Music Bands That Sounded Like Beatles and R.E.M.: Why Didn't They Match Their Popularity?
The music industry has always been a breeding ground for bands that channel the sound of legendary groups. Two such groups are The Beatles and R.E.M. While the former was a household name and the latter gained significant popularity in the 1980s and 1990s, there were bands that captured the essence of these two iconic groups. One such band was Badfinger, which managed to sound remarkably like The Beatles, yet struggled to achieve the same level of acclaim. This article explores a few bands that were heavily influenced by both The Beatles and R.E.M., and why they didn't replicate the success of their predecessors.
Badfinger: The Beatle-Sounding European Band
Badfinger, an English band active in the early 1970s, quickly gained recognition for their striking similarity to The Beatles. The band consisted of Tom Evans, Mike Gibbins, Pete Ham, and Stuart Sutcliffe, and they had a contractual agreement with Apple Records, the label owned by The Beatles. This partnership laid the groundwork for comparisons and expectations that mirrored The Beatles' success.
One of the key figures on the scalp of Badfinger was songwriter and singer Pete Ham, who contributed numerous hit songs to the band. Notably, producer Tony Visconti, a renowned figure in the music industry, initially mistook their early performances for those of The Beatles. This suggests the level of similarity that existed between the two groups.
Badfinger's hit single "Come and Get It," written by Paul McCartney for the band, served as a testament to their Beatles-like style. Their other hits, such as "No Matter What," "I Don't Want to Tell You," and "Baby Blue," further cemented their reputation as an imitator of The Beatles. However, despite their talent and potential, Badfinger never quite matched the heights achieved by The Beatles—partly due to timing, partly because of the internal politics within the music industry.
Similar Bands to The Beatles and R.E.M.
While Badfinger is a prime example, there were other bands that followed a similar trajectory. For instance, Cheap Trick, a Rock band from the United States, was often compared to The Beatles. They replicated The Beatles' entire Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band album both in the studio and on stage, earning them the moniker "The American Beatles." Cheap Trick's music, characterized by catchy melodies and a fondness for 1960s harmonies, drew comparisons to both The Beatles and R.E.M.
The American Beatles was the moniker that Cheap Trick was often affiliated with, as their music style dovetailed well with the melodic and harmonious sounds of The Beatles. In essence, Cheap Trick managed to recreate the essence of a storied classic band in their own unique way. Moreover, a few decades later, The Byrds also found themselves in this genre, with their upbeat tunes and the Rub-a-Dub sound.
The Case of The Ruttles
Among the bands that attempted to replicate The Beatles' sound, The Ruttles stands out. This American group, active in the late 1970s, aimed to capture the essence of The Beatles and R.E.M. with their music. The Ruttles' hit single "I Wanna Be Your Santa Claus," released to capitalize on the festive season, was a notable song that attempted to mimic both groups. Similar to Badfinger and Cheap Trick, The Ruttles were seen as a successor to The Beatles, but their success was more limited.
While The Ruttles managed to create catchy and lively tunes, their career was short-lived and they never achieved the same level of popularity as The Beatles or R.E.M.
Factors Contributing to Their Limited Success
Several factors can be attributed to the limited success of these bands imitating The Beatles and R.E.M. Firstly, the competition in the music industry is rife, and having a similar sound can lead to a blurring of lines. Consumers often seek unique and original artists, making it challenging for imitators to gain traction. Secondly, the timing of a band's emergence is crucial. The Beatles' success coincided with the height of the British Invasion and the cultural revolution of the 1960s. Similarly, R.E.M. emerged at a time when alternative rock was gaining momentum, offering a platform for inimitable artists. Bands like Badfinger and The Ruttles, who emerged in the 1970s and 1980s, faced stiff competition and a saturated market.
Lastly, the internal politics of the music industry played a significant role in the limited success of these bands. The Bug Music lawsuit against Badfinger, for instance, hindered their exposure and ability to gain mainstream success. R.E.M., on the other hand, was frequently passed over in favor of more mainstream-friendly acts, leading to initial struggles before they found their footing.
Conclusion
While Badfinger, Cheap Trick, and the likes may have been able to capture the essence of The Beatles and R.E.M., they faced significant challenges that prevented them from achieving the same level of success as the original bands. From stiff competition to timing and internal industry politics, a multitude of factors came into play. Nevertheless, their contributions to the music industry should not be understated, as they continue to inspire new generations of musicians.