10 Great Covers Of The Beatles' Songs
1. Strawberry Fields Forever - Ben Harper
Ben Harper is an eclectic musician whose work spans several genres. He is one of those rare performers who is respected and successful in both the popular and roots music scenes. Harper's recordings with blues harmonica legend Charlie Musselwhite are especially worth seeking out.
Harper's version of this definitive Beatles' