Promising Debut (1 - The Beatles)

Member Name: DrunkenDuncan

Product:	1 - The Beatles
Date:	26/12/01 (47 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Show some songwriting talent, Loads of songs

Disadvantages: Very derivative, Influences very evident

Right. This album was first released 12 months ago amid much hype and "next big thing" media writings. Although I bought it at the time of release I thought it was best to let the dust settle before offering my informed and intelligent view on this work and its' writers.

A bit of background first. The Beatles are four young scallies from Liverpool. Paul MCcartney, John Lennon, George Harrison and Ringo Starr. And very talented they appear to be too, if a little derivative. Indeed the main problem here is that this group have so obviously modelled themselves on Oasis it's frightening- but more of that later.

The name of the album, "One", is presumably a reference to the fact that this is their first release- not exactly genius but slightly more original than, for example, a simple, eponymous "The Beatles". Will the follow-up be entitled "Two" I wonder? Or even "One 2"? (Actually "One 2 One" would have obvious sponsorship possibilities.)

As for the songs. Well there's 27 of them so it represents extremely good value- most groups would have saved half for the next release. All are good 3 minute pop songs, instantly memorable, you really will be singing along before the end of each. In fact after just one listen it'll feel like you'd grown up with them. However, it's hard to envisage any of them occupying top spot in the charts.

Before going into further detail a few words about the obvious Oasis comparisons- and the fact that some are so spooky one is left wondering if it is all a clever marketing ploy.

Firstly, the group (if we believe the sales blurb) were originally discovered in some seedy Scouse club called "The Cavern". Now doesn't this sound suspiciously close to a Mr. Alan Mcgee walking into King Tut's in Glasgow and discovering a certain Manc five-piece?

Actually, The Beatles also used to consist of 5 memb
ers. Until guitarist Stuart Sutcliffe quit to pursue other interests. Indeed at the time Paul McCartney was heard to remark, somewhat bitterly, "It's hardly Guigsy leaving Oasis." Hmmm.

And do you remember drummer Tony McCarroll being booted out of Oasis to allow Alan White to join. Well guess what? Yep, The Beatles current drummer Ringo Starr isn't their first. Oh no. He actually replaced the ousted Pete Best at the insistence of the other members. I mean come on. Don't make it too obvious fellas. The next thing you know you'll be releasing an animated video based on the classic "All Around The World"- replacing the famous golden spaceship with, oh I don't know, a yellow submarine so you don't get sued.

There's even a rumour that Lennon is working on a solo track which samples the opening bars of "Don't Look Back In Anger." Imagine that! What a cheek. What are the chances of him coming up with anything as beautiful and heartfelt as Noel. For a start lyrically he's obviously not in the same league. For God's sake there's even a cover of the rare "Come Together" Noel/Weller release on the "Help" charity album from 1995. As if to rub it in there's even a track here named after said album.

As for the songs.. Well they're mainly simple, tuneful well written ditties. Think The Monkees and you won't go far wrong. A bit too lovey (as opposed to luvvie) for my tastes at times. Hippie influences tend to abound. "All You Need Is Love" and "Let It Be" being chief culprits. Hey guys, it's not 1989 and the summer of love any more you know. Let's hope they don't follow Kula Shaker, discover India and start using sitars.

All in all though it's pretty decent stuff. If they can avoid plagiarising those who've gone before and try to break some new ground they may carve out a useful career for themselves.
However it's still hard to envisage them conquering America to the extent of their idols. You really can't imagine scenes such as the 200 sell out on Letterman or up to 10 journalists waiting at JFK airport as when Liam famously quit the tour to come home.

Neither can you see them marrying and their spouses immediately becoming famous on the back of it. Although they would be wise to steer clear of Patsy Kensit for a while.

Should you buy this? Certainly. It's important to support and encourage small, emerging new bands and I've no doubt they really need the money from the sales to help them progress. Hopefully it will enable them to break free from their influences and produce challenging and groundbreaking music that may someday earn it's place alongside Cast and The Farm.




GH RIP

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