[ ]   [ ]   [ ]                        [ ]      [ ]   [ ]
Camper Van Beethoven — Pictures Of Matchstick Men
Album: Key Lime Pie
Avg rating:
7

Your rating:
Total ratings: 948









Released: 1989
Length: 4:05
Plays (last 30 days): 1
When I look up to the sky
I see your eyes
A funny kind of yellow
Rush home to bed
I soak my head
I see your face underneath my pillow
I woke next morning
Tired, still yawning
See your face looking through my window

Pictures of matchstick men and you
Images of matchstick men and you
Alls I ever see is them and you

Windows echo your reflection
When I look in their direction now
There your face is haunting me
Your face just won't leave me alone

Pictures of matchstick men and you
Images of matchstick men and you
All I ever see is them and you
You're in the sky
You're with the sky
You make men cry
You are, you're in the sky
You're with the sky
You make men cry

Pictures of matchstick men (x10)
Comments (202)add comment
Great to hear Camper again, it has been a long since I last heard them. Thanks for this RP!
 Huey wrote:

Yeah, he does that. But the only Quo song in the library is the original of this.

Could go the the more recent route, with Cracker.
Fabulously redeemed by Jesse Sykes. Palette refreshed and ready for the next treat.
 Typesbad wrote:
So if Bill follows his usual M.O., this will be followed by an actual Status Quo song.  Um... did they have another song?

 
That's a bit harsh. Status Quo never rang my bell but they did manage to sell over 125 million records and develop a massive following in the UK with a decades long string of hits. 
 Typesbad wrote:
So if Bill follows his usual M.O., this will be followed by an actual Status Quo song.  Um... did they have another song?

 
Yeah, he does that. But the only Quo song in the library is the original of this.
Ah yes, the original by The Status Quo, I was 14 in 1968 and I thought it was oh so cool.
 Typesbad wrote:
So if Bill follows his usual M.O., this will be followed by an actual Status Quo song.  Um... did they have another song?

 
I guess not.
So if Bill follows his usual M.O., this will be followed by an actual Status Quo song.  Um... did they have another song?
Hey, I'm outta papers man...
This just never gets old for me. And my fingers are crossed that Bill plays the Dandy Warhols next if only for the comments irony. {#Lol}

Great cover!

Always liked Key Lime Pie.



Someone needs to mash this up with "Godzilla"
 Biscobret wrote:


Wow -- really ??  You may want to have your ears coned...

 
"coned" - not sure what that is? However if it means never having to hear this dross again, lets go for it!
Yay! Always dug this take on an equally kooky album. 
 The_Walrus wrote:
Awful cover. Fiddle playing amateurish beyond belief, can't believe it ever got released. Status Quo please!

 

Wow -- really ??  You may want to have your ears coned...
Oh how I do love this tune! They were prime then.
Awful cover. Fiddle playing amateurish beyond belief, can't believe it ever got released. Status Quo please!
 lemmoth wrote:
Does Lowery still tour with Cracker and Camper? 
 
Yep, 4 members of the "classic" Camper lineup (in my estimation, from '85's Telephone Free Landslide Victory era) were still slugging it out there live in 2013:

David Lowery
Victor Krummenacher
Jonathan Segel
Greg Lisher

But, according to Wikipedia:

>>TFLV is the only Camper Van Beethoven record not to feature guitarist Greg Lisher. Lisher is actually listed in the album credits as a band member, but he did not join the band until after the album was recorded.<<

But I saw them in early '86 at the long-lost West End Bar in Chicago, and Lisher was there as they played pretty much that whole album, so I'm giving him a retro free pass into those classic recording sessions!
Does Lowery still tour with Cracker and Camper? 

treatment_bound wrote:

Just saw them last month at The Cubby Bear across from Wrigley.  Orig. fiddle player (and multi-instrumentalist) Jonathan Segel is back touring with Camper.  They opened with this...and it was smiles all the way around.




 


 Jazbo wrote:
Ill have the original, please..........

 
yes need the wah wah...
The original, this cover--love 'em both.
Oh, man... The cover is so good than original with Status Quo. Great song, great sound, good memories...
And the chair-dancing festival continues...
Do you hear mosquitos?
 treehugger wrote:
 ick wrote:

He's not playing violin, he's playing fiddle!  It's rock and roll and rock and roll is juvenile... just like this.  {#Ass}

 
The lovely and talented Morgan Fichter is a she.  Playing a fiddle.

 
Just saw them last month at The Cubby Bear across from Wrigley.  Orig. fiddle player (and multi-instrumentalist) Jonathan Segel is back touring with Camper.  They opened with this...and it was smiles all the way around.



 ick wrote:

He's not playing violin, he's playing fiddle!  It's rock and roll and rock and roll is juvenile... just like this.  {#Ass}

 
The lovely and talented Morgan Fichter is a she.  Playing a fiddle.
Ill have the original, please..........
 ScottD wrote:

I vote for more "The The" and "The Nails". 
  Love it Stingray, all except the Mellowkamp...


