When we think of a Beatles tune so often we just think of the band’s rendition, but so much of the their catalog has been re-recorded by a wide range of artists with wildly different styles. A good example is “The Beatles”, better known as the White Album, which has provided plenty of opportunity for singers and bands to put their own distinctive take on each of the songs. Here’s a look at some of the more innovative recordings track by track.
Side One:
Back in the USSR – Sigourney Weaver
The great thing is Sigourney does it with a Russian accent. Natasha Fatale meets Lennon and McCartney.
Dear Prudence – Jerry Garcia Band / Siouxsie and the Banshees
Two versions of this song come to mind. There’s the “jam,” version offered by the Jerry Garcia Band…
…and the strangely haunting version done by Siouxsie and the Banshees
Glass Onion – Rita Eriksen / Mark Morton
Rita Eriksen kills on this version from the 2009 White Concert.
While the Mark Morton take has him playing just about everything
Ob-la-Di Ob-la-Da – Julie Berthelsen
I‘ve heard every type of band from country to polka do their own unique versions. Julie Berthelsen gives a more traditional yet distinctive spin on this tune.
Wild Honey Pie – Pixies
Not exactly why anyone would want to redo this song but hand it to the Pixies to leave their mark.
Continuing Story of Bungalow Bill – Deerhoof
No, that’s not Yoko Ono in the first moments of this tune. (With all due respect to Deerhoof, their lead singer is a lot more listenable!) Said to be one of the more expendable songs in the Beatle catalog, Bungalow Bill’s adventures continue.
While My Guitar Gently Weeps – Prince, Tom Petty, Jeff Lynne, Steve Winwood, Dhani Harrison
Here’s the song that pretty much inspired this article, and Prince tears it up with his version.
Happiness is a Warm Gun – Cassie Wilson
It’s pretty obvious from the video that Cassie Wilson loves the Beatles. She also does an a capella version that draws your attention.
Side Two:
Martha My Dear – Slade
One of the last groups you think would cover a Beatles song, especially this Beatles song, is Slade. They do an interesting version but it doesn’t hold a candle to the stripped down version that McCartney did.
I’m So Tired – Carrie Rodriguez
A number of folks have done this song over the years but I have a feeling John Lennon himself would have stated this was closest to the original concept.
Blackbird -Joyce Oladokun / James Smith
The Joyce Oladokun version reminds you of a smiling Tracy Chapman, while James Smith’s take fits into the John Mayer genre. Both are worth a listen to compare.
Piggies – Nadav Merom with Jonny Bernstein
I’m sure George Harrison never imagined this song done with mandolin and bouzouki…but it works!
Rocky Racoon – Scary Pockets
A bizarre take on a song that doesn’t get a lot of remakes.
Don’t Pass Me By – Georgia Satellites
His version alone would have made Ringo a very wealthy man for a song he started writing years before it appeared on the white album
Why Don’t We Do It in the Road – Morgan James
Another countries version that gives new life to what was a filler song
I Will – Allison Krause
You don’t often hear Beatles on banjo but Allison Krause makes it work!
Julia – Sean Lennon
A song about his grandmother but dedicated to Yoko Ono. Somehow John would have approved.
Side 3:
Birthday – Bruce Willis
From the “Moonlighting” TV series. Bruce likely reconsidered a singing carer after seeing the finished product.
Yer Blues – White Stripes
Gotta hand t to the Stripes. They deliver with a heavy dose of angst on this version.
Mother Nature’s Son – Logan Kendell
Another banjo version, this time with harmonica.
Everybody’s Got Something to Hide Except Me and My Monkey – Fats Domino
If anyone was going to do this song justice in a remake it would be Fats Domino and he delivers
Sexy Sadie – NYC Big Rhythm Band featuring Duncan Maitland
This version was done in the same Abbey Road studio as the original.
Helter Skelter – U2
No stranger to remaking Beatles tunes, U2 does an admirable job of covering a song that lives on in infamy.
Long Long Long – Astrid & Stanley Samuelson
A haunting version from the George Harrison tribute CD.
Side 4:
Revolution #1 – Malachi Jaggers
No stranger to cover songs, Malachi Jaggers does a respectable job.
Honey Pie – Jenns Hausmann
An acoustic guitar version of the Paul McCartney tribute to 1930s pop.
Savoy Truffle – Ella Fitzgerald / Dhani Harrison
The Ella Fitzgerald version was a welcome find!
But Dhani Harrison can hold his own as well,
Cry Baby Cry – Liam Gallagher
The Gallaghers have long cited the influence of the Beatles and this cover is a great example.
Revolution #9 – Alarm Will Sound
The question here is not did anyone cover this “piece” but why? Crazy, but it works!
Good Night –Linda Ronstadt / Karen Carpenter / Instrumental
After “Revolution #9”, possibly the best way to end the white album. Linda Ronstadt’s version almost sounds like it belongs in “Twin Peaks”.
Lennon and McCartney were both very complimentary of Karen Carpenter’s voice. Sadly, this version resembles a cry for help.
But the ultimate version may still be the original without vocals
These are all great talents, but even the best versions seem to bring us back to the originals. An indication of the enduring influence of the Beatles.
