Itâs true that Miley Cyrus has become a huge musical star, but did you know she has quite the talented family? Weâre all familiar with her famous father, Billy Ray Cyrus, her legendary godmother, Dolly Parton â but what of her four talented siblings?
The youngest child in the Cyrus clan is 24-year-old Noah who has carved out quite an impressive career of her own. In terms of fame, Noah is probably second only to Miley. Her breakout hit, âMake Me (Cry)â earned her a spot on the Billboard Hot 100 right out of the gate at the age of 16. Since that time, her career has only grown. Her unique brand of thoughtful pop has made her one of the most enticing young acts in the game today.
In an interview with American fashion magazine V, Noah Cyrus said this about âMake Me (Cry)â and her video co-performer, Labrinth: “It was really conversational. Labrinthhad a chorus, and we started just going back and forth writing lyrics together. It turned into being about a toxic love.â Teen Vogue described the song as “a gut-wrenching power-ballad that will resonate with anyone who has suffered a broken heart, reinforcing the idea that it’s possible to be lonely even when in a relationship and that being with someone can create more pain than being alone.â
The video depicts the two singers waking up in their respective beds with their partners who are seemingly disinterested in their affection. In alternating shots, we see Noah’s sadness, and then Labrinth’s, and back again as they sing about their significant others. As the song reaches its climax, we can see the duo at the same time in split screen; their raging words give off major âwrecking ballâ vibes …. deep thoughts from the mind (and pen) of such a young artist.
This is âMake Me (Cry)â by Noah Cyrus featuring Labrinth
Thanks for stopping by and playing a tune with me.
Originally released by The Everly Brothers, “Love Hurts“, written in 1960 by Boudleaux Bryant, is a song that delves into the pain and anguish experienced when love goes wrong. The emotional depth conveyed through the lyrics and the haunting melody have made it a beloved and enduring piece of music.
The song’s popularity can be attributed to its universal theme of heartbreak. Love is usually portrayed as a beautiful and uplifting experience, but “Love Hurts” acknowledges the dark side of love, where heartache and emotional turmoil take center stage. This raw honesty has struck a chord with listeners of all generations. âLove Hurtsâ was never released by the Everlyâs as a single and can be found on their album A Date With The Everly Brothers.
The song has been recorded as a duet by Greg Parsons and Emmylou Harris, by Roy Obison in 1961 as the B side to âRunning Scaredâ, by English singer-songwriter Jim Capaldi whose version reached #4 in the UK charts and by the Scottish hard rock band, Nazareth.
Performed as a ballad by Nazareth, âLove Hurtsâ became the most popular version of the song and the only rendition to become a big hit single, reaching #8 on the Billboard Hot 100 in early 1976.
Iâd love to play all the versions of this great song but it is Twofer Tuesday and we canât have pandemonium erupting on WordPress. After all this time together on The Elephant’s Trunk, I think you can guess which cover I chose to feature today.
This is the wondrous original version of âLove Hurtsâ by the Everly Brothers.
And this is what it sounded like when Nazareth recorded it:
Whether solo or with Roxy Music, this is one of the few Bryan Ferry tracks that cracks a wide smile, sending up his jet-set image while celebrating it at the same time. Originally recorded by soul singer Dobie Gray, âThe âInâ Crowdâ often gets confused for a Motown number, thanks to the labelâs arranger Gene Page, who gave the single the Motown touch. Before Ferry tackled the tune, Ramsey Lewis Trio recorded a live instrumental version in 1964; later, Cheap Trick performed a cover of Ferryâs cover. Confused yet?
In the US, Gray’s powerful version, complete with brass section, reached #11 on the Hot Rhythm & Blues Singles chartand #13 on the Billboard Hot 100 on February 20, 1965. Outside the US, “The “In” Crowd” went to #25 on the UK Singles Chart and #8 in Canada.
Bryan Ferryâs 1974 singles release reached #13 on the UK Singles Chart. His album cover for âAnother Time, Another Placeâ, which featured âThe âInâ Crowdâ, is one of the coolest in a James Bond kind of way.
By Dobie Gray in 1964, here is the original “The “In” Crowd”.
And this is what it sounded like when Bryan Ferry recorded it.
And just because it’s my post and I can do whatever I like đ this is the RamseyLewis Trio showing us how to do jazz right.
Thatâs todayâs Twofer Tuesday plus one! Thanks for stopping by!
Many rock fans will undoubtedly remember the only child of George Harrison when the then 24 year old Dhani Harrison appeared at the Concert For George in 2002. Two years later he was at his father’s 2nd induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (once as a Beatle and then for his solo work) where Dhani performed âWhile My Guitar Gently Weepsâ alongside Tom Petty, Steve Winwood, Jeff Lynne and Prince.
Dhani Harrison has since released a great deal of work as a solo artist, as part of the bands thenewno2 and Fistful of Mercy. Thenewno2 have been credited with the album design for George Harrison’s “Brainwashed” and “Dark Horse Years” box set, the Concert for George and the menu design for the 2005 Concert for Bangladesh DVD. Dhani Harrison has also scored many movies and television shows.
Of course the physical resemblance to his father is incredible but the similarity in voice and stage presence is undeniably strong. During an interview, George once commented that he said to Dhani “You look more like me than I do”; that was George’s humor to a T. I chose to feature one of the Beatles’ songs on which George sang lead so you can experience just how strong the Harrison family genes really are.
This is Dhani Harrison with “Savoy Truffle” from 2014’s “Georgefest” at the Fonda Theater in Hollywood.
