The Rutles

Released for the first time on CD in the UK, The Rutles album was the soundtrack to the original TV spoof documentary film All You Need Is Cash. The brainchild of Neil Innes and Eric Idle, this expanded CD adds six tracks to the 14 track vinyl version first released in 1978 and comes in a vinyl replica digi-pack. One of rock's most enduring and insightful parodies, brilliantly mirroring The Beatles' career, it even featured a cameo from George Harrison (as a TV reporter). The Rutles themselves were Neil Innes as Ron Nasty (Lennon), Eric Idle as Dirk McQuickly (McCartney), ex-Beach Boy Rikki Fataar as Stig O'Hara (Harrison) and Patto's John Halsey as Barry Wom (Ringo). The fifth Rutle, for recording purposes, was Patto's mercurial guitarist Ollie Halsall. Album Description

What's all the fuss about?

I'm a huge fan of Monty Python and Eric Idle. This was okay, but not great. There were a few good cuts, but the rest was just sorta kinda like Beatles music, but not enough to make the songs the clever parodies I know Eric is capable of producing. So I was a bit disappointed. October 28, 2008

Zany English Parody on the Beatles

An hilarious poke at the fab four with talent themselves, the Rutles took the late 1970's by storm. Song writer Neil Inness' well crafted wit is manifested in the Beatle sound alikes. The songs may sound familiar, that's because Inness played around with the same chords the Beatles did to construct his melodies. Good stuff. April 28, 2008

Neil Innes is a genius

Pure genius. I'm a Beatles fan, I'm a Monty Python fan, and I've always loved the Rutles. Listening to this music is as delightful now as it was when I first saw The Rutles film in the late Seventies. Just like the Beatles music, the Rutles music never gets old. I'll say it again, Neil Innes is a genius. January 18, 2008

Another brilliant rock parody...

In the vein of Spinal Tap, Eric Idle & Neil Innes have created a wonderful parody of the Beatles - covering their entire career. May 14, 2007

It's All In Fun But...

Even though the Rutles were formed as a parody band, mimicking the early Beatles style (if you haven't seen the movie, do yourself a favor and watch it ASAP) they do a wonderful and delightful job of entertaining their listening audience.

Some of the songs here would have easily made it to the charts in the immediate post-Beatle hysteria that swept the US. The vocals, the music--everything comes together brilliantly.

There have been numerous attempts to re-create the early Beatles, but no one has done it the way these guys have. Maybe it's because they're the talented crew from Monty Python, maybe because they too are British--whatever the reason, it is early Beatles to perfection.

My only wish is that they would have covered the "Meet the Beatles" album. It would have been pure joy to listen to. Modern attempts simply don't have the experience to carry it off all that well, "real" band or not. Experiencing true Beatlemania was an unforgettable event and IMO can never be replicated. It was something one had to take part in first hand. Barring that, the Rutles come in a very close second.

Listen, laugh and LUV to the beat of the Rutles. May 11, 2007

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