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

Your rating:
Total ratings: 950









Released: 1989
Length: 4:05
Plays (last 30 days): 0
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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!
Posted 6 months ago by S-curvy    [ Reply ]
 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.
Posted 9 months ago by konz    [ Reply ]
Fabulously redeemed by Jesse Sykes. Palette refreshed and ready for the next treat.
Posted 8 years ago by DaidyBoy    [ Reply ]
 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. 
Posted 8 years ago by ScottishWillie    [ Reply ]
 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.
Posted 9 years ago by Huey    [ Reply ]
Ah yes, the original by The Status Quo, I was 14 in 1968 and I thought it was oh so cool.
Posted 9 years ago by Skydog    [ Reply ]
 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.
Posted 9 years ago by Typesbad    [ Reply ]
So if Bill follows his usual M.O., this will be followed by an actual Status Quo song.  Um... did they have another song?
Posted 9 years ago by Typesbad    [ Reply ]
Hey, I'm outta papers man...
Posted 9 years ago by LowPhreak    [ Reply ]
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}
Posted 10 years ago by nevar23    [ Reply ]

Great cover!

Always liked Key Lime Pie.



Posted 10 years ago by hallogallo    [ Reply ]
Someone needs to mash this up with "Godzilla"
Posted 10 years ago by Steely_D    [ Reply ]
 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!
Posted 10 years ago by The_Walrus    [ Reply ]
Yay! Always dug this take on an equally kooky album. 
Posted 10 years ago by fiddler    [ Reply ]
 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...
Posted 10 years ago by Biscobret    [ Reply ]
Oh how I do love this tune! They were prime then.
Posted 10 years ago by aspicer    [ Reply ]
Awful cover. Fiddle playing amateurish beyond belief, can't believe it ever got released. Status Quo please!
Posted 10 years ago by The_Walrus    [ Reply ]
 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!
Posted 10 years ago by treatment_bound    [ Reply ]
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.




 


Posted 10 years ago by lemmoth    [ Reply ]
 Jazbo wrote:
Ill have the original, please..........

 
yes need the wah wah...
Posted 10 years ago by max_p    [ Reply ]
The original, this cover--love 'em both.
Posted 11 years ago by WonderLizard    [ Reply ]
Oh, man... The cover is so good than original with Status Quo. Great song, great sound, good memories...
Posted 11 years ago by Orodrigues    [ Reply ]
And the chair-dancing festival continues...
Posted 11 years ago by jmkate    [ Reply ]
Do you hear mosquitos?
Posted 11 years ago by Hannio    [ Reply ]
 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.



Posted 11 years ago by treatment_bound    [ Reply ]
 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.
Posted 11 years ago by treehugger    [ Reply ]
Ill have the original, please..........
Posted 11 years ago by Jazbo    [ Reply ]
 ScottD wrote:

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


Posted 11 years ago by Foot    [ Reply ]
 Stingray wrote:

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

 
I vote for more "The The" and "The Nails". 
Posted 11 years ago by ScottD    [ Reply ]
the original is great—-fun to hear the cover...
Posted 12 years ago by Giselle62    [ Reply ]
 DaveInVA wrote:
Why?
 
