Lyr Req: Goin' Back to Beethoven (Eclectricity)

Subject: Tune Req: Back to beethoven cause country music su
From: GUEST,John Winterton
Date: 10 Apr 10 - 05:32 PM

I am trying to find a copy of the song 'back to beethoven' by eccletricity (i think)

I think the group have disbanded and am looking for a copy to play as a request on a community radio station I host a weekly show on.

I know this is a long shot but any iadeas as to where I can get a copy?

Many thanks
John Winterton

Subject: RE: Tune Req: Back to beethoven cause country music su
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 10 Apr 10 - 07:08 PM

Oh, what a great song! I saw them at the Sanders Theater in Cambridge, Mass in, oh, about 1984! I had the lp but haven't had it in years. Good luck with your search!

Subject: RE: Tune Req: Back to beethoven cause country music su
From: john winterton
Date: 12 Apr 10 - 07:41 AM

have registered so I can be contacted if anyone can help

thanks
john

Subject: RE: Tune Req: Back to beethoven cause country musi
From: Ron Davies
Date: 12 Apr 10 - 08:48 PM

If you ever get it, please post the lyrics. Sounds just great.

Subject: RE: Tune Req: Back to beethoven cause country music su
From: john winterton
Date: 23 Apr 10 - 03:41 PM

I now believe this is on the album " language of the heart " if anyone can help

Subject: RE: Tune Req: Back to beethoven cause country music su
From: Thomas Stern
Date: 23 Apr 10 - 04:52 PM

posted in another thread:
Charley we are beggin' you....

Subject: RE: BS: Worst Country Western Title
From: Charley Noble - PM
Date: 02 Feb 03 - 04:08 PM

Back in the dark ages there used to be a group out in Bloomington, Indiana, called Eclectricity that composed and sand the bipolar song "Goin' Back to Beethoven 'Cause Country Music Sucks". I'll transcribe the lyrics if you beg.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Tune Req: Back to beethoven cause country music su
From: john winterton
Date: 25 Apr 10 - 04:03 PM

hi

thanks the lyrics would be good, but I'm looking for an mp3 version as I do a show on a community radio station and it has been requested.

The radio is more than happy to pay (a minimal cost) for the tune.

Subject: RE: Tune Req: Back to beethoven cause country music su
From: zozimus
Date: 27 Apr 10 - 08:08 AM

Hi Thomas Stern,
I have sent you a PM about somrthing other than beethoven.

Subject: RE: Tune Req: Back to beethoven cause country musi
From: GUEST,Mark Rosenthal
Date: 08 May 10 - 05:25 PM

Testing

Subject: RE: Tune Req: Back to beethoven cause country musi
From: GUEST,Mark Rosenthal
Date: 08 May 10 - 05:30 PM

In 1980 I lived in an apartment in Bloomington, Indiana. My downstairs neighbors were Bill Schwarz and Miriam Sturm. They and Bob Lucas were constantly rehearsing in the apartment directly underneath mine, and there was no soundproofing! Of course, I was constantly rehearsing concertina in my apartment, and I was far less talented than them, so I really couldn't complain. Besides which, I liked their music!

I saw them in concert at the local college bar in Bloomington (can't remember the name) many times when they were first getting started. As a result, I have two of their LPs: the eponymously-named album "Eclectricity" and their second album "Language of the Heart". And better still, I just recently digitized them and put a few of the tracks from the latter album on my webserver. One of those tracks is "Goin' Back to Beethoven".

Look in the Miscellaneous section of http://arlsoft.com/mbr/public/songs. The lyrics are at http://arlsoft.com/mbr/public/songs/GoinBackToBeethoven.html.

Subject: RE: Tune Req: Back to beethoven cause country music su
From: Murray MacLeod
Date: 08 May 10 - 06:05 PM

thanks a million, Mark, for putting these links up.

you have some seriously good stuff on that site, I will be checking in there frequently.

I was intrigued by the "back to Beethoven 'cos country music sucks " thing right at the start of this thread, but there wasn't (and still isn't) a Youtube video of the song.

great song, great writing and great rendition ...

Subject: RE: Tune Req: Back to beethoven cause country music su
From: GUEST,Mark Rosenthal
Date: 08 May 10 - 06:53 PM

Glad you like it. I went a little nuts adding hyperlinks to the lyrics.

One of the things that was fun about Eclectricity was how they blended Balkan dance tunes with classical and country music. I was really into folk dance at the time (Balkan, Contra, Morris & Sword, etc.) Someday maybe I'll put up one of their other really fun songs: "President Ford". I can't remember the name of the Balkan dance it's set to, but the rhythm is definitely from that region.

"President Ford" was on their first album, which I actually have two copies of -- one opened and one still in the original cellophane unopened. I wonder if there are collectors out there who would pay big bucks for a mint-condition copy of Eclectricity's first LP. :-)

Subject: RE: Tune Req: Back to beethoven cause country musi
From: Charley Noble
Date: 09 May 10 - 10:10 AM

Mark-

Nice to hear of your website.

