Exploring the Depths of Beatles' Covers and New Endeavors by the Kinks and Marcel Smith

'We Can Work It Out': A New Beatles Covers Compilation

In the realm of music, the Beatles' timeless tracks have inspired a legion of artists, from an array of genres, to try their hand at covering the legend's tunes. A new anthology called We Can Work It Out: Covers of the Beatles 1962–1968 emerges as a treasure trove for Beatles enthusiasts. Not only does it include covers by noted artists but it also shines a spotlight on less-known musicians and their renditions. This compilation, spanning over three CDs with an informative booklet, captures the essence of the Beatles' influence from the years mentioned, though the covers themselves range from 1963 to 1974.

The collection is a mix of the familiar and the obscure, excluding some famed versions possibly due to licensing constraints. Instead, it includes interesting takes such as Trea Dobbs' 'It's for You' and Tommy Quickly's 'Tip of My Tongue,' showcasing the breadth of the Beatles' reach. Some covers closely mimic the original Beatles' sound, while others, including interpretations by Mary Wells, the Charles River Valley Boys, and Steve Marcus, offer a novel twist to the classic tracks, proving the versatility of the Beatles' music.

Discovering New Facets of The Kinks

The Kinks, a band synonymous with the evolution of rock, continue to feed the appetite of their fans despite having disbanded years ago. The new anthology series, The Journey, kickstarted with a two-CD set that features a collection freshly remastered and curated by the band members. While it revisits some of the well-known hits, it significantly delves into the deep cuts, offering a richer view of the band's diverse discography. Some tracks even include rarely heard and previously unreleased versions, providing something new for even the most devout fans.

Marcel Smith's Sophomore Soul Album

In the realm of soul music, Marcel Smith emerges with his second solo offering, From My Soul, a nod to the golden era of Chicago soul with echoes of Sam Cooke's velvety style. With a repertoire that spans decades, Smith impresses once again with original compositions and covers that capture the heart of soul music. Highlights include a duo with Johnny Rawls and an extensive live version of 'How Can You Mend a Broken Heart,' rounding off a set that solidifies Smith's place in the soul genre and leaves listeners eagerly anticipating his next move.

Anthology, Covers, Soul