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Star Trek parodies and pop culture references (music)edit

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Star Trek parodies and references

The following are examples of music that parodies or references Star Trek.

Contents

[edit] The Aquabats

The Aquabats song "Meltdown!" from their 2005 album Charge!!, features the lyric "I will go to work, just like Captain Kirk."

[edit] Banditos

The 1996 song "Banditos" by The Refreshments references TNG's Captain Jean-Luc Picard in a repeated verse:

Give your ID card to the border guard
Now your alias says you're Captain Jean-Luc Picard
Of the United Federation of Planets
Cause he won't speak English anyway.

[edit] Beastie Boys

Rap act The Beastie Boys' 1998 song "Intergalactic" features the lyric "...Like a pinch on the neck of Mr. Spock".

The song "Ch-Check It Out" also contains several references to Star Trek. Not only does the song contain the lyrics "All you trekkies and TV addicts..." and "All you Klingons in your Grandma's house...", but the video also contains a homage to The Original Series, with the three members of the group dressed as Kirk, Spock and McCoy

The song "Brouhaha", on the same album, contains the following lines:

Communicator check one two one two
This is Bones McCoy on a line to Sulu
Set the bullshit to warp factor one
Check your tri-corder set your phaser to stun

Eleven years later, they would enter Star Trek canon, as young Jim Kirk listened to their song "Sabotage" during his joyride in his stepfather's Corvette in 2009's Star Trek.

[edit] The Chanukah Song

"The Chanukah Song" is a popular holiday song written and performed by actor and comedian Adam Sandler. The song is comprised of a list of celebrities who, like Sandler, are Jewish, with the intent of comforting those who felt isolated during Chanukah by proving that there were others in the world who were also Jewish. Among those celebrities referenced in the first song (two more would follow) are Star Trek: The Original Series stars William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy,

"You don't need 'Deck the Halls' or 'Jingle Bell Rock'
"When you can spin a dreidel with Captain Kirk and Mister Spock –
Both Jewish!"

[edit] Futuristic Sex Robotz

This band did a song called "The Positronic Pimp", extolling the successes of Data, which quotes "Ode to Spot" in response to the lyrics "What does the android have to say about his favorite pussy?"

[edit] JBO

The German Comedy-Metal band "JBO" recorded two songs as a tribute to Star Trek on their record "Laut!" in 1997: "Sound Trek" and "Star Treck".

Translated, the chorus of the latter one means:

Hurra! Hurra! I fly with Picard
I am so Lucky to fly with Jean Luc (which rhymes perfectly in the original song)

"Sound Trek" was a parody based on the German version of the series' intro:

Der Weltall... unendliche Breiten. Dies sind die Abenteuer der Rockband JBO, die sich auf den Weg macht, um fremde Mädchen zu entdecken, unbekannte Lebensformen ... und was ihnen sonst noch so über den Weg läuft. JBO trinkt dabei ein ... oder zwei... Bier, nicht?

[edit] Jewel

Folk Singer Jewel's song "Race Car Driver" has a reference to Star Trek.

I'm gonna take you at high warp speed, it's better than watching Star Trek after you'vr smoked weed!

[edit] Nena

99 Luftballons (German)

99 Duesenjaeger
Jeder war ein grosser Krieger
Hielten sich fuer Captain Kirk
Das gab ein grosses Feuerwerk

99 Red Balloons (English)

Everyone's a superhero.
Everyone's a Captain Kirk.
With orders to identify.
To clarify and classify.

[edit] Nerf Herder

The fourth track on the album American Cheese by pop punk group Nerf Herder is entitled "Mr. Spock", and the lyrics contain references to both Star Trek: The Motion Picture and the TOS episode "Arena".

[edit] No Kill I

No Kill I, their opening act: No Kill I: The Next Generation (NKI: TNG), and the second spin off: No Kill I: Deep Space Nine (NKI: DS9), were Star Trek punk bands that played in Trekkies 2.

