Internet Downloads

As we all know by now, the Internet can be a pool of worthwhile (downloadable) music. This is also the case with cover versions of Beatles songs. Here are a few fine other examples in this field that I came across. Some downloads are free, others can be bought at a reasonable price and are often unavailable on ordinary CD’s:

George Bush - Imagine

Imagine George Bush singing Imagine: www.transbuddha.com/mediaHolder.php?id=1695 (B.U. 188)

Paul McCartney - When I'm 64

McCartney received an extra-special birthday surprise when his grandchildren treated him with their own version of  'When I'm Sixty-Four'. The new recording was organized by daughters Mary and Stella, who recorded the song in Studio Two at the Abbey Road studios. Giles Martin, son of Sir George Martin helped rewrite the lyrics I and took charge of the recording session. On the other hand, you can listen to more than a dozen other "When I'm 64" covers at the French website www.whenim64.info and Liverpool’s Beatles Story marked the occasion with a weekend-long party, including a karaoke competition to find the best singer of When I'm 64, which was won by Filipino Rhoel Tupaz, who was on a pilgrimage to Liverpool and visiting the exhibition when he decided to take part in the contest. (B.U. 188)

Craig Payne - Daytripper / Craig Plays The Beatles

He delivers various twangy guitar, surf sound, instrumental cover versions of Beatles and McCartney songs, as compiled on ‘Day Tripper - Graig Plays The Beatles’ (9 tracks), ‘Beautiful Night - Craig Plays McCartney’ (13 tracks), ‘Come On - Craig Plays McCartney II’ (13 tracks) as well as Once Upon A Long Ago, Wanderlust and The Girl Is Mine, appearing on other albums. (B.U. 201)
Internet: www.craigpaynemusic.com

Craig Payne - Beautiful Night / Craig Plays McCartney

Craig Payne - Come On People / Craig Plays McCartney II

Starbucks - All You Need Is Love

Starbucks asked people from 156 countries around the world to sing their version of All You Need Is Love, on 7 December 2009 at the same time. On the Starbucks website, you can watch the result, a collage of all those contributions. There’s also a map where you can trace and hear all versions and even add your own voice. Starbucks contributed 5c. US to the Global Fund to help fight AIDS in Africa for each submission. And you can listen to Playing For Change’s version of the above song, which appears on Starbuck’s special 4-track ‘Love’ CD. (B.U. 201)
Internet: www.starbucksloveproject.com/

The Two Of Us - Please Please Me

This duo is trying to cover all Beatles albums, with two acoustic guitars and their voices. In February 2005, Bob Douglass and Joe Chinnici planned to get the whole project ready in two years time. Most of the Beatles albums were indeed performed live, at The Loft Walton, New York. So far, studio versions of the first three Beatles albums were released as downloadable discs: Please Please Me, With The Beatles and A Hard Day’s Night, each with 2 - 4 bonus tracks. (B.U. 201)
Internet: www.AcousticBeatles.com  / www.cdbaby.com

The Two Of Us - With The Beatles

The Two Of Us - A Hard Day's Night

Roger & Dave - Present The Beatles Complete On Ukulele

All Beatles songs performed by various artists on ukulele: check out this beatlescompleteonukulele blogspot and download / listen to all ukulele renditions that have been recorded so far and which ones will be available in the near future. Besides this, on 5 and 6 December 2009, the 2nd Annual Beatles Complete On Ukulele Festival was organized, at 213 North 8th St Williamsburg, Brooklyn. (B.U. 201)
Internet: http://thebeatlescompleteonukulele.blogspot.com

Yusuf & Klaus - The Day The World Gets ‘Round
Fully downloadable song
1 track / 2:59 / downloadable image

This ‘song for peace’, a cover of George Harrison’s solo composition from Living In The Material World, is recorded by Yusuf Islam and Klaus Voormann and will be part of the latter’s new album, A Sideman’s Journey, alongside a version of All Things Must Pass (versions of My Sweet Lord and Imagine were also mentioned…). Their version is quite like Harrison’s, although Yusuf’s plaintive way of singing benefits the song even more. Voormann also adjusted the Revolver image for this release, of which all proceeds will be donated to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), and Save The Children. (B.U. 200)
Internet: www.jamalrecords.com/gaza/