Oh, Dave, just for FUN!!  {#Cheesygrin}
Posted 12 years ago by plaice3    [ Reply ]
 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} 
Posted 12 years ago by Rotterdam    [ Reply ]
 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}
Posted 12 years ago by ick    [ Reply ]
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.
Posted 12 years ago by lindergr55    [ Reply ]
 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!
Posted 12 years ago by Stingray    [ Reply ]
SO SIMPLE, BUT IT ROCKS!
Posted 12 years ago by Stingray    [ Reply ]
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...
Posted 12 years ago by Orodrigues    [ Reply ]
Why?
Posted 12 years ago by DaveInSaoMiguel    [ Reply ]
LOVE Camper Van!  This version ROCKS.  We could stand a bit more CVB in the rotation!
Posted 12 years ago by aspicer    [ Reply ]
Yikes, this is fun.
Posted 13 years ago by Dahlia_Gumbo    [ Reply ]
Can easily tell they'd morph into Cracker...
Posted 13 years ago by Foot    [ Reply ]
Love it, but please RP, play more songs off their masterpiece Our Beloved Revolutionary Sweetheart.
Posted 13 years ago by mmoyer    [ Reply ]
The original was from Status Quo (1968), i think.
Posted 13 years ago by loopbitz    [ Reply ]
 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}
Posted 13 years ago by SinisterDexter    [ Reply ]
Sneaker Pimp-ish..nice!
Posted 13 years ago by coolpeople_rule    [ Reply ]
Trippy cover... I like...
Posted 13 years ago by Jazbo    [ Reply ]
that's a good cover but I'd like to hear the original one from status quo
Posted 13 years ago by bleubs    [ Reply ]
Great cover, but I like most the original Status Quo. Why don't you play it again sometimes?
Posted 13 years ago by Orodrigues    [ Reply ]
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. 
Posted 13 years ago by kingart    [ Reply ]
Nice cover, does it justice.  Might like it a little better actually.
Posted 13 years ago by kurtster    [ Reply ]
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.
Posted 13 years ago by tbaloney619    [ Reply ]
Blast from the past. Nice cover.
Posted 13 years ago by DanO-1    [ Reply ]
I knew the song from the first stroke of the violin! Pretty good cover.
Posted 13 years ago by Shesdifferent    [ Reply ]
 Jelani wrote:
I love this. Haven't heard it in so long.
 
it's BICs fault

Posted 13 years ago by cohifi    [ Reply ]
I like this much better tan the original.
I think it has an edge that was previously missing and brings out some character. 
Posted 14 years ago by Jelani    [ Reply ]
I'm gonna give this a nine just cuz it's one of my favorite songs. 
Posted 14 years ago by Giselle62    [ Reply ]
 sirdroseph wrote:


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

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

Posted 14 years ago by bronorb    [ Reply ]
 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}
Posted 14 years ago by sirdroseph    [ Reply ]
I love both versions of this song equally, great song, great remake!!{#Cheers}
Posted 14 years ago by sirdroseph    [ Reply ]
The violin sounds juvenile. I could play it better and I don't paly violin.
Horrible cover. I like the original much better.

Posted 14 years ago by bronorb    [ Reply ]
Love it. Haven't heard this in YEARS! {#Bananajam}
Posted 14 years ago by ziakut    [ Reply ]
never heared about, but this song i like not so much!
Posted 14 years ago by helgigermany    [ Reply ]
 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!

Posted 15 years ago by Giselle62    [ Reply ]
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


Posted 15 years ago by mcYammer    [ Reply ]
This was one of the first non-beatles I liked as a kid. Can't stand it now.
Posted 15 years ago by Lrobby99    [ Reply ]
the "fiddle" reminds me of deus's suds and soda....
and some of the riffs remind me of wolfmother...
ja.

Posted 15 years ago by Nadine    [ Reply ]
I love this. Haven't heard it in so long.
Posted 15 years ago by Jelani    [ Reply ]
Not a bad cover of the only decent song "The Quo" churned out
Posted 15 years ago by EssexTex    [ Reply ]
 thewiseking wrote:
This is a straight up abortion
 
So is your comment.
Posted 15 years ago by deepwoodskev    [ Reply ]
 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.


Posted 15 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
 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).....
Posted 15 years ago by paulmack    [ Reply ]
Camper van blech.
Posted 15 years ago by miahfost    [ Reply ]
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 
Posted 15 years ago by jools    [ Reply ]
I still have a concert shirt for Camper Van Beethoven, love Cracker too!{#Clap}
Posted 15 years ago by sirdroseph    [ Reply ]
 spofcher wrote:
Like the band
Love the song
The original is better
This is not bad{#Dance}
 
ditto
what a cool song. 

Posted 15 years ago by Wizzuvvoz    [ Reply ]
This is a straight up abortion
Posted 15 years ago by thewiseking    [ Reply ]
Like the band
Love the song
The original is better
This is not bad{#Dance}
Posted 15 years ago by spofcher    [ Reply ]
 forge wrote:
Really like the original better. But nice to hear anyway.
 
Agreed! This is quite bland indeed compared to original.

Posted 15 years ago by nigelr    [ Reply ]
Misterfixit wrote:
I hear some White Stripes

Yeah - Jack White steals from everyone  {#Rolleyes}


Posted 15 years ago by pdhski    [ Reply ]
Revenge of the Nerds?

