Not so sure. Candy was a real life Clarinet player. Eugene Levy is a multi instrumentalist. I would wager this was an actual recorded session. @@mplsmark222
@4stringz Weird Al already had a few small novelty hits before this skit. By the time this skit was released, "Eat It" video was probably just coming out, a massive hit record, which made him a household name.
As a second generation Polish American this reminds me so much of early memories, of family weddings and such. The goofy attire, the Polka music blaring for hours as the food was devoured and the booze flowed.....hehehe. I love this!!
I always called this "Saturday morning going to the mall music." Because my father would play the local country station, which on Saturday morning would play polka music all morning.
For those of us who grew up in the 60's and had to endure the Lawrence Welk show when visiting the grandparents, the Schmenges provided just the right level of irony. If you're new to SCTV, this is just the tip of the iceberg -- there are many more gems to discover. Unfortunately, unless you were old enough and paying attention in the early 80's, a lot of topical references will be lost on you. A favorite moment: the Poochare dog food commercial. Now, that's comedy!
To get to the Wonderful World of Disney on Sunday night, first you had to get through Welk. He was like friggin' Cerberus, guarding the gates of the underworld.
I never got the Polka thing with that generation. Was it from the war generation being over there and hearing and dancing to it and then bringing it back here? Although of course it was here already but surely not as popular. I just never could understand the Lawerence Welk love. I grew up in the 70s and still remember it being on their tv a lot.
As a 60 yr old Canadian, I loved this show as a teen. And this episode with John and Eugene doing the bros and entertaining us with their version of Billy Jean. It can't be surpassed.
The video at 3:35 is as funny today as it was back then. A total parody of early MTV videos. This is why SCTV was so great: cutting edge then, timeless today.
Yosh Smenge and Stan Smenge introduce me to New Wave music and I was being big fan for many, many years. I remember well first time hearing "Power To The Punk People Polka." Is still being favorite in my collection!
The Schmenge brothers routine was created when SCTV was filming in Edmonton. The inspiration was a local cable show "Gaby Hass Barndance. You can hear some of this music if you search Gaby Haas.
With Clarence Ploof on guitar. The ITV Studios were not far from our house on 51st Avenue and I would occasionally see them filming outside. I saw Mrs. Falbo twice
SCTV was the best when it was a CBC production, what a great cast in the late 70's. I grew up on the Canadian border so CBC was part of our local cable package. Original cast John Candy, Joe Flaherty, Eugene Levy, Andrea Martin, Catherine O'Hara, Harold Ramis, and Dave Thomas. I loved SNL, but this show was much funnier, much more original too. RIP Harold Ramis, John Candy.
I miss john candy so much just listening to him talk and live made me feel everything in the world was alright in the words of john candy when the world gets you down MAMBOOO
I used to love SCTV as a kid...good old fashioned comedy with no judgement...RIP John Candy...one of the greats!! Eugene Levy is no slouch either, great body of work!
When I was a kid SCTV re-runs ran on the WB at (if I remember correctly) 8pm and the 1970's SNL came on Nick-at-Nite the following hour. While I did enjoy those early SNL shows, to me, SCTV was flat out superior and far more original! To this day, John Candy is my favorite actor/entertainer!
First saw SCTV on Saturday night at 11pm on WOR channel 9 out of NYC. I lived in north Jersey. Stopped watching SNL years ago but never get tired on SCTV👍‼️
Copy that, Voidster, SNL seriously walked the plank, but SCTV rocks eternal! Blessings on both New York and New Jersey… hope you are doing well now, four years later! - “Peace, Love and Understanding” my friend!
Sadly, one of those talents was not pretending to play instruments they’ve never used before. John Candy did pretty good, but Eugene was holding the accordion completely still.
(8/31/18) The Shmenges see a trend, and jump on it. As I write this, it's a little weird to me that the "New Wave" part of this seems to be so much more dated than the "Polka" part of it. Next to their tribute to the great Lutonian film composer, John Williams, this is my favorite episode of "The Happy Wanderers," ever. (The mash-up of "Billie Jean" and "Clarinet Polka" is beyond brilliant.)
