Singing Beatles songs and doing something nice for education is a winning combination. "The Minnesota Beatles Project, Vol. 3," does both in one neat package.
The Project, produced by Vega Productions, has, for three years running now, put out CDs with homegrown covers of Beatles songs, with all proceeds going to Minnesota education. It's collaborative effort with the Minnesota music industry to provide support for music and art programs in Minnesota public schools.
Last year's edition (see our review here) featured Soul Asylum and the Meat Puppets. This year's album, to be released Dec. 6, features performers including Tapes ‘n Tapes, Cloud Cult, Charlie Parr, Me and My Arrow, Motion City Soundtrack, Solid Gold, the Honeydogs, the 4onthefloor, Dark Dark Dark and Red Pens.
And beyond being a collection of diverse Beatles covers, some of the arrangements of the songs are quite unique. Cloud Cult's version of "Help!" that opens the album is a charming acoustically based version. Solid Gold's "Love You To" gives the song an electronic feel. Charlie Parr's "Rocky Racoon," blends mouthharp and a Dylan-like vocal. The Fiddle Heirs, as you might expect, turn "I've Got a Feeling" into a country romp. Dark Dark Dark makes "Long Long Long" a moody ballad led by a piano and chorus. Cantus adds harmony to "Got To Get You Into My Life."
Additionally, it also includes a cover of "A Hard Day's Night" by the 115-member Anoka Middle School for the Arts concert band that would sound very cool in a parade.
"Minnesota Beatles Project, Vol. 3" is available on physical CD, digital format and vinyl from Target stores in Minnesota and on Target.com.
The tracklist for Vol. 3:
- 1. Cloud Cult – Help
- 2. Solid Gold - Love You To
- 3. White Light Riot - Hey Bulldog
- 4. Charlie Parr feat. Nicholas Mrozinski - Rocky Raccoon
- 5. Motion City Soundtrack - Here Comes the Sun
- 6. The Fiddle Heirs - I've Got a Feeling
- 7. Me and My Arrow - Don't Let Me Down
- 8. Red Pens - Helter Skelter
- 9. Dark Dark Dark - Long Long Long
- 10. The Honeydogs - Dear Prudence
- 11. Tapes ‘n Tapes - I Want You (She's So Heavy)
- 12. the 4onthefloor - Why Don't We Do It in the Road?
- 13. The Arms Akimbo - You Won't See Me
- 14. Cantus - Got to Get You into My Life
- 15. Anoka Middle School for The Arts – A Hard Day’s Night
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