Andy Timmons Band Plays Sgt. Pepper (2011)
The Beatles album, Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band is such an iconic release, it would almost seem sacrilegious to try to reproduce or cover it. When I first ready about Any Timmons latest release, I was more than leery of him covering such a monstrous album. I have been a fan of Andy’s since his days with Danger Danger, so needless to say, I had to check it out.
First and foremost, Andy Timmons Band plays Sgt. Pepper is an instrumental album. There is no singer to mess things up, and that works well in Timmons favor. The music is so good, you may find yourself singing along anyway.
Timmons guitar tones on this CD would make Eddie Van Halen, and Joe Satriani proud. His speed and technique are excellent. You can tell that Timmons truly loves this music, and put his heart into this recording. I really like his take on these Beatles classics. Some songs have a somewhat harder edge than the originals, but are highly listenable, and very enjoyable. The song “When I’m Sixty Four” has an almost rockabilly feel to it.
An interesting song that is included in this set is “Strawberry Fields Forever,” which was originally intended to be released on Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, but was later released as a single, and then on the Magical Mystery Tour EP. To me, this song is a cut above the rest, and is just a pure pleasure to listen to.
You can purchase Andy Timmons Band Plays Sgt. Pepper at this link. This CD will appeal to all fans of great guitar rock, and Beatles fans alike. Don’t miss out on one of the best instrumental albums of 2011!! For more information on this release and Andy Timmons, please visit this website.
Rating: Out of 10
Track Listing:
01. Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band
02. With a Little Help From My Friends
03. Lucy In the Sky With Diamonds
04. Getting Better
05. Fixing a Hole
06. She’s Leaving Home
07. Being For the Benefit of Mr. Kite!
08. Within You, Without You
09. When I’m Sixty-Four
10. Lovely Rita
11. Good Morning, Good Morning
12. Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band (Reprise)
13. A Day In the Life
14. Strawberry Fields Forever
Andy Timmons Band is:
Andy Timmons – Guitar
Mike Daane – Bass
Rob Avsharian – Drums
Amazing album. I’ve never been a hardcore Beatles fan but this album could make me take another look. It is absolutely fantastic. And you’re right about singing along. You can’t help it.
this is an absolutely phenomenal album! Timmons and his band have been working on these arrangements for a few years and it shows. every detail is there. timmons, while he can shred with the best of them, keeps his shredding to a minimum on this album. the playing, while demonstrating a very high level of technical skill, is not excessive. a highly enjoyable, and incredibly tasteful treatment of a true masterpiece.
I couldn’t agree with you more Bob!
Ive only been listening to Andy’s music a couple of years, but have enjoyed it since then. And like you said Beatles fans should check it out. Ive loved the Beatles since the early 70s. the sound byts sound cool, so I guess i will check this one out. 🙂