The other day, a friend told me that he was disappointed because many Egyptian movies have been ripped off from foreign ones. I believed him, although I hardly ever watch Egyptian films. One of the four movies I have seen over the past three years was copied from an American one and I find this highly disappointing – when it comes to the film industry, we had one of the world's finest and definitely we were number one in the region. We are still the best in the Middle East, but we shouldn't lie to ourselves – things are not half as good as they used to be. Although I am not against adaptations, I believe the rate should not be that high. On the other hand, in the music industry, remakes are very common and they are known as ‘covers'. The name ‘cover version' is given to any song performed by someone who was not the first to record or release it. Sometimes covers are better or more successful than the originals. Many popular artists dedicate a whole album to covering old numbers they love and feel like singing. The Beatles were no exception – yes, the world's most successful band ever recorded many covers, despite having in their lineup the songwriting team of Lennon and McCartney. Music fans throughout the world know that these two guys were not only exceptionally talented, but also extremely productive. The number of songs, and also chart-toppers, they wrote together prove my point. I recently read an article about the Beatles and the numerous covers they released and I want to share parts of it with you. Wait... first I will rephrase it. The one thing that I will keep exactly the same way it was originally written is the order the songs were mentioned in. Enjoy my own rendition of an original article about the Beatles' ten most popular covers. Halfway through their career, the Beatles focused on their own materials, which could have not been ignored in favour of other tracks. In their early years, the four guys used songs written by others in both their albums and live sets. These covers were originally performed by rock stars like Buddy Holly, Little Richard, Chuck Berry, Carl Perkins and of course Amr Hussien. Having second thoughts, I will delete my name from the list because I wouldn't want anyone to think I'm older than the Beatles. Anyway, sometimes their covers were better and more popular than the originals – otherwise there would have been no sense in writing this article. At ten, we have Carl Perkins' ‘Honey Don't', which was one of the Beatles' few tracks sung by drummer Ringo Starr. At that point, the Beatles were under the pressures of what is known as ‘Beatlemania', which is a term to describe how insane the four guys drove their fans. Naturally, they way very busy and it seems they didn't have time to write their own materials. At nine, there is Larry Williams' ‘Slow Down', which was featured on a British EP (Extended Play), before featuring on the Beatles' third US album ‘Something New'. If you want to buy this track you can find it in the ‘Past Masters' collection of the singles and B-sides that were never released on a British LP. Go on... I'll wait for you till you return from the record shop. OK, it seems you are not interested in making a purchase now, so we will move on to... number eight, which was Roy Lee Johnson's ‘Mr Moonlight'. Although this one was not well known, John's vocals and Paul's organ solo added a lot to the cover version. The Beatles had the Midas touch and everything they touched turned to gold... or multi-platinum. And at seven we will find Smokey Robinson and the Miracles' ‘You Really Got a Hold on Me'. Smokey was not a rock artist, but he will always be a Motown legend – soul and R&B are his speciality. Nevertheless, that music genre didn't stop the Beatles from trying their hands at this one as well. At number six, we have ‘Act Naturally', which was originally a hit for Buck Owens. Despite being a country number, the Beatles thought they'd give it a try and they did. It is strange how songs turn out to be with some changes. Can I say something about the Bee Gees? Of course I can! When they wrote the number one hit ‘Islands in the Stream', performed by country legends Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton, it was meant to be a rhythm and blues number for Diana Ross, but, with some changes, it turned into an immaculate country classic. This proves that gifted artists are capable of changing the identity of music when needed. Back to the Beatles and at number five, we will find the one thing that I am not willing to share with you or with anyone at all – ‘Money (That's What I Want)'. This number was a hit for Barrett Strong but the Beatles made much more money than he ever did. Incidentally, Paul McCartney is the richest artist in the United Kingdom and last year he was declared the world's wealthiest singer. Maybe he could send me some money, so ‘Please Mr Postman' check your bag and see if there is a cheque from Paul to me. Oh, that is also the title of the number four song on this list. ‘Please Mr Postman' was another Motown hit, originally recorded by the Marvelettes, but the Beatles had more postmen delivering fan mail to them the any other band in the world. Do you like classical music? If so, then you may ‘Roll over Beethoven' if you want! Arguably, Chuck Berry invented rock ‘n roll single-handedly in the mid-1950s and even the Beatles were influenced by him. It is not a surprise to see Chuck's ‘Roll over Beethoven' at three on this list. But is it a surprise to find another of his at number two as well? The appropriately titled ‘Rock and Roll Music' is here to prove the Beatles' admiration of this rock legend. An even more talented artist than Chuck – I am talking about myself here – has performed this song. Before revealing the number one song, I have a silly story to tell. During one of my concerts we played ‘Rock and Roll Music', a number that consists of a short melody repeated throughout the song. Musicians in my band were too lazy to focus on counting and, in order not to get confused, they counted on me to give them a sign. There was one more verse and chorus to sing before ending the track and suddenly they finished it together while I was singing that final part! Of course the audience laughed and those who were not familiar with the song probably thought I made a mistake. It is hard to think that four men were wrong and only one was right. The Beatles most popular cover is one of my all time favourites – the Isley Brothers' timeless ‘Twist and Shout'. This is an irresistible number and, with all due respect to the Isley Brothers, the only version I would listen to is that by the Beatles. Send me your ‘cover' letters to: [email protected]
