This is five star work from Rick Moranis and the SCTV gang. The vocal style and arrangements, the musical arrangements, and especially Rick’s mannerisms while performing perfectly capture the un-ironic middle of the road singers from the late 1960s into the early 1980s.
The funny thing is, this material isn't middle-of-the-road at all. Amazingly, it actually achieves the exact soothing effect those singers were going for--especially in the brilliantly-chosen setting of the park. It's totally punk rock that Rick embraced this archetype and actually brought out the best in it while simultaneously being hilarious. The fact that it's funny is actually what makes it so soothing, I think. It's completely non-neurotic precisely because it's so wonderfully ridiculous. And it reminds me a lot of the the "Crosby, Nash, Stills and Young" bit they did (also on the Gerry Todd Show) with the surprise of Flaherty's perfect Bing Crosby singing "White Christmas" over the angsty counterculture rock music. It's a divine moment that carries the same energy Tom Monroe does, where all forms of judgmental neurosis are nullified by pure, freeing silliness which absolutely refuses to be taken seriously. It teaches us the secret that Tom Monroe and Bing are actually the hippest of all, because unlike the strident angry hippies, or the kind of crytpo-Puritan hipsters who'd inflate their egos by dissing lounge singers and "square culture" in general, these figures of fun _truly do not give a fuck,_ and they give you permission not to either. SCTV was glorious, especially in this era.
I guess you could say that Rick Moranis was the original Richard Cheese. Seems like 'Lounge against the Machine' might just owe SCTV some royalty checks.
The "Tom Monroe" rendition of "Downtown" was filmed in Leduc, Alberta which is about 20 miles south of Edmonton--SCTV to cut costs filmed in Edmonton so it wasn't a "stretch" for them to go on location to film in Leduc
It's ... clearly not him ... that's why it's funny - horrible lip syncing... In the other bit when it's a group they really do sing. But in this one - nope.
2:06 Hearing that piano intro, I was really hopin' for a cover of "What a Fool Believes" by the Doobie Brothers... I guess I was fooled (or Rick-Moranis-Rolled)
SCTV never had big budgets or big stars. Most of the cast wrote and performed their own stuff on a shoestring budget. That might be the reason it worked so well: they couldn't afford to churn out crap. SNL could never hold a candle to SCTV.
I recommend not watching these. Theses songs will get seriously stuck in your head and 2 weeks after playing this you'll find yourself riding a motorcycle down a twisty road on Vancouver island singing Turning Japanese in the style of Tom Monroe.
He should've done a lot more of these.
Yes I agree 👍💯
He should also have teamed up with Bill Murray.
There are layers to that Downtown parody. Pure genius.
I love the Michael McDonald background vocals 😊
This is five star work from Rick Moranis and the SCTV gang. The vocal style and arrangements, the musical arrangements, and especially Rick’s mannerisms while performing perfectly capture the un-ironic middle of the road singers from the late 1960s into the early 1980s.
The funny thing is, this material isn't middle-of-the-road at all. Amazingly, it actually achieves the exact soothing effect those singers were going for--especially in the brilliantly-chosen setting of the park. It's totally punk rock that Rick embraced this archetype and actually brought out the best in it while simultaneously being hilarious. The fact that it's funny is actually what makes it so soothing, I think. It's completely non-neurotic precisely because it's so wonderfully ridiculous. And it reminds me a lot of the the "Crosby, Nash, Stills and Young" bit they did (also on the Gerry Todd Show) with the surprise of Flaherty's perfect Bing Crosby singing "White Christmas" over the angsty counterculture rock music. It's a divine moment that carries the same energy Tom Monroe does, where all forms of judgmental neurosis are nullified by pure, freeing silliness which absolutely refuses to be taken seriously. It teaches us the secret that Tom Monroe and Bing are actually the hippest of all, because unlike the strident angry hippies, or the kind of crytpo-Puritan hipsters who'd inflate their egos by dissing lounge singers and "square culture" in general, these figures of fun _truly do not give a fuck,_ and they give you permission not to either. SCTV was glorious, especially in this era.
@@Margatroid
truer words have never been spoken.
Alot of the "dont give a fuck" entertainment is actually projective and pretentious
this should be retitled "proof that SCTV is better than anything that is or ever was"
@Caroline Woodward Not in the eyes of everybody.
@@QuadMochaMatti why would that matter?
Before he started singing, I thought "Downtown" was actually going to be "What A Fool Believes" by The Doobie Brothers.
That’s the joke.
This is one of the funniest things I’ve ever seen.
I feel complete now
Tom Monroe LOL!!!
Amanda Sorrento I’ve never met an Amanda I didn’t like 😄
I’m hypnotized by the way he pronounces “Japanese”
Ja... Bunnies
Japaneece
Same Here 😊
Many uncles in Japan have a Japaniece.
I’m hypnotized by his hair 😂
Still can’t get through a Tom Monroe video without busting up. God bless Rick Moranis!
Same here
0:20 I love that he's walking into the tree
I guess you could say that Rick Moranis was the original Richard Cheese. Seems like 'Lounge against the Machine' might just owe SCTV some royalty checks.
