Music Blog

Feb Fab Faux Four #8

Nancy's Notes 🖊️🎶

WARNING: THIS BLOG WAS NOT CREATED FOR BEATLEMANIACS!
If you’re on the fence about the Beatles or if you just don’t like them,
this blog is for you. My goal is not to convert you; it’s to expose you
to the lesser-known Beatles songs we don’t hear day in and day out.
These great tunes will show you just how amazing the Beatles are.
Of course, if you are a Beatles fan, pull up a chair and enjoy the tunes!

© Misky

Welcome to Week 2 of Feb Fab Faux Four!

There are so many things I like about the music the Beatles made; one thing you see a lot of that isn’t very prominent in other popular music is key and tempo changes multiple times throughout an entire piece. This song is a prime example of that.

Today’s song has long been a favorite of mine and I just happened upon the cover version by doing one of the things I do best …. listening to music while driving in my car. As soon as I heard it I knew I was going to include it in my blog; it’s a very bluesy, jazzy, Gershwin-esque piece and I liked it because that’s just the kind of hairpin I am.

Let’s see what you think.

As usual, starting off is the original …. the Beatles with “Girl”

🪲

This is the Joe Jackson Trio with “Girl”

Many of you will remember Joe Jackson for his 1978 pop song “Is She Really Going Out With Him”. He’s an interesting-bordering-on-quirky dude and an accomplished classically trained musician as you heard in the cover piece. I thought it was quite edgy/jazzy/bluesy. I’m sort of a George Gershwin freak and I heard a lot of Gershwin in this remake.

So….. What’s the verdict? Two very different styles of a solid Beatles song. I liked them both for very different reasons and for me, I’m calling this one a draw. Kudos to Joe Jackson for his creativity and musicianship.

I think we’re long overdue for a little Motown; I’ll have to rectify that tomorrow.

See you on the flip side. 😎

NAR©2024

PS – If any video won’t play for you, I’ve provided the name of the song and who did it so you can find it on YouTube. It’s a pain in the ass but it does happen from time to time. My apologies.

This portfolio (including text, graphics and videos) is copyright for The Sicilian Storyteller, The Elephant’s Trunk and The Rhythm Section and is not for use by anyone without permission. NAR © 2017-present.

26 thoughts on “Feb Fab Faux Four #8”

  2. I was thinking the same as Fandango. I love Joe’s version. The Beatles is lovely, of course. But this cover is understated in the music (but says so much) and yes, very Gershwinesque. I really like it! No. I love it. (Glad I waited till I could listen to it properly at home! Sorry, I’m late. 🙂 )

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    Reply

    1. With a comment like that you can take all the time you want to answer! There’s no such thing as being late here.

      Gershwin is a musical god to me; when I pass by the building where he lived in Manhattan overlooking the Hudson River, I’m tempted to make the sign of the cross and genuflect.

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      1. I hear ya. But I did fall behind on all the blogs I read so my inbox was rather ridiculous. I hate when I do that to myself coz I feel the need to go back and catch up.

        That said, love me some Gershwin, too. You’re so funny!

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  7. I agree with you on this – a draw. Two very different versions, but a lot to like about both. The Joe Jackson one wasn’t available but, as you say, was easily found on YouTube. Joe also had a hit here with “It’s Different For Girls” – he clearly had them on his mind 😊

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    1. I’m thrilled you like this one, Clive, and agree it’s a draw.

      It’s a struggle finding real quality covers that aren’t copycat versions. That’s why I liked Gary U.S. Bonds’ remake. And I refuse to do tribute bands! We need more top notch remakes like this one.

      Thanks! Your comments are always appreciated!

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  9. I really enjoy Joe Jackson’s cover version of this song. When I listen to the Beatles’ original, I tend to focus more on the music and arrangement and don’t pay as much attention to the lyrics. However, when I listen to Joe Jackson’s cover, I find myself really listening to the lyrics and appreciating their meaning more.

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    1. I definitely see your point, Fan; Joe Jackson certainly has a way of pulling the listener in. His singing of the lyrics was commanding; of course, a lot had to do the eloquent way he played the piano. I always listen to the Beatles lyrics but this cover was special.

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