There are many country covers of Beatles songs, so in my usual thraun way I have chosen, a soul song instead. There is not a single purchase (or copy) of any Beatles album here on the shelves, and if this was to be changed, let me tell you this and tell you no more, it would not be the 1968 album The Beatles. Yes, I have heard it all the way through, and through the B&Ws, but it was not my (or my partner’s) record.
Today’s version is not by the gregarious, life-and-soul-of-the-party singer Nina Simone, unfortunately, whose song Revolution is a response to the original, not a cover. And you’d be right in thinking I thought Nina Simone’s song was a cover until I listened to it again.
So instead you have a simply tremendous version of Paul McCartney’s song about John Lennon’s son. Well, I think that’s what it’s about. And the original, I have come to realise is a great song, that change at 50 seconds ( And anytime you feel the pain...at that moment) is genius. It’s a pity it na nas for so long, but the first three minutes or so are sublime. So here’s Mr Pickett’s version, with a quite famous guitar man playing out the song:
And, if CC allows this series to run for a wee while longer this will not be the only time Wilson Pickett features. ( ok seeing as it is Wilson - Ed)
Wait! You want Nana Mouskouri’s version too? (of course you do - Ed)
And here’s the now-obligatory portuguese version. And let me tell you this, they have played fast and loose with those lyrics
More next week
Nana Mouskouri? Good grief.
ReplyDeleteIt might have been better in Greek.But then again, maybe not
DeletePlay the video, you will not regret it. Nana's vocal is superb
DeleteI played the video, hence the comment!
ReplyDeleteStellar, George. Amazing how quickly he covered the recent hit. Pickett recorded it in November 1968. My favorite Beatles covers from the Atlantic/Stax family remains the Abbey Road covers album McLemore Avenue by Booker T. & The M.G.'s. I'm wondering if they are backing Pickett on Hey Jude. Seems like they played on everything.
ReplyDeleteI think Mr Pickett's version is even better than Nana's, and the brazilian effort.
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