Some Ex-YU Songs That Are Covers of English Songs

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The former Yugoslavia has been home to many successful bands - the biggest one being Bijelo Dugme (White Button) among many others.

But the former Yugoslavia is also notorious for something else. There have been many rock and pop songs which are actual covers or interpolations of popular English-language songs (by British artists or otherwise).

Crvena Jabuka "Svidja Mi Se Ova Stvar/The Beatles "Twist and Shout"

Folks this has got to be the BIGGEST of all Ex-Yu covers. The Beatles were a huge influence on Crvena Jabuka (Red Apple) whose name is said to have originated as a tribute to Apple Records. Notice just how these two tracks are simillar

Elektricni Orgazam "Bejbe ti Nisi Tu"/The Rolling Stones "Out of Time"

Notice how the strings on the Stones version and the guitars on the Elektrichni Orgazam version play the same chords? Also the lyrics in the Elektrichni Orgazam version are interpolated.

Now while we're at the Stones, THE biggest band to have interpolated their songs was undoubtedly Elvis J. Kurtovich and His Meteors whose name is a tribute to Bill Haley and His Commets. They have covered or interpolated It's Only Rock'n'Roll (But I Like It) and Honky Tonk Woman, as well as The Who's "Pinball Wizard" from the rock opera Tommy (Kemi).

FIT Zvoni Telefon/Blondie "Hanging on The Telephone"

Very little is known about this Zagreb-based rock band. Their version is a clear interpolation of the original Blondie hit and make no mistake, this was a hit from a hit album (Parallel Lines - 1978). The album that really propelled the band to success.

Laki (pronounced Lucky) Pingvini - Ne, Nisam Tvoj Heroj/Bay City Rollers "Yesterday's Hero"

This Belgrade-area band's near-cover of the Scotish lads' 1976 hit was a success in its own right. The melodies, despite the slightly different pitch.

Now for a bonus round, Dobre Vibracije (Good Vibrations) by Jura Stublich and Film is NOT a cover or interpolation of the Beach Boys' 1966 mega hit. Despite this, you can still hear a small sample of the "Good Vibrations" harmonies towards the end.

There are many more covers, but these are the biggest ones. Again, please consider giving the Balkan songs a listen EVEN IF you do not understand the language, and comment your opinions.

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