 Stingray wrote:

I VOTE FOR MORE CRACKER, THE THE, MELLENCAMP & GRAHAM PARKER!

 
I vote for more "The The" and "The Nails". 
the original is great—-fun to hear the cover...
 DaveInVA wrote:
Why?
 
Oh, Dave, just for FUN!!  {#Cheesygrin}
 ick wrote:
He's not playing violin, he's playing fiddle!  It's rock and roll and rock and roll is juvenile... just like this.  {#Ass}
 
{#Lol} {#Lol} 
 bronorb wrote:
The violin sounds juvenile. I could play it better and I don't paly violin.
Horrible cover. I like the original much better.

 
He's not playing violin, he's playing fiddle!  It's rock and roll and rock and roll is juvenile... just like this.  {#Ass}
Was in the UK when the Status Quo version was a hit - many memories.  This is a decent cover, though - the violin's a hoot.
 aspicer wrote:
LOVE Camper Van!  This version ROCKS.  We could stand a bit more CVB in the rotation!
 
I VOTE FOR MORE CRACKER, THE THE, MELLENCAMP & GRAHAM PARKER!
SO SIMPLE, BUT IT ROCKS!
Oh, man, this way you make me cry... I always loved the Status Quo original version, but this one is great! You should play it more times...
Why?
LOVE Camper Van!  This version ROCKS.  We could stand a bit more CVB in the rotation!
Yikes, this is fun.
Can easily tell they'd morph into Cracker...
Love it, but please RP, play more songs off their masterpiece Our Beloved Revolutionary Sweetheart.
The original was from Status Quo (1968), i think.
 bleubs wrote:
that's a good cover but I'd like to hear the original one from status quo
 
Last played: Sep 15, 2009. {#Cry}
Sneaker Pimp-ish..nice!
Trippy cover... I like...
that's a good cover but I'd like to hear the original one from status quo
Great cover, but I like most the original Status Quo. Why don't you play it again sometimes?
Great cover to one of the first songs of its kind. Some say acid rock, others say metal. Status Quo wrought a classic by any name at all. 
Nice cover, does it justice.  Might like it a little better actually.
I can't remember who did the original, but this holds pretty true.  Maybe a little more "updated".  And no - those of you who can't play violin would not even be able to get close.  It'ssupposed to sound "simple".  We're talking matchstick men here - not high art.
Blast from the past. Nice cover.
I knew the song from the first stroke of the violin! Pretty good cover.
 Jelani wrote:
I love this. Haven't heard it in so long.
 
it's BICs fault

I like this much better tan the original.
I think it has an edge that was previously missing and brings out some character. 
I'm gonna give this a nine just cuz it's one of my favorite songs. 
 sirdroseph wrote:


I am pretty sure that was done on purpose.{#Whisper}
 

Obviously. That doesn't mean I have to like it.

 bronorb wrote:
The violin sounds juvenile. I could play it better and I don't paly violin.
Horrible cover. I like the original much better.

 

I am pretty sure that was done on purpose.{#Whisper}
I love both versions of this song equally, great song, great remake!!{#Cheers}
The violin sounds juvenile. I could play it better and I don't paly violin.
Horrible cover. I like the original much better.

Love it. Haven't heard this in YEARS! {#Bananajam}
never heared about, but this song i like not so much!
 EssexTex wrote:
Not a bad cover of the only decent song "The Quo" churned out
 
for real, i tried listening to some of the rest of their stuff!

OUCH! So much negativity in the recent comments; goes against the grain of peace and love. You haters must count yourself among the illustrious matchstick men...step into line


This was one of the first non-beatles I liked as a kid. Can't stand it now.
the "fiddle" reminds me of deus's suds and soda....
and some of the riffs remind me of wolfmother...
ja.

I love this. Haven't heard it in so long.
Not a bad cover of the only decent song "The Quo" churned out
 thewiseking wrote:
This is a straight up abortion
 
So is your comment.
 thewiseking wrote:
This is a straight up abortion
 
I imagine that your comment means that you disapprove of this cover version, even given that awkwardly mixed metaphor.  I think it's a pretty good version - but to each his own.


 jools wrote:
Don't often diss tracks on RP.  But what is the point of this?  The original only worked in the drug-ged haze of the 1960s..THis has not added anything 
 

Hey, jools - guess what, I don't agree with you. That's the point. There are apparently a lot of people who like this song if you check the ratings. And you know what, I bet CVB had fun playing it, too. Did you ever think of that? Maybe that's the real point. At least they can play. Say, heard anything by Cracker that you like?

I liked the original and I enjoyed hearing CVB put this version together. I guess that puts me in the 'likes this song' camp(er).....
Camper van blech.
Don't often diss tracks on RP.  But what is the point of this?  The original only worked in the drug-ged haze of the 1960s..THis has not added anything 
I still have a concert shirt for Camper Van Beethoven, love Cracker too!{#Clap}
 spofcher wrote:
Like the band
Love the song
The original is better
This is not bad{#Dance}
 
ditto
what a cool song. 