Music Books

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Heinz Dietz and Mathias Buck - Die Deutschen Beatbands
Publisher: private publication
Photos: 12 on each page
ISBN: -
Pages: 216
Language: German (+English)
Price: €55,00
Specifications: hardcover
Size: 215 x 300 mm
Published: January 2002
Index: 5 pages

The second edition of the compilers’ collection of record sleeves and detailed information on those vinyl releases. It documents discographies of 60’s Beat bands and artists from German speaking countries (Germany, Switzerland and Austria), in alphabetical order. Starting with a prologue in both German and English, the book lists all known vinyl records, including those released on small labels, in limited edition, and therefore very rare e.g. expensive. The book is divided into five main chapters: the first, on ‘German Beat Bands’, takes in the main part of the book and is followed by smaller chapters on ‘Beat Samplers’ (EP’s and LP’s), ‘Singing German’ (singles by international artists singing in German language), ‘Indo Bands’ (who were popular in the Netherlands, but often successful in Germany, too) and one on various international bands in Germany. The final pages are filled with some late arrivals and a few autograph-pictures. For a cover versions collector like me, it’s a worthwhile book to sift out and find numerous so far unfamiliar cover versions of Beatles and other 60’s bands (the EP samplers, f.i. are a real treat). Sometimes, the same sleeve image was used for different releases (Die Mustangs, The Silhouettes or the Rattles 1964/65 Star-Club output) or only a change of the background colours was enough for a next release (Theo Schumann Combo, The Sevens). A few sleeve images are clearly influenced by a Beatles sleeve concept (The Black and Whites, Cry’n Strings, Les Sauterelles). It is also of great value to find out about the right picture sleeve or record label sleeve, and subsequently know what to look for in the future. Besides colour pictures of the sleeves, you’ll find details on the year of release (when available), record label and release number. However, the English versions are easy to recognize of course, but in the case of a translated version it would have been helpful when the original English song title was mentioned as well. Likewise, the tracklistings of the LPs would also have been interesting, but probably take in too much space. For any collector this is a thoroughly researched collection with quality pictures in colour, either to browse through every now and then or to try and find details of a specific item. For this second version, the compilers used information from various sources on the matter, but any additional information from fellow collectors is still welcome. (B.U. 180)
E-mail: heinz-dietz-at-t-online.de

Walter Graskamp - Das Cover Von Sgt. Pepper
Publisher: Verlag Klaus Wagenbach
Photos: 70
ISBN: 3 8031 5171 6 / Pages: 136
Language: German / Price: €18,50
Specifications: hardcover / Size: 168 x 245 mm
Published: April 2004 / Index: no

For this book, history of art professor Walter Graskamp researched the origin and impact of the most influential albumsleeve as well as its parodies which have appeared over the years. The book starts with a chapter in which artist Peter Blake is presented along with examples of his work, some of which can be viewed as forerunners to the Sgt Pepper sleeve concept. Especially the Got A Girl collage, which features performers who would re-appear on Sgt. Pepper. The second chapter discusses the name and image change of the Beatles and Paul’s idea to use this as a Beatles alter ego as an escape from their Mop-Top image (hence the inclusion of the Beatles waxwork figures on the sleeve). The third chapter discusses the double function of the Beatles’ own heroes and idols, which were now represented as the band’s fans. The next chapter talks about parodies, especially Frank Zappa’s We’re Only In It For The Money, with its gender changes, black bars over most of the faces and pictures cut from Zappa’s high school yearbook. Chapter five explains the Beatles’ decision not to perform live any longer as well as recording more complex songs. You also read about the meaning of military uniforms as worn by the Sgt Pepper band, in the Yellow Submarine movie and for the Hello Goodbye promo clip. This is followed by two chapters with some more follow-ups and parodies (like Bläck Fööss, Big Daddy) and another one on forerunners and inspirations, from the photography of unions and brass bands (using a big drum in front) to scrapbook collages. Forerunners include paintings of Max Ernst (Au Rendez-vous des Amis) and, in a way,  Raffael’s fresco School Of Athens (1509/10). The next three chapters view various aspects of the White Album as the sober reaction to the excessive cover of Sgt Pepper: the sleeve concept, the collage poster and the issue number on the sleeve. In the next three chapters the author wonders why the Sgt Pepper cover almost never appeared in catalogues of Blake’s work, which makes it ‘the most well known unknown work of art of the 20th century’. Like Andy Warhol’s work for the Rolling Stones’ Sticky Fingers zip sleeve and Velvet Underground’s ‘Peel Slowly And See’ banana cover, both Sgt Pepper and the White Album covers should be viewed as true pieces of art. On sixteen separate pages near the end, colour prints of various art work can be found, which also appeared in black and white earlier on. Alternate photographs of the realization of the Sgt Pepper display would certainly have complemented the story. Moreover, the author has mentioned and printed quite some Sgt Pepper parodies and refers to other books on this subject, but it is just the tip of the iceberg, of course. Still, a more or less complete list of all follow-ups would have been a welcome supplement. The book is written in German language (only here and there English quotes appear), which makes it less accessible to foreign readers. The book deserves a translated version, because of the pleasant way it is written and its informative character not only on the subject itself but on related matters as well. (B.U. 180)
Internet: www.wagenbach.de