[edit] External links

[edit] Ookla the Mok

In 2005, the band Ookla the Mok recorded a song using the lyrics from Data's poem for their album, Dave Lennon.

[edit] Phish

  • Rock band Phish wrote and performed a song called "Spock's Brain," although the song has never made it onto any of the band's albums. The song was inspired by the episode and its title was chosen over several other options by a live audience.

[edit] Picard Song

"The Picard Song" is an electronica theme created by DarkMateria. The song's lyrical content is comprised solely from audio samples of dialog from Star Trek: The Next Generation, most of which are lines spoken by Patrick Stewart as Captain Jean-Luc Picard.

Samples Used

- Picard doppelganger ("Allegiance")
  • "The first duty of every Starfleet officer is to the truth…scientific truth, or historical truth, or personal truth. It is the guiding principle on which Starfleet is based. If you can't find it within yourself to stand up and tell the truth…you don't deserve to wear that uniform." ("The First Duty")
  • "This is becoming a speech."
    "You're the captain, sir, you're entitled."
    "Hmm... I'm entitled to ramble on about something everyone knows."
- Picard and Deanna Troi ("Code of Honor")
  • "He just kept talking in one long incredibly unbroken sentence moving from topic to topic so that no-one had a chance to interrupt; it was really quite hypnotic." ("Timescape")
  • "You'll have to call again, I was just leaving. I'm uhh... not dressed properly." ("The Big Goodbye")
  • "My love is a fever, longing still for that which longer nurseth the disease."
    "Tell me more."
    "In faith I do not love thee with mine eyes for they in thee a thousand error see; but 'tis my heart, that loves what they despise, who in despite of view, are pleased to dote, shall I compare thee to a summer's day?"
- Picard and Lwaxana Troi ("Ménage à Troi")
  • "Darmok and Jilad at Tenagra." ("Darmok")
  • "I am Locutus of Borg. You will respond to my questions." ("Descent")
  • "You are Borg. You will assist us." ("I Borg")

The song also makes extensive use of the quotes "Engage", "Captain Jean-Luc Picard of the USS Enterprise", and "Make it so", particularly during the chorus. Since these are spoken by Patrick Stewart in many episodes, it is difficult – if not impossible – to determine the samples' specific episodes of origin.

Usage in Other Media

A "Picard Song" sample is the feature of a popular YTMND page. However, according to the YTMND wiki, "Some users seem to believe that the 'Luc' in 'Jean-Luc' is not spoken in the sound file used for the site. The 'Luc' is present, but it is difficult to hear because of the electronic beats that comprise the percussion of the song. Nevertheless, some users maintain that the 'Luc' is absent." [1]

External Links:

[edit] Paul Gilbert

American guitarist Paul Gilbert, former member of the band Mr. Big, recorded a song called "Mr. Spock" in his 2005 album "Space Ship One". The lyrics are about a person who denies being overcome by emotions. The chorus has the following lyrics:

No I'm not crying, I'm not crying
I don't have time to spend on that
I've got to keep on trying
I'm not crying, I'm not crying
I only want you back
And so I really should be flying
To knock on your door, Mr.Spock is no more

[edit] Q-Continuum

The Finnish funk band Q-Continuum's name pays homage to the world of the Q, by the same name. Some of the band's songs also make reference to the Q. For example "Q Is Comin". They have released two albums as well as some singles and EP's.

[edit] Red Hot Chili Peppers

The Red Hot Chili Peppers song "Californication" mentions that "Space may be the final frontier, but it's made in a Hollywood basement."

[edit] S.P.O.C.K. (Star Pilot On Channel K)

Albums:

  • Five Year Mission (1993)
  • Alien Worlds (1995)
  • A Piece of the Action (1995)
  • Assignment: Earth (1997 and 1998)
  • Earth Orbit: Live (1997)
  • Official Fan Club (1997)
  • S.P.O.C.K: 1999 (1999)
  • 2001: A S.P.O.C.K Odyssey (2001)

[edit] External links

[edit] Semisonic

Semisonic references the TOS episode "Spock's Brain" in the song "Never You Mind" from the album Feeling Strangely Fine.

