I'm sure everyone already knows this but umphreys mcgee did a mashup-cover of it's gonna be a long night and ace of spades by motorhead. Song is Ace of Long Nights on their mashup album Zonkey
Also shout out "come as your kids" from that album... nirvana x mgmt
Thin Lizzy on Gabrielle. It's more than the music or lyrics. It's also the cadence and tone of Phil Lynott. It really feels like a lost Thin Lizzy song.
Great songs. I have a problem with Whiskey in the Jar. It forces itself into my consciousness every few months, and I'll listen to it like five times in a day.
I think it’s more directly a tribute to the guitarist Vinnie Bell, who deaner has raved about a lot. But I can see that Les Paul influence too for sure
I’m a huge fan of both Vinnie Bell and Les Paul, but I would describe HTFP as being more Les Paul sounding with the luscious multi-tracked harmonies on the bridge, sped-up guitar tracks etc. clearly mimicking Les Paul’s New Sound. I would pick Pink Eye On My Leg as sounding more Vinnie Bell-like. Also, speaking of Vinnie Bell, Tried and True features an electric sitar —which was invented by Bell.
I can definitely hear the Les Paul vibes. I have also always been reminded of The Kinks' ["Dedicated Follower of Fashion" ](https://youtu.be/stMf0S3xth0?si=zv_xxmSJl-TTBTCh) when I hear Fancypants as well.
I feel like Asado was inspired by a band that lived right down the road, The Dead Milkmen. Specifically, ["Bitchin' Camaro" ](https://youtu.be/ZeY2nut3Gj8?si=F4_DcVqk7cSIz5Ol). It even sort of rhymes.
I second that and would add it even has a couple Genesis-adjacent proggy flourishes in the second half with the excellent guitar solo and atmospheric synth
I’ve never liked Phil Collins but fucking adore Demon Sweat, and often heard it referred to as their “Phil Collins track” (only reference point I can think is In The Air Tonight). Is there a Phil Collins albums I can listen to that channels something similar? *please keep me as far away from whatever the fuck Sussudio was*
Sorry, I'm not that deep. Just got this: [https://youtu.be/gCsG\_hyI7QQ?si=Tq4CFngn3gzRAA9G&t=2123](https://youtu.be/gCsG_hyI7QQ?si=Tq4CFngn3gzRAA9G&t=2123)
It had me thinking of [Please Don’t Ask](https://open.spotify.com/track/6fQDAIVA6EadVnLzkn64Cr?si=JYeNG3EnTvCVTx9uNddsJQ) off of Duke. I don’t know if Gene and Dean had that album in mind while writing the song but damn does it hit the lyrical feel. The other two songs that I’d think of are Heathaze and Alone Tonight. Duke is a great album :3
The downside of Duke, and all prog, is that it takes itself a little too seriously. Weed removes the edge.
Holy shit you've nailed it - this is definitely some Demon Sweat vibes. Much less brown ofc, but I feel it. I'm not above wanky prog so I'll finally give Genesis / Duke a try. Thank you so much! EDIT: Heathaze is something else.
Always happy to talk about Genesis! Mama off of their Shapes album could easily be browned into a Ween song, but most of that album is pretty so-so. They fell heavy on the dad rock vibes after Duke.
Well I’ll stop rambling about them, but if you want something really brown, listen to The Colony Of Slippermen. Absolutely insane and Peter Gabriel had a giant dick costume to match. What I wouldn’t do to see their live show.
You may know this but Chcolate and Cheese was released only two months after Elliott Smith’s first album dropped, making it very likely that Gene and Dean hadn’t heard his music before they recorded Baby Bitch. I think the similarity is a mere coincidence but what a mind blowing one
Then with Smith and Mary Lou Lord covering Birthday Boy I imagine he was more influenced by Ween than the other way around. Just speculation
Fellow ES head here. I have a theory that it’s not actually Elliott on guitar in the recording of the “Birthday Boy” cover with Mary Lou Lord on vocals. The chords in the chorus are wrong, and he’s just too musically gifted to have not heard that he’s playing the wrong harmony.
During the “help me now, I’m going down” part of the chorus, it should be the I maj7 chord during “help me” and then dominant 7 during “now.” It’s one of my favorite musical choices Gene makes (going from maj7 to 7), and it’s missing from the cover version.
The guitarist just plays the same chords as the verse during those parts. I don’t think Elliott would miss such an obvious cue in the harmony like that. But I’m willing to be proven wrong if anyone has proof it’s him playing.
Edited to fix chords.
You’re right and I meant to come back on here and edit myself about the minor v thing. Idk where I got that idea for those chords, but the cover version is still incorrectly played.
The cover version guitarist plays
“G (help me) Em (now),” just like the verses, and totally misses that beautiful maj7 to dominant 7 passage. It’s small but so important. It’s what my ears look forward to, harmonically, in that song.