Thanks for joining me today. See you on the flip side. đ
Leonard Cohenâs career was at a low point when he wrote âHallelujahâ in the early 80s, and his record label had no interest in even releasing the track or the rest of the songs that eventually came out on 1984âs Various Positions. The track was a fan favorite, but it didnât receive much love until the Velvet Undergroundâs John Cale created a stripped-down piano version for a 1991 Leonard Cohen tribute album.
Jeff Buckley used Caleâs version as the basis for his stunningly beautiful version of the song on his 1994 LP Grace. The track wasnât a single, but after Buckleyâs tragic death in 1997 the song slowly started to become recognized as a classic. In 2004 Jeff Buckleyâs version of âHallelujahâ was ranked #259 on Rolling Stoneâs âThe 500 Greatest Songs of All Timeâ.
This is “Hallelujah” by the man himself, Leonard Cohen
And this is what it sounded like when Jeff Buckley recorded it
While Johnny Cash’s cover of Trent Reznor’s âHurtâ gets all the press, this Neil Diamond tune is just as good. The 1966 Diamond version was about young adult heartbreak, while Cashâs rendition is about going through life and never getting over it. It remains not only one of Cashâs best cover songs, but one of his finest moments on the American Recordings albums.
“Solitary Man” was Neil Diamond’s debut single as a recording artist, having already had moderate success as a songwriter for other artists. By July, the track had become a minor hit, rising to No. 55 on the US pop singles chart. It would then be included on Diamond’s first album, The Feel of Neil Diamond, which he released in August 1966.
The song is a ballad of a loner looking for love; the theme of the song has been closely identified with Diamond himself. In the lyrics, the singer lists some of his relationships and how they each ended. He laments “I know it’s been done, having one girl who loves you.” But he doubts it will happen for him. Indeed, Diamond himself would tell interviewers, “After four years of Freudian analysis, I realized I had written ‘Solitary Man’ about myself.“
Johnny Cash used “Solitary Man” for the title track of his third album under the American Recordings label, American III: Solitary Man, in 2000, featuring guest backing vocals by Tom Petty. The recording received a Grammy Award for Best Male Country Vocal Performance.
From 1966, this is the amazing Neil Diamond with “Solitary Man”.
And this is what it sounded like when Johnny Cash released it 34 years later.
Thatâs todayâs Twofer Tuesday! Thanks for stopping by.
In 1964 The Kinks came out with a song with a killer riff, so it only made sense that 14 years later guitar genius Eddie Van Halen would take the tune and make it a showcase for his brand of guitar pyrotechnics. Singer David Lee Roth, meanwhile, perfectly laid bare each and every emotion that may have been buried beneath a previous generationâs decency.
The song, of course, is âYou Really Got Meâ, written by Kinksâ frontman Ray Davies. Lead guitarist Dave Davies performs the songâs famous guitar solo, although it was long rumored that Jimmy Page had performed the solo âŠ. hearsay that Page himself denied.
âYou Really Got Meâ was originally released in the UK on August 4, 1964 as The Kink’s third single and reached #1 on the Record Retailer chart the following month, remaining there for two weeks. Van Halenâs cover of the song was released as their first single and peaked at #36 on the Billboard Hot 100.
This is the fabulous 1964 original version of âYou Really Got Meâ as recorded by The Kinks.
And this is what it sounded like when Van Halen recorded it 14 years later.
Thatâs todayâs Twofer Tuesday! Thanks for stopping by.
One of the biggest hits in 1970 for the Canadian group The Guess Who was a song that seemingly warned against getting involved with American women. However, songwriter Burton Cummings said that it was simply his way of saying he preferred Canadian girls. Whatever the meaning, Lenny Kravitz tapped into the songâs magnetism and added some guitar theatrics in his 1999 remake that has since become a cover version that stands alongside the original. The song was, of course, “American Woman”.
The single version by The Guess Who reached #1 and held on for three weeks on both the US Billboard Hot 100 and the Canadian RPM magazine singles chart. Kravitz covered the song for the soundtrack of âAustin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me”. When it was released as a single, it reached #49 on the US Billboard Hot 100. The Guess Who joined Kravitz and his band for a live performance of “American Woman” at the 1999 MuchMusic Video Awards in Toronto.
From 1970, here are The Guess Who with âAmerican Womanâ
And this is how it sounded when Lenny Kravitz released his version in 1999.
Thatâs todayâs Twofer Tuesday! Thanks for stopping by.
Kris Kristofferson is one of country musicâs most covered songwriters and the most famous instance of the troubadourâs work translating beautifully to another performer is Janis Joplinâs iconic recording of “Me And Bobby McGee”, certainly the one we recall when thinking of her doing bluesy country rock. Her renditionis full of vocal improvisation and heartbreak âŠ. an embrace of blissed-out guitars, smokey twang and free spirits. Without a doubt, Janis Joplin was the most transcendent, mesmerizing, complex yet naĂŻve and unpretentious artist I’ve had the privilege of seeing in concert.
A posthumously released version of “Me And Bobby McGee” by Janis Joplin topped the US singles chart in 1971, making the song the second posthumously released #1 single in US chart history after âDock Of The Bayâ by Otis Redding. Billboard ranked Joplin’s version as the #1 song for 1971. In 2002, Janis Joplin’s “Me And Bobby McGee” was inducted into the Grammy Hall Of Fame.
Let’s listen to the original first. From 1970, this is âMe And Bobby McGeeâ by singer-songwriter Kris Kristofferson.
And this is what the song sounded like when Janis Joplin recorded it.