Eclectricity were certainly a ground breaking band, combining Far Eastern traditional music with Balkan, classical and country, and they were a whole lot of fun to watch live, something I was only able to do once in East Lansing, Michigan.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Tune Req: Back to beethoven cause country music su
From: katlaughing
Date: 09 May 10 - 11:23 AM

Mark, thanks for the links to your website. Great selections!! I will have fun listening to more.

kat

Subject: RE: Tune Req: Back to beethoven cause country music su
From: john winterton
Date: 21 May 10 - 05:30 PM

mark. many thanks

Subject: Lyr Add: GOIN' BACK TO BEETHOVEN (Eclectricity)
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 20 Feb 11 - 06:22 PM

Copied from http://arlsoft.com/mbr/public/songs/GoinBackToBeethoven.html:


GOIN' BACK TO BEETHOVEN
Written by Bill Schwarz
Performed by Eclectricity

[Note: only the words in italics change from one chorus to the next.]

1. The day they built that Opryland was when I said, "Hell, I'm through,"
'Cause when Hollywood moved to Nashville moved to Malibu. [sic*]
And when them Oak Ridge Boys quit gospel, that's the day they sold their soul.
Well, they used to sing Rock of Ages. Nowadays they sing Rock 'n' Roll.

CHORUS: And country music gives me heartburn. Charlie Daniels turns my spleen.
And Crystal Gale makes my face pale as any satin sheets you've seen.
I'm tired of hearing songs about cheatin', Margaritas, and driving trucks.
I'm goin' back to Beethoven 'cause country music sucks.

2. I'm gonna buy another TV set to alleviate distress.
Oh, you can watch your "Hee Haw," honey, while I watch my PBS.
And when the weekend finally rolls around, we both want to take off.
Why you can go see Willie Nelson. I'll go see Baryshnikov.

CHORUS: ... Mickey Gilly ... Mozart ....

3. The day that George and Tammy finalized their D-I-V-O-R-C-E,
Well, it surely was a big P-A-I-N in the A-S-S for me.
But now they still sing songs together, not for love but just for bucks.
That's just another reason why this country music sucks.

CHORUS: ... M-m-mell T-t-tillis ... Johannes Brahms ....

4. Now way up in hillbilly Heaven they all say, "Where'd we go wrong?"
Whenever they hear the lyrics of the latest country song.
Yes, and this song's no exception, and the truth to you I'll tell.
Someday I'll meet up with the stars of hillbilly Hell.

CHORUS: ... The Mandrell Sisters ... Beethoven ....
I said, "I'm goin' back to Beethoven 'cause country music sucks."


[* I copied this line the way I found it. I haven't heard the song, but I suspect it should be: "'Cause when Hollywood moved to Nashville, Nashville moved to Malibu."]

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Goin' Back to Beethoven (Eclectricity)
From: Charley Noble
Date: 20 Feb 11 - 07:54 PM

Well done, Jim, and I'm sure you're correct on the first verse.

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Goin' Back to Beethoven (Eclectricity)
From: GUEST,Charles Pardue
Date: 25 Apr 11 - 12:23 AM

The first time I heard this song it was on an alternative station in Atlanta, WRFG, on a show called "Spam and Grits". Flying Fish records distributed this song. Flying Fish is still producing records. You might want to contact them.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Goin' Back to Beethoven (Eclectricity)
From: Bee-dubya-ell
Date: 25 Apr 11 - 07:29 PM

My wife, Susan, and her then husband lived in a commune near Bean Blossom, Indiana back in the early '70s. Bob and Bonnie Lucas lived next door. By the time Susan and I got married, most of her possessions from that earlier stage of her life had disappeared, but she still had her copy of Eclectricity's "Language of the Heart" album. I learned "Going Back to Beethoven" from it around 1990. At the time, Susan and I were in a band with a fiddler who was also a symphony violinist, so we were able to do the song complete with the appropriate classical exerpts. We had a lot of fun with it, but I haven't done it in years. Maybe it's due for a revival.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Goin' Back to Beethoven (Eclectricity)
From: Charley Noble
Date: 25 Apr 11 - 07:55 PM

Maybe so!

What made this song so successful in live performance was that they were so good.

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Goin' Back to Beethoven (Eclectricity)
From: GUEST,Kevin Frushour
Date: 28 Oct 11 - 05:23 AM

God bless you folks - I was almost ready to give up my search on this one.

While I was in high school in Pittsburgh in the early 90's, my sister lived in New York, following the music scene. We both liked novelty music, and she would send me mix tapes of any oddball songs she happened to come across. This song was on one of them - the tape is long gone - and through my searching on the Internet this board right here is the first solid info I have found.   Now at least I know who did it! Thank you!

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Goin' Back to Beethoven (Eclectricity)
From: GUEST
Date: 13 Dec 11 - 02:37 PM

lyrics:

Country music gives me heartburn
?(forgot) hurts my spleen
Crystal Gale make my face pale
If you know what I mean

I'm tired of songs about cheatin,margaritas and drivin' trucks

I'm goin back to Beethoven, cuz
COUNTRY MUSIC SUCKS.

