Tuesday, September 25, 2007

CHIPMUNKS SING THE BEATLES HITS (Liberty Records LST-7388)



I got this LP in a trade for some comic books when I was about 12 years old. At the time I thought I got the short end of the deal, but I treasure this LP much more than I would have those comic books. Here's some inside info I found about the LP (still no info found on who the musicians were on this LP):

"After a successful run of platters beginning with Let's All Sing With the Chipmunks (1959), Ross Bagdasarian scored a major coup for his multimedia franchise when he ventured to London seeking approval to release an entire LP of Beatles' covers. As it turns out, they were familiar with and actually enthusiasts of the Chipmunks and permission was granted. The Chipmunks Sing the Beatles Hits (1964) became the sixth nonseasonal collection to feature the animated antics of Alvin, Simon, Theodore, and Dave Seville all of whom were voiced by the multitalented Bagdasarian. The dozen tunes chosen for the project reflect some of the bestknown material from the Fab Four, and the songs were primarily derived from Introducing...the Beatles (1963) and Meet the Beatles (1964), although it also includes a cover of "A Hard Day's Night." From a musical standpoint, there are a number of worthy observations. Most prominently is that the band rises to the opportunity of replicating these pop masterpieces. Sonically, they recall the work of Hal Blaine (drums) and the stable of Los Angelesbased musicians known as "the Wrecking Crew." This aggregate performed on a roster of late'50s, '60s, and '70s pop classics ranging from the Beach Boys' Pet Sounds to many of the Carpenters' seminal sides. Key and otherwise signature licks from the originals have been incorporated especially Ringo Starr's drum fills and pacing. With the vocals, either you love the novelty or you don't. Obviously many did as the album became a Top 20 smash in the fall of 1964 even out charting the Capitol Records' repackaging of some of the same tunes on The Early Beatles (1965). There are a few characteristic moments during the instrumental breaks when Alvin raises the goodnatured ire of Seville, such as the exchange during "Twist and Shout." Lindsay Planer, All Music Guide"

Chipmunks Sing The Beatles Hits Zip File

12 comments:

mwb said...

That is made of pure awesome!

Thanks!

Dave said...

I totally agree. Even at 12 I thought this LP was totally great.

Dave

alarson17 said...

HORRAY! Can't wait for the rest... thank you so much!!

Dave said...

Getting ready to post "The Alvin Show" very soon tonight.
Dave

BigBirdFan said...

I tried downloading Chipmunk Punk but it is telling me that the file is temporally unavailable. Thanks! Bob

Dave said...

That happens with these free download services now and then. No clue as to why. Sorry.
Dave

BigBirdFan said...

Thanks I tried it later. I got it downloaded. Bob

soulbrotha said...

Dave, did you remove the link to the Christmas Album? I don't see it. :(

Dave said...

No. I never have posted one. Going to work on it tonight.
Dave

leesa said...

Hiya. Thanx so much for this! I love this record. I don't know If all the voices are Ross, but it sure sounds nice.

If you're not a big Chipmunks fan, you can turn off the vocals channel (just like on some of the early Beatles Stereo recordings) and listen to the very nice instrumental version of the song.

I'm curious as to who the musicians are(?) I heard rumors that they were Leon Russell and his guys... Any ideas?

~leesa

Dave said...

leesa,

No idea. Be curious to know too.
Dave

Aunti Christ-ine said...

Hahaa! I've got these, too.

Me and LPs

I've got the Bugs Bunny one on a CD, though.

http://fifthbeatle.proboards50.com