Anybody heard this release? Apparently, the Smithereens do all the songs on "Meet the Beatles", trying to do proper homage to the early Beatles and yet still sound like themselves.

Its a recent release -- Jan 20, 2007, I read. So I don't know if many have heard it yet. But if you have, (and maybe even if you haven't), what do you think ??

Is it a Buy?

Or a Pass-By?

I just went on the iTunes website and listened to the previews. It sounds like the Smithereens singing Beatles tunes. If you enjoy hearing cover tunes and you like the Smithereens it should be a good purchase. I might get a couple of the tunes but probably not the whole album.

I got it earlier this month. It's great! The drumming is dead on!! And the guitar tones are there. It's becoming a trend to treatThe Beatle music like any of the great classical Composers. It is and was such a cultural phenom that recreation of every detail and nuance is respected in reproducing the works...The Fab Faux and the Smithereens do a fine job! MH

Thanks for the replies. I think I'll look into it.

And, yes, iTunes. I need to start using iTunes before it's considered "old school," like in a few more months from now or something :-)

I've got it. I know it's heresy, but I don't really like the Beatles, but actually like this album. I was on the fence as to whether I'd buy it (being a huge Smithereens fan). After I saw them in San Francisco last month, I decided to get it. Dennis Diken on "I wanna be your man" and Jim Babjack on "Don't Bother Me" were worth the price of admission alone. I don't think you can go wrong with this one.

I had a quick listen on iTunes and to be honest, I'm not that impressed. Technically and all it sounds cool no doubt about that, but it all sounds too Karaoke in my opinion (or an aging cover band at a Beatles convention). Something about the way the singing is layered on top of the music. The lead singer sings like it's a commercial rather than rock n' roll songs. There's no emotion, and non of the infectious enthusiasm and sheer fun you hear in those early Beatles album. Yes, I know, they are NOT the Beatles and this is NOT 1963, and I know it's hard as hell approaching that (holy) material and do it justice. I've seen the same thing before with other bands who set out to cover their idols. All that said, anyone who releases Beatles songs is OK in my book to say the least ;)

Amir
www.myspace.com/rickenbackers

PS

It's a shame they didn't include 'Devil in her heart' it's such a great tune.

The American album "Meet The Beatles" featured a different song lineup than the British album "With The Beatles."

"With The Beatles" includes "Please Mr. Postman", "Roll Over Beethoven", "Devil In Her Heart", "You Really Got A Hold On Me", and "Money (That's What I Want)" that are not on the American release.

"Meet The Beatles" includes "I Want To Hold Your Hand", "I Saw Her Standing There" and "This Boy" which are not on "With The Beatles."

Amir,
I wasn't convinced either until I saw them play those songs live. Believe me, there was PLENTY of infectious fun and enthusiasm. That's what prompted me to buy this one :)

I believe you ;) I was obviously commenting on the recorded version. As most of us know, it's VERY hard to recreate the energies of a live gig in a recording studio.

You can hear some of the album here (hear here?):
http://kochstreams.hostcentric.com/smithereens/