:: I Am Sam – Music From

Various Artists

This is the soundtrack to the film that has, as its main character, a person who is a massive Beatles fan. Therefore, we have a collection of renditions of classic Beatles songs from an array of modern-day vocalists. I can see much mileage being obtained from having these songs performed, and expect to have some singles released. Amongst the selection are leading female vocalists, Sarah McLachlan, who is apt for the delicate “Blackbird”, Heather Nova with “We Can Work It Out”, and Sheryl Crow with “Mother Nature’s Son”. Then there is the smooth-sounding Aimee Mann. She lends her style to two songs, “Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds”, and, with Michael Penn, on “Two Of Us”. In fact, this song opens and closes the album. The second version is sung by father-son combination of Neil and Liam Finn. “Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds” also gets a feistier treatment from The Black Crowes. One of the really good voices to check out is that of Howie Day, who gives a capable version of “Help”. Take note of Pearl Jam frontman Eddie Vedder whose trademark style suits an early Beatles favourite “You’ve Got To Hide Your Love Away”. Those listeners familiar with the excellent band Grandaddy will enjoy their amiable sound in “Revolution”, but I don’t believe they’re the right band singing such a stirring song. Nick Cave comes across as the elder statesman of the group of singers. His inimitable style on “Let It Be” will amuse. A couple of real highlights are Rufus Rainwright with the beautiful “Across The Universe” and Ben Folds with a version of “Golden Slumbers”. It perfectly suits his vocals and piano playing skills. Young listeners will like this. But spend some time listening to the originals and you’ll appreciate how good the songs were back then.