Edmund Thielow - Beatlemania Made In Deutsche Demokratische Republik

This homemade 28-page A-5 sized booklet on the Beatlemania in East-Germany starts with a listing of the Beatles and solo releases as well as the related albums (Cream, London Howlin Wolf Sessions) on the Amiga label. What follows is of more interest to collectors of cover versions: detailed information (in German, that is) on translated versions, tribute songs and cover versions sung in English. All illustrated with picture sleeves, newspaper clippings, publicity photos and letters sent in by the artists, telling background information on the releases. As a private publication, you may object to the sloppy ‘cut and paste’ lay-out. It would also have been the more attracting when the mentioned albums had been printed right next to the list. Now, a selection appears in colour on the back of the booklet. Still, the information gathered here comes in quite handy. (B.U. 169)
Internet: www.beatarchiv.de.cx

Music Magazines

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Beatlefan, Issue 150

Issue 150 of Beatlefan includes various articles on Beatles cover versions. (B.U. 183)
Internet: www.beatlefan.com

Beatlology, March / April 2005

The March / April 2005 issue of Beatlology features a preview of Belmo’s book on Beatles cover versions as well as an interview with the author. (B.U. 183)
Internet: www.beatlology.com

Music Magazine Cover CD's

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Bent Back Tulips (previously known as The Tribute Book)

In this column, I have mentioned them before, but now, Bent Back Tulips, previously known as The Tribute Book, has published its final issue on Beatles tribute bands. A very sad move, I must say, since the fanzine has proven to be quite an informative publication in this field. Reportedly, editors Rhian Watts and Alix Brown will continue to document various tribute band activities through their photography, available on www.angelfire.com/blues/bentbacktulips/home.html
So, From Me To You: good luck to you and try to keep up the good work! (B.U. 176)

MOJO 130, September 2004: Beatlemania Volume 1
The Posies - I’m Looking Through You (Previously Unreleased); Lonnie Mack - From Me To You; The Free Design - Michelle; Dillard & Clark - Don't Let Me Down; Scott McCarl - Yes It Is; Booker T. & The MG's - You Can't Do That; The Dillards - Yesterday; Charles River Valley Boys - I've Just Seen A Face; The Cyrkle - I'm Happy Just To Dance With You; The Cryan' Shames - If I Needed Someone; Detroit Emeralds - And I Love Her; Jose Feliciano - In My Life; Billy Preston - Eight Days A Week; Isaac Hayes - Something; The Bar-Kays - Hey Jude.