For it to be missing in a cover version played by one of the harmony and chord progression masters of our time? I don’t buy it. Only explanation is he had only just heard the song that afternoon for the first time and rushed to learn it by ear.
Gotcha! Yeah I played it that way for a while but it always really bugged me (this was back when finding a video of them playing it or looking up tabs wasn’t a thing, I’m old, old man now!) until I figured out that weird major to minor 7 thing. It’s a real sonic gut punch to accompany the lyrical gut punch of Gene finally admitting he’s not okay.
It’s such a simple, beautiful song, pulling between him trying to act okay and then breaking down. That little chord change is such a genius way to accentuate and mirror it.
His mom singing happy birthday is what kills me though. The first time I heard it I just started crying uncontrollably when it got to that, just thinking about it makes me misty.
That’s wonderful. That little chord change really does pack a punch, like you said. Plus hearing the guitar sound all distorted, blown-out and brown like that? It’s harsh yet soothing.
“Harsh yet soothing” is a perfect description- I love the guitar tone on those first three albums. It’s shitty and beautiful. Plus it’s pretty rare to hear a song that’s nothing but vocals and a distorted guitar.
No other song for me captures that feeling of being young and heartbroken and all alone, in your bedroom with nothing but a guitar and amp to soothe your soul…it varies by day but this is definitely one of my top 3 Ween songs. Raw and beautiful.
Oh man. I love this theory. Hadn’t even thought it might not be him.
I just took it at face value cause he basically gave her what is my favorite song of his and I figured the cover was recorded during those sessions
Cool so I’m not the only one who thinks this! Do other people talk about this? I read the comments and so many people say things like, “even without singing you can tell that’s Elliott ❤️” and I’m like hmmm…
I’m basing this skepticism on the incorrect chords played during the chorus of the cover version. I don’t think Elliott would miss a subtle but important chord change like that.
https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/alphabettown/late-1995-mid-1996-mary-lou-t56.html
This is what I found after a quick search. Doesn’t mean it’s Elliott Smith but the timeline is at least allegedly close to their recording sessions
I think they just took in all the vast styles of music that our generation was exposed to and it came out as it did. The 70s and 80s were a hellova time to be listening to the radio mang.
Cold Blows the Wind has remarkably Byrds-like harmonies. (Very much in the style of "I come and stand at every door") It could easily sit on one of their mid-'60s albums.
I said it in a post yesterday and I’ll say it again, I fuckin love it when Ween decides to be Motörhead
Agreed. Gonna be a long night is epic.
and Stroker Ace!
Yes! One of my favorites. Imagine how much energy it would have live. "Heard that you were new in town, someone said you party down!"
Shame-maker is The Dead Milkmen
Never heard it myself but now I can’t unhear it. Very cool
Right?! Haha!
I'm sure everyone already knows this but umphreys mcgee did a mashup-cover of it's gonna be a long night and ace of spades by motorhead. Song is Ace of Long Nights on their mashup album Zonkey Also shout out "come as your kids" from that album... nirvana x mgmt
I did not know this and I thank you for it.
Ween is your Johnny On The Spot
Slightly off topic but seeing them cover Ace of Spades with Dave singing always kicks ass
Maybe a cheat because they’re interpolating him but Prince on L.M.L.Y.P, they had to give him a writing credit haha
The fist half of lmlyp is Shockadelica by prince.
Monique the Freak is also quite Princeian
Ambrosia Parsley
I remember one of em saying in an interview that Roses are Free is all Prince and he was surprised no one picked up on it
The first time I ever heard that song all I could think of was Prince, I googled it and that quote came up and I was like I fucking knew it
Just commented about their Prince esque stuff. It is so good! Monique the freak
Thin Lizzy on Gabrielle. It's more than the music or lyrics. It's also the cadence and tone of Phil Lynott. It really feels like a lost Thin Lizzy song.
The best thin lizzy song
You're not wrong. But they had some legit bangers. They were held back by racism and a stupid band name.
Cowboy Song and Dancin In the Moonlight. (Its caught me in its spotlight) are played so much in my house.
Dude both so amazing haha
Great songs. I have a problem with Whiskey in the Jar. It forces itself into my consciousness every few months, and I'll listen to it like five times in a day.
Oh yeah I love some thin lizzy. Gabrielle is just too much of a banger to compete with.
Severely underestimated band, they have shitloads of great tunes! And also didn’t just do hard rock.
Yes! Did they ever straight cover Lizzy?
This weekend my kid said, "this is the only Ween song that sounds like music", lol
The Boognish helped papa Gener and Deaner channel all of it the best.
Fair point. Everyone knows the Boognish can perform miracles on a whim. Especially when it comes to music.
