Wednesday, November 20, 2013

The Fab Four Celebrate Christmas With 'HARK!'



By Darlene Donloe

In 1964, The Beatles landed in the U.S. in what was called the British Invasion and brought with them a sound that literally was heard around the world and catapulted them into superstardom.

The hit hard with the song, I Want To Hold Your Hand, which hit the top of the charts and stayed there for seven weeks, followed by, She Loves You.

Fast forward!   It’s 50 years later and lots of events, salutes and specials are being done to fete the group.

Not to be outdone, just in time for the holidays, a 22-set compilation of tunes reminiscent of the unforgettable Beatles sound, is set to be released.

It’s from a group called The Fab Four, an LA-based Beatles tribute band formed in 1997, that is known for its attention to details of the group down to using similar instruments, wearing similar outfits, including the same style of shoes.

The Fab Four’s Hark! classic Christmas collection is the ultimate tribute to the Beatles and features such classic Christmas songs as Santa Claus Is Coming To Town, Let It Snow, Frosty The Snowman, Away In A Manger, Feliz Navidad, Joy To The World, Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer, Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, Good King Wenceslas, It Came Upon A Midnight Clear, Silent Night, The Christmas Song, God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman, What Child Is This?, Blue Christmas, Dear Santa, The Little Drummer Boy, Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree, Jingle Bells and Winter Wonderland.   Two new previously unreleased bonus tracks, Sleigh Ride and The First Noel have been added to the lineup of 20 songs.

The Fab Four sound and stylings are very similar to the sound and stylings of Paul, John, George and Ringo. That’s the point!

All of the tracks have strong reminders of Beatles songs.  The Fab Four meld Beatles’ harmonies, melodies and arrangements with traditional Christmas Classics. For instance: The First Noel has an arrangement that sounds similar to the hit, Let It Be. Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer is a parody of I Saw Her Standing There. And, if you watch the video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJXMKt2UYA4 for Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, you definitely see a similarity reminiscent of Help!  

It’s been said that imitation is the best form of flattery. Hark!, is just that!

  
The CD, Hark!, retails for $16.99 and is available on the group’s website: http://thefabfour.com/store/

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