub and “We’ve never been more popular” comments, I bet they could wish ‘76 back all over again, and see just where they and their music….on their own….could’ve taken them! Thank you, Emm!
Thanks Dan and Brad. Had never heard Klaatu original or the 90's Babes in Toyland cover. Appreciated all the backstory, the Klaatu video...it resonates for today as well as the spare, straightforward Babes in Toyland take. Guess it was meant to be did not read and listen until today the morning after orange vile occupier put out more incoherence yesterday morning. Thank goodness for creators, bounces off other creators and music!!!
Thanks, Melba! Dan was so key in putting this one together! In fact, his Carpenters love is what made me that much more excited about sharing Klaatu with him and all our friends! That WAS a bold Babes take....for almost any song, it's fun to hear all of the different ways an artist might take a particular song! I sense this is right in the Babes' style wheelhouse!
Thanks again, Melba.....I look forward to your reactions to tomorrow's Tune Tag!😁And, now might just be the perfect time to invite you to join me in a future Tune Tag! Please DM me, if you're interested, and I'll be happy to fill you in on the process deets!
Gosh Brad will look forward to next Tune Tag and what a generous invite. When crack the code of "Play the Five Tones" maybe will feel qualified.... 🙃 One never knows...
That was a great scene to see in iso! The first time I’ve thought of that scene from a musical context (as opposed to the communication style of newly-arrived aliens, and what they might be saying)! I like your style!
I do believe I’ve cracked the code of The Five Tones! Tag….you’re IT!😉👍
I was manning the counter at Budget Tapes and Records #33 in Bellingham when Klaatu's 'mysterious' first album hit the shelves. Several people brought it to the counter swearing it was a new Beatles album and that they were Fab Four fans certain of what their ears heard. We assured them it was a Capitol record marketing hoax and many put it back, while others dropped their 3.99 and walked out giddy. Only one song even came close--Sub-Rosa Subway--was a poor man's McCartney sound alike effort at best. I convinced two vulnerable sort that if they truly wanted a Beatle sound alike fix they would be better off putting their pesos on the counter for either for Emitt Rhodes self-titled album or his second, Mirrors. They both came back thanking me...
GREAT story, M D! Nothing quite like the “bin there, done that” stories from them days! It’s amazing how that rumor spread so quickly back then, especially sans internet!
If you were in Bellingham, might you know @Hugh Jones, who I know was in your state doing retail records? Thanks for reading, subscribing, and commenting here, M D….loved your rememberies!
I know Hugh quite well, in fact it was he I turned to for Substack knowledge/advice before I started Through the Haze and he became somewhat of a mentor (thanks again Hugh!) during my first few columns. He is a virtual warehouse of musical knowledge and a sitdown between the two of us always results in at least two hours of great tales of 'the days'. Hugh will be surprised to see I didn't use up my usual 1,700 words in this column...
Great to hear! Hugh and I have collabbed quite a bit on FR&B! You and I will have to do a Tune Tag soon! I'll give you process deets in DMs (after dinner, of course)!😁Hugh and I have done at least a couple Tune Tags!
Thanks, Mark! Always fun to collab with Dan! I hear more Beatles references/influences than a full-blown, "Holy cow! That must be The Beatles!" reaction! So, I can see your Yes comparison, but, by far, Starcastle wins the ersatz Yes award....about as much as Pavlov's Dog sounded like they were aping Rush!
Great piece! I remember the 'Klaatu hype' well, sort of annoying at the time (I *never* thought it was The Beatles) but in hindsight it's gotta be one of the most brilliant and devious promotional campaigns in the history of the music biz! Capitol Records was absolutely shameless. . .
Thank you, Hugh! Glad you like! Yeah, that's what we thought at the time....we didn't want to pull the trigger too soon on the album. If we rushed to air it merely 'cause we thought it MIGHT BE The Beatles, and then it wasn't....that's egg on our faces! If we delayed airplay to play it safe (what we ended up doing), we could try to ferret through the noise...and, soon discovered that's what it all was (the peripheral noise)!
