Inspired by the Beatles

The other night Greg and I were talking about the Beatles. We were saying how it is so interesting how they had become so iconic in a time where musical genius ran ramped. I am a pretty big Beatles fan. We came to the "conclusion" that their popularity must have stemmed from their ideals, and lyrics. Works like Rubber Soul and Sgt. Peppers' Lonely Hearts Club Band, in my opinion, are examples of really masterful output. This week I've been listening to Beatles inspired music, and man, what I have been listening to has really blown my mind.

First, there is Easy Star All-Stars Sgt. Pepper tribute called Easy Stars Lonely Hearts Dub Band. It's a pretty rad reggae tribute. I honestly don't really think of it as being a homage to the original album though. Unlike Dub Side of the Moon (which I thought was perfection), Lonely Hearts Dub Band has a different feel... I can't pin point it. Maybe its just that no one can do Sgt. Pepper like the Beatles. That being said, I'm still a fan and really do enjoy Easy Stars album. Totally worth a listen.

Secondly, I seem to have stumbled upon a Wu-Tang Clan vs. The Beatles mash-up album done by someone named Tom Caruana called Enter the Magical Mystery Chambers. Love Wu-Tang.  This hip-hop album is so sugar sweet. While I don't really hear the "versus" aspect of it, hearing Wu-Tang jams mixed with a back beat of Beatles is wholly stimulating. I can totally dig it. If you are even just slightly a fan of Wu-Tang and The Beatles I fully encourage you to check this out, you won't be disappointed.

Dub Side of the Moon

Ya know when you find that special musical gem, and you're all giddy, and so pleased with what you seem to have stumbled upon? That's me right now.

I'm sure you've heard Pink Floyds Dark Side of the Moon (if not, what are you doing here?!... kidding). Well last week I happened to come across a reggae tribute album to Dark Side entitled Dub Side of the Moon by Easy Star All-Stars (which has been around since 2003). I'm so over the moon with love for this album. The smooth transition from Pink Floyds psychedelic rock sound, to what I consider to be psychedelic reggae sound is purely sensational. I enjoy the creative use of bubbling bong water, coughing and a couple mean sax riffs. Not to mention the album keeps up with Pink Floyds entire feel of the album, with funky guitar beats and a mellow conduct.

Based on insight alone, Dark Side of the Moon is such a brilliant piece of work, and it's wicked that Easy Star All-Stars did such a tremendous job of emulating, without overstepping.  Dub Side of the Moon is dreamy, it's chill.... it's addictive. My favorite tracks would have to be Money, Time, and Us and Them. Apparently you can sync it with The Wizard of Oz, just like the original. I think its a rad tribute.
Check 'er out!