My first musical purchases were singles. As they were expensive to me, bought by pocket money, I listened to them a lot and listened to the b-sides as well. What I'm looking for here is examples of when the b-side was completely off the wall in relation to the a-side. When the b-side seemed deliberately contrary to what someone who bought the single would expect or want? Here's an example. The Turtles pop single "You Know What I Mean" came with the freakout opera parody "Rugs Of Woods & Flowers". Contrary! Other examples? Post the youtube link , with the name of the song please.
I just listened to it. It's terrible and certainly the antithesis of Let It Be. No wonder the band threw in the towel after this.
Cat Food is fun little slice of surreal pop. The B Side Groon is a jazzy instrumental jam. Not completely contrary per se, but I just wanted an excuse to mention Cat Food, which I love. The song, not the chunks of gristle in a delicious meaty jelly.
No. It's actually pretty great. And they really didn't "throw in the towel" after this. But that's another long story. But yes it's a major contrast call from the A-Side.
I love the Sex Pistols but I think of this rubbish as a different band. Great examples for the thread. Thanks.
Roxy Music Virginia Plain bside was The Numberer Pyjamarama bside was The Pride and The Pain The first was a strange alien instrumental groove and the second was a kind of weird Serge Leone western scene. Both entertaining and both by band saxo player Andy Mackay. Their third single had some kind of Hawaiian tune on the b side. Less interesting but still out of character for the band and the a side.
Elton John - "Step Into Christmas" b/w "Ho Ho Ho (Who'd Be a Turkey at Christmas)" I first heard "Ho Ho Ho..." on the Dr. Demento show many years ago, and prefer it to the A-side. Regards, Dave
A strange tune alright. Not what I'd expect after listening to Virginia Plain. Thanks. The Pride & The Pain was less interesting (to me) and definitely meets the threads premise.
This one is downright catchy-"Lazy Susan", the b-side of "Black Pearl" by the Checkmates Ltd. About as far as you can get from the A-side!