Music Blog

Feb Fab Faux Four #12

Nancy's Notes 🖊️🎶
© Misky

Welcome Back to Feb Fab Faux Four – the only blog (I assume) devoted solely to Beatles cover songs!

Our friend Lisa gave me a suggestion for a group known for their Beatles covers. The name was familiar and was pretty sure they were a tribute band; I will not feature professional tribute bands on this blog. And when you see their album cover, you’ll understand my hesitation and doubt. However, I was wrong; they’re not a tribute band and, believe me, I gave the internet a good search to make sure.

This pop/rock group from Carteret, New Jersey made a name playing their own material, but they have recorded Beatles songs as well and have always had a soft spot for the enthusiasm and zest of British Invasion bands. Their approach to music is twofold: as fans who know it intimately and as composers who know what makes a great song durable.

I have not heard another group play a Beatles’ instrumental piece with such precision. They even perfected Paul’s screams in the background! If anyone reading this right now knows of a better group, please let me know; I welcome your comments and videos.

Here are the Beatles with “Cry For A Shadow” …. written in their very early days by George and John with Pete Best on drums!

🪲

This is “Cry For A Shadow” by the Smithereens

As I said earlier, you can see why I had trouble believing the Smithereens are not a tribute band.

What a song! And kudos to George for his incredible guitar playing. I’m hearing a little bit of Duane Eddy, Del Shannon, Cliff Richard and Santo & Johnny.

This piece was recorded in June 1961 at Friedrich-Ebert-Halle in Hamburg, Germany. At that time the Beatles were performing as a backing band for Tony Sheridan and went by the name “Beat Brothers”. It was written by George Harrison with John Lennon in the style of the Shadows who backed Cliff Richard and were the biggest British instrumental rock & roll group at the time. “Cry For A Shadow” is the only Beatles track to be credited to Harrison and Lennon alone.

The Smithereens are still performing and have some upcoming dates at Daryl’s House with Daryl Hall.

So, what’s the verdict? I’d say this cover is as close as you can get to the real thing.

I’ll be back tomorrow with a new vocal cover.

See you on the flip side. 😎

NAR©2024

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.

23 thoughts on “Feb Fab Faux Four #12”

    1. I’ll let you in on a little secret, Lisa. 😎

      When I’m driving in my car and a man come on the radio …. haha! where’ve I heard that before? …. and I want to remember a song for whatever reason, I’ll take a photo of the display on the radio so I won’t forget by the time I get home.

      I’ve had that pic of my car radio with “Cry For A Shadow” on the screen for the longest time and I finally got to use it! It’s such a cool-sounding song, the guitar is kicking ass and the fact that George wrote it is the cherry on the top! 🍰

      Thanks so much for the Smithereens tip! 🖤 🎶 🖤

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      1. Cool idea, Nancy! I used to do that for when we went to Cedar Point. I would take a pic of the section we were in. Good idea for remembering songs while riding in the car. You’re right the guitar rocks. You’re welcome ❤

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