Posted 15 years ago by triviagal    [ Reply ]
 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.

Posted 15 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
 suddenchad wrote:
Anybody know if this has ever been used in a movie?
 
Yes!
Posted 15 years ago by randomprime    [ Reply ]
Ok, heard the Dandy Warhols soundalike, and now, directly, this one by CB.

Original, please.
Posted 15 years ago by steeler    [ Reply ]
Really like the original better. But nice to hear anyway.


Posted 16 years ago by forge    [ Reply ]
The audience asked for it and here it is. Actually a nice segue to Dandys Talk Radio.
Posted 16 years ago by Mnemo    [ Reply ]
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."
Posted 16 years ago by Excelsior    [ Reply ]
Oh what a band! Memories of my youth....{#Dancingbanana}
Posted 16 years ago by laroue    [ Reply ]
purplespider wrote:
One of my favorite intros to a song.{#Dancingbanana}

same!

Posted 16 years ago by lily34    [ Reply ]
I diggit mon.
Posted 16 years ago by splooge    [ Reply ]
One of my favorite intros to a song.{#Dancingbanana}
Posted 16 years ago by purplespider    [ Reply ]
 Stanfordfan wrote:
This drags compared to the original by Status Quo.
 
That it does.  But really, what do you expect from Cracker/Camper?

Posted 16 years ago by Excelsior    [ Reply ]
This drags compared to the original by Status Quo.
Posted 16 years ago by Stanfordfan    [ Reply ]
I feel young-ish.  Power of music!
Posted 16 years ago by Tree_Hugger    [ Reply ]
bronorb wrote:
This absolutely sucks compared to the original.
hell no.
Posted 16 years ago by veegez    [ Reply ]
This absolutely sucks compared to the original.
Posted 16 years ago by bronorb    [ Reply ]
I hear some White Stripes
Yeah except this album came out like 20 years ago
Posted 16 years ago by Deadwing    [ Reply ]
Inamorato wrote:
You said it!
Agreed!
Posted 16 years ago by steeler    [ Reply ]
Anybody know if this has ever been used in a movie?
Posted 16 years ago by suddenchad    [ Reply ]
I hear some White Stripes
Posted 16 years ago by Misterfixit    [ Reply ]
One of the first compact discs I ever owned...after Love and Rockets and the Saints
Posted 16 years ago by kaosmonkey    [ Reply ]
That violin!
Posted 16 years ago by inindian    [ Reply ]
1wolfy wrote:
Cool cover, but I miss the original...I have not heard it in forever.
You said it!
Posted 16 years ago by Inamorato    [ Reply ]
Cool cover, but I miss the original...I have not heard it in forever.
Posted 16 years ago by 1wolfy    [ Reply ]
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...
Posted 16 years ago by TheFriendlyCat    [ Reply ]
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
Posted 17 years ago by jenakle    [ Reply ]
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!
Posted 17 years ago by Darkmatter    [ Reply ]
Darkmatter wrote:
This song is mildly irritating and good at the same time. Does not compute?
I agree... Has some nice ideas, though?
Posted 17 years ago by Nabla    [ Reply ]
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
Posted 17 years ago by crowhog2000    [ Reply ]
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!
Posted 17 years ago by eeke    [ Reply ]
That violin really bores into your head like a dentist's drill, don't it?
Posted 17 years ago by Hannio    [ Reply ]
This song is mildly irritating and good at the same time. Does not compute?
Posted 17 years ago by Darkmatter    [ Reply ]
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.
Posted 17 years ago by bokey    [ Reply ]
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!!!!
Posted 17 years ago by epod34    [ Reply ]
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.
Posted 17 years ago by suddenchad    [ Reply ]
Posted 17 years ago by yashpheh    [ Reply ]
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.
Posted 18 years ago by 4999thnewuser    [ Reply ]
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.
Posted 18 years ago by algrif    [ Reply ]
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.
Posted 18 years ago by segueman    [ Reply ]
This is better than all Neil Young songs. Other than that...
Posted 18 years ago by MojoJojo    [ Reply ]
WaltK wrote:
The original was real cool, this is ooooohhsssoooooaaaaawwwwwwfffffffuuuuuullllllll
Couldn't have said it better
Posted 18 years ago by mrfandi    [ Reply ]