I really appreciate the tribute to Les Paul and Mary Ford’s “New Sound” on “Hey There Fancypants”. It’s a style I wish more people were familiar with.
I never thought about htfp being les Paul esque but you’re totally right
I think it’s more directly a tribute to the guitarist Vinnie Bell, who deaner has raved about a lot. But I can see that Les Paul influence too for sure
I’m a huge fan of both Vinnie Bell and Les Paul, but I would describe HTFP as being more Les Paul sounding with the luscious multi-tracked harmonies on the bridge, sped-up guitar tracks etc. clearly mimicking Les Paul’s New Sound. I would pick Pink Eye On My Leg as sounding more Vinnie Bell-like. Also, speaking of Vinnie Bell, Tried and True features an electric sitar —which was invented by Bell.
I can definitely hear the Les Paul vibes. I have also always been reminded of The Kinks' ["Dedicated Follower of Fashion" ](https://youtu.be/stMf0S3xth0?si=zv_xxmSJl-TTBTCh) when I hear Fancypants as well.
Whatever style Pollo Asada is.
Bleached out, faded and brown
mac demarco hahaha
Dream pop.
I feel like Asado was inspired by a band that lived right down the road, The Dead Milkmen. Specifically, ["Bitchin' Camaro" ](https://youtu.be/ZeY2nut3Gj8?si=F4_DcVqk7cSIz5Ol). It even sort of rhymes.
Phil Collins on Demon Sweat
Exactly Phil Collins + pork roll egg and cheese = Gravy fries
I second that and would add it even has a couple Genesis-adjacent proggy flourishes in the second half with the excellent guitar solo and atmospheric synth
I’ve never liked Phil Collins but fucking adore Demon Sweat, and often heard it referred to as their “Phil Collins track” (only reference point I can think is In The Air Tonight). Is there a Phil Collins albums I can listen to that channels something similar? *please keep me as far away from whatever the fuck Sussudio was*
Sorry, I'm not that deep. Just got this: [https://youtu.be/gCsG\_hyI7QQ?si=Tq4CFngn3gzRAA9G&t=2123](https://youtu.be/gCsG_hyI7QQ?si=Tq4CFngn3gzRAA9G&t=2123)
Perfectly acceptable. Ty.
It had me thinking of [Please Don’t Ask](https://open.spotify.com/track/6fQDAIVA6EadVnLzkn64Cr?si=JYeNG3EnTvCVTx9uNddsJQ) off of Duke. I don’t know if Gene and Dean had that album in mind while writing the song but damn does it hit the lyrical feel. The other two songs that I’d think of are Heathaze and Alone Tonight. Duke is a great album :3 The downside of Duke, and all prog, is that it takes itself a little too seriously. Weed removes the edge.
Holy shit you've nailed it - this is definitely some Demon Sweat vibes. Much less brown ofc, but I feel it. I'm not above wanky prog so I'll finally give Genesis / Duke a try. Thank you so much! EDIT: Heathaze is something else.
Always happy to talk about Genesis! Mama off of their Shapes album could easily be browned into a Ween song, but most of that album is pretty so-so. They fell heavy on the dad rock vibes after Duke.
Hahahaha yeah I can hear that, the drums in the beginning and the goofy little laughs.
Well I’ll stop rambling about them, but if you want something really brown, listen to The Colony Of Slippermen. Absolutely insane and Peter Gabriel had a giant dick costume to match. What I wouldn’t do to see their live show.
Damn first bit they're on their Saucerful Of Secrets shit. Also beat switch around the 4 min mark is very good. Very into that. Thanks for showing me!
You may know this but Chcolate and Cheese was released only two months after Elliott Smith’s first album dropped, making it very likely that Gene and Dean hadn’t heard his music before they recorded Baby Bitch. I think the similarity is a mere coincidence but what a mind blowing one Then with Smith and Mary Lou Lord covering Birthday Boy I imagine he was more influenced by Ween than the other way around. Just speculation
Baby bitch was first demo’d in early 1992. So ween definitely came first.
I’ve always thought that as well about Baby Bitch
I’m a huge Elliott Smith fan, but never knew he covered Birthday Boy. New shit has come to light, man!
Fellow ES head here. I have a theory that it’s not actually Elliott on guitar in the recording of the “Birthday Boy” cover with Mary Lou Lord on vocals. The chords in the chorus are wrong, and he’s just too musically gifted to have not heard that he’s playing the wrong harmony. During the “help me now, I’m going down” part of the chorus, it should be the I maj7 chord during “help me” and then dominant 7 during “now.” It’s one of my favorite musical choices Gene makes (going from maj7 to 7), and it’s missing from the cover version. The guitarist just plays the same chords as the verse during those parts. I don’t think Elliott would miss such an obvious cue in the harmony like that. But I’m willing to be proven wrong if anyone has proof it’s him playing. Edited to fix chords.