Right around the time this was produced I used to play in a band like that, as a drummer...this is not so far removed from the truth. Brilliant, as always.
I was in South Africa about three years ago for New Years, and there was an event at a large hall with tables where people brought their own food and there was a dance floor in the middle, and I swear, there were some Boers (white farmers) that looked and dressed exactly like these people in this skit. I thought i had been transported back in time.
In case the Shmenge brothers wonder....The best Cabbage rolls come from Serbia. We call them SARMA. Sarma rules! These guys were too funny! Thanks for posting!
Back in the late 1970s I was hooked on Saturday Night Live on NBC that had some similarities in presenting sketch comedy. I had only heard of SCTV, never watched it. At the same time I was managing a real-life punk band that was known for its snark, featuring a lead singer dressed as a priest. As a gag I SWEAR I proposed that the band bring in an accordion and incorporate a speed-influenced polka beat into one of their songs. It sounded like hell. Only the Shmenge Brothers could pull if off back in the day.
I've never seen this sketch before until now. I have the box sets but I have been accustomed to seeing the syndicated episodes of SCTV, especially the last season. Only until it ever is released on DVD will we get the whole picture. For now, we must scour TH-cam for every possible segment from that season. Thank you so much.
Those Shmenge brothers were a class act AND world-class musicians to boot! They could play ANY style of music. No kidding! They could've put out a Heavy Metal album OR even a Hardcore Punk album and been WELL respected for it! That's the level of talent we're dealing with here folks! Also,Cabbage rolls and coffee (make sure it's black with NO cream or sugar!) just can't be beat! They go together like peanut butter and jelly!
That would be great! Also an album of Black Metal Polka would be killer as well. I think that their drummer could easily handle some nice blast beats,too!
I could see PBS playing this and asking for money. Lawrence Welk plays New Wave. Just watched this a second time and I'm rolling, Power To The Pod People! SCTV does my favorite music New Wave. awesome!
This is the first time they actually played the tunes they were paying tribute to. Usually it sounds exactly like the same polkas over and over, which was the joke.
What do you mean "nefarios"? Those were Yosh and Stan's fans, come to hear the polka, do some dancin', and enjoy some delicious cabbage rolls and coffee - mmm mmm good!
"And quite the bowler too, I'll tell you that. Mr. Spare they called him". 😂😂 The lady said "Mr. Spare" and started laughing, John had to turn his head and laugh hahaha.
Genius. Only SCTV had the creative control, and the length of skits... that SNL didn’t. They had ingenuous makeup, talent and they will always be legends in comedy.
@rbairos1 Not to mention, the famous accordian player and polka king Frankie Yankovic 1915-1998. Weird Al Yankovic is not related to Frankie, BUT he did perform on Frankie's final album playing "Who Stole The Kishka?"
I wish I had some cabbage rolls and coffee to enjoy while I watch this.
um um good!
Crabby Old Gamer They're nothing to sneeze at!
I chuckled :)
I'll speak with Mrs. Vilve Yachke about the cabbage rolls and coffee.
Crabby Old Gamer Cabbage rolls and coffee! You just can't beat it!
God they were so great together. John Candy is sorely missed. SCTV is gold.
Just what I needed in January 2025!!! Miss John Candy ❤️
When tv didn't push narratives.
I miss this . R.I.P. Mr Candy .you are missed.
Gotta love how every song, even Billy Jean, ends with "shave and a haircut, two bits" lol
Yes! And in a minor key like the song!😂😂😂
That rendition of "Billie Jean" was actually really good!
These guys were a lot of fun, we need some more of this in today's world...
We will never see the likes of these brilliant actors/writers again.
@@nadyarossi5102 Agreed!
Even though Eugene and John were mimicking, the band behind them were real professionals. I love the Shmenges. Cabbage rolls and coffee, umm umm good.
