It's been forty years since the release of The Beatles Rubber Soul, an album that is considered by many to be a crucial turning point in the band’s career - the beginning of an artistic evolution into the legends The Beatles would eventually become.

Rubber Soul is resurrected once again on This Bird Has Flown. A motley crew of musicians has come together to offer their talents, remaking all of the classic songs on this disc. In keeping with the original spirit of the music, many of the songs are left intact with their original sound, carbon copies of the original tracks. Several songs are covered by female groups, and their sweet vocal harmonies is very much inline with the original spirit of The Beatles’ music. Although much of the album stays close to the original, there are some notable departures. Ben Harper recreates “Michelle” with a reggae vibe, putting a refreshing new spin on the old classic. A very interesting down-tempo lounge version of “If I Needed Someone” is sung in a silky and slow delivery with lush and sexy vocals courtesy of Nellie McKay. A haunting rendition of “Run For Your Life” is performed by the Cowboy Junkies, adding an even more sinister feel to this disturbing song about possessive jealousy. The big surprise and arguably the best song on this album is “What Goes On” covered here by Sufjan Stevens. This little known indie folk rocker breathes new life into this song that was originally a light, jovial honky-tonk jaunt. Stevens changes the whole thing as the song starts with a slow, drawn out chorus and builds into an up-tempo hard rock sound with spastic guitar and energetic keyboards.

The rock and roll of today owes a lot to The Beatles, their influence is far reaching. It is fitting that the original 'indie rock band' should be covered by the cutting edge indie bands of today. This Bird Has Flown successfully captures the spirit of Rubber Soul.

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Franz Even Better Second Time Around

Franz Ferdinand’s sophomore release You Could Have It So Much Better is a strong follow-up to their groundbreaking self-titled debut. It has been over a year since Franz Ferdinand released their first album as they have been riding the wave of their newly found success and popularity, the band has kept busy feverishly touring the world and reinvigorating the popularity of glam rock. You might expect a sparse second effort in light of all their distractions but this album is characterized by tighter instrumentals and superior songwriting.

The Scottish quartet have single-handedly resurrected the glam sound, infusing rock anthems with hard thumping dance floor beats. The guitar riffs are repetitive, catchy, and highly addictive. Rhythmic, stop and start beats on “Do You Want To” is the next chapter in the disco vibe established on their previous hit “Take Me Out”. Alex Kapranos’ voice might not be much, he really isn’t in tune like Cash or Dylan, but he more than makes up for his lack of range with an excellent sense of cadence, timing, and an overwhelming hipster, sexy attitude. He pants and swaggers over the music, a nonchalant demeanor that captivates and carries the lyrics to new heights. “Eleanor Put Your Boots On” is a throwback to the era of 60’s rock, sounding very much like something off of The Beatles Rubber Soul album.

You Could Have It So Much Better is clear evidence of Franz Ferdinand’s immense talents and consistency, which should guarantee many future hits.

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