If anyone needs convincing that the Beatles knew a good song when they heard one, consider this: the band began featuring âMoney (Thatâs What IWant)â in their live act in Germany as early as August 1960 …. just a year after the Barrett Strong release in the United States. “Money” became a Top 30 pop success in the U.S. for Barrett Strong but it was not a hit in the UK. The Beatles recorded the song in 1963 and its inclusion in their second album, With The Beatles, brought âMoneyâ to a larger audience than ever before.
You remember Barrett Strong from yesterdayâs Monday Motown Magic post? Well, here he is with âMoneyâ from August 1959. I told you youâd know this song!
And this is what the Beatles’ recording of âMoneyâ sounded like
Frequently, the trick of cover songs is to take the bombastic and quiet it down, ‘acoustify‘ a track, if you will. Jimi Hendrix does the opposite here, morphing folkie Bob Dylan into a churning R&R freight train, fueled by the urgent guitar licks that only Hendrix could pull off. Jimi was a super-fan of Dylan and recorded a number of pristine covers, but years later, “All Along The Watchtower” remains the cream of the crop and the songâs definitive remake version.
But first, from 1967, here is Bob Dylan with “All Along The Watchtower”
You’re gonna wanna raise the volume for this, then stand back. Here’s Hendrix with his amped-up cover of “Watchtower”.
John Lennon had thousands of admirers and imitators. But he was the first to admit that he had his own rock icons that he looked up to – Buddy Holly, The Ronettes, Arthur Alexander, the Everly Brothers …. and Rosie & The Originals who first took this song to #5 on the Billboard chart in 1961. Lennon said it was one of his favorite songs and when he recorded a cover in 1973 said, “send my love to Rosie, wherever she may be!” Rosie was actually Rosie Hamlin; she was only 15 years old when she recorded the song but said Lennon’s cover version was her favorite. The 1961 original was part of John Lennon’s personal juke box.
From 1961, this is Rosie & The Originals with “Angel Baby”
With his rendition of “Angel Baby”, here is John Lennon
Lou Reed died just over a decade ago, but his influence on the world of Rock & Roll remains undimmed. The life and work of the Velvet Underground‘s main man and solo superstar has been celebrated in the new covers album, The Power of the Heart: A Tribute to Lou Reed. Keith Richards has released an excellent B&W video of the VelvetUndergroundâs classic âIâm Waiting For The Manâ in honor of what would have been Louâs 82nd birthday on March 2.
Letâs listen to Lou Reed performing âIâm Waiting For The Manâ. Gotta love Louâs intro.
And hereâs Keithâs new cover of âIâm Waiting For The Manâ
This is it, kids …. the final installment of Feb Fab Faux Four! What a trip this has been for me!
The Beatles have been in my life since WMCA NY disc jockey Jack Spector played “I Want To Hold Your Hand” on December 26, 1963. That’s a very long time ago â just over 60 years â and I imagine some of you weren’t even born yet. I’ve seen the Beatles perform live in concert and I’ve lived through every transformation in the 7 years, 7 months and 24 days they were together. I loved them. I still love them. They are not only in my heart but in my soul.
My goal here on this month-long blog was to have fun and not try to convert anyone into becoming Beatles fans, but after 29 days, I think I may have done exactly that with a few of you.
During this month I discovered that really good Beatles covers are very difficult to find; they are few and far between. Also, judging by the fact that almost every Beatles video presented on this blog was preferred over the cover reinforced what I already knew: the Beatles are hard to beat. They are the best group that ever was or ever will be!
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Now it’s time to get into our final song.
Many Beatles tracks have had interesting afterlives, and this is one of them. It sits towards the end of the last album they made together â 1969âs Abbey Road â but it is less a song than a segment, a tender part of the medley at the end of side two. In one minute and 32 seconds, it evokes nostalgia, innocence and loss in its lyrics and melody, about the impossibility of getting back home (âOnce there was a wayâŠâ), and the singing of lullabies to a child (âSleep, pretty darling, do not cryâ).
Next comes the seventh and penultimate song in the album’s climactic medley. It features unison vocals in the chorus from all four Beatles, a rarity in their songs. The middle bridge â featuring brass instruments, electric guitar, and vocals â reprises the beginning of “You Never Give Me Your Money”, but with different words. The lyrics have been interpreted as an acknowledgement by the group that nothing they would do as individual artists would equal what they had achieved together, and they would always carry the weight of their Beatle past. The song is said to be about the Beatles’ business difficulties and the atmosphere at Apple at the time.
The final song of the medley is quite clearly the denouement, not only of the album but of the Beatles as a group. All four Beatles have a solo, including a Ringo Starr drum solo. Ringo disliked solos, preferring to cater drum work to whoever sang in a particular performance; in fact, this is the only drum solo he recorded with the Beatles. George, John and Paul perform a rotating sequence of three, two-bar guitar solos. The idea for a guitar instrumental over this section was George’s, and John suggested the three of them each play a section. The Beatles’ recording engineer, Geoff Emerick, later recalled: “John, Paul and George looked like they had gone back in time, like they were kids again, playing together for the sheer enjoyment of it. More than anything, they reminded me of gunslingers, with their guitars strapped on, looks of steely-eyed resolve, determined to outdo one another. Yet there was no animosity, no tension at all â you could tell they were simply having fun.” In 2007, the final track of the medley was ranked at number 7 on Q magazine’s list “The 20 Greatest Guitar Tracks”.