(refrain)dialog

Well, George and Tammy have finalized their D-I-V-O-R-C-E
but that song has just been a P-A-I-N in the A-S-S to me

But they still sing together, not for love but just for bucks-
that's just aanother reason why----

COUNTRY MUSIC, YOU GOT IT--

SUCKS


I played fiddle backround with a group on this song and others.

Mike

[e-mail]

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Goin' Back to Beethoven (Eclectricity)
From: Charley Noble
Date: 14 Dec 11 - 07:53 AM

Mike-

You can find the complete lyrics if you scroll up on this thread.

Those were great times when we used to sing along on this song.

Miriam Sturm was one fine fiddler, and a whole lot of fun to watch playing.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Goin' Back to Beethoven (Eclectricity)
From: GUEST,Grishka
Date: 15 Dec 11 - 10:25 AM

It's now on YouTube. The kind of "humor" I enjoy. Just when they mean to quote Brahms, they are actually quoting a Hungarian folk dance of which Brahms only made a famous arrangement. Mozart was a decent folk dancer himself, and Beethoven arranged English folk music for bucks.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Goin' Back to Beethoven (Eclectricity)
From: GUEST,Willy 'Bill" Schwarz
Date: 20 Aug 13 - 08:06 AM

I remember one time we played "Back to Beethoven" i believe at one of the Canadian festivals. Rosemary Sorrels, who was on after us, was definitely NOT amused, and had no qualms about telling me!    Cheeesh! Lighten up, lady!

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Goin' Back to Beethoven (Eclectricity)
From: GUEST
Date: 20 Aug 13 - 08:10 AM

I meant ROSALIE Sorrels, of course.

WS

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Goin' Back to Beethoven (Eclectricity)
From: GUEST,grateful_lad
Date: 20 Dec 13 - 06:12 PM

Hey! Reaaly looking for a link to play "Goin' Back to Beethoven" can't find it anywhere. YouTube link above long gone.

Willy?

Gratefully,
Lad

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Goin' Back to Beethoven (Eclectricity)
From: GUEST,jondoe
Date: 29 Jan 16 - 05:26 PM

Thanks for the lyrics! I used to have a non-commercial radio show, early 80's, and used to play this song. Wish someone would put on youtube!

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Goin' Back to Beethoven (Eclectricity)
From: GUEST
Date: 26 Apr 16 - 03:28 PM

I second (and 3rd and 4th) the wish to see this song on YT or elsewhere. Once upon a time, I had the Language of the Heart LP...long ago and far away. BTW AllisonA, if you happen to see this: I too was at that concert at Sanders. Unfortunately, Electricity did not perform the one song everyone had come to hear—Goin' Back to Beethoven. The story they gave was that they got the gig because of Robert J. Lurtsema (remember him?), who told them they could have the gig only if they did NOT do "Goin' Back..." I was keenly disappointed and remain so after 30+ years. Why Robert, why? Too late now for an answer.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Goin' Back to Beethoven (Eclectricity)
From: GUEST,jon doeringer
Date: 10 Apr 17 - 04:53 PM

THANK YOU for the link, Mark Rosenthal! I could even download it from an app.
I used to play it on my radio show. And sang it a few times, at parties. I haven't heard it since the late 80's, when most of my self-assembled cassettes were stolen (along with the car - which was replaceable...). I had forgotten how much fun this song was! At first, it didn't sound like the same version. But when the (woman?) started singing about George and Tammy - the rest of it fell in place.
What a great, timely band they were.
And this should really be put back on Youtube. Unavailable music is dead music. (as opposed to Dead music). If you can't hear it, it gets forgotten, and undiscovered. I don't understand why bands don't put their out of print songs online. Is Spotify going to pay them? Stampfel of the Holy Modal Rounders recently posted a check he got from an online source. For one cent! Must have been for the last 10 years...

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Goin' Back to Beethoven (Eclectricity)
From: GUEST
Date: 10 Apr 17 - 04:55 PM

Weird. I was positive I typed Peter in front of Stampfel's name!
Is there no way to correct?

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Goin' Back to Beethoven (Eclectricity)
From: GUEST,arbitrary aardvark
Date: 22 Apr 20 - 07:45 PM

the lyrics i remembered were "i'm tired of hearing songs about jesus, drinking beer and driving trucks. [spoken: Lord, git me out of Nashville] county music sucks.

but maybe that was in my head. heard it one time many many years ago, tracked it down yesterday.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Goin' Back to Beethoven (Eclectricity)
From: GUEST,Starship
Date: 24 Apr 20 - 10:08 AM

Here's the song on YouTube.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BqdbdYOtBIE

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Goin' Back to Beethoven (Eclectricity)
From: GUEST,Jim Akers
Date: 17 Aug 21 - 04:26 PM

I have the Eclectricity album Language of the Heart! I was just thinking about it, and after listening to it, have decided to do it at local Lancaster City, PA jams!