The Rutles were a fictional Beatles pastiche/parody band created by members from Monty Python and the Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band, first created for a parody program from the 1970’s called Rutland Weekend Television, before moving on to become the focus of a made-for-TV mockumentary called All You Need is Cash. Neil Innes, a member of the Bonzos and the creative force of the Rutles, actually appeared with his band in the Beatles Magical Mystery Tour film, performing the song “Death Cab for Cutie”. I bought the soundtrack for the mockumentary, also the Rutles’ self-titled debut album, on vinyl at a store called Thrifty Joe’s. I remember seeing bits and pieces of the original mockumentary, and after listening to the soundtrack, I would like to say that it is a fine piece of novelty rock and parody music that pre-dates “Weird Al” Yankovic.
Here are the songs, in order (note: this was the tracklisting from the original vinyl):
“Hold My Hand”-This song is a parody of “I Wanna Hold Your Hand” and “All My Loving”. The original vinyl pressing, which is the one I have, begins with a collage of hairdryer noises and the Rutles tuning up. However, this was not included on the CD reissue.
“Number One”-A parody of “Twist and Shout” that is in a much quicker tempo, and slightly more rocking, than the original Beatles version. In fact, the melody sounds like they were also taking inspiration from “La Bamba” by Ritchie Valens.
“With A Girl Like You”-A clever parody of “If I Fell” that begins with the line “shoot me down in flames if I should tell a lie”. This opening lyric showcases the type of humor the Rutles has.
“I Must Be in Love”-A parody of “A Hard Day’s Night” that is also a bit more different than the original.
“Ouch!”-A clever parody of “Help!”.
“Living in Hope”-A parody of “Octopus’ Garden” that has a more country tone to it.
“Love Life”-A parody of “All You Need is Love” that features an orchestra that sounds like something out of a TV variety show compared to the baroque arrangements of the original version.
“Nevertheless”-A parody of “Within You, Without You” that sounds as raga-inspired as the aforementioned.
“Good Times Roll”-This parody of “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds” has similar psychedelic lyrics, but are more silly. For instance, there is a pineapple pie in the sky!
“Doubleback Alley”-This parody of “Penny Lane” has lyrics that sound way more average than the Beatles version.
“Cheese and Onions”-This parody of “A Day in the Life” sounds more laid-back and depressed, with the lead vocals sounding as nasally as they could get. The orchestral crescendo parody sounds more baroque, and the crashing piano chord is replaced with a very short note.
“Another Day”-A clever parody of “Martha My Dear” with rather baroque-sounding string and brass arrangements.
“Piggy in the Middle”-This parody of “I Am the Walrus” contains a backwards message (backed by an electronic noise) which, when played backwards, says, “This little piggy went to maaaaaaaaarket!”.
“Let’s Be Natural”-The original album closes with a parody of “Dear Prudence”.
If you want to listen to a true Beatles parody, go ahead and check out the Rutles. Their music is great!
The Crazy Mind of Tré Roland 