In September 2004, Music magazine MOJO’s 130th. issue quickly became a collectable one, featuring a Beatles cover story and the added bonus of no less than two 15-track Beatlemania compilations. And naturally, you had to buy two issues of the same magazine to get both volumes, issued as a red and a blue compilation. Worldwide, there was much commotion to get hold of both these volumes, as it seemed that the red volume was only available inside the UK and very hard to get in various other countries, so we heard. MOJO’s Editor-In-Chief Phil Alexander wrote the following about compiling these two Beatles cover versions collections: ‘It started out as a simple concept: MOJO would compile 15 tracks that would prove that, in the wake of the '64 visits, The Beatles had permeated every aspect of the US music scene. In keeping with MOJO's desire to stay one step ahead of obsession, the tracks would be weird and wonderful interpretations by artists who added new dimensions to the original Fab tunes. (…) After the first set of calls to those we thought might be interested, the phones at MOJO HQ started ringing off the hook with labels and musicians wanting to participate in this unique tribute. The upshot? Enough tracks to fill up not one but two volumes of Beatlemania! So that's exactly what we've done.’(B.U. 178)
Internet: www.mojo4music.com

MOJO 130, September 2004: Beatlemania Volume 2
Cheap Trick - Magical Mystery Tour; Grant Lee Phillips - Here Comes The Sun (Previously Unreleased); Harry Nilsson - She's Leaving Home; Vince Guaraldi & Bola Sete - I'm A Loser; Wilson Pickett - Hey Jude; Richie Havens - Rocky Raccoon; Trudy Pitts with Pat Martino - Eleanor Rigby; Nina Simone - Revolution (Part 1); Steve Cropper - With A Little Help From My Friends; Harvey Averne - I Feel Fine; The Four Tops - Got To Get You Into My Life; The Mar-Keys - Let It Be; Gary Puckett & The Union Gap - Lady Madonna; Claudine Longet - Jealous Guy/Don't Let Me Down; The Overton Berry Trio - Hey Jude.

MOJO 152, July 2006: Revolver Reloaded
1. Catfish Haven - Taxman; 2. The Handsome Family With The Rivet Gang - Eleanor Rigby; 3. Neal Casal - I'm Only Sleeping; 4. Sukilove - Love You To; 5. Belarus - Here, There And Everywhere; 6. Chris Eckman - Yellow Submarine; 7. Mark Mulcahy - She Said She Said; 8. Lampshade - Good Day Sunshine; 9. Jim Reid - And Your Bird Can Sing; 10. Michael Weston King - For No One; 11. Luke Temple - Doctor Robert; 12. Thea Gilmore - I Want To Tell You; 13. Green Pajamas - Got To Get You Into My Life; 14. Jason McNiff - Tomorrow Never Knows; Bonus Track: Ed Harcourt - Rain

Forty years later to the month 15 different artists corralled by MOJO complete work on a re-recording of all14 tracks that make up the original UK version of Revolver. Added to the mix is a cover of Rain, recorded during the same period by John, Paul, George and Ringo and used on the B-side of the non-album single Paperback Writer. The aim of this fortieth anniversary tribute to The Beatles' landmark 1966 album is to showcase the versatility of the original material and illustrate its ongoing impact on modern music. Hence, on this 15 track set Eleanor Rigby is transformed into a widescreen slice of gothic Americana by The Handsome Family, Chris Eckman adds a film noir quality to the child-like charm of Yellow Submarine, and Jesus And Mary Chain man Jim Reid delivers a distorto-pop, Spector-esque take on And Your Bird Can Sing. MOJO would like to thank all those who have participated in this unique project and we urge you to discover the remarkable music made by these artists for yourself. We also advise you rediscover Revolver itself - the mind-blowing inside story of which appears in this month's issue of the magazine. (Phil Alexander, Editor-In-Chief, MOJO Magazine London, England. May 2006.) (B.U. 187)
Internet: www.mojo4music.com

MOJO 160, March 2007: Sgt Pepper With A Little Help From His Friends
1. Simple Kid - Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band; 2. Puerto Muerto - With A Little Help From My Friends; 3. Circulus - Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds; 4. Fionn Regan - Getting Better; 5. 747s - Fixing A Hole; 6. Unkle Bob - She's Leaving Home; 7. Bikeride - Being For The Benefit Of Mr. Kite!; 8. Stephanie Dosen - Within You Without You; 9. Chin Up Chin Up - When I'm Sixty-Four; 10. Dave Cloud & The Gospel Of Power - Lovely Rita; 11. The M's - Good Morning Good Morning; 12. Simple Kid - Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (Reprise); 13. Captain - A Day In The Life and the bonus track Echo & The Bunnymen - All You Need Is Love.

