Persuasions Sing the Beatles
It's never a surprise when someone covers aBeatlessong. But what is surprising onThe Persuasions Sing the Beatlesis the choice of songs. The fabulous a cappella foursome taking on the Fab Four is a heartfelt and inspired idea (and recorded live in a Manhattan church--talk about paying homage!). But it doesn't always succeed. That said,Persuasionsfans will find genuine pleasure in hearing songs such as "Oh! Darling," "Yesterday," "Ob La Di, Ob La Da," and "Come Together" (with its rich vocal accents and reverberating bass lines). These songs readily lend themselves to the a cappella magic of Jerry, Jayotis, Ray, and Jim, their vocal highlights perfect for the group's persuasive alchemy. And there's plenty of transformation as the group mines the doo-wop soul roots of McCartney's "Darling" and the timeless solitude of "Yesterday." Even more pleasing is  "Eight Days a Week," where the Beatles' playful lyrics meet the Persuasion's powerful frontline vocals. The other more curious takes of "The Ballad of John and Yoko," Rocky Raccoon," and "Imagine" (technically a Lennon solo effort) don't always hit the mark. Still, reinvention and innovation lie at the heart of any tribute record, and on that score,The Persuasions Sing the Beatlesshould satisfy both camps long enough until a follow-up delivers another 14 songs the world knows and sings by heart.--Martin Keller