I listened to a lot of cover versions of this medley and it was impossible to find one that I really liked, except for Phil Collins. I came very close to going with Phil’s recording but I just couldn’t hit the share button on the video. For me, his remake is more of a George Martin remake with Phil singing Paul’s part and playing the drums over a Beatles’ recording. Since I couldn’t find the perfect cover, I made the decision to close out this month by playing only one version …. the original. Nothing else will do. If anyone knows of a version they think is better than or comparable to the original, you are most welcome to drop the link into the comments box. I look forward to hearing them. No professional tribute bands, please.
I can’t think of a better way to say “the end” than by featuring the medley from the fabulous Abbey Road. Here are the Beatles with “Golden Slumbers/Carry That Weight/The End”.
That, my friends, is how it’s done!
I hope you enjoyed spending February together listening to Beatles music; it’s been an incredible experience for me. To you who stuck with me and left comments throughout the month, I am in awe of you and so greatly appreciative. Thank you!
As the Beatles sang: “And in the end the love you make is equal to the love you take“.
WARNING: THIS BLOG WAS NOT CREATED FOR BEATLEMANIACS! If youâre on the fence about the Beatles or if you just donât like them, this blog is for you. My goal is not to convert you; itâs to expose you to the lesser-known Beatles songs we donât 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!
Today I have chosen for you one of the most beautiful songs ever recorded by the Beatles. I was hoping Iâd be able to feature this number for a couple of reasons; in addition to being a stunning piece of music with gorgeous lyrics, itâs one that’s rarely heard.
The song begins with a distinctive electric harpsichord intro, then John Lennon joins in, his guitar mimicking the harpsichord line. The vocals enter in their prominent and perfectly tuned three-part harmony. This was one of the few Beatles recordings to feature a Moog synthesizer, played by George Harrison.
According to John, the song’s close musical resemblance to the first movement of Beethovenâs âMoonlight Sonataâ was no coincidence: “Yoko was playing ‘Moonlight Sonata’ on the piano and I said, ‘Can you play those chords backwards?’ Our song was written around those chords. The lyrics speak for themselves …. no imagery, no obscure references.“
While I was hoping to feature this song I was also reluctant; I couldnât find any good covers. And then I discovered today’s remake and I’m pretty sure I forgot to breathe for a few of seconds.
Let’s listen to the song.
This is âBecauseâ by the Beatles
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This is Elliott Smith with his remake of âBecauseâ
This may very well be my favorite Beatles song. If Iâve said that before, please excuse me; I have so many favorite Beatles songs.
Elliott Smith was a dedicated fan of the Beatles, as well as their solo projects and claimed that hearing the White Album was his original inspiration to become a musician. In 1998, Smith contributed a cover of the Beatles song âBecauseâ to the soundtrack and closing credits of the film âAmerican Beautyâ. This was the only Beatles song that Smith ever officially released.
This is too close to call; for me itâs definitely a draw.
PS â If any video wonât play for you, Iâve provided the name of the song and who did it so you can find it on YouTube. Itâs a pain in the ass but it does happen from time to time. My apologies.
WARNING: THIS BLOG WAS NOT CREATED FOR BEATLEMANIACS! If youâre on the fence about the Beatles or if you just donât like them, this blog is for you. My goal is not to convert you; itâs to expose you to the lesser-known Beatles songs we donât 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!
Welcome back to Feb Fab Faux Four. We’re down to the final three days of the month; after this, I won’t be allowed to play another Beatles song until summer!
This next song is clearly about a guy begging for his woman not to leave him. Itâs a real belter, with a hard and heavy Louisiana-style blues/rock sound.
Paul says he remembers âwanting to get the vocal right, wanting to get it good; itâs hard on the voice and if it comes off even a little bit lukewarm, then youâve missed the whole point.â
John said âPaul wrote it, so what the hell, heâs going to sing it. If heâd had any sense, he should have let me sing it.â
Haha! I happen to like this song a lot and think Paul did a fine job on it. Letâs see what you think of my cover choice; as usual, the original will play first.
From the Beatles, this is “Oh! Darlingâ
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With his rendition of âOh! Darlingâ, this is Graham Bonnet
Oh, sweet baby Jesus! This is how to do a cover! You stick to the basics, changing it up just enough to make it your own without tearing the hell out of it and making it unrecognizable.
Iâve always loved the gritty, down & dirty sound of the blues; âOh! Darlingâ is a perfect example of that style of song. Graham Bonnet, front man for such hard rock and heavy metal bands as Rainbow, Michael Schenker Group and Alcatrazz was born to sing a song like this.
I adore Graham Bonnet. He’s got one of the best voices in rock, hard rock and metal. And since today is my birthday, Graham Bonnet singing “Oh! Darling” is my gift to me!
Talk about hitting all the right notes. My vote goes to Graham Bonnet.
PS â If any video wonât play for you, Iâve provided the name of the song and who did it so you can find it on YouTube. Itâs a pain in the ass but it does happen from time to time. My apologies.
WARNING: THIS BLOG WAS NOT CREATED FOR BEATLEMANIACS! If youâre on the fence about the Beatles or if you just donât like them, this blog is for you. My goal is not to convert you; itâs to expose you to the lesser-known Beatles songs we donât 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!
Today’s song is another request. I did not have this one programmed so the cover choice is not mine. It’s a great number for the category of lesser known songs and I was glad to receive the request and cover suggestion.
During the recording of today’s song, Paul McCartney reportedly stormed out of the studio due to tension and disagreement with the band over the song’s arrangement and direction. The creative process for the Beatles during this time was often intense and fraught with artistic differences, which could lead to such incidents.
The song was originally inspired by an LSD trip; the lyrics were written by John Lennon based on an experience he had with actor Peter Fonda. It’s another case of he said, she said …. or in this case …. she said, she said.
