You can tell a lot about a person from their favorite Beatles album. Obviously it’s a tough choice that requires lengthy deliberation and changes over the course of one’s life. Unlike, say, the Beach Boys’ discography, which contains kinda-cheesy titles like All Summer Long and astonishing gems like Smile, every Beatles album has an array of elements that make it fantastic.
Still, I communicate differently with those who say it’s Beatles For Sale hands down than I do with people who tell me Revolver (which is my favorite).
One’s favorite Beatles song is a good indicator as well. I would be much more intrigued by someone who most adores “The Fool on the Hill” than someone whose all-time fave is “All My Loving.” Mine is “Fixing A Hole” (I know—it’s not on Revolver).
The Beatles’ profound influence on music and culture in general lies partly in their fearless experimentation with sound (and a few other things). Consider “Norwegian Wood,” on which George Harrison implemented the sitar after having played one that was part of a set for the film Help!.
Yet the Beatles’ innovation is merely part of what made them so amazing. Their music is at once universally accessible and painfully profound (surely a result of the Lennon/McCartney songwriting collaborations).
So what’s my point, then?
Well, most Beatles tunes translate well into interpretations by other musicians, which is why a Beatles cover show is a brilliant idea. Having a killer lineup that includes some of Maui’s best musicians—all of whom will be interpreting the Beatles tunes of their choice—is a sure bet for drawing a sizable crowd.
Given the diversity of Maui’s music scene, next Friday’s Beatles cover show, which takes place at the Iao Theater, will likely be an utterly dynamic evening. Even if each act’s set includes “Blackbird,” there are hundreds of ways to pull it off in a unique manner.
It’ll be interesting to see which songs each artist chooses. Personally I’d like to see what Randall Rospond of the Haiku Hillbillys would do with “Eleanor Rigby.” I also wouldn’t mind seeing rock and roller extraordinaire Erin Smith bust out a gut-punching “Helter Skelter.” That would be most bitchen.
Other acts in Friday’s lineup include: Anuhea, whose soulful approach is sure to do any Fab Four tune justice; Jerry Caires; Melissa M. from Mojomana; and a handful of others. Fulton Tashombe leads.
The evening’s non-Beatle-related perks include passed pupus courtesy of Hailiimaile General Store’s Bev Gannon, auctions and the like.
I have a sneaking suspicion that this night will not serve solely as a celebration of the most influential band in rock and roll history. The Beatles’ perpetual message—love tinged with the ideal of true progress—fits exceedingly well within the current post-election afterglow many of us are experiencing.
Whichever album is your favorite, let’s come together for this one. MTW
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