The Beatles were one of the very best and most influential rock bands of all time, but just as importantly, they were serious rock & roll fans -- the group loved to pay homage to the artists they admired, and their recordings and concerts were usually dotted with covers of classic tunes by rock & roll and rhythm & blues trail blazers who helped influence their music.
Without the Beatles is a 50-song collection that features the original recordings of tunes that would later be performed by the
Fab Four, and it's not only a fine set of vintage rock and R&B, it's a fascinating look at the music and musicians that shaped the biggest band in history. Selections include "Roll Over Beethoven" by
Chuck Berry, "Twist and Shout" by
the Isley Brothers, "Words of Love" by
Buddy Holly, "Soldier of Love" by
Arthur Alexander, "Chains" by the Cookies, "Baby It's You" by
the Shirelles, "Slow Down" by Larry Williams, and many more. ~ Mark Deming