Music Blog

Feb Fab Faux Four #13

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 Beatles songs we don’t hear day in and day out. These are treasures.
Of course, if you are a Beatles fan, pull up a chair and enjoy the tunes!

© Misky

Welcome everyone to Feb Fab Faux Four!

Let’s start with a little background info about today’s song. Legend has it that Paul McCartney’s aunt asked if he could ‘please write something other than love songs‘. Determined to give it a go, Paul was inspired to write about something new and different when he spotted Ringo back stage at a concert venue reading a dime store novel …. and today’s song was born.

This is “Paperback Writer” by the Beatles

🪲

This is SAXON doing their interpretation of “Paperback Writer”.

 

Back in 2021, British hard/metal rockers SAXON recorded an album called “Inspirations”, covering groups such as the Beatles, Hendrix, Motörhead, Deep Purple, Zeppelin, Thin Lizzy, AC/DC and Black Sabbath. According to lead singer Bill Byford, the group “didn’t want to change any of the songs too much, just play them more like Saxon.”

If I didn’t know the original version, Saxon’s remake would get my vote; it’s one of my favorite covers since I started doing this blog. That said, I’m calling this a draw; its a great example of excellence in two genres – pop rock and hard rock.

Same song done two ways, each with it’s own unique sound. Which one did you prefer …. the original or the remake …. or are you calling it a draw, like me? PS: Saxon’s album “Inspirations” is now on my playlist.

Tomorrow is Valentine’s Day so regardless of what Paul’s aunt said about love songs, prepare yourselves for a little lovin’ tomorrow; stop by to check it out. And don’t forget to show your significant other some love; there’s still time to buy your Valentine’s Day candy and flowers! 💝

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.

42 thoughts on “Feb Fab Faux Four #13”

  1. It’s funny. Someone else wrote about this song (or was it on my radio station that I heard it?) Whatever.

    I love when groups that seem miles away in genre from the group they are covering in come in and wow us.

    It’s a speedier version and not too bad at all. I’ll give it to them both.

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  3. What a refreshing take on exploring the Beatles’ music! I love how you’ve set the stage for both seasoned fans and newcomers alike, inviting everyone to appreciate the depth and versatility of the Beatles’ repertoire through “Paperback Writer.” It’s fascinating to see how a simple request from Paul McCartney’s aunt could lead to such an iconic song, showcasing the band’s ability to innovate beyond love songs.

    The comparison between the original Beatles version and SAXON’s hard rock interpretation is intriguing. It really highlights how a song can transcend genres and resonate with audiences in entirely new ways. Your enthusiasm for both versions shines through, making it a compelling read and listen for anyone, regardless of their pre-existing stance on the Beatles.

    With Valentine’s Day on the horizon, I’m curious to see which love song you’ll feature next and how it connects to the Beatles’ vast catalogue. What inspired you to choose the upcoming Valentine’s Day song, and how do you think it complements or contrasts with “Paperback Writer”?

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  5. I’m not a great fan of cover versions that copy the original. For me, a decent cover version is one that’s been reworked in such a way that it demonstrates the versatility of the piece and pays tribute to its originator.

    Rant over!

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    1. You’re always welcome to share your opinion, Keith, and it’s a good one!

      I don’t believe there’s any definitive answer to the question “What makes a good cover?”

      The Beatles are some of the best rock musicians you’ll ever hear and it’s very difficult to find a cover that isn’t a carbon copy. There are, I think, two types of Beatles cover artists – the ones who want to get as close to the Beatles sound as they can and the ones who want to be totally different.

      I agree with your opinion which is why I think Saxon’s cover is an excellent one. It is not a duplicate of the original but not so different that people are asking “What did I just listen to?”

      For me, Saxon and Joe Jackson did the best covers so far.

      Liked by 1 person

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      1. Not The Beatles, but I recently watched an old Leonard Cohen tribute concert, I believe it was called I’m Your Man, where some of the world’s finest came together to perform their own takes on his work. They couldn’t have been more different from the originals and it was totally awe-inspiring.

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