When London emo outfit Sad Blood were bought to our attention, we instantly became fans of the trio. With their power pop melodies combining with heartfelt emotional lyrics, their style has been compared to Into It. Over It., Sunny Day Real Estate, Mineral and Algernon Cadwallader. So it’s no surprise they ended up in our list of 50 bands to watch in 2016.
Fresh off the back of releasing their addictive second EP, ‘Legion of Gloom’ (they love wrestling-related EP titles – another reason to like Sad Blood,) vocalist George Phillips approached Already Heard with an interesting idea for our “Fives” feature series. As a band who love embracing cultural references, George offered to tell us about his five favourite music-related cameos from legendary cartoon show – The Simpsons.
Having been in existance for over 25 years, The Simpsons has seen a whole host of cameos from music world; Red Hot Chili Peppers, The White Stripes, blink-182, REM and more. Here’s George’s five favourite Simpsons music cameos with a few honourable mentions too.
The Simpsons has been my favourite thing on TV ever since I saw my first ever episode when it was shown on BBC 2 all those years ago. Even before I’d seen it, I already knew it was my favourite thing. Things haven’t really changed all that much, I still DVR it and watch it for hours on a hungover Sunday. I’ve even watched them all with the commentaries on DVD. The Simpsons has always had a real connection with music which has just grown over the years. There have been some exceptional musical moments like ‘Marge Vs. The Monorail,’ ‘See My Vest,’ ‘Garbage Man,’ Homer singing Space Cowboy and Dr Zaius (see me later for my fave songs), but it’s the musical guests I’m concerned with today.
So here we go, my top 5 musical guest stars on the Simpsons…
The Ramones – “Rosebud”
“Hey we just wanna say, this gig sucks!“
This is one of my favourite episodes. It introduced me to Citizen Kane (one of the best films ever made) and the Ramones. When they sing Happy Birthday to Mr Burns and he demands Smithers has “the Rolling Stones killed!” kills me every time. "Happy Birthday, you old bastard” (usually cut from the terrestrial showings) is another great moment. A really fantastic episode with loads of laughs and the soppy core I’ve come to love.
Smashing Pumpkins – “Homerpalooza”
“Billy Corgan, Smashing Pumpkins.” “Homer Simpson, smiling politely.”
This episode contains quite possibly one of my favourite exchanges ever between two people who have no business being together other than the fact they’re both pop culture icons. I used to love the Smashing Pumpkins so much, I had the Infinite Sadness tab book and I learnt every song. I still have a soft spot for ‘Siamese Dream’. Appearances from Sonic Youth and Peter Frampton top off a wonderful episode. I also love the bit with Authentication Sticker…
Michael Jackson – “Stark Raving Dad”
“Hi, I’m Michael Jackson from the Jacksons” “I’m Homer Simpsons from the Simpsons"
Another great line! Homer’s so clueless and has no idea about pop culture. It’s a perfect addition to his buffoonery. This episode is incredible for so many reasons, Michael Jackson not using his real name despite the fact, you could tell it was definitely him (called back in Itchy and Scratchy the movie), the excellent story line and quotes (Do you you wet your pants? Well everyone has the occasional accident) but the ‘Lisa It’s Your Birthday’ is so sweet (even if there are rumours it was a sound alike singing and not Jackson) and it’s another one of those episodes that gives you a (usually hungover) teary eye at end. I’m such a softie.
Aerosmith – “Flaming Moes”
“You think Aerosmith will be in tonight?” “I doubt it”.
This episode is one of the ones I remember vividly. I would watch it over and over again. A great episode with the trademark heart we’ve come to love over the years. I love Aerosmith in this, “Mrs Krabapple, I really need my drumsticks back”. I just love how they play for free pickled eggs! “I love pickled eggs! (I know it was supposed to be free drinks, but it was just perfect)”. I was never a big Aerosmith fan, but some of my friends were and I got a kick out of seeing them recording their lines at the end.
Spinal Tap – “The Otto Show”
“This is a rock concert, not the bleeding’ splish splash show.”
Just another classic. Introduced to me Spinal Tap, a little bit of Homer’s history and when he waits in the car (and creates his own musical moment) too good. When Harry Shearer (Simpsons voice over genius and member of Spinal Tap) says “Good night Springton, there will be no encores” I lose it. After Bart gets his own guitar and sucks at it, I think he just embodies how we all felt when we picked up out first guitars.
Honourable Mentions
George Harrison – “Homer’s Barbershop Quartet”
U2 – “Trash Man"
Johnny Cash – “The Mysterious Voyage of Homer”
Sting – “We’re Sending Our Love Down the Well”
Paul McCartney – “Lisa the Vegetarian"
‘Legion of Gloom’ EP by Sad Blood is available now.