This is “She Said, She Said” by the Beatles
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And here is our requested cover version of “She Said, She Said” by Lonestar.
No input from me on this one, kids, so you’ll have to virtually duke it out on your own. No hitting below the belt!
PS â If any video wonât play for you, Iâve provided the name of the song and who did it so you can find it on YouTube. Itâs a pain in the ass but it does happen from time to time. My apologies.
WARNING: THIS BLOG WAS NOT CREATED FOR BEATLEMANIACS! If youâre on the fence about the Beatles or if you just donât like them, this blog is for you. My goal is not to convert you; itâs to expose you to the lesser-known Beatles songs we donât 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!
Today’s song is another in your face, bare naked plea inspired by John’s love for Yoko. As he put it: “When it gets down to it, when youâre drowning, you donât say, âI would be incredibly pleased if someone would have the foresight to notice me drowning and come and help me,â you just scream.”
John and Yoko had a real connection. I don’t think the other Beatles disliked Yoko; I think they resented her hanging around all the time. None of the other wives came to the “office” every day; she was the 5th wheel, a distraction. John was totally into her and not what the group was doing. She was a constant presence and made things uncomfortable but neither she nor John cared.
Here are the Beatles with “Don’t Let Me Down”
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From Wales with their cover of “Don’t Let Me Down”, this is Stereophonic.
Here we have another case of “If I didn’t know the original, I’d be all over this one“. I love the sound of the lead singer’s voice and the group has a really good vibe. I like this cover a lot but, just like the cover of “I Am The Walrus”, it’s too slow. Besides, all I think of when I hear this song is the Beatles rooftop concert.
Another one for the Beatles. What are your thoughts?
PS â If any video wonât play for you, Iâve provided the name of the song and who did it so you can find it on YouTube. Itâs a pain in the ass but it does happen from time to time. My apologies.
WARNING: THIS BLOG WAS NOT CREATED FOR BEATLEMANIACS! If youâre on the fence about the Beatles or if you just donât like them, this blog is for you. My goal is not to convert you; itâs to expose you to the lesser-known Beatles songs we donât 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!
Welcome back to F4! We’re going to take a trip back in time.
I’m featuring another Beatle covering one of their favorite rock & roll songs; if you’ve been keeping track you know there’s only one Beatle I haven’t featured yet. So, who’s the last man standing? You’re about to find out …. but first, let’s listen to the original song which the Beatles covered.
From 1960, here are The Shirelles with their hit, “Boys”
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And here are the Beatles with their version of “Boys” with Ringo doing the singing.
There’s no doubt the fabulous girl groups from the early 60s broke boundaries and paved the way for future artists BUT …. and you knew there was a but coming …. this definitely goes to the high octane performance by Ringo and the boys. You can tell they are all into this one 100% and having the time of their lives! We can’t forget, however …. without groups like The Shirelles, the Beatles might not even exist.
PS â If any video wonât play for you, Iâve provided the name of the song and who did it so you can find it on YouTube. Itâs a pain in the ass but it does happen from time to time. My apologies.
WARNING: THIS BLOG WAS NOT CREATED FOR BEATLEMANIACS! If youâre on the fence about the Beatles or if you just donât like them, this blog is for you. My goal is not to convert you; itâs to expose you to the lesser-known Beatles songs we donât 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!
Welcome to the final week of Feb Fab Faux Four! Let the countdown begin!
Today I’m featuring a lovely ballad off their 1970 “Let It Be” album. John explained how the words of the first line came to him: “I was lying next to my first wife in bed and I was irritatedand I was thinking. She must have been going on and on about something and she’d gone to sleep and I kept hearing these words over and over, flowing like an endless stream. I went downstairs and it turned into a sort of cosmic song rather than an irritated song, rather than “Why are you always mouthing off at me?” [The words] were purely inspirational and were given to me as boom! I don’t own it you know; it came through like that.“
This is “Across The Universe” by the Beatles.
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With his remake from the “I Am Sam” soundtrack, this is Rufus Wainwright and “Across The Universe”
Truth be told, I don’t really know that much about Rufus Wainwright so I Googled him and found out that he is a Canadian-American singer, songwriter and composer. He has recorded eleven studio albums and numerous tracks on compilations and film soundtracks. He has also written two classical operas and set Shakespeare’s sonnets to music for a theatre piece by American director and playwright Robert Wilson. Up until today I had no songs by Wainwright on my playlist; now I have one.
I listened to a few covers of this piece, including Bowie’s and one by Wainwright with Moby and Sean Lennon. None of them came close to the original.
This solo piece was a shining star for me. I’m not quite ready to call it a draw so score one more for the Beatles.
PS â If any video wonât play for you, Iâve provided the name of the song and who did it so you can find it on YouTube. Itâs a pain in the ass but it does happen from time to time. My apologies.
WARNING: THIS BLOG WAS NOT CREATED FOR BEATLEMANIACS! If youâre on the fence about the Beatles or if you just donât like them, this blog is for you. My goal is not to convert you; itâs to expose you to the lesser-known Beatles songs we donât 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!
Today I’m featuring a fun song from Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, a work regarded by musicologists as an early concept album. At the end of August 1966, the Beatles had permanently retired from touring and pursued individual interests. While on a return flight to London in November 1966, Paul came up with an idea that formed the impetus of the Sgt. Pepper concept: creating songs for an Edwardian military rock band.
Meanwhile……
John was out one day and he stopped at an antique store where he saw a framed poster on display advertising a circus. As he read the poster, an idea started forming. He bought the poster and hung it in his music room at home. Everything came together, incorporating many of the words from the poster almost exactly as they were written (except Henry the Horse was actually named Zanthus) and the result was a fantastical number unlike anything the Beatles had done before.