Not so sure. Candy was a real life Clarinet player. Eugene Levy is a multi instrumentalist.
I would wager this was an actual recorded session.
@@mplsmark222
Somewhere in a small suburban home, a young Albert Yankovich watches this clip and his life is instantly transformed.
@4stringz Weird Al already had a few small novelty hits before this skit. By the time this skit was released, "Eat It" video was probably just coming out, a massive hit record, which made him a household name.
Alfred, but who’s counting?
Yeah sounds like the time line is a little off for that. They were probably influenced by the same things though given the similarities.
This is like 1982/83. Weird Al had My Bologna & Another One Rides The Bus BEFORE this aired
As a second generation Polish American this reminds me so much of early memories, of family weddings and such. The goofy attire, the Polka music blaring for hours as the food was devoured and the booze flowed.....hehehe. I love this!!
I always called this "Saturday morning going to the mall music." Because my father would play the local country station, which on Saturday morning would play polka music all morning.
Now that's just typical!
Been there - heard that!
In Maquoketa Iowa they still have a daily Polka hour on KMAQ. 1100 to Noon
crushercathy69 I'm there with you. Can't stop laughing
For those of us who grew up in the 60's and had to endure the Lawrence Welk show when visiting the grandparents, the Schmenges provided just the right level of irony. If you're new to SCTV, this is just the tip of the iceberg -- there are many more gems to discover. Unfortunately, unless you were old enough and paying attention in the early 80's, a lot of topical references will be lost on you. A favorite moment: the Poochare dog food commercial. Now, that's comedy!
Nog Nog thats exactly what happened to me. my grandparents only got one channel. wonderful wonderful.
Nog Nog Yes!!! Grandparents on Sunday night. The TV was so loud echoing on the paneled walls !!!!
To get to the Wonderful World of Disney on Sunday night, first you had to get through Welk. He was like friggin' Cerberus, guarding the gates of the underworld.
I never got the Polka thing with that generation. Was it from the war generation being over there and hearing and dancing to it and then bringing it back here? Although of course it was here already but surely not as popular. I just never could understand the Lawerence Welk love. I grew up in the 70s and still remember it being on their tv a lot.
Edith Pricklys organ emporium!
Man, oh man, John Candy is really, really missed.
A Flock of Schmenge!
Space Age Love Polka.
They, Happily, wandered, so far, away, in a "New Wave" sort of way.
Eugene Levy and John Candy. What a duo!
It's good to see that so many people appreciate what these two created
Stan and Yosh walked the path so Weird Al could run.
Long live SCTV! Best sketch show of ALL time.
Too much talent for one show! SNL wishes it could be this inventive and funny
SNL stopped being funny when it went full liberal.
I generally agree, but I think The Shmenges do owe a little something to the "Wild and Crazy guys" characters from SNL.
SNL will never be as good as SCTV.
@@fjccommish LOL You're a joke.
@Duke Of Prunes Duke, duke, duke, duke of prunes, prunes, prunes, duke of prunes...R.I.P ZAPPA.
As a 60 yr old Canadian, I loved this show as a teen. And this episode with John and Eugene doing the bros and entertaining us with their version of Billy Jean. It can't be surpassed.
60 year old American agrees!!!!!
Agreed!
As does this 60 year old American. :D
The clarinet flourish on Billy Jean always gets me.
+mistermalta And John actually plays it. He took clarinet when he was a child.
+John Boutet wow leave it to john candy to always inspire and amazing me even all these years later I used to play clarinet in school to :P
@@gravedigr12 it's not" John Boutet ", what's wrong with you?
Power to the the punk people , is a stone cold groove!
I start cracking up when they say "I'm Yosh Schmenge" " And I'm Stan SCHMENGE " and it just gets more hysterical ...
"Elvis Costell...I think they mean Presley." "Ya, that's a typo."
There’s only one Elvis. 😂
The video at 3:35 is as funny today as it was back then. A total parody of early MTV videos. This is why SCTV was so great: cutting edge then, timeless today.