"...Switch on the box, Mr. Spock is on the table, Dr. McCoy is unable to connect his brain..."

[edit] The Sisters of Mercy

On their website, rock band The Sisters of Mercy write: "Our smoke and lights work together to create moving clouds and shafts of colour. Imagine them as a life-form from the first series of Star Trek. Then imagine having a symbiotic relationship with that life-form. If you don't know what symbiosis is, just imagine having sex. If you don't know what a relationship is, just imagine having sex. If you don't know what sex is, you probably watch too much Star Trek. Oops."[2]

[edit] Star Trek Rhapsody

"Star Trek Rhapsody" is a parody of Queen's song "Bohemian Rhapsody". This song is often incorrectly associated with "Weird Al" Yankovic, but it is actually from a group known as Hillman Morning Show and was written and voiced by the show's co-host Kevin Barbare. Several music videos for the song, including one by the original performer, are widely available on the internet.

[edit] Star Trek: The Lost Episode

Star Trek: The Lost Episode is a radio bit comprised of soundbites from various episodes of Star Trek: The Original Series, edited together to create a "lost episode" in which Captain Kirk and Spock become... intimate. Soundbites of Montgomery Scott are also included. The bit is played by certain radio morning shows nationwide.

The bit begins like this:

Kirk: Captain's Log. Specimen-gathering mission on planet Alfa 177. Mr. Spock is much stronger than the ordinary Human being. Aroused, his great physical strength could kill. But it's a risk I'll have to take.
(Kirk enters Spock's quarters)
Kirk: Is something troubling you, Mr. Spock?
Spock: May I say that I have not thoroughly enjoyed serving with humans? I find their illogic and foolish emotions a constant irritant.
Kirk: Unlike you, we humans are filled with unpredictable emotions.
Spock: Love. Tenderness.
Kirk: Yes. Yes.
Spock: If I seem insensitive to what you're going through, Captain, understand it's the way I am.
Kirk: Don't be afraid. Here's my hand.
Spock: You are beautiful. More beautiful than any dream of beauty I've ever known.
Kirk: What is your point, Mr. Spock?
Spock: I love you... I can love you.
Kirk: Kiss me!
(The love music from the original series plays and a zipper sound effect is heard)
Kirk: Are you out of your mind?
Spock: The prospect seemed quite attractive to you a moment ago.
Kirk: You don't really want to hurt me, do you? Put that thing away.
Spock: No, I don't think so...

As Kirk and Spock continue (complete with screams provided by the "evil" Kirk duplicate from "The Enemy Within"), Scotty interrupts and becomes involved in the proceedings. The bit ends with Kirk depicting in his log that he's seen a part of himself that no man should ever see, after which he tells Spock "Thank you ... from both of us." Both are lines from the end of "The Enemy Within".

One of the radio morning shows that occasionally play this bit is Tommy & Rumble on the Virginia radio station, WNOR (FM99). Tommy & Rumble once played the bit for actor James Doohan (who played Scotty) when he was a guest at the station. According to co-host Rick Rumble, halfway through the bit, Doohan demanded that they "turn that thing OFF!" Rumble stated it was a lot like being on the bridge or in the engine room of the USS Enterprise, being yelled at by "Scotty".

[edit] Star Trekkin'

In 1987, a group called "The Firm" released Star Trekkin', a comedy single based on The Original Series. The song was #1 for two weeks in the UK singles charts. The video featured stop motion animated versions of the cast of The Original Series.

The song's lyrics are made up of parodies or deliberately funny readings of famous lines from The Original Series. For example, the song's chorus includes the line: "Boldly going forward, 'cause we can't find reverse."

[edit] StoVoKor

Klingon metal band seen in Trekkies 2 that sings only in Klingonese.