The "Tom Monroe" rendition of "Downtown" was filmed in Leduc, Alberta which is about 20 miles south of Edmonton--SCTV to cut costs filmed in Edmonton so it wasn't a "stretch" for them to go on location to film in Leduc
To this day, the lavender satin jumpsuit/gold satin platform boot combo is a mainstay of male fashion in the greater Edmonton/Leduc region of Alberta.
That would be like driving from Jesup to Ludowici to film.
The unjustly neglected Tom Monroe. Bobby Vinton spoke for a generation. But Tom spoke for eternity.
This wouldn’t be half as funny if Rick Moranis weren’t a genuinely good singer.
It's ... clearly not him ... that's why it's funny - horrible lip syncing...
In the other bit when it's a group they really do sing. But in this one - nope.
@@agnidas5816 He's not singing live in any of the clips but it's definitely his voice. He's just playing up the adult contmeporary/lounge elements.
All of the SCTV cast were masters of comedy. Brilliant. So funny and emotional. Amazing.
I wish there was really a "Tom Monroe: On a New Wavelength" videodisc! LOL!
And I love how "Downtown" has 'Michael McDonald's' backup vocals! HAHA!!
Check out Richard Cheese and Loung Against the Machine. You'll love them.
I'd buy a 5 Neat Guys Album.
@@BigDogCountry "She Does It" is my jam.
@@keithfulkerson I'm partial to "I won't date just any girl around"
@@BigDogCountrySame here, but I really would like to have a Bing Crosby, Stills, and Nash album
Lol, the funny thing is, I think I like these versions better. 😂
featured on The Gerry Todd Show !
“…featured on our next VUDDIOH.”
That was some beautiful vuddeo
Rick Moranis is The Man, The Myth, The Legend
Tom Monroe rules!!!!!
I give him 13 thumbs up!
Michael McDonald singing background vocals on downtown song
2:06 Hearing that piano intro, I was really hopin' for a cover of "What a Fool Believes" by the Doobie Brothers... I guess I was fooled (or Rick-Moranis-Rolled)
Ahhh, but you had Mike McDonald on backing vocal and keyboards!
He really took it to the streets during _Downtown._
its extra funny when you know what they mean by Turning Japanese. My wife is in the kitchen singing to Tom now, lol.
Downtown had to have been part of the Gerry Todd show with the Michael McDonald skit!
when i listen to tom my mind is at ease
Outstanding post. You are my friend.
Brilliant ..... there will never be another 😁
Genius just pure genius.
When I’m getting lucky for the night, I pop on this guy, and I know it’s time for my lady and I to get totally groovy!
Richard cheese needs to give his act back immediately!
Fabulous
Love this song
I would buy an album of Tom's covers. I could only hope there would be his version of 'Love Will Tear Us Apart '.
He sounds like Scott Walker on "Turning Japanese".
Great voice! Yay, Rick.
Tom was better than Pat Boone
I like Tom’s versions as much as the originals
Comedy genius....Canada-style 👍
No doubt this is what inspired Richard Cheese - absolutely hysterical!
Still better the originals. Great EZ muzik
so this is where richard cheese got his inspiration
100%, my friend. Impossible not to see the connection.
Tom Monroe was so influential. Check out that costume he wears in downtown; Bjorn Ulvaeus stole it.
SCTV never had big budgets or big stars. Most of the cast wrote and performed their own stuff on a shoestring budget. That might be the reason it worked so well: they couldn't afford to churn out crap.
SNL could never hold a candle to SCTV.
Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
How am I just seeing this ?! Brilliant ! 🤣👍❤️
He is doing Robert Goulet its perfect.
Bill Murray is going to give him some jealousy noogies!
Bill Murray and Rick Moranis in Ishtar
Tom Monroe is one complete fellow, that’s for sure.
The origin of this nomenclature is saucy.
Crushing Urban Poverty
I too am turning Japaneice.
I Have This On DVD, Classic
Love old SCTV!
Amazing.
Richard Cheese's pop.
I’m listening to The Passenger by Iggy Pop, and wondering why Tom Monroe never covered it. He would’ve nailed it!
Brilliant
Never seen this before. Lmfao!! Timeless comedy
I recommend not watching these. Theses songs will get seriously stuck in your head and 2 weeks after playing this you'll find yourself riding a motorcycle down a twisty road on Vancouver island singing Turning Japanese in the style of Tom Monroe.
I’ve been wanting to go to Vancouver Island, so I’m going to have to disregard your advice and watch this. I appreciate your concern, though.
As awesome as the Vapors song is, this version is 100% better!
Tom Monroe just brings that extra magic.
sheer perfection!!
This is Xanax for me.
I have all this on DVD
😀🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣ahhhhhhh i got it
The intro on 'Downtown' is the intro to a Mike McDonald hit but I can't remember the name of it.
What A Fool Believes
Yes! Was thinking the same thing until moranis started singing
@@neonfrootGood song!
turning japa niece
Da do do do da da do da da da
Doodoodoo 😂
😂‼️
He should of released an album.