I have a theory about music. An octave contains only eight notes and even with the use of higher and lower octaves and sharps and flats, there is only so many ways in which to order these notes before obvious similarities start appearing in songs. So when I was recording another episode of The Big Cheese for Preston FM and played an Adam And The Ants track as part of the music round I wasn't too surprised when Steve, one of the panelists asked me if I knew that it was a blatant rip-off of a Rolf Harris track.
So I got home and had a listen and they are definitely very much alike. Tell me if you agree...
Adam and the Ants - Prince Charming
Rolf Harris - War Canoe
Apparently, according to this interview with Danny Baker, Rolf didn't know about the similarities until someone told him and they settled out of court.
It reminded me of another couple of tracks which I've always though sounded like each other. Tell me what you think about this - Cornershop with Brimful of Asha versus The View with Same Jeans
And on my travels around t'internet I found a website called 'Sounds Just Like' which allows you to listen to songs that sound like other songs side by side (although there are some really obscure examples). Check out the song that sounds like A Spoonful Of Sugar from Mary Poppins, one that is really comparable to Lady Madonna by The Beatles and how much Ke$ha and Katy Perry's songs sound alike.
What songs do you think sound like other songs?
Edited to add: As reminded by someone on Twitter, HOW could I forget to include the amazing Axis of Awesome's Four Chord Song which demonstrates this theory perfectly!
Edited to add: As reminded by someone on Twitter, HOW could I forget to include the amazing Axis of Awesome's Four Chord Song which demonstrates this theory perfectly!