Here is “Being For The Benefit Of Mr. Kite!” by the Beatles.
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And here is Cheap Trick with their rendition of “Being For The Benefit Of Mr. Kite!”.
There was always a method to the Beatles madness. Love it or hate it, this song beautifully displays the brilliant imagination, unparalleled musicality and creative genius of the Beatles. This song helped keep Sgt. Pepper from becoming an overwhelming Paul McCartney project …. and thank goodness for that!
So, what about the Cheap Trick version. It’s very good, the best cover I could find, and why wouldn’t it be good? It sounds like Cheap Trick bought the sheet music for “Mr. Kite”, rehearsed it and did their level best to sound as close to the Beatles as possible. It’s a replica of the original and shows little imagination of its own but it’s done well …. I’ll give Cheap Trick that much.
This one goes to the Beatles, without question. Join me tomorrow for an interesting selection.
PS â If any video wonât play for you, Iâve provided the name of the song and who did it so you can find it on YouTube. Itâs a pain in the ass but it does happen from time to time. My apologies.
WARNING: THIS BLOG WAS NOT CREATED FOR BEATLEMANIACS! If youâre on the fence about the Beatles or if you just donât like them, this blog is for you. My goal is not to convert you; itâs to expose you to the lesser-known Beatles songs we donât 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, pullup a chair and enjoy the tunes!
Now it’s time for something completely different. I got a request to feature today’s song; if I get a request and I have room, I’ll post it. Too bad requests didn’t start coming in until just the other day. Regarding requests …. I will give you some info about the original song but will not comment on the cover.
So, just what the hell is this song about anyway? For John Lennon, the answer was simple: âThat was just a sort of nice line that I made into a song. It was about me and Yoko. Everybody seemed to be paranoid except for us two, who were in the glow of love. Everything is clear and open when you’re in love.“
Additionally, the lyrics contain sayings the Beatles heard from Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. In further comments on the song, John said it addressed his bandmates’ initial reaction to his relationship with Yoko. There is also wide speculation that the title of the song as well as some of the lyrics reference John and Yoko’s heroin use during ’68.
Recorded early in the sessions for the White Album, the track typifies the Beatles’ return to a rock sound in 1968 after their psychedelic period.
I had originally programmed Soundgarden’s cover of this song but when the request came in, I went with that instead.
Ok, enough chitchat. Here we go.
Here are the Beatles with “Everybody’s Got Something To Hide Except For Me And My Monkey”.
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Today’s requested remake of the Beatles’ song with the longest name as done by Fats Domino.
PS â If any video wonât play for you, Iâve provided the name of the song and who did it so you can find it on YouTube. Itâs a pain in the ass but it does happen from time to time. My apologies.
WARNING: THIS BLOG WAS NOT CREATED FOR BEATLEMANIACS! If youâre on the fence about the Beatles or if you just donât like them, this blog is for you. My goal is not to convert you; itâs to expose you to the lesser-known Beatles songs we donât 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!
Welcome to day 20 of Feb Fab Faux Four. We’re coming ’round the bend and the finish line is in sight!
Yesterday I hinted that today’s song was a huge hit for one of the Beatles during his solo career …. and by huge I mean HUGE. This was our Beatle’s first single as a solo artist and it topped the charts worldwide; it was the biggest-selling single of 1971 in the UK and the first #1 single by an ex-Beatle in the US and England. By the late 1970s, it was the most covered song written and released by any of the former Beatles since the band’s break-up. Did I say it was huge?
Our Beatle wrote today’s song in praise of the Hindu god Krishna, while intending the lyrics as a call to abandon attachment to any one religious sect through his blending of the Hebrew word “hallelujah” with chants of “Hare Krishna” and Indian prayers.
That last bit of information was a dead giveaway, I’m sure, so let’s cut to the chase and play some music.
Here is George Harrison with “My Sweet Lord”
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This is Edwin Starr’s remake of “My Sweet Lord“
My sweet lord! Can I get an “Amen”?!
I know the obvious choice for a cover version is Billy Preston but we’ve all heard that one too many times. Edwin Starr has given us a slowed down, almost gospel-like version and I have to give him kudos for taking on such a big song; his vocal range is impressive. I like his arrangement but it can’t hold a votive candle to George Harrison’s
âEvery time I put the radio on, itâs âOh my Lordâ. I’m beginning to think there must be a Godâ said John Lennon after George scored the first number one hit by any solo Beatle. Sour grapes? Typical biting humor from John. And none of them thought George had what it took to write decent songs.
In 1976 George was slapped with a lawsuit claiming that “My Sweet Lord” sounded too much like the 1963 hit by the Chiffons called “He’s So Fine”. George took his guitar to the court and demonstrated how he wrote the song, but he was found to have committed âsubconscious plagiarismâ. It doesn’t seem to have negatively impacted his career. I’ll let you be the judge. Here are the Chiffons with “He’s So Fine”.
Well, all I can say is there’s a similarity. I think the Chiffon’s lawyers got lucky on this one.
That’s it for today, kids. Nine more vids to go before I’m outta here.
PS â If any video wonât play for you, Iâve provided the name of the song and who did it so you can find it on YouTube. Itâs a pain in the ass but it does happen from time to time. My apologies.
WARNING: THIS BLOG WAS NOT CREATED FOR BEATLEMANIACS! If youâre on the fence about the Beatles or if you just donât like them, this blog is for you. My goal is not to convert you; itâs to expose you to the lesser-known Beatles songs we donât 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!
