Sub-Rosa Subway - Klaatu, 1976
Back in 1870 just beneath the Great White Way New York City and the morning sun Ahh As for America's first subway |
Klaatu was a Canadian progressive rock band from the Toronto area, formed in 1973. They took their name from the extraterrestrial character in the movie The Day the Earth Stood Still. A few minor but interesting hits helped them through their nine year career, the most notable being Calling Occupants of Interplanetary Craft. For some reason, this was covered by the Carpenters in 1977.
Their claim to fame, however, was the rumour that they were, in fact, a re-united version of the Beatles. This started in 1976, and was fueled by the following: The debut album contained no names or pictures of the band members, and the vocals were reminiscent of Paul McCartney and John Lennon. One suspects that both record company and band were NOT in a hurry to set people straight - album sales were brisk as a result.
Sub-Rosa Subway was a single off of the debut recording initially named 3:47 EST, but mistakenly labeled Klaatu on the US release. The song describes Alfred Beach's plans to build a pneumatic, or vacuum powered subway, beneath New York City. Most of this was done in secret, or sub-rosa, before the city nixed the idea. There is also a Morse Code message playing in the background. Band member John Woloschuk eventually translated the message as: From Alfred, heed thy sharpened ear -- A message we do bring -- Starship appears upon our sphere -- Through London's sky come spring.
Hmmm - We - don't - really - care.
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