This is a straight up abortion
Like the band
Love the song
The original is better
This is not bad{#Dance}
 forge wrote:
Really like the original better. But nice to hear anyway.
 
Agreed! This is quite bland indeed compared to original.

Misterfixit wrote:
I hear some White Stripes

Yeah - Jack White steals from everyone  {#Rolleyes}


Revenge of the Nerds?

 Stanfordfan wrote:
This drags compared to the original by Status Quo.
 
Yeah, it drags somewhat, but I like the sound of the violin playing that riff.  I just don't like the loudness of the snare drum so much.  It's a good version though.

 suddenchad wrote:
Anybody know if this has ever been used in a movie?
 
Yes!
Ok, heard the Dandy Warhols soundalike, and now, directly, this one by CB.

Original, please.
Really like the original better. But nice to hear anyway.


The audience asked for it and here it is. Actually a nice segue to Dandys Talk Radio.
Hey look!  Two plays less than 24 hours apart.  Excellent excuse to drop my rating for this travesty of a cover song from "3" to "1."
Oh what a band! Memories of my youth....{#Dancingbanana}
purplespider wrote:
One of my favorite intros to a song.{#Dancingbanana}

same!

I diggit mon.
One of my favorite intros to a song.{#Dancingbanana}
 Stanfordfan wrote:
This drags compared to the original by Status Quo.
 
That it does.  But really, what do you expect from Cracker/Camper?

This drags compared to the original by Status Quo.
I feel young-ish.  Power of music!
bronorb wrote:
This absolutely sucks compared to the original.
hell no.
This absolutely sucks compared to the original.
I hear some White Stripes
Yeah except this album came out like 20 years ago
Inamorato wrote:
You said it!
Agreed!
Anybody know if this has ever been used in a movie?
I hear some White Stripes
One of the first compact discs I ever owned...after Love and Rockets and the Saints
That violin!
1wolfy wrote:
Cool cover, but I miss the original...I have not heard it in forever.
You said it!
Cool cover, but I miss the original...I have not heard it in forever.
Oop, head bobbing has begun, i am becoming quite fond of this song, indeed, mildly annoying, but at the same time, kind of entertaining Although i may have to shoot the person with the violin...
Darkmatter wrote:
This song is mildly irritating and good at the same time. Does not compute?
like a few Beatle or Pink Floyd songs I can't quite bring myself to hate
crowhog2000 wrote:
Heard this while on a tour in East Africa on The Pink Caravan.....the ladies loved it! Anyways, maybe you should travel around a bit Darkmatter
Funny you should mention it, in a little more than a week I will go to Japan for over 5 weeks in total. So there!
Darkmatter wrote:
This song is mildly irritating and good at the same time. Does not compute?
I agree... Has some nice ideas, though?
Darkmatter wrote:
This song is mildly irritating and good at the same time. Does not compute?
Heard this while on a tour in East Africa on The Pink Caravan.....the ladies loved it anyways
Darkmatter wrote:
This song is mildly irritating and good at the same time. Does not compute?
i'm sorry... i just love these little guys.. yes, in a strange way, i get it!
That violin really bores into your head like a dentist's drill, don't it?
This song is mildly irritating and good at the same time. Does not compute?
Never knew who this was by,I'm sure I would have remembered the name. guysmiley wrote:
Aaaah, brings me back to high school . . . a time of awkwardness, zits, bad, bad beer and female rejection. Those were the days!
Yeah,I'm glad I quit drinking and the zits cleared up.
guysmiley wrote:
Aaaah, brings me back to high school ... a time of awkwardness, zits, bad, bad beer and female rejection. Those were the days!
thanks for bringing up such fond memories - can't remember the last time that i heard this one - a real golden oldie thanks rp!!!!
JohnErle wrote:
I finally heard the Status Quo version and I think it's safe to say this cover far exceeds the original.
I absoutely agree! Heard it in 90, loved it then. Still love it.
I am sure LS Lowry is sitting on a cloud somewhere patiently adding Camper Van B to a long list of people including Brian, Michael, Status Quo and the Divine Comedy, all of whom he is looking forward to thanking for being inspired by his work. Not.
MojoJojo wrote:
This is better than all Neil Young songs. Other than that...
agreed. If only that guy would learn to play the violin before making recordings. If only... Mind you, it would still be pretty bad.
Elemental wrote:
anyone else hear similarities to radiohead's optimistic?
Yes! I've been saying that ever since I heard optimistic. Can't say I "like" either song but Matchstick Man is much more memorable.
This is better than all Neil Young songs. Other than that...
WaltK wrote:
The original was real cool, this is ooooohhsssoooooaaaaawwwwwwfffffffuuuuuullllllll
Couldn't have said it better