Yosh Smenge and Stan Smenge introduce me to New Wave music and I was being big fan for many, many years. I remember well first time hearing "Power To The Punk People Polka." Is still being favorite in my collection!
Don't forget to look up, the queen haters. I hate the bloody Queen. In honor of QE2. SCTV greatest hits
I listen to that album while enjoying some cabbage rolls and coffee.
The Schmenge brothers routine was created when SCTV was filming in Edmonton. The inspiration was a local cable show "Gaby Hass Barndance. You can hear some of this music if you search Gaby Haas.
my dad played a few gigs with gaby haas! we never missed that tv show when i was a kid.
Gaby Haus...such memories
With Clarence Ploof on guitar. The ITV Studios were not far from our house on 51st Avenue and I would occasionally see them filming outside. I saw Mrs. Falbo twice
Apparently, Guy Caballero was a huge fan of The Happy Wanderers & Shmenges, but deeply resented their calculated move toward New Wave.... 😎
I never liked the guy's policies, but I respected him! Because he was in a wheelchair.
@@John_McDonnell except when he got up and walked around for a while.😁
SCTV was the best when it was a CBC production, what a great cast in the late 70's. I grew up on the Canadian border so CBC was part of our local cable package. Original cast John Candy, Joe Flaherty, Eugene Levy, Andrea Martin, Catherine O'Hara, Harold Ramis, and Dave Thomas. I loved SNL, but this show was much funnier, much more original too. RIP Harold Ramis, John Candy.
+Valentine Valentine Amazingly, I saw SCTV on Buffalo's PBS station.
I noticed CBET in Windsor had it. th-cam.com/video/ZcZwzVLsBsg/w-d-xo.html
Irish Tino so agree!
@@ChristopherSobieniak That's where I watched it, from the other side of the Detroit River.
I'm sorry you've been scarred for life by the CBC and SCTV, Blame Canada.
NEVER has there been a better version of Flock of Seagulls-EVER. XD
What a song choice. "Wishing".
Haha, I know@@dougie0109
"That, of course, was from The Flock of the Seagulls." That made me laugh so hard when I first saw it that I'll never forget it.
"Elvis... should be Presley" "Yeah that's a typo". LOL!
Robert Rushton very clever joke that most people miss.
There's rhythm in my lederhosen.
New Wave Polka Punk needs to be a real genre.
Only needs Elvis Costello to rewrite Pump It Up in the idiom and it will on for young and old
Check out Polkacide, an SF polka punk band, and the Missing fingers version of Pump it Up... it is a genre....
Damn!
Weird Al
I'm CIA weird al yancovic
I miss john candy so much just listening to him talk and live made me feel everything in the world was alright in the words of john candy when the world gets you down MAMBOOO
This is not John Candy and Eugene Levy. This is the real Shmenge Brothers who are without a doubt the Polka Gods.
I love how they play these songs with such joy.
In a minor key😂 for Billie Jean
I used to love SCTV as a kid...good old fashioned comedy with no judgement...RIP John Candy...one of the greats!! Eugene Levy is no slouch either, great body of work!
When I was a kid SCTV re-runs ran on the WB at (if I remember correctly) 8pm and the 1970's SNL came on Nick-at-Nite the following hour. While I did enjoy those early SNL shows, to me, SCTV was flat out superior and far more original! To this day, John Candy is my favorite actor/entertainer!
That version of Billie Jean is actually 🔥. Get it tuba player!
First saw SCTV on Saturday night at 11pm on WOR channel 9 out of NYC. I lived in north Jersey. Stopped watching SNL years ago but never get tired on SCTV👍‼️
Copy that, Voidster, SNL seriously walked the plank, but SCTV rocks eternal! Blessings on both New York and New Jersey… hope you are doing well now, four years later!
- “Peace, Love and Understanding” my friend!
The Schmenges were a great act to showcase John and Eugene's hidden talents!
