Style, Sounds and Fashion
Tree-Style
The stylistic influences were pervasive but less easy to spot. The
Charlatans and Kula Shaker, for example, display the same fondness for
"groovy" Hammond organ. In openly acknowledging the broad influence of
60s and 70s music, they attempt to disguise the very specific influence
of The Trees in this respect.
...It should be noted however, that The Trees never managed to obtain a Hammond organ as such - but if they had they would have used it.
The Orb and the Aphex Twin claim to have pioneered ambient music. Are
they forgetting about Canyon (a Tree off-shoot involving three of the
members) and their seminal work, On the Ranch?! When the plug was pulled
on Canyon's only gig with lame cries of "That's nae Country n Westrin",
it was only because nobody had yet come up with a tag for the strange
new music which emanated from Al Corrigall's analogue synthesiser.
Today the same council official would have excitedly added: "That's
ambient rock! Wow!"
The Campbell Shuffle
Still fighting his legal battle to have the "Campbell Shuffle" recognised as an "independent musical form" Styx is sueing all indie drummers. In what is regarded as a legal test case, Campbell is seeking compensation from an entire generation of drummers for stealing his unique style. The basis of Campbell's case is that his style is so complex it does not stand up to musical scrutiny and is therefor an independent artform.
"I'm not saying what bands like The Stone Roses did wasn't valid musically, but they wouldn't have made a penny if I had been able to drum properly"... Campbell.
Putting on the Writs
Many Tree songs have been ripped-off over the years here are just some that are currently fighting their way through the courts.
Trees v Weller:
The Jams angry frontman stole "Funeral Pyre" from The Trees' "Too Many Days in the Foyer". Weller even sings "pyre" and "fire" in his cockney accent to sound like "foyer". Also, The Jams drummer "Rick" (sounds like "Styx"..) stole the high-hat pattern from Campbell. "He was probably the only drummer around at the time who could get it that much out of time" Campbell says.
Trees v Dodgey :
Blatant rip-off of Daffodil Street on the Dodgey song that sounds like Daffodil Street. "They even had the brassneck to steal Boring Als' trumpet parp" says Ewen.
Trees v The Kane Gang (eighties one-hit wonders) :
These popstars stole "Go for Goal" from under Macphersons nose. "I invented those chords!" stormed a furious Macpherson at the time. Ewen now laughs about it observing "Where are they now, eh?"
Trees v Michael :
Ex-Wham frontman George Michael paid "tribute" to The Trees by "covering" Freedom (brings more peace and a deeper mind). "That thief Michael only got away with it though by changing the tune and all the lyrics" claims Ewen.
Britpop
"Britpop is a label that should really read "Treepop" asserts Tom. "We weren't the Godfathers of Britpop - We were the Godfathers of Britpops' Grandmothers!" All the remaining members of the Trees are currently seeking legal advice on how to sue top band Oasis. "They are just a Trees rip-off" says Ewen "It's amazing - they have Oasis tribute bands now - they are really just tribute bands for a tribute band!"
Much has been made of Oasis and the combustive spark that exists between
the brothers Gallagher. True, the Mancunian five-piece have had their
bust-ups, but have they ever committed the actual fisty-cuffs to tape?
The Great Dictator and McPherson came to blows DURING one vocal take and
the ensuing scuffle was perfectly captured. The band were keen to use
the punches as a percussive solo, but The Great Dictator scrubbed it
fearing legal repercussions. Shades of The Banker solo here, and that
final lead-yanking, heart-breaking, death-knell note.
