Skip to main content

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.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Forgotten Gems Of Rock Opera

  Beyond Tommy and Queen: The Forgotten Gems of Rock Opera When we hear the term rock opera, the mind rushes to The Who’s Tommy or Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody. These iconic works set the bar for theatrical storytelling in rock, blending narrative arcs with sonic drama. But the history of rock opera is far more sprawling — and littered with hidden gems, misunderstood masterpieces, and B-side anthems that echo with raw storytelling power. Today, we dive into the lesser-known world of rock operas that dared to go big — and sometimes got lost in the noise. What Is a Rock Opera, Really? Rock operas are more than just concept albums. They're musical stories with characters, plots, and themes that unfold across an album — or even several. Unlike a concept album, which might explore a theme, a rock opera tells a story. Born in the late '60s and nurtured through the '70s and beyond, the genre blended the rebellious energy of rock with the theatrical weight of opera. But while Tommy an...
Post a Comment
Read more

Barking at the Moon: A Tribute to Ozzy Osbourne

  🖤 Barking at the Moon: A Tribute to Ozzy Osbourne The Day the Darkness Fell Silent Today, the rock world bows its head. Ozzy Osbourne—the Prince of Darkness, the bat-biting bard, the voice of the damned and the beloved—has taken his final bow. But in truth, a legend like Ozzy never really leaves us. His riffs still echo in our bones, his howls still haunt our headphones, and his B-sides—those brilliant, buried gems—still pulse with electric life. Ozzy wasn’t just a frontman. He was the frontman. The one who blurred the line between madness and magic, chaos and catharsis. From the graveyard stomp of Black Sabbath’s early days to the soaring solo anthems that followed, Ozzy didn’t just sing rock—he was rock. The B-Side of the Prince Here at HiddenGems, we shine a light on the often-forgotten corners of rock ‘n’ roll. And few artists left behind such a treasure chest of underrated power as Ozzy. Let’s crack it open and remember him through five of his lesser-known, but no less migh...
Post a Comment
Read more

When Faith and Music Collide

  Rock’s Spiritual Side: When Faith and Music Collide Introduction – When Rock Music Gets Spiritual Rock music has always been associated with rebellion, excess, and pushing boundaries. But beneath the wild stage antics, driving guitar riffs, and anthemic choruses, some of the most iconic rock artists have explored themes of faith, redemption, and spirituality. Whether questioning existence, drawing from gospel traditions, or outright embracing religious themes, rock music has a surprising history of diving into the sacred. From U2’s soaring hymns to Black Sabbath’s unexpected musings on faith, and even hidden B-sides that carry deep spiritual weight, this journey through rock’s spiritual side proves that faith and music collide in fascinating ways. And with Easter weekend upon us, what better time to explore these hidden gems? 1. Rock Legends Who Touched on Faith Even bands that don’t identify as religious have created songs that explore spirituality, redemption, and belief. These...
Post a Comment
Read more