The March 2007 issue of Mojo magazine focussed on the Beatles’ 40-year old masterpiece, Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band and added a CD with reworkings of the entire album by 13 contemporary participants. (B.U. 190)
Internet: www.mojo4music.com

MOJO issue 178, September 2008: The White Album Recovered -No. 0000001
1. Liz Green - Back In The USSR; 2. Lau - Dear Prudence; 3. Big Linda - Glass Onion; 4. Gabriella Cilmi - Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da; 5. Suppliers - Wild Honey Pie; 6. Dawn Kinnard & Ron Sexmith With The Suppliers - The Continuing Story Of Bungalow Bill; 7. Virgin Passages - While My Guitar Gently Weeps; 8. Aidan Smith - Happiness Is A Warm Gun; 9. Vashti Bunyan & Max Richter - Martha My Dear; 10. Phil Campbell - I’m So Tired; 11. Julie Fowlis - Blackbird; 12. Pumajaw - Piggies; 13. Johnny Flynn - Rocky Raccoon; 14. Field Music - Don’t Pass Me By; 15. Babel - Why Don’t We Do It On The Road?; 16. Joan As Policewoman (Featuring Violet) - I Will; 17. A Girl Called Eddy - Julia.

For conflicting views of the album that marked the beginning of the end for The Beatles… Their most ambitious work and their most fractious… Four decades on from its troubled and tension-filled conception, The White Album Recovered is re-imagined here as a modern day symphony… Welcome then to the first instalment of The White Album Recovered … performed exclusively for your listening pleasure by a selection of artists hand-picked by MOJO.’
(B.U. 197)
Internet: www.mojo4music.com

MOJO issue 179, October 2008: The White Album Recovered -No. 0000002
1. The Ruby Sons With Esau Mwamwaya - Birthday; 2. Eugene McGuinness - Yer Blues; 3. Neville Skelly - Mother Nature’s Son; 4. My Brightest Diamond - Everybody’s Got Something To Hide Except Me And My Monkey; 5. Rachel Unthank & The Winterset - Sexy Sadie; 6. Derwood Andrews - Helter Skelter; 7. Gemma Ray - Long, Long, Long; 8. Neil Cowley Trio - Revolution 1;  9. A Cuckoo - Honey Pie; 10. Pete Greenwood - SavoyTruffle; 11. Jacob Golden - Cry Baby Cry; 12. Neil Cowley Trio - Revolution 9; 13. Sarabeth Tucek - Good Night; Bonustrack:14. Paul Weller - Sexy Sadie.

‘While the making of The Beatles’ ninth official album had all but forced the band apart, the anticipation of the record remained at fever pitch… Four decades on, and The White Album remains the band’s most adventurous and far-reaching release… This, The White Album Recovered 0000002,  the final part of MOJO’s bespoke two-disc tribute, provides you with empirical evidence of that very fact…’ (B.U. 197)
Internet: www.mojo4music.com

MOJO 191, October 2009: Abbey Road Now!
1. The Invisible - Come Together; 2. The Leisure Society - Something; 3. Let's Wrestle - Maxwell's Silver Hammer; 4. Broken Records - Oh! Darling; 5. Jeffrey Lewis - Octopus's Garden; 6. Robyn Hitchcock - I Want You (She's So Heavy); 7. Charlie Dore - Here Comes the Sun; 8. Martin John Henry (De Rosa) - Because; 9. Glenn Tilbrook - You Never Give Me Your Money; 10. Gomez - Sun King; 11. Cornershop - Mean Mr. Mustard/Polythene Pam; 12. Karima Francis - She Came in Through the Bathroom Window; 13. Blue Roses - Golden Slumbers; 14. Noah And The Whale - Carry That Weight; 15. Loose Salute - The End; 16. The Low Anthem - Her Majesty.
An additional bonus was the Ralfe Band´s version of She Came In Through The Bathroom Window, which was available via Mojo's website.