Welcome to day 19 of Feb Fab Faux Four. Are you having fun yet?
We’re spinning the wheel in the other direction and going back in time to another tune the Beatles covered.
Today’s number is a rockabilly song often credited to Carl Perkins; however, it been brought to light that Carl’s song is actually based on a 1936 song of the same name written by singer/songwriter Rex Griffin. Griffin’s song didn’t really go anywhere and Carl Perkins’ 1957 release achieved widespread popularity. Lucky Carl Perkins! The Beatles covered the song in 1964.
The Beatles recording was first released as the final track on “Beatles For Sale” in the United Kingdom late in ’64 and as the concluding track on the North American album “Beatles ’65”. The remake by the Beatles features a false ending which means the final musical phrase (not vocals) repeats itself after the song seems to have stopped; this false ending does not appear in the Carl Perkins version.
Here is Carl Perkins with his 1957 recording of “Everybody’s Trying To Be My Baby”.
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And from 1964, here’s “Everybody’s Trying To Be My Baby” by the Beatles featuring George Harrison on lead vocals. George was a life-long fan of Carl Perkins; it was a thrill for him to actually meet and perform with Carl.
There’s not a damn thing wrong with a George Harrisong!
As a diehard George fan, I love everything he ever did and believe the quality of his his solo work after the Beatles split is better than anything the other three produced. In this remake, George’s vocals were processed with the STEED effect; I doubt I’ll be able to explain this process with great clarity so I’m leaving it highlighted if you’d like to read about it.
Carl Perkin’s rockabilly recording is great but my vote goes to George and the boys.
Before I close this page out, here is a bonus track …. the original 1936 recording of Rex Griffin’s “Everybody’s Trying To Be My Baby”. Enjoy this very unusual and different arrangement.
I’m back tomorrow with what became a huge hit for one of the Beatles during his solo career. Join me to see which song it is.
PS â If any video wonât play for you, Iâve provided the name of the song and who did it so you can find it on YouTube. Itâs a pain in the ass but it does happen from time to time. My apologies.
WARNING: THIS BLOG WAS NOT CREATED FOR BEATLEMANIACS! If youâre on the fence about the Beatles or if you just donât like them, this blog is for you. My goal is not to convert you; itâs to expose you to the lesser-known Beatles songs we donât 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!
Welcome to F4. This is one of those songs that had everybody wondering what the hell it was all about.
John Lennon wrote today’s song to bewilder listeners who had been seriously trying to interpret some of the Beatles’ lyrics. He was partly inspired by two LSD trips and Lewis Carroll’s poem “The Walrus and the Carpenter”.
George Martin arranged and added orchestral accompaniment that included violins, cellos, horns, and clarinet. A 16-voice choir of professional studio vocalists also joined the recording singing nonsense lines and shrill whooping noises. Shortly after release, the song was banned by the BBC for the line “Boy, you’ve been a naughty girl, you let your knickers down.” Scandalous!
Have you figured out today’s song? I’m sure you have. Let’s check it out.
This is “I Am The Walrus” by the Beatles
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With their cover of “I Am The Walrus”, this is Spooky Tooth
So, what did you think of this version by the progressive rock band, Spooky Tooth? I thought it was pretty good except for one thing ….. it was too slow. As you can see, the cover lasted almost two minutes longer than the original. It dragged on and probably should have been called “I Am The Sloth”.
No question …. this one goes to the Beatles. That’s my opinion; what’s yours?
Stop by for a jumping little number coming up tomorrow.
PS â If any video wonât play for you, Iâve provided the name of the song and who did it so you can find it on YouTube. Itâs a pain in the ass but it does happen from time to time. My apologies.
WARNING: THIS BLOG WAS NOT CREATED FOR BEATLEMANIACS! If youâre on the fence about the Beatles or if you just donât like them, this blog is for you. My goal is not to convert you; itâs to expose you to the lesser-known Beatles songs we donât 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!
Welcome back to the Feb Fab Faux Four. This song is surrounded by mystery, skepticism and a lot of a disappointment.
The story goes that John Lennon wrote this song about Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, the Beatles’ Indian guru. The group took an interest in Transcendental Meditation after attending one of Maharishi’s lectures. They went to India to study TM specifically at his camp, but left early when they began to fear he was more of a cult leader than an enlightened being. Speculation was Maharishi Mahesh Yogi was using his status to seduce women.
Controversy among the Beatles lies in whether they all believed the stories or if John was seeing and believing things that weren’t really happening. Sadly, there’s no one who will tell the real story. John and George are dead, Ringo’s all about peace and love and Paul’s all about Paul.
There are many people who believe there are strange events surrounding the Beatles, including the conspiracy theory that the original Paul was killed in a car crash in 1966 and was replaced by a look-alike named William Shears Campbell (who also happened to be extremely talented!) Supposedly, they were sworn to secrecy. Who knows …. maybe when there’s only one man standing will some of the truths be revealed, but I doubt it.
Lennon called today’s song “Maharishi,” but changed the title to “Sexy Sadie” to keep from getting sued. The opening lines make Lennon’s sentiments perfectly clear.
This is “Sexy Sadie” by the Beatles.
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Doing his cover of “Sexy Sadie” this is Paul Weller
Paul Weller achieved fame with the new wave band, the Jam then had further success with the blue-eyed soul sound of the Style Council before setting out on a solo career.
I think he did a fine cover of Sexy Sadie, keeping very true to the original, but his remake lacked the finesse and subtlety of John’s. My vote goes to the Beatles.