[edit] External links

[edit] Velvet Acid Christ

Velvet Acid Christ is an electro-industrial band hailing from Denver Colorado. The song "Thought Criminal" from their 1997 release Neuralblastoma contains, among others, lengthy samples of Jonathan Frakes as Commander Riker and Brent Spiner as Lieutenant Commander Data from the TNG episode "Frame of Mind". The samples used are of the characters reciting their lines from the episode's titular play, Frame of Mind.

Velvet Acid Christ have also released several versions of the track "Futile". It contains several samples of the TNG crew's encounter with the Borg. Versions of the song mixed before 1996 have samples taken from the series Star Trek The Next Generation. Versions of the song mixed after 1996 (most notably "Futile (Resisted mix by Funker Vogt)") contain samples from the from the the motion picture Star Trek First Contact including phrases from the Borg as well as dialogue between the Borg Queen and Jean-Luc Picard.

[edit] Voltaire

Voltaire, the Dark Cabaret/Darkwave artist, released an EP called Banned on Vulcan. It was comprised entirely of parodies of various aspects of the Star Trek universe.

[edit] Warp 11

Warp 11 is a rock band that performs humorous songs inspired by Star Trek, with sometimes profane and sexual-related lyrics. They are comprised of four members: "Captain" Karl Miller (lead vocalist and bassist), "Chief Medical Officer" Jeff Hewitt (drummer), "Chief Engineer" Brian Moore (guitarist), and "Chief Science Officer" Kiki Stockhammer (vocalist). The male band members wear torn, short-sleeve versions of the TOS-style Starfleet uniforms.

Warp 11 has released albums since 2000:

  • Suck My Spock (2000)
  • Red Alert (2002)
  • Boldly Go Down on Me (2005)
  • He's Dead, Jim (2007)
  • I Don't Want To Go To Heaven, As Long As They Have Vulcans In Hell (2009)

[edit] External links

[edit] Warp Factor Five

"Warp Factor Five" is a song released by the Christian band Bleach with obvious references to Star Trek.

[edit] We Didn't Start The Series

This song, sung to the tune of "We Didn't Start The Fire" by Billy Joel, was used on local television affiliates during the original run of Star Trek: The Next Generation, to promote the series.

Jean Luc,
Geordi's Specs,
Mysteries on the Holodecks
Asteroids,
Triple Droids,
Telepathic Betazoids
Transporter
Deadly Claw
Visitor from L.A. Law
Photons,
No Kirk,
Captain who has gone berserk
Shuttlecraft,
Counselor Troi,
Doctor Crusher's little boy
Klingon Rites,
Parasites,
New Heights,
Phaser Fights,
Data's Head,
Tasha's Dead,
Riker's Hangin' by a thread
Celebration,
Transformation,
Everyone to battle stations
We didn't start the series,
It's the Next Generation
on your favorite station
We didn't start the series,
But when we are gone it will
still be on and on and on...
We didn't start the series...

[edit] "Weird Al" Yankovic

"Weird Al", the Prince of Parody, has parodied on Star Trek several times in his songs. Some verified references include:

  • "...Suddenly I'm bowling on the Starship Enterprise..."
    • Song: "Stuck In A Closet With Vanna White"
    • Album: Even Worse
  • "...A local radio station had this contest to see who could correctly guess the number of molecules in Leonard Nimoy's butt."
  • "...I'm not even welcome at the Star Trek convention..."
  • "Tell Me Why, I Bid On Shatner's Old Toupee..."
    • Song: "eBay"
    • Album: Poodle Hat
  • "...Seen each Star Trek eighty times..."
    • Song: "Gee, I'm A Nerd"
    • Album: Tour song, never released
  • "Your homemade Star Trek uniform / Really ain't impressin' me"
Additionally, in the music video for this song, the last shot is of Weird Al performing the Vulcan salute.

[edit] Where's Captain Kirk?

"Where's Captain Kirk?" is a song released originally by the punk band SpizzEnergi in 1979 and covered by the band R.E.M. in 1992. The lyrics are about the singer suddenly finding himself aboard the Starship Enterprise.

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