Beatles Covers Are Easy To Come By, But A Few Stand Out
Just when you think you’re up to speed on the Beatles . . .
While interviewing local musician Loren Radis – a big Beatles fan himself — I learned of a Beatles tribute album called “In My Life.” Radis told me it featured actors like Robin Williams and Sean Connery. So, of course, when I got back to the office, I had to put off other things and check it out. (Hey — if it’s in the blog, it’s work-related!)
The album was spearheaded by Beatles producer George Martin and featured songs by Martin’s friends, including actors and musicians.
Oh, wonderful YouTube. How I love thee.
Through YouTube, I was able to hear “Come Together” by Robin Williams and Bobby McFerrin.
That was okay. And “In My Life” by Sean Connery was surprisingly not bad, even though it features Connery speaking throughout.
Goldie Hawn does a nice lounge-like version of “A Hard Day’s Night.” But Jim Carrey’s version of “I am the Walrus” is the biggest surprise. As you can see in the video, he really got into it, and it’s that energy — which you’d expect from Carrey — that drives the song.
Of course, there are some terrific Beatles covers — and some really horrible ones. One of my favorites is the Richie Havens version of “Here Comes the Sun.” Stevie Wonder nailed “We Can Work It Out” when he was younger. And, of course, Joe Cocker famously did justice to several Beatles tunes, most notably “With a Little Help From My Friends.”
But my favorite would be “Yesterday” by Ray Charles. I actually put this on a DVD I made made from our old family movies, and I cried the first ten times I saw it.
While I’m talking about “Yesterday,” check out Elvis singing this Paul McCartney classic during a rehearsal.
Meanwhile, for a good collection of Beatles covers, give a listen to the “I Am Sam” soundtrack. The covers on here aren’t all winners, but Rufus Wainright, Aimee Mann and Ben Harper have some good ones on here.
Yeah, yeah — nothing replaces the originals. That’s true. But it’s fun to hear someone else’s take on those great songs.
Posted on August 28th, 2008 by Pat
Filed under: Music
When I was in college, my roommate and I debated the merits of the Beatles vs. the Beach Boys. For whatever reason I said the Beach Boys … I pointed to Pet Sounds and said it was an inspiration for Sgt. Peppers. There Gary! But he persevered. Out debate switched to the Beatles and the Stones. Gary was consistent: The Beatles rocked. Maybe I was just being a contrarian. Or maybe I was showing my musical ignorance. But the reality is the Beatles rocked … and always ROCKED. Sure, some of the tunes haven’t held up … but their catalog by and large will stand the test of time. In 100 years people who aren’t even born will rediscover the Fabs and cover their tunes.
How many bands have released an album that other bands have covered in their entirety?
I’m not talking one song, the whole dang album.
Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band
The Bee Gees (terrible) and Big Daddy (pretty good, swing and early rock and roll renditions). I also hear that BBC2 has put out a collection of artists covering the album.
[...] said, There are some great covers out there. I recently discussed some of my favorite Beatles covers. Here are some of my favorite non-Beatles [...]
[...] public links >> jamesbond James Bond Does the Beatles First saved by nakkje | 2 days ago James Bond package from$USD900 First saved by kasda | 9 [...]
I really love the James Bond movies. One of the best was the man with the golden gun. There the James Bond Rock was really impressive, in nature it isn’t so special in my opinion.