A Tapeheads Homage?

I don't know how many of you have ever seen the 80's era flick "Tapeheads" starring a very young John Cusack and Tim Robbins, but it was sort of one of those "defining movies of my youth".

It's about a video director and his somewhat sleezy producer pal who love a 60's soul duo "The Swanky Modes" (based on the very real and very awesome Sam & Dave... and, coincidentally, actually starring Sam Moore of Sam & Dave).

I have pitched the name "Swanky Modes" to Jason as a band name a few times, and have always been turned down.

Tapeheads is a very low-key comedy. They don't really make them like this any more, which is a shame. It's the sort of movie that seamlessly involves the band Menudo as a major plotpoint without blinking.

Anyhow, the band "Yacht" has cut a video, which is, shot-for-shot, a scene from "Tapeheads".

Let's get into trouble, baby..!


YACHT - Summer Song from Jona Bechtolt on Vimeo.
Found at Beaucoupkevin(dot)com
Honestly, from his post, I'm not sure Kevin was aware of the reference.

The original:


Jason and I used to use the term "Baby Doll" as a reference to both the sort of Euro-Pop of the time, and to describe a certain low-budget style of video making that was prevalent back in the 80's when MTV still showed videos.

Song Example: Well, clearly, anything by A-Ha.

Video Example: I still love this song, but the video for Seal's Crazy was totally "Baby Doll".

Interestingly, despite a credit to the band "Cube Squared", Devo seems to be responsible for "baby Doll", so whether they meant it as a joke or with all sincerity is anyone's guess. In all honesty, I run hot and cold with Devo, and "Baby Doll" is a pretty good example of why.

It is too bad "Yacht" didn't adapt Roscoe's Chicken and Waffles ad from Tapeheads.