The song ‘Calling Occupants Of Interplanetary Craft’ was originally released in 1976 by a band called Klaatu.
John Woloschuk, a member of Klaatu and one of the song’s composers, has said:
“The idea for this track was suggested by an actual event that is described in The Flying Saucer Reader, a book by Jay David published in 1967. In March 1953 an organization known as the “International Flying Saucer Bureau” sent a bulletin to all its members urging them to participate in an experiment termed “World Contact Day” whereby, at a predetermined date and time, they would attempt to collectively send out a telepathic message to visitors from outer space. The message began with the words…”Calling occupants of interplanetary craft!”
The song would open night transmission of the pirate radio station Radio Caroline.
I have known and loved the song for years but I have only ever know the cover version of it by The Carpenters which was recorded a year later and reached the top 10 in the UK and Canada, and charted at number 1 in Ireland.
The reason for this track coming back to mind is because I am a huge fan of American Horror Story and this song features on the soundtrack to the new season.
How do they compare? Well, I love Karen Carpenter’s voice – it’s so beautiful. So, their version is far and away the winner for me!
What do you think? How does this cover version live up to the original?
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