Belle and Sebastian and The Farmer's Boys

[Roxxy]

Some of you may remember the one-hit wonder 'Wrapped Up In Books' by Belle and Sebastian, which came out in 2003. I wonder if anybody also remembers a song from the late 1970s called 'Out In The Country' by a band called The Farmer's Boys? If so, compare the two songs- the choruses not only sound similar, they are nearly IDENTICAL! This CAN'T be co-incidence, either Belle and Sebastian are guilty of plagiarism in a big way, or they had as a member an ex-member of The Farmer's Boys who wrote the original song, and was therefore entitled to do with it as he saw fit.
(By the way, the DFS furniture chain used The Farmer's Boys song with personalised lyrics in one of their TV ads c.1979).

[sixtyten]

Re: Belle and Sebastian and The Farmer's Boys

The Farmers Boys didn't write In The Country.
It was a Cliff Richard & The Shadows hit from the 60's.

The Farmers Boys covered it in 1984

[sixtyten]

Re: Belle and Sebastian and The Farmer's Boys

And you might want to check your facts.
Belle & Sebsatian have had at least seven top 40 hits,
While the Farmers Boys are only remembered for the Shadows cover.( and only just remembered... They remained little more than a cult band while they were together)
If you google them you'll find my old fan club membership card
on their fan website

[Roxxy]

Re: Belle and Sebastian and The Farmer's Boys

OK, I stand corrected- but there IS an uncanny resemblance between the two songs.