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A deeper dive into inspired songs about vegetables, as they aren't just for eating—they're for singing about too!

I have plucked a handful of the most intriguing, vegetable-inspired tunes to spice up your playlist. Let's peel back the layers of these delightful songs that have sprouted from the minds of musicians over the years, and play them loud whilst enjoying our greens. They are inspired and can be savoured during any meal

  1. 1. Frank Zappa - "Call Any Vegetable"
    The pinnacle of musical eccentricity, Zappa invites you to dial-a-veggie in this avant-garde anthem. Imagine vegetables taking over the world with a side of satirical laughs. It's Zappa's world, and we're just living in it​.




  2. 2. The Beach Boys - "Vegetables"
    With a soundscape as rich as the soil, The Beach Boys offer a sunny tribute to greens with "Vegetables". This track, from their ambitious "Smile" project, is a lyrical salad, complete with the freshness of Brian Wilson's innovative spirit​



  1. 3. Tympany Five - "Beans and Cornbread"

  2. Lets all hang out!! - Like Liver and Onion, Yeh, Like Brea and Butter!!! It makes no difference what you think about me!!!! Jump back to the jive of the '40s with this upbeat track that celebrates the simple pleasures of soul food. It's a musical feast that's sure to get your feet tapping and your mouth watering​​​​.



  1. 4. Herbie Hancock - "Watermelon Man"

  2. This juicy funk classic hits the bass G spot and oozes sweet, slippery funk, that feels like a warm breeze through a field of ripe watermelons. Hancok is da man, and delivers a classic groovy melody that's hard to resist. .



  1. 5. The Beatles - "Glass Onion"

  2. Peel back the layers of this classic, where The Beatles playfully address their own mythology with references as crisp as a fresh onion. It's a psychedelic trip through the garden of their discography​​.




  3. 6. Billie Holiday - "Strange Fruit"

  4. A profound and chilling metaphor for racial violence, this song uses the imagery of fruit in a hauntingly powerful context. Holiday's soul-stirring performance makes "Strange Fruit" a timeless piece of art and activism​​.



  5. 7. Swamp Vamp" from Washington Dead Cats' "Go Vegetables Go! Channels a dark, Nick Cave-esque vibe, melding punk and rockabilly into a haunting narrative. This track stands out for its compelling storytelling and energetic sound, proving the band's knack for blending genres with ease. It's a spicy mix in the musical pantry, showcasing their unique, ferocious charm.


 

8.Pink Floyd - Vegetable 

In the annals of rock history, few songs capture the tumultuous spirit of an era and the tragic genius of an artist as poignantly as Pink Floyd's "Vegetable Man." Recorded in the waning moments of 1967, this track stands as a stark testament to the spiralling psyche of Syd Barrett, a genius teetering on the edge of oblivion.


9. The Tiger Lillies - Thousand Violins

Exploring the unique and hauntingly beautiful "Thousand Violins" by The Tiger Lillies, one might find themselves amidst a metaphorical garden of emotions, reminiscent of a diverse bouquet of vegetables. This song, possibly interwoven with the imagery of a vegetable bouquet, serves as a poignant reminder of life's ephemeral beauty and the rich tapestry of experiences it offers. Each note and lyric could be seen as mirroring the growth, bloom, and eventual fading of life's moments, akin to the life cycle of vegetables. And how do we ever face 1000 violins?



10. Captain Rock - Steamed Vegetables (1975)

In the eclectic landscape of 1975, Captain Rock's "Steamed Vegetables" emerges not just as a song, but as a vibrant homage to the vegetarian lifestyle, signalling a vision far ahead of its time. This track serves as a pioneering anthem for all vegetarians, celebrating the choice of a plant-based life with a blend of funk, rock, and an undeniable groove that was as fresh and nourishing as the vegetables it praised. Captain Rock, with this release, positioned himself as a trailblazer, recognising and honouring the dietary path less travelled in an era when vegetarianism was still burgeoning. "Steamed Vegetables" is a delicious musical treat that continues to resonate with the green-hearted, proving that Captain Rock truly was ahead of the pack.



11. Flying Vegetables Of The Apocalypse

Diving into Guy Klucevsek's "Flying Vegetables Of The Apocalypse," you're whisked away on a hilariously bizarre ride where veggies rule the skies. This 1990 track, hit the Tube in 2015, is Klucevsek's accordion-fueled flight of fancy into an absurd world where the apocalypse is not just near, it's nutritionally balanced!

Imagine carrots zooming past your ears and tomatoes dodging in a madish capish or dance of gloomish upset—it's a salad gone wild with too much seasoning, and overfilled with crouton and sweeteners. Not an aubergine in sight in. Welcome to the world of the franchise, and fake wellness.



12. Peter Hartwig Ft. Binghi Benny - Ital Vegetables Inna Back Yard

Merging dub's deep bass and echoing vibes with vibrant Rastafarian culture, celebrating the simplicity and spirituality of ital living. Binghi Benny's soulful voice paints vivid pictures of life connected to the earth, underscored by Hartwig's skilled dub production. This track delivers a rich musical experience but also carries a timeless message of clean living and mediation, along with vegetables which can incubate and inspire -oh yeh, nature's bounty. It's a vibrant nod to traditional values and the joys of communal, natural living, making it a resonant piece for both dub enthusiasts and those drawn to the soul of the earth. "Ital Vegetables Inna Back A Yard" is a soulful journey back to the roots, highlighting the pure essence of life and music.


13. Brokli - live | Astral Projection Dream Concert from Satcitananda | Ft. Adrian Freedman |

Imagine a musical feast that nourishes the soul as wholesomely as a perfectly balanced meal nourishes the body. This Brokli concert is exactly that - a starter, main, dessert, aperitif, café, and vino, each note and melody crafted to enrich the spirit and soothe the senses. Brokli, an artist who certainly knows the importance of eating his greens, and here he has managed to create an experience that's not only a delight to the ears and a joy to the gut and digestion. The entire performance is like a dream banquet laid out under the stars, inviting listeners to dine on astral vibes and celestial harmonies.



Well I hope all of this is good for inspiration. Sprinkle these tracks into your playlist for a taste of how music and vegetables can create a unique blend of flavours for the ears. Whether you're in the mood for something quirky, heartfelt, or thought-provoking, there's a song in this garden for everyone. Happy listening, and remember, in the world of music and vegetables, variety is the spice of life!

For more on these songs and others like them, check out the eclectic mixes and detailed insights from sources like Musical Mum, Singersroom, CMUSE, Wikipedia, and QRO Magazine​​​​​​​​​​​​.

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