We’re going in the opposite direction tomorrow; come join me.
PS â If any video wonât play for you, Iâve provided the name of the song and who did it so you can find it on YouTube. Itâs a pain in the ass but it does happen from time to time. My apologies.
WARNING: THIS BLOG WAS NOT CREATED FOR BEATLEMANIACS! If youâre on the fence about the Beatles or if you just donât like them, this blog is for you. My goal is not to convert you; itâs to expose you to the lesser-known Beatles songs we donât 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!
Welcome back to F4. We are now two days into the second half of the month.
Considering the edgy progressive complexity of today’s song, it’s amazingly difficult to believe it was released in 1963 and was composed primarily by two guys who could neither read nor write music. This little number takes us all over the place with notes and chords and harmonies we don’t expect and somehow, it all works.
It’s a classic.
Here are the Beatles with “Not A Second Time”
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This is “Not A Second Time” as done by the Pretenders
It seems only right that this progressive, edgy and complex piece be covered by the Pretenders and their legendary front-woman Chrissie Hynde; they are, after all, the icons of punk and New Wave music.
This is a really good cover; it stayed true to the original with a good electric piano break but I expected a little more from this group which has always been on the cutting edge.
This one goes to the Beatles.
Join me tomorrow for a cool tune off the White Album.
PS â If any video wonât play for you, Iâve provided the name of the song and who did it so you can find it on YouTube. Itâs a pain in the ass but it does happen from time to time. My apologies.
WARNING: THIS BLOG WAS NOT CREATED FOR BEATLEMANIACS! If youâre on the fence about the Beatles or if you just donât like them, this blog is for you. My goal is not to convert you; itâs to expose you to the lesser-known Beatles songs we donât 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!
It’s time to shake things up again by featuring another song which the Beatles covered. We’re going back to the 50s; this song was a staple of the Beatles’ live set from the very earliest formative years until they stopped touring in 1966. In fact, it was the last song they played at their final concert at San Francisco’s Candlestick Park in August 1966.
Is that ringing any bells for you? Let’s get the phonograph cranked up; it’s time for some good old rock & roll.
From 1957, this is little Richard with “Long Tall Sally”
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And here are the Beatles with their version of Little Richard’s “Long Tall Sally”; this time it’s Paul on lead vocals.
Damn! That’s how you do a cover!
When Paul and John first met, back in the summer of 1957, âLong Tall Sallyâ was among the songs Paul played for John, after which John invited him to join his band. As Paul told Playboy in 1984: âI knew the words to 25 rock and roll songs so I got in the band. “Long Tall Sally” and“Tutti-Frutti,”that’s what got me in. That was my audition.â
Well, kids, this is a tough one. For quality of sound, that banging piano and George’s incredible guitar playing, the Beatles win this one hands down. BUT let’s not forget something: without the likes of Little Richard, there just might not be a Paul McCartney and the Beatles.
Come join me tomorrow as we take it down a notch or two.
PS â If any video wonât play for you, Iâve provided the name of the song and who did it so you can find it on YouTube. Itâs a pain in the ass but it does happen from time to time. My apologies.
WARNING: THIS BLOG WAS NOT CREATED FOR BEATLEMANIACS! If youâre on the fence about the Beatles or if you just donât like them, this blog is for you. My goal is not to convert you; itâs to expose you to the lesser-known Beatles songs we donât 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!
Happy Valentine’s Day and welcome back to FFFF, all you romantic fools!
Just for today I’ve switched out Misky’s Feb Fab Faux Four Beatles Tiki Gods graphic; as you can see, they’re all wearing their hearts on their sleeves chests …. except for the one in the middle. I wonder what happened to make him so grumpy? Maybe he’s Pete Best!
You probably have a favorite Beatles love song; after all (as we learned last week), according to Paul’s aunt, all they ever wrote were love songs. I have my favorite but I’m not playing it because, as my friend Keith pointed out the other day, some Beatles songs should just be left alone.
I chose today’s song for three reasons: (1) we’re long overdue for a song from the ladies; (2) the harmony is so rich and unexpected, it just makes you smile and (3) it’s perfect for Valentine’s DayâŁïž
Here’s one of the few Beatles’s songs just begging you to get up and do the Cha ChaCha.
This is the Beatles with “If I Fell”
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Here is “If I Fell” by the MonaLisa Twins
Wasn’t that just like eating a big, yummy chocolate heart? Oh my, so very sweet!
The MonaLisa Twins …. Mona & Lisa Wagner …. are Austrian-born, Liverpool-based musicians known primarily for their covers of Beatles songs and other artists from the 60s. Their voices blend so beautifully and this Lennon-McCartney number is perfect for them.
I love when a piece of music surprises me with it’s accidental* chords and intricate harmony; “If I Fell” does that every time I listen to it. For me, it’s one of the Beatles finest pieces and definitely one you don’t hear too often.
Happy Valentines DayâŁïž I love you all for stopping by and sticking with me this month. If you have a Beatles remake that you like and want me to share on my blog, leave the name of the song and who covered it in the comments box and I’ll take it from there. Simple as that!
*Accidental: A musical term meaning that a note is either higher or lower than the original natural note;âit’s called accidental but it’s no accident.
PS â If any video wonât play for you, Iâve provided the name of the song and who did it so you can find it on YouTube. Itâs a pain in the ass but it does happen from time to time. My apologies.
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!
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
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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 â 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! đ
PS â If any video wonât play for you, Iâve provided the name of the song and who did it so you can find it on YouTube. Itâs a pain in the ass but it does happen from time to time. My apologies.
The Elephant's Trunk 