Good Beatles Covers, Part Two

St Louis Union Girl/Respect Decca F12318 1966

So, here we have the St. Louis Union's debut single also on Decca from 1966, a cover of 'Girl'. It was also the Union's only chart success, as it got to #11 on the charts. However, even though it became a hit it is far from the group's best recording; i feel it is not a good representation of the group's real mega cool Mod image. The only highlight with this one is Tony Cassidy's nice vocal performance, which lifts the number a little higher. Much, much better is the flip, a cover of Otis Redding's 'Respect', which is a much better representation of the group's image. Cassidy's vocals is also on top, howling and fits great to the track.

'Girl'

'Respect'

Good Beatles Covers, Part One

Some people say that the Beatles' songs are like old heaters: they should have 'do not cover' written on them. And I agree to the half. There are many terrible Beatles covers out there, but also some terrific. Here's what I came up with...

Joe Cocker-I'll Cry Instead/Precious Words Decca F11974 1964

John Joe Cocker fronted Sheffield band Vance Arnold & The Avengers when he won an audition for a solo recording with Decca. This one, Cocker's first single from 1964 is a song written by messers Lennon & McCartney from the Beatles' LP 'A Hard Day's Night' from the same year. Personally, i think it is actually better than the original Beatles version; Cocker's voice fits much better to the song and i like the slightly faster rhythm. Also, we have some great guitar work which i've read is done by Big Jim Sullivan (the rest of the studio work is done by members of The Ivy League). The single flopped, but four years later Joe enjoyed international success with another Beatles cover, 'With A Little Help From My Friends'. On the B-side, mister J. Page plays guitar as he did with many Beat groups/artists before joining up with the Yardbirds in '66.