If the BB's and Fab 4 covered each other's songs?

[harrisonjon]

1968: BB's do a Beatles cover album and The Beatles return the favor. How would each album sound?

[shelter]

Even though I'm a big fan of both bands I'm sure that The Beach Boys' album would have been a lot more interesting. I don't see how The Beatles could have drastically improved any Beach Boys song, but I'm sure that The Beach Boys could've added some amazing new harmonies to several Beatles songs.

[positivemusic]

Even though I'm a big fan of both bands I'm sure that The Beach Boys' album would have been a lot more interesting. I don't see how The Beatles could have drastically improved any Beach Boys song, but I'm sure that The Beach Boys could've added some amazing new harmonies to several Beatles songs.

I agree. Even just some of the performances without many flourishes would be something special; just keeping in mind Dennis' vocal on "You've Got To Hide Your Love Away" from Party.

The thought of this is achingly good. A Brian arranged "Norwegian Wood" or "In My Life" with more fleshed out background vocals. Never thought about it before, but this thread brings so many possibilities to mind.

I also agree, I'm not sure what The Beatles could really do to equal or surpass the quality of Brian and the boys' work.

[Awesoman]

The Beach Boys recorded their own version of "With A Little Help From My Friends".  It was underwhelming.

[Austin]

I bet they'd sound like "Back in the USSR": a slightly harder version of the BB garage rock sound.

Also, this doesn't exactly count, but I believe the Beatles picked through a ragged "Lonely Sea" during one of the "Get Back" jams.

[Myk Luhv]

I like the BBs' version of "Tell Me Why" more than the Beatles' version. Other than that, based on what they actually did cover... I wouldn't expect much. A Bacharach-David cover album c. 1968-69 on the other hand...

[Aegir]

Also, this doesn't exactly count, but I believe the Beatles picked through a ragged "Lonely Sea" during one of the "Get Back" jams.

No, John Lennon played a generic chord progression for a few seconds with is the same generic chord progression as Lonely Sea. pure coincidence.

[harrisonjon]

It would be interesting to see how Ringo and Paul would interpret Blaine and Kaye's parts, given how Macca revolutionized the bass in his own way. I think he could have had an interesting take on those lines.

Conversely there are some BB tracks that are almost impossible to improve, e.g. most of Pet Sounds.

The tracks I'd like to have heard the BB's cover - If I Fell, In My Life, Good Day Sunshine, Blackbird.

[Cliff1000uk]

It would be interesting to see how Ringo and Paul would interpret Blaine and Kaye's parts, given how Macca revolutionized the bass in his own way. I think he could have had an interesting take on those lines.

Conversely there are some BB tracks that are almost impossible to improve, e.g. most of Pet Sounds.

The tracks I'd like to have heard the BB's cover - If I Fell, In My Life, Good Day Sunshine, Blackbird.

I'd love to hear them do She's Leaving Home or Your Mother Should Know

[rogerlancelot]

I think if the Beatles had covered the Friends album in 1968 it would have charted much higher than the original. 

[Magic Transistor Radio]

The Beatle's song Because has one of their best vocals which reminds me of the BBs.

[Tord]

It would be interesting to see how Ringo and Paul would interpret Blaine and Kaye's parts, given how Macca revolutionized the bass in his own way. I think he could have had an interesting take on those lines.

Conversely there are some BB tracks that are almost impossible to improve, e.g. most of Pet Sounds.

The tracks I'd like to have heard the BB's cover - If I Fell, In My Life, Good Day Sunshine, Blackbird.

I'd love to hear them do She's Leaving Home or Your Mother Should Know

Brian singing She's Leaving Home:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1tO7jMqTh7Y

[harrisonjon]

The definitive She's Leaving Home is Syreeta:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Arbcgt2Klc

And a mash-up with What's Going On?:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EsMjTTFRHdY&feature=related

[Magic Transistor Radio]

I recently discovered the Beatle's song You Know My Name, and the screaming voice sounds just like a 1976 Brian!

[Phoenix]

Tho not quite covers in the strictest sense, there are a few songs, not originally done by either band, that were played by members of both camps.  John recorded "Do You Wanna Dance" on Rock 'n' Roll and Paul performed "Cotton Fields" (tho much more in line with Lead Belly's original version, as opposed to the Boys') on an early Wings tour, boots of which are widely available.  I was unhappy with the versions on Youtube, so I recently made a mash-up duet of John and Paul doing "Be-Bop-A-Lula" (from their Rock 'n' Roll and Unplugged albums, respectively) and wonder if something similar could be done with the above songs or the Beatles songs from the Party! sessions.

[Roger Ryan]

Both bands covered "Rock and Roll Music" as well.

[BananaLouie]

The Beach Boys covering Here There and Everywhere, Happiness is a Warm Gun, You Never Give Me Your Money and Let It Be would have been sweet.

[I. Spaceman]

Tho the Lonely Sea attribution is incorrect, The Beatles did run through a bit of You're So Good To Me during a Get Back session, during a Two Of Us rehearsal.