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Beyond the hits.



Beyond the Hits: 5 European B-Sides You Need to Hear

When it comes to rock music, the B-side has always been a space for experimentation, raw energy, and hidden gems that sometimes rival or even surpass their A-side counterparts. While the UK gets a lot of attention for its legendary rock output, the rest of Europe has a deep well of overlooked B-sides that deserve recognition. Here are five must-hear tracks that prove the power of the B-side.


1. Can – "Turtles Have Short Legs" (Germany, 1971)

Can, the pioneers of krautrock, were known for pushing the boundaries of rock with their hypnotic, experimental sound. "Turtles Have Short Legs" is one of their strangest outliers—a funky, offbeat track unlike anything else in their catalog. With its playful groove and absurdist lyrics, it’s a reminder that even an avant-garde band like Can could cut loose and have fun. Released as a B-side to "Halleluwah," it remains a cult favorite among fans of unconventional rock.


2. The Hellacopters – "Tilt City" (Sweden, 1996)

Sweden’s Hellacopters are often hailed as one of the greatest Scandinavian rock bands, bringing a raw, high-energy mix of punk and classic rock influences. "Tilt City," a B-side to their debut album Supershitty to the Max!, captures their relentless speed and attitude. It’s pure garage-rock adrenaline, embodying the DIY ethos that made the band underground legends before they gained wider recognition.



3. Indochine – "Rare B side" (France, 1999)

Indochine is one of France’s most successful rock bands, blending post-punk, new wave, and dark pop elements. While best known for their ’80s hits, their later material delves into more experimental territory. This "Rare B side" is a shadowy, pulsating B-side that shows their ability to evolve while retaining their signature atmospheric sound. A hidden treasure in their deep discography, this track proves that their artistic ambition never faded.



4. Sigur Rós – "Viðrar vel til loftárása" (Iceland, 1999)

Sigur Rós crafts music that feels otherworldly, and "Viðrar vel til loftárása" is no exception. Technically released as a B-side to Svefn-g-englar, this sweeping, cinematic track showcases their signature ethereal post-rock sound. Clocking in at nearly ten minutes, it builds slowly, layering delicate piano, haunting vocals, and explosive crescendos. It’s the kind of track that demands to be experienced, not just heard.



5. Plastic Bertrand – "Pogo Pogo" (Belgium, 1978)

Best known for the punk-pop anthem Ça plane pour moi, Belgium’s Plastic Bertrand had more to offer than just a novelty hit. "Pogo Pogo" is a hidden gem—a hyperactive punk B-side that captures the energy of the late ‘70s punk explosion. Fast, fun, and rebellious, it’s a track that deserved more attention, proving that European punk had just as much bite as its UK and US counterparts.



Why These Tracks Matter

B-sides are where artists experiment, take risks, and sometimes outshine their own hits. These five tracks highlight how European rock bands, across different eras and genres, have used B-sides as a creative playground. Whether it’s the funky weirdness of Can, the high-octane rock of The Hellacopters, or the ethereal beauty of Sigur Rós, each of these songs offers something unexpected and unforgettable.

Got a favorite European B-side that deserves a mention? Drop it in the comments! And don’t forget to check out the full playlist to hear these deep cuts in action.

Follow me on social media for regular updates and sneak peeks into rock’s untold stories and hidden gems. Next week promises to rock so stay tuned.

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