THE BEATLES ...

Dear readers, this week, B is for *B*eatles’ Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Band – 

and other iconic records that have proved definitive/major turning points for other music stars. So, in their own words (and apologies: you’ll have to improvise the musical accompaniment!), here they are:

Brian Wilson (The Beach Boys) - 'Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Band' (above):

“‘Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band’ from the Beatles’ album – to this day I am still very jealous of the Beatles and the whole Sgt Pepper album. When I wrote the songs for Pet Sounds I was trying to emulate what they had done on that ‘Sgt Pepper’ track. After I heard it I was jealous of their fame, John and Paul’s singing  and their group harmonies. I don’t think what I did was anywhere near as good as ‘Sgt Pepper’. Maybe other people consider me a genius but I don’t, not on their level.”

Ozzy Osbourne - Procol Harum’s 'A Whiter Shade of Pale':

“‘A Whiter Shade of Pale’ by Procol Harum. It taught me when a song is perfect, not to attempt a poor copy.  It’s been covered by so many people and I was tempted – but it’s been over-covered, so I decided not to. And I’ve learnt I was so right. It’s difficult with covers, even doing one of your own material.”

Brian May of Queen – Buddy Holly’s 'That’ll be the Day':

“Ah the sound; the sound of those guitars and the wonderful harmonies... Yeah, I think a good part of Queen was born right there.”

Labrinth – Shirley Bassey’s 'Goldfinger' (James Bond)

“The James Bond soundtracks;  all of them are amazing, every single one of those changed my life. I am talking about the old-school, I’m talking about Shirley Bassey, I’m talking about ‘Goldfinger’, man, of course. I was listening to them the other day and I was just, like, totally going out of my head. I just think the way they used to create music back in the day, it was magical, it was a special thing.”

Suggs - Peggy Lee’s Is that all there is?

“ ‘Is that all there is – because is that all there is?’ It sounds like a sad song because it’s about a girl and her house burning down and stuff. She keeps saying ‘Is that all there is?’ – but basically it’s a song of keeping going through hard times.  I think it’s a really great song.”

  

Lemar - Al Green’s ‘Let’s Stay Together’

“Al Green’s ‘Let’s Stay Together’ – that made a big difference to me. You know, for many years I was listening to music and – I don’t know – something about his voice really, really, resonated with me and as a result I learnt the song inside out and I found similarities between his voice and mine, so maybe that was the thing.”

ANY RECORDS THAT RECALL OLD FRIENDS/FORMER COLLEAGUES?

Do tell me! And do check out other posts  @ Jenny Matlock-Alphabe-Thursday, Monday Mellow Yellows, Macro Monday, Ruby Tuesday, Outdoor Wednesday & Rednesday.

And, finally, thank you to all my dear readers who visited or commented.

Enjoy!

XOXO NORA & LOLA:)