The Beatles have always been a major influence on power pop (some consider them the first power pop band ever, for others it was Buddy Holly). For many years, Beatle cover bands continue to remain popular with all ages. After a while, some cover bands decide to branch out with their own original music in the Fab style. Many bands have done this, none more successfully than The Weeklings. But each year I hear of a new band or two — and here they are:
The Analogues Sideshow “Introducing The Analogues Sideshow”
The Analogues have been playing Beatles shows for years, so when they released original music they didn’t want to cling too tightly to the same melodies and rhythms. Like the Weeklings, they keep the music as original as possible while still keeping their influence recognizable. “Patience” is a good start with strong slide guitar, and string interludes. “Say That You Will” is a piano ballad that mines the McCartney/Elton John template perfectly. The plucky optimism of “Nothing Can Hurt Me Today” and “Goodfoot” are winning tracks that are irresistibly catchy.
While not every song hits that high, the sincerity of feeling in “Damned If You Do” and “Through Thick and Thin” carry the songs across the finish line. The heavier “Yeah Yeah Yeah” actually resemble Tom Petty more than the Beatles. However, you still have 13 tracks that are better than most other bands out there. Highly Recommended.
The White Paper “EP Tracks 2012-2013”
Two lost EPs of original songs by Claudio Cambedda’s Beatles tribute band The White Paper, originally released to sell at their live shows in 2012-14. The band played mostly in Italy.
The band is a very good sound alike, and they mainly stick to the early mop-top phase of the Beatles. The first four tracks are heaven, “One Day,” “Sissy Cheek,” “Say You’re Mine” and “Take My Hand” are amalgams that will please the most demanding Beatlephile. The blues rock “I Feel Down/Honey Monkey” is a little off-brand, but still fits – as if Paul tried to write “Helter Skelter” in 1964. The remaining songs go back to the fab style more, but “Who Needs Love?” sounds more like Ronnie D’Addario or Gilbert O’Sullivan. “To The Sky” is more of a Lennon solo track, but overall a very good simulacrum of the Fab Four. Fans of Beatlesque pop will love it.
