Customer Reviews

Tribute to the Beatles

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Rick recorded this album in 1996-97, with the help of guitarrist extraordinaire Fraser Thorneycroft. Basically played with Synths and electric guitar, Wakeman made a fine selection of the Beatles' songs to arrange and play beautifully: Norwegian wood, Blackbird, Help, Come together, The fool on the hill,etc. As I said, Fraser is a very complete and soulful guitar player which contributes a whole lot to make this album a must for Beatles and Wakeman fans.

Not being a big fan of The Beatles, but it's a very enjoyable listening experience. There is an abundance of new instruments and more armonies than usual on this work. this is a great CD.

I never could imagine that someone would make the music of the Beatles sound so cheap and primitive, and then will publish the result as a "tribute". All arrangements are very uninventive and lacking of drive which has been present in abundance on much earlies albums of Rick Wakeman.

Track Listing:

1. Norvegian Wood
2. You've Got To Hide Your Love Away
3. The Fool On The Hill
4. Eleanor Rigby
5. Come Together
6. While My Guitar Gently Weeps
7. We Can Work It Out
8. Help!
9. Things We Said Today
10. Blackbird
11. She's Leaving Home

Well, I finally got a copy of this album (used copy through Amazon) after a few years of keeping it on my wish list, waiting for it to be re-issued. If I seem disappointed, it's only because I've been waiting so long for a copy, and no album could live up to that pressure.
Don't get me wrong, if you like long synthesizer solos or instrumental Beatles covers, these are fine. Wakeman's take on "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" evokes Vangelis, mixed with the prog-rock that he's known for. But more than anything, this style calls to mind that disco cover of Beethoven's Fifth Symphony from the 70's - it didn't NEED to be re-made as a disco song. The Beatles songs didn't NEED to be redone in new-age synth rock, but that said, there's nothing all that offensive about it.
I guess I just thought my Beatles covers collection would be more complete after adding this CD, but I guess that'll never happen.
For a rocking cover of the Beatles song "Every Little Thing", check out the album "Yes" by Yes - that's how it should be done.