PASTE Exclusive Premiere: Alejandro’s cover of “Help!” from the upcoming Nov. 15th release, ‘The 30th Annual John Lennon Tribute, Live from the Beacon Theatre NYC’ – proceeds of the new digital album will be shared with the Japanese Red Cross for its ongoing Earthquake/Tsunami Relief efforts. Click link to listen:
Help! Live from the Beacon Theater, NYC
Song Premiere: Alejandro Escovedo – “Help!”Luke Larsen Paste Magazine Nov. 10, 2011
Tribute albums and Beatles covers seem to be a a dime-a-dozen these days with very few of them ever standing out from the crowd. Judging from what we’ve heard, John Lennon himself may have truly enjoyed this one though.
The 30th Annual John Lennon Tribute at the Beacon Theatre in New York, N.Y. took place on Nov. 12, 2010 and featured a great and diverse lineup of artists and bands that includes artists like The Kennedys, Aimee Mann, and Martin Sexton, all looking to honor the enthroned songwriter. Supported by Yoko Ono, part of the album’s profits will be donated to the Japanese Red Cross working on Tsunamie/Earthquake relief work. The live album is set for release on Nov.15.
We’re premiering one of the highlights form the tribute album, Alejandro Escovedo’s cover of the iconic Beatles track “Help!”. Escovedo takes the upbeat youthful spirit of the original and translates it into the slow and ponderous desperation of man approaching old age. Escovedo’s low voice fits the song perfectly, as the backing band introduces a gospel choir and church organ to the mix that work surprisingly well. Check out the song below.
Help! Live from the Beacon Theater, NYC
iTunes pre-order link
Luke Larsen