AskMe question answered by Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain

March 2, 2008 3:09 PM

What do you call two (or more) songs with overlapping verses? I don't know. But here's a great example. (Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain. Single link youtube post. Enjoyment not guaranteed. Your mileage may vary.)
posted by ObscureReferenceMan (27 comments total)

It gave me a headache, but, then again I just woke up from a nice nap.
posted by Senator at 3:16 PM on March 2

It made me want to take a npa, but, then, I've got a headache.
posted by Astro Zombie at 3:31 PM on March 2

And, by npa, I mean the Nasopharyngeal airway.
posted by Astro Zombie at 3:32 PM on March 2

Nice. Here's The Roches "We", which has a little of the same in harmony (around 3:35).
posted by adamrice at 3:32 PM on March 2

Neato.

Minus the buildup, the band Mates of State does this in practically every one of their songs.
posted by synaesthetichaze at 3:41 PM on March 2

Needs more ukulele! But very nice, thanks.
posted by fish tick at 3:41 PM on March 2

Also, they only do two-part, rather than... 6.
posted by synaesthetichaze at 3:43 PM on March 2

Thumbs up for the UOGB. Good concise performance of damn near everybody's greatest hits in an easy-to-digest 5 minute package. Extra points for heavy '70s domination. But needed more cowbell.
posted by wendell at 3:44 PM on March 2

Ooh. I like this very much. If this comments page becomes a flood of links to similar pieces (i.e. different familiar songs being sung together, not just multiple melodic lines (those are nice too, but not as unusual)), I will be a very happy listener.
posted by ErWenn at 3:44 PM on March 2

That was damn fine, though the Eagles song was a total reach. The rest fit quite well.
posted by blixco at 3:46 PM on March 2

A little background on this find... I was searching for some ukulele videos for friends, in particular the UOoGB. And when I found the "Fly of the Handel" video, I was reminded of trivirgata's question. I thought about researching a nicely annoted UOoGB post, but I'm tired. I'll let someone else run with it.

adamrice - Cool! I love the Roches!
posted by ObscureReferenceMan at 3:57 PM on March 2

More proof that the Eagles ruin everything.
posted by dobbs at 4:01 PM on March 2 [1 favorite]

Couldn't listen after "amongst".
posted by emelenjr at 4:09 PM on March 2

Oh my GOD, watch their cover of Wuthering Heights. Brilliant!
posted by synaesthetichaze at 4:10 PM on March 2

Remind me because of this youtube video: The Pachelbel Rant
posted by Freen at 4:20 PM on March 2 [2 favorites]

More proof that the Eagles ruin everything.

Come on, man. I had a rough night and I hate the fuckin' Eagles, man!
posted by bwg at 5:26 PM on March 2

you don't know? But you are obscure reference man!
posted by milestogo at 6:13 PM on March 2

Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain

Worth it just to see those words put together in that order.
posted by regicide is good for you at 6:18 PM on March 2

What? Most music is based on the same I-IV-V progression?

Next thing you're going to tell me that that Amy Walker chick isn't actually from Toronto.
posted by rossination at 7:20 PM on March 2

me and my bro used to do this Am F C G movement. and I IV. Always cute at parties.
posted by es_de_bah at 7:55 PM on March 2

I saw the Ukulele Orchestra in concert the other night and they were terrific. And, yes, they performed this one, along with a cover of "Anarchy In The UK" which the Karori matrons next to me absolutely adored.
posted by John Shaft at 8:02 PM on March 2

I called the wife down to watch this one, as well as the Wuthering Heights one (she's a big Kate Bush fan) and all she said was along the lines of "Oh yeah - the ukulele orchestra. Julie already sent me their version of Smells Like Teen Spirit - bet your buddies on MetaFilter didn't see that one yet."
posted by yhbc at 8:18 PM on March 2

He's a complicated man, and no one understands him but his woman

John Shaft.
posted by PeterMcDermott at 2:26 AM on March 3

bet your buddies on MetaFilter didn't see that one yet.

For your sake, I hope you took that bet.
posted by chrisamiller at 2:53 AM on March 3 [1 favorite]

Ha!
posted by yhbc at 5:38 AM on March 3

This is the cover that converted me into their fanboi.
posted by the cydonian at 7:08 AM on March 3

Thanks for that, chrisamiller!
posted by ObscureReferenceMan at 9:04 AM on March 3