MOJO's October 2009 Abbey Road cover story was enhanced by a free CD: the whole Abbey Road album covered from start to finish by some of MOJO's favourite contemporary acts. Abbey Road Now! Is an exclusive celebration of its 40th anniversary, reflecting the last time The Beatles attempted to portray a united front. As is customary with our series of Beatles re-recordings, all the artists here have been hand-picked by MOJO for your listening pleasure. We salute their interpretive powers and invite you to discover their own work for yourselves.’ (Phil Alexander, editor-in-chief, MOJO Magazine). (B.U. 201)
Internet: www.mojo4music.com

Uncut Take 116, January 2007
10 Worst Beatles covers:
1. Robin Williams and Bobby McFerrin - Come Together, 2. Natalie Cole - Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds, 3. Phil Collins - Tomorrow Never Knows, 4. Will Young & Gareth Gates - The Long And Winding Road, 5. The Anti-Nowhere League - Nowhere Man, 6. Bing Crosby - Hey Jude, 7. Suggs - I’m Only Sleeping, 8. Mötley Crüe - Helter Skelter, 9. Tiffany - I Saw Him Standing There, 10. Hootie & The Blowfish - The Ballad Of John & Yoko.
10 Best Beatles covers:
1. Stevie Wonder - We Can Work It Out, 2. Bryan Ferry - She’s Leaving Home, 3. Del Shannon - From Me To You, 4. The Fall - A Day In The Life, 5. Frank Sinatra - Something, 6. Scritti Politti Feat. Shabba Ranks - She’s A Woman, 7. Earth, Wind & Fire - Got To Get You Into My Life, 8. Joe Cocker - She Came In Through The Bathroom Window, 9. Emmylou Harris - Here, There And Everywhere, 10. Peter Sellers - A Hard Day’s Night.

The January 2007 issue of Uncut magazine included two columns on the 10 worst and 10 best Beatles cover versions - fasten your seatbelts: (B.U. 190)
Internet: www.uncut.co.uk

Uncut Take 135, August 2008: While My Guitar Gently Weeps
1. Show of Hands - If I Needed Someone; 2. Carl Perkins - Put Your Cat Clothes On; 3. Damon & Naomi - While My Guitar Gently Weeps; 4. Everly Brothers - Bye Bye Love; 5. Hoagy Carmichael - Hong Kong Blues; 6. Roy Orbison - Go Go Go; 7. Tanya Donelly - Long Long Long; 8. Elvis Presley - Good Rockin’ Tonight; 9. Galaxie 500 - Isn’t It A Pity; 10. Chuck Berry - Roll Over Beethoven; 11. John Howard - Something; 12. Little Richard - Long Tall Sally; 13. Voodoo Glow Skulls - Here Comes The Sun; 14. Buddy Holly - Tell Me How; 15. Rainer - Within You, Without You; 15. George Formby - I Told My Baby With The Ukulele.

In this Uncut collection we pay tribute to his musical genius with an eclectic mix of covers of some of his greatest songs by those he influenced, and original tracks by those who influenced him, from Chuck Berry and Buddy Holly to Hoagy Carmichael and George Formby…’ (B.U. 197)
Internet: www.uncut.co.uk

Any Covers Left?

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Digital TV Channel Music Choice
Former Star Trek actor William Shatner's version of Lucy In the Sky With Diamonds was voted the worst Beatles cover of all time, followed by Pinky and Perky with their version of All My Loving (2) and Pop Idol stars Will Young and Gareth Gates with The Long And Winding Road (3). The Top Ten further listed Damon Hill - Drive My Car (4), Bananarama with French and Saunders - Help! (5), Jim Carrey - I Am the Walrus (6), Wet Wet Wet - With A Little Help From My Friends (7), Suggs - I'm Only Sleeping (8), PM Dawn - Norwegian Wood (9) and Candy Flip - Strawberry Fields Forever (10).

To mark the 40th anniversary of the Beatles' first number one, From Me To You, digital TV channel Music Choice asked their viewers to name their least favourite Beatles cover versions. Simon Bell of Music Choice said: "There can be few greater challenges even for the finest musicians than attempting to cover a track by The Beatles. After all, how can you hope to improve on the work of the world's greatest ever group? While chart acts like PM Dawn, Suggs and Candy Flip might feel entitled to have a stab at greatness, the likes of Damon Hill, Jim Carrey and William Shatner are best advised to stick to the day job." (B.U. 169)
Internet: www.musicchoice.com