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Excellent Covers of Excellent Songs

T.R. Frentzel | San Francisco, ca United States | 10/17/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I've heard millions of covers of Beatles songs (okay, maybe a hundred or so), but I think this is the first time I've heard covers of Paul songs (aside from Nicole Kidman and Ewan MacGregor singing parts of "Silly Love Songs" in 'Moulin Rouge').I wasn't actually going to buy this album, but I saw that the JudyBats had a song on it, thus I had to have it.The two things that make this album so good are the quality of the songs themselves, and the way that the artists put themselves into the songs. Some songs, like 'Band On The Run' by Owlsy stay true to the original, while other songs, like 'Coming up' by John Faye Power Trip take on another harder feeling. While it's pointless to get into the John V. Paul debate, it's quite clear that Paul had the edge when it came to pop songs.Many of the artists I'd never heard before, but I was pleased by nearly all of them. 'Warm And Beautiful' by Linus of Hollywood sounded a wee like a Boy Band singing acapella, but it grows on you. The JudyBats do an awesome 'Love In Song,' and Semisonic's "Jet" sounds fresh. Some of the songs I actually like better than the originals, but don't tell Paul."

Something Everyone Can Appreciate

Sean McCloskey | 10/29/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"From Creative Loafing
by Tony WareWhile the value of Paul McCartney's post-Beatles output often depends on which side of the '70s divide you were weaned on, the value of breast cancer research is something everyone can appreciate. Proceeds from Listen to What the Man Said: A Tribute to the Music of Paul McCartney and its more indie companion piece, Coming Up, are earmarked to benefit the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation in memory of Linda McCartney. The idea was actually hatched in Atlanta in 1999 and first executed in 2000. Inspired by earlier participation in local label Demagogue's Love in Song: An Atlanta Tribute to Sir Paul McCartney, Kirk Waldrop -- along with Kelli Richards and James Flaherty -- solicited national contributions for Listen and Coming Up, both released during Breast Cancer Awareness Month through Oglio on its Tribute LLC imprint. And the songs themselves? Well, for as many people who love Wings and early solo McCartney, there are just as many who consider the Cute One's post-'70s songbook sentimental, self-indulgent pap. And these collections aren't likely to change that. Still, artists like Owsley ("Band on the Run"), Matthew Sweet ("Every Night") and World Party ("Man We Was Lonely") play it faithful, while SR-71 and Semisonic glam up "My Brave Face" and "Jet," respectively. The Minus 5 put in an eerie performance of "Dear Friend," and Canadians Sloan, already masters of power pop, nail their jangly reclamation of "Waterfalls." Featuring deeper album cuts and B-sides performed by independent artists, Coming Up has a more upbeat and modernized feel. But maybe that's simply because this compilation steers away from hits, so the songs -- like the bands -- are not only less familiar but more fresh."

Songs that stand the test of time...

Sean McCloskey | 10/21/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Although its taken this long to come out with a solid tribute to one of the best lyricists of our time-I think everyone would agree-its been well worth the wait. While no one can do a McCartney hit like McCartney, to hear modern artists do "Junk" (Barenaked Ladies) and "Every Night" (Matthew Sweet), to name a couple from the record, proves that these hits stand the test of time very well--what better compliment to their creator."