There’s no denying that the Beatles are an iconic group, often imitated but never replicated. However, here are just a few Beatles-esque artists that could possibly give the Fab Four a run for their money. From “the Canadian Beatles” to “the American Beatle” and several in between.
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Klaatu
Formed in 1973 in Toronto, Canada, Klaatu is possibly most well-known for the song “Calling Occupants of Interplanetary Craft.” The Carpenters, of course, covered this in 1977. Often called “the Canadian Beatles,” and once rumored to be the Beatles themselves, Klaatu features the similar psychedelic guitars and airy vocals of the Beatles post-Rubber Soul.
They have a bit of a Revolver sound mixed with a touch of The White Album, if I had to narrow it down. Experimental lyricism paired with unexpected instrumentation make Klaatu a strong contender in this imaginary Beatles-Off.
Of Montreal
Of Montreal is the name of Kevin Barnes’ creative project, which was formed in 1996. The album The Sunlandic Twins, celebrating it’s 20th anniversary this year, is a unique blend of Beatles-esque sound. The opening track, “Requiem for O.M.M.2,” is vocally similar to early-60s Beatles with a thread of late-60s Beatles woven through the instrumentation.
Barnes’ Of Montreal is also considered one of the Elephant 6 Collective. Stemming from the Elephant 6 Recording Company, it’s a collective of bands influenced by the 1960s psychedelic rock movement. Inspirations include groups like the Beatles, the Beach Boys, and the Zombies. Bands featured in the collective include Neutral Milk Hotel, the Apples in Stereo, Beulah, and several others.
Harry Nilsson
Harry Nilsson wasn’t only musically Beatles-esque, but he was close friends with John Lennon and Ringo Starr as well. Additionally, Nilsson was often labeled as “the American Beatle.” His 1967 album Pandemonium Shadow Show has a bit of a Sgt. Pepper’s vibe, which goes to show that there may have been something in the water that year.
Particularly, the song “1941” gives off a distinct “Being For the Benefit of Mr. Kite” energy. Something in the oompah tuba and lyrical imagery brings those two songs together. Furthermore, the entire album encapsulates that experimental era, where things could be a little off the wall on purpose.
Squeeze
Vocally, Squeeze has a slight Beatles sound, but they generally lean a little more psych on the psych-rock scale. However, where the late-70s band really draws comparisons is in the songwriting and composition.
Guitarists-vocalists Chris Difford and Glenn Tilbrook are the pair behind Squeeze, with Difford writing the lyrics and Tilbrook writing the music. They’ve often been compared to the Lennon-McCartney songwriting partnership. Critics even hailed them as “the heirs to Lennon and McCartney’s throne” during the band’s popular 80s years.
Featured Image by Fiona Adams/Redferns
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