Sadly, one of those talents was not pretending to play instruments they’ve never used before. John Candy did pretty good, but Eugene was holding the accordion completely still.
(8/31/18)
The Shmenges see a trend, and jump on it.
As I write this, it's a little weird to me that the "New Wave" part of this seems to be so much more dated than the "Polka" part of it.
Next to their tribute to the great Lutonian film composer, John Williams, this is my favorite episode of "The Happy Wanderers," ever.
(The mash-up of "Billie Jean" and "Clarinet Polka" is beyond brilliant.)
Pretty good rendition of Michael Jackson's Billie Jean. Well done, Shmenge Bros.! :)
The flock of Seagulls cover at the end is rocking!
BRILLIANT! God I miss SCTV and the 80s!
The Flock Of the Seagulls - Wishing (If I Had a Photograph of You)
Thank YOU !!! It was coming to me but, not fast enough.
Lmfao surprised to see you here
.....or something to remind me.
th-cam.com/video/opkzgLMH5MA/w-d-xo.html
the 12ga king is a polka fan!
I bet Devo saw this sketch and did a Muzak album, thanks for posting!
They were one of my favorite acts on SCTV. That show was way better than the SNL of today.
Right around the time this was produced I used to play in a band like that, as a drummer...this is not so far removed from the truth. Brilliant, as always.
Music doesn't get any better than this. What a duo!!!
Smokey Robertson and Bruce Springfield.
KILLER😂
"Bruce Spring...ville..."
I was in South Africa about three years ago for New Years, and there was an event at a large hall with tables where people brought their own food and there was a dance floor in the middle, and I swear, there were some Boers (white farmers) that looked and dressed exactly like these people in this skit. I thought i had been transported back in time.
LOL
Alex Droessler It was actually pretty awesome!
was expecting a Tex and Edna Boil's organ emporium commmercial
In case the Shmenge brothers wonder....The best Cabbage rolls come from Serbia. We call them SARMA. Sarma rules!
These guys were too funny! Thanks for posting!
No, I'm sorry. Mrs. Vilve Yachke makes the best cabbage rolls and coffee.
Man oh man their new wave is now complete oldies. Man how time flies, I miss this old comedy when it was still funny
Absolutely top tier comedy, especially since some of us grew up with these guys and the songs too.
I lost it when Candy was reading Duran Duran's name from that note in his pocket..
Oh my goodness. This segment must have taken a tremendous amount of time to put together.
Stan flubbed a line near the end, but that fit right into this show.
Why have I never seen this? It is unadulterated genius.
the highlight of this for me personally is the flock of seagulls song. haha...that's an 80s home run.
I'd buy that album.
Quite the bowler....they call him Mr. Spare.
lol brilliant
I am so glad it's the original audio. The Star Wars tribute on DVD was eviscerated.
Back in the late 1970s I was hooked on Saturday Night Live on NBC that had some similarities in presenting sketch comedy. I had only heard of SCTV, never watched it. At the same time I was managing a real-life punk band that was known for its snark, featuring a lead singer dressed as a priest. As a gag I SWEAR I proposed that the band bring in an accordion and incorporate a speed-influenced polka beat into one of their songs. It sounded like hell. Only the Shmenge Brothers could pull if off back in the day.
SCTV put out some of the greatest comedians of all time........
Sure miss them days.....
Why am I immediately craving cabbage rolls? 😳
The growths on Candy’s forehead and Levy’s cheek were perfect. The most criminally underrated comedy troupe and tv show of all time.
This is still one of the funniest things I've ever seen.
This is The Ultimate Choice....SCTV
Many videos exist, with this exact sound/format.
Most are from Russia, the cultural translation tries reeeel hard.
I've never seen this sketch before until now. I have the box sets but I have been accustomed to seeing the syndicated episodes of SCTV, especially the last season. Only until it ever is released on DVD will we get the whole picture. For now, we must scour TH-cam for every possible segment from that season. Thank you so much.