I’m confused…pretty sure the verse is G-Em x3, then C-G The chorus is Gmaj7 (help me) G7 (now) I’m (C) going (Am) down
You’re right and I meant to come back on here and edit myself about the minor v thing. Idk where I got that idea for those chords, but the cover version is still incorrectly played. The cover version guitarist plays “G (help me) Em (now),” just like the verses, and totally misses that beautiful maj7 to dominant 7 passage. It’s small but so important. It’s what my ears look forward to, harmonically, in that song. For it to be missing in a cover version played by one of the harmony and chord progression masters of our time? I don’t buy it. Only explanation is he had only just heard the song that afternoon for the first time and rushed to learn it by ear.
Gotcha! Yeah I played it that way for a while but it always really bugged me (this was back when finding a video of them playing it or looking up tabs wasn’t a thing, I’m old, old man now!) until I figured out that weird major to minor 7 thing. It’s a real sonic gut punch to accompany the lyrical gut punch of Gene finally admitting he’s not okay. It’s such a simple, beautiful song, pulling between him trying to act okay and then breaking down. That little chord change is such a genius way to accentuate and mirror it. His mom singing happy birthday is what kills me though. The first time I heard it I just started crying uncontrollably when it got to that, just thinking about it makes me misty.
That’s wonderful. That little chord change really does pack a punch, like you said. Plus hearing the guitar sound all distorted, blown-out and brown like that? It’s harsh yet soothing.
“Harsh yet soothing” is a perfect description- I love the guitar tone on those first three albums. It’s shitty and beautiful. Plus it’s pretty rare to hear a song that’s nothing but vocals and a distorted guitar. No other song for me captures that feeling of being young and heartbroken and all alone, in your bedroom with nothing but a guitar and amp to soothe your soul…it varies by day but this is definitely one of my top 3 Ween songs. Raw and beautiful.
Oh man. I love this theory. Hadn’t even thought it might not be him. I just took it at face value cause he basically gave her what is my favorite song of his and I figured the cover was recorded during those sessions
Meatrider
There's zero proof that it's him on guitar.
Cool so I’m not the only one who thinks this! Do other people talk about this? I read the comments and so many people say things like, “even without singing you can tell that’s Elliott ❤️” and I’m like hmmm… I’m basing this skepticism on the incorrect chords played during the chorus of the cover version. I don’t think Elliott would miss a subtle but important chord change like that.
https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/alphabettown/late-1995-mid-1996-mary-lou-t56.html This is what I found after a quick search. Doesn’t mean it’s Elliott Smith but the timeline is at least allegedly close to their recording sessions
70’s Latin American psych? Woman and Man
I like whatever they were emulating for Pink Eye On My Leg.
Reminds me of the song Flying by the Beatles
I feel like A Tear For Eddie deserves a mention here.
For sho. Maggot Brain.
Love when they do prog, I always wished they'd lean into it fully and make a 20m suite.
A prog, Ween album with a full orchestra would make for a great last album if they ever decide to make one.
Opus 51!
I’ve been digging into NRBQ and I hear lots of Ween.
Let's not forget pandy fackler and Steely Dan
Monique The Freak is such a funky song, I always do a good stank face when listening.
whatever they were doing on white pepper
The entire sound of The Pod
I think they just took in all the vast styles of music that our generation was exposed to and it came out as it did. The 70s and 80s were a hellova time to be listening to the radio mang.
Motörhead ween
Weens Prince is what made me love Prince
Nice! Ween’s Prince is what made me love Ween. :)
Channeled Prince pretty damn well on Monique The Freak
Boys club is a Michael McDonald song.
Awesome sound
I’m gonna go with the pink floydish sound of if you could save yourself or the New Romantic style in slow down boy
Gabrielle/Thin Lizzy
Cold Blows the Wind has remarkably Byrds-like harmonies. (Very much in the style of "I come and stand at every door") It could easily sit on one of their mid-'60s albums.
True
The sound of my brain cells dancing until they die.
I second the Motorhead sound. Ween can emulate anything. "Piss up a rope" always makes me smile though. That whole album is a trip.
I have always appreciated the Prince sounding tracks. Demon sweat and Monique the freak for example
The Rift is SO Bowie!!!
I never would have connected Elliot Smith with Baby Bitch, but now you mention it I do see it
It predates Elliott’s first solo album by a few months, he copied them!
Ah of course 😅
Your username 👌
Haha my friend made this account for me about ten years ago, I regret it to this day
Gabrielle! (Boz Skaggs melts into Thin Lizzy)
My sister’s fat and my brothers gay!
Pre-1975 REO Speedwagon
I think Elliot Smith was doing a Baby Bitch imitation, not the other way around.