The Beatles Now And Then (2023)

"In our imaginations, John was Buddy Holly and I was Little Richard." So said Paul McCartney many moons ago, admitting the key influences on both himself and John Lennon in terms of the pair’s initial vocal styling. In fact, Messrs Holly and Penniman were just two artists whose impact on The Beatles was evident from the band’s choice of cover tunes. Indeed, all of the tracks featured on this bespoke Mojo compilation were covered by John, Paul, George and Ringo during the band’s formative period.
Our 15-track collection starts with The Isley Brothers’ uproarious 1959 hit, Shout. The Beatles themselves first cut their version at London’s IBC Studios on April 19, 1964, for inclusion in Jack Good’s TV extravaganza, Around The Beatles. The latter was broadcast in the UK on May 6 and November 15 in the US…

George Hills may not be a household name, but the Canadian melodic rocker delivered a great debut album back in 1991. Unlucky not to make bigger moves in the scene, the album was never released outside his native country and remains an obscure gem to this day. MelodicRock Classics will make George Hills album ‘Dancing With A Stranger’ available as part of its new 500 Series of titles – meaning one pressing, 500 units, then done. When it’s sold out its gone forever once again. As per usual, JK Northrup has overseen the remastering of the album’s audio, with the addition of two previously unreleased bonus tracks.

“If I’ve accomplished anything,” said Ravi Shankar, “it’s that I have been able to open the door to our music in the West.” Born in Varanasi in 1920, he achieved worldwide renown as a sitar player and unprecedented influence as an ambassador for Indian classical music, revealing new possibilities to such figures as George Harrison of the Beatles, jazz saxophonist John Coltrane and composer Philip Glass. As a performer, composer, teacher and writer, Ravi Shankar is renowned throughout the world for his pioneering work in bringing Indian music to the West. Shankar has been a cultural influence in the West for more than four decades as India’s most recognized and esteemed musical ambassador.