I was trying to remember Smengie awesome memories. That one came on squatter's row with 12V battery wish I would of known about Yiddish.
Do.... Rash-Closer to the heart polka!!!! next
Those Shmenge brothers were a class act AND world-class musicians to boot! They could play ANY style of music. No kidding! They could've put out a Heavy Metal album OR even a Hardcore Punk album and been WELL respected for it! That's the level of talent we're dealing with here folks! Also,Cabbage rolls and coffee (make sure it's black with NO cream or sugar!) just can't be beat! They go together like peanut butter and jelly!
Yeah, and here's their full story of Yosh and Stan. th-cam.com/video/5TfhlJqWv7w/w-d-xo.html
That would be great! Also an album of Black Metal Polka would be killer as well. I think that their drummer could easily handle some nice blast beats,too!
LOVE IT!!!!!!! MY GRANDPARENTS LOVE THE LAWRENCE AELM SHOW AND WE WERE SUBJECTED TO IT! THIS AAS AWESOME! THANKS!
They played "Billy Jean"...polka style
I could see PBS playing this and asking for money. Lawrence Welk plays New Wave. Just watched this a second time and I'm rolling, Power To The Pod People! SCTV does my favorite music New Wave. awesome!
This is the first time they actually played the tunes they were paying tribute to. Usually it sounds exactly like the same polkas over and over, which was the joke.
So I've always wondered: who assembled their live audience, and under what nefarious pretext?
What do you mean "nefarios"? Those were Yosh and Stan's fans, come to hear the polka, do some dancin', and enjoy some delicious cabbage rolls and coffee - mmm mmm good!
Wish I was back in the day when I was watching this real time weekly...
LOL!!!!!! I do remember this!!!!! SCTV were sharp in parodying music videos, movies, tv shows, etc....they had an eye in editing and producing skits..
"And quite the bowler too, I'll tell you that. Mr. Spare they called him". 😂😂
The lady said "Mr. Spare" and started laughing, John had to turn his head and laugh hahaha.
I only got to see a few of the Cinemax SCTV shows, so this clip is particularly appreciated. Also enjoyed the reading the comments below! :)
🇺🇦💪🏼🇺🇦
I don’t know if I’ve ever seen anything so perfect in my 57 years on this earth!!!!😂😂😂😂😂
(The video helps makes the money)
I always loved SCTV!!!
Oh yeah. SCTV also gave us The Queen Haters!
Omg this is too good to be true. I’ve been to weddings like this.
This is hot ! I want to get into the Shmenge-Groove right now (they are so on the edge with their sound & funky dance) !
Cabbage rolls and coffee provided by Mrs. Vilve Yachke
+Christian Bittar Mmm Mmm Good!
And here we are, thirty years later. Kind of prophetic.
dear God I love you SCTV
Just imagine all the hits they'd be making now. Gangsta polka, mumble polka, there's literally nothing that they couldn't make mmm mmm good.
All good tings do come to an end. The Schmenge's retired while they were still at the on top of the polka world.
I'm having a nightmare.
love that each tune ends on a 'shave and a haircut' flourish.
Awesome! SCTV What a creative group about as funny and clever as it gets.
Boy I miss this show! One of my favourite shows ever!!!!!!!
I guess the music is supposed to be intentionally bad, but I actually enjoy it.
Every popular song sounds better as a polka.
I wonder why Schmenge fever never took off!
phildirt3 they were on letterman
I always loved these skits!
Brilliant in their simplicity.
Genius. Only SCTV had the creative control, and the length of skits... that SNL didn’t. They had ingenuous makeup, talent and they will always be legends in comedy.
I am in the third Row...with the Alpine Hat..
@rbairos1 Not to mention, the famous accordian player and polka king Frankie Yankovic 1915-1998. Weird Al Yankovic is not related to Frankie, BUT he did perform on Frankie's final album playing "Who Stole The Kishka?"
Is this where weird al got his idea to do this with his accordion mixes on his albums? lol