Neil Innes - I'm The Urban Spaceman

From Rutland Weekend Television

• Category

  Music

[kombajndosalatek]

Hi, I'm not british, but a great MP fan and I'd like to know something about the history of this song.

I've seen faster version in the 'MP at the hollywood bowl'. Who wrote it? Who is the guy singing?

I'd appreciate any answer that gives some info ;]

thx

[ivorykisses]

Neil Innes is the songwriter and performer of this song. It was originally released by The Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band back in 68, which Neil was a member of at the time.

[Daniel Hornby]

I like the Hollywood Bowl version better. At least then, it was, I daresay, bouncier. THIS is just depressing.

[ivorykisses]

I like this version better, I think it's supposed to be depressing. It's part of the joke.

[Daniel Hornby]

Actually no; YT has the original around here somewhere (by Innes' original band, the BonzoDog DooDahs), and it's cheerful (more than this; not as much as HB). I guess it's funny, hearing a cheerful song sung depressingly. The Python spirit was in him before he joined (written 10 years-ish prior)

[ivorykisses]

I know the original version, and many other versions. This particular version is supposed to be depressing.

[acetremendous]

Musicality aside, for sheer humor and delight, this is my favorite version.

There are tons of versions - one fron Innes Book of Records, at least one Bonzo studio version, HB, this'un, and several other live recordings.

The famous Bonzo recording that was their only slight "hit" was produced by Paul McCartney. The Beatles & Bonzos were friends and mutual fans. The Bonzos tried to keep the word from getting out (Paul is uncredited on the record) but word did get out anyway, and there you are.

[beatmonkey06]

This the guy who wrote and sang the Raggy dolls theme from the late 80's.....

[ben dunn]

I'm in love!

[Cid theshark]

absolutely.

[LithiumTheKid]

This guy deserved a lot more credit than he got and because of it I do not think he got the chance to become one of the greats of British comedy (well known). Equal to Python and Milligan in his own right but I still think he is GREAT and see his influence in the background. Thank you for posting

[RileyELFuk]

I've been equally confused by the actresses on RWT, as Carinthia West isn't always credited on episodes that she's in (IIRC).

[karlpaananen]

Yeah, I realize you are correct. There was another video on Youtube which mistakenly identified a DIFFERENT actress as Lyn Ashley. But THIS is Lyn Ashley. She also had some very brief cameos on Monty Python's Flying Circus.

[RileyELFuk]

It is Lyn Ashley.

[Richard Gannon]

Fantastic! This is one of my all time favourites!

[Bridgit Campbell]

I wish I could dance like that.

[MoscowMaestro]

Listen to the words, you idiot. Do you think it's meant to be some Hollywood shit? Moron.