What a deep dive! Nice work, fellas. Good for savouring your Sunday coffee. ☕️
Thanks! This was quite fun to work on!
Thank you, Ken! And, again, thank you, as always, for "keeping us Canada honest"! I did good, din't I?.....I wrote it a few times!!!😁👍Glad you're enjoying!
You forgot this one: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x8wykEr8rqs&list=RDx8wykEr8rqs&start_radio=1
Ha!.... We left out a few other versions too. I must admit that when I saw who recorded it I wasn't sure we needed to include it. I wonder who initiated it.
The story behind the Langley School recordings is fascinating. Get the CD and read the liner notes. It was released by a reasonably-big label a couple decades ago.
This was an interesting retrospective interview with Hans Fenger and Sheila Behman -- which I think I may have mentioned previously -- https://www.npr.org/2001/10/27/1132233/langley-music-project
I don’t recall hearing this before…..thanks. I think I remember why I might have dug into them early-this-century. I just checked….they did an awful lot of Beach Boys!
Thank you, Andru! You mention a couple decades ago for The Langleys....When I first went to the video you linked to, The Langleys School suddenly sounded familiar (and that video thumbnail looked familiar)!
I wonder why they came to my attention coupla decades ago! It might have been their Klaatu cover, but as I was in the middle of teaching elementary, that may have been what got my attention, too...kids singing! Normally, our "Inside Tracks" have a couple more covers, but our goal for this was to really nail down that Klaatu rumour thing, and The Carpenters' choosing them as their attempt to climb back into chart relevance!
Glad you're here, Andru, and thank you for subscribing! See you at Tune Tag, Tuesday!😁
I wrote about the Klaatu/Beatles connection in the appendix of my book. It’s always fascinated me. Aside from that, I truly love their music—especially that first album.
I look forward to seeking that out, Andru!
From my POV, that mid-'76 kerfuffle is yet another example of how the confluence of record company, artist and artistry, publishing, radio, trade ads....the entire universe of what went into the record biz then came together...and, because there were so many "arms" flailing about, all after attention, sales, airplay, and money, something's BOUND to get all mucked up!
As I said to someone else here, if the band members had it to do all over again, however much blame this or that person or entity might be due from back THEN, they'd do it again in a heartbeat....and, hopefully avoid the pitfalls (whatever they were!) that befell them then.
But, all told...............THOSE were the good ole days!
https://geniusbookpublishing.com/pages/music#book-turn-me-on-dead-man-hardcover
Sounds like a fascinating book!
Thank you, Andru!
Klaatu were Canucks? Oh, wow.
Knowing you as I do, David.............naw, I don't even think that's helping! I'll give it a shot: Do I sense some sarcasm there, DP?😉
Not sarcasm- genuine surprise. I obviously don't know enough about that band.
I’m glad we (me, anyway) have @Maple Mixtape 🇨🇦 Ken to remind me….if I ever knew Klaatu was Canadian, I either forgot or might’ve found it “too minor,” amongst everything else, to remember to mention it! And, that wouldn’t be right….so, there ya go!
I think they’re from Toronto…at least that Daffodil label that distributed them throughout Canada (thanks to Capitol/Canada) was from Toronto!
The seventies were just such a weird decade in terms of the kinds of songs that came out and who covered them, and I think you guys have just proved it!
Fun collab.
Thanks Ellen!
Well, that certainly encapsulates the '70s, in all their g(l)ory! From "Timothy" to "Sweet Jane" to "Lola" to "Piss Aaron" to "John, I'm Only Dancing," the elevator to Floor #4 1/2 got awfully crowded! Thank you, Ellen!
Great deep dive guys! Well done!
Thanks, Pe! So glad you enjoyed it! Mad props to Dan for a job fabulously done!
What a fascinating deep dive, guys! What I loved the most was hearing your different perspectives, from your respective contexts, and how you both arrived at what is, essentially, the same song, but from different places. The way the narrative was crafted here deserves a Pulitzer prize in and of itself, and the stories you both shared are golden and sincere. Two music lovers with different backgrounds and coming from different places, deeply united in music. Beautiful!
Thank you tons, Andy....so kind! This is probably the most stark example as we've got of two separate "poles" for a band and song, and makes it perfect for FRONT ROW & BACKSTAGE, as well as the "Inside Tracks" lane!
That's also what makes Dan's love for Carpenters and his ability to express that love so expertly such a key to what's happening here! That's why I wanted to/had to start with Dan's story and POV....that's what sets up the Klaatu drama and reveal!
And, for me to have been in radio at the time, as you know, Andy....any time I can bring that part of my past into play (while I still can!😉), it's fun to have Dan's POV as a cool counterpoint!
And, as I'm forever Tune Tagging, I'm so gobsmacked to be able to include that eye-popping Lemongello story, as Peter, Sr. had recorded that one song that Carpenters did, also....by the way, when Peter, Jr. was on American Idol (you get to see his perf clip in that link), Ryan Seacrest interviews Peter, Sr., as well! Of course, no mention is made of his nefarious past!
Thanks again, Andy! Your support, input, and presence here are solid gold!🤗
Wow! Thanks Andy! Yes, we both came at it from different angles so I'm glad you felt the larger united context.
Good read, Carpenters: real good band. If there was anything like that today we'd be fine. So, I guess Boston (I worked for B. Rohan their lawyer shopping bands in the 90's to major labels, long nights at CBGB's RIP Hilly Kristal thanks for letting me do my job for free) Boston caught the AM Radio world off guard in '76 - Heavy polished old school rock? It worked and helped break Van Halen and the eventual resurrection of hair metal in the 80's. GnR, Ratt, Motley Crue, The Cult...
I was traveling around California (Just finished the prequel to Lostinaustinbook.substack.com) and I had just an AM Radio: Boston, Blue Oyster Cult, Manfred Mann's cover of Blinded by the Light - that one made it into the book but I try to keep the references to a minimum so as not to overload readers fragile eggshell minds. Eagles Hotel CA too. Of course, Fleetwood Mac it was a new era Boz Scaggs Lowdown, Bob Welch (F. Mac alum Sentimental Lady), Fooled Around (Elvin Bishop sung by Mickey Thomas. A new era usurped the old mainstays just like that AND stole punk thunder at the same time! Until New Wave could safely resume the new push backwards to the 50's Stray Cats anyone? We're going to be doing Jump Jive an' Wail so no flies on me bro.
It's only rock and roll but I like it!
So yeah, space age prog rock took a nosedive More Than a Feeling got me through many a 101 mile, as did Feel so Good (Chuck Mangione) and tons of EWF and other funky stuff. It's Sunday forgive me had a long night singing with the GSO Big Band in Kernersville NC for the Piedmont Swing Dance Society. We were barnstorming at the VFW! There were young folks there too!
There's still hope for the past inform the future: CaliforniaDreams.substack.com
Thanks for reading Steve! You mention a lot of great songs from that 70s era!
Thank you, Steve! It's amazing how relatively "hard" and, at times, "progressive" the AM dial used to be! Certainly compared to the early-'70s., littered, as it was with the Denvers, Reddys, Croces, and T. Orlando & Dawn, et al!
Thanks for dropping in your California Dreams! I hope my readers check you out!
Loved this deep dive! Klaatu's career was undone by the hype and conjecture. Which is too bad. They had great songs that did sound like the Beatles, but so did ELO. Their second album, Hope, is probably their best, but their best Beatles-style single is Knee Deep in Love.
I really need to dive into their other work. I only know this one song!
File under: I guess we’ll just ne’er know! However much the Klaatu lads might’ve enjoyed all the hubbub and “We’ve never been more popular” comments, I bet they could wish ‘76 back all over again, and see just where they and their music….on their own….could’ve taken them! Thank you, Emm!
Thank you for going to bat for them. And try Hope, their second album. Very ambitious, kind of prog but pop. I hear elements of Queen in it.
Thanks for the tip, Emm! I'm interested in checking out a Klaatu album not fettered by outside distractions and frou-frou!
Thanks Dan and Brad. Had never heard Klaatu original or the 90's Babes in Toyland cover. Appreciated all the backstory, the Klaatu video...it resonates for today as well as the spare, straightforward Babes in Toyland take. Guess it was meant to be did not read and listen until today the morning after orange vile occupier put out more incoherence yesterday morning. Thank goodness for creators, bounces off other creators and music!!!
Thanks, Melba! Dan was so key in putting this one together! In fact, his Carpenters love is what made me that much more excited about sharing Klaatu with him and all our friends! That WAS a bold Babes take....for almost any song, it's fun to hear all of the different ways an artist might take a particular song! I sense this is right in the Babes' style wheelhouse!
Thanks again, Melba.....I look forward to your reactions to tomorrow's Tune Tag!😁And, now might just be the perfect time to invite you to join me in a future Tune Tag! Please DM me, if you're interested, and I'll be happy to fill you in on the process deets!
Thanks for your comments Brad and Melba!
Gosh Brad will look forward to next Tune Tag and what a generous invite. When crack the code of "Play the Five Tones" maybe will feel qualified.... 🙃 One never knows...
https://youtu.be/wZj7gUIO-2k?si=N6QEmOUosjmNG1DX
That was a great scene to see in iso! The first time I’ve thought of that scene from a musical context (as opposed to the communication style of newly-arrived aliens, and what they might be saying)! I like your style!
I do believe I’ve cracked the code of The Five Tones! Tag….you’re IT!😉👍
https://www.discogs.com/release/80950-Pizarro-The-Five-Tones-Release-Me-Suelta-Me
Can we just float or have some peace?! Ali Farka Touré & Toumani Diabaté Debe or Kaira.
https://youtu.be/ugVw8cSGNoE?si=gN7LyYiMWhKWQFIe
I was manning the counter at Budget Tapes and Records #33 in Bellingham when Klaatu's 'mysterious' first album hit the shelves. Several people brought it to the counter swearing it was a new Beatles album and that they were Fab Four fans certain of what their ears heard. We assured them it was a Capitol record marketing hoax and many put it back, while others dropped their 3.99 and walked out giddy. Only one song even came close--Sub-Rosa Subway--was a poor man's McCartney sound alike effort at best. I convinced two vulnerable sort that if they truly wanted a Beatle sound alike fix they would be better off putting their pesos on the counter for either for Emitt Rhodes self-titled album or his second, Mirrors. They both came back thanking me...
GREAT story, M D! Nothing quite like the “bin there, done that” stories from them days! It’s amazing how that rumor spread so quickly back then, especially sans internet!
If you were in Bellingham, might you know @Hugh Jones, who I know was in your state doing retail records? Thanks for reading, subscribing, and commenting here, M D….loved your rememberies!
See you at Tune Tag, tomorrow!
I know Hugh quite well, in fact it was he I turned to for Substack knowledge/advice before I started Through the Haze and he became somewhat of a mentor (thanks again Hugh!) during my first few columns. He is a virtual warehouse of musical knowledge and a sitdown between the two of us always results in at least two hours of great tales of 'the days'. Hugh will be surprised to see I didn't use up my usual 1,700 words in this column...
Great to hear! Hugh and I have collabbed quite a bit on FR&B! You and I will have to do a Tune Tag soon! I'll give you process deets in DMs (after dinner, of course)!😁Hugh and I have done at least a couple Tune Tags!
I'd love to give that a try sir!
Lemme holler atcha in the DMs in the next day or two, OK? I'll be happy to bring you up-to-date on the ways of the Tune Tag!
cool. Look forward to it...
I actually had a discussion with someone last week that Klaatu sounded more like Yes than anything.
Anyway, great work guys!
Thanks, Mark! Always fun to collab with Dan! I hear more Beatles references/influences than a full-blown, "Holy cow! That must be The Beatles!" reaction! So, I can see your Yes comparison, but, by far, Starcastle wins the ersatz Yes award....about as much as Pavlov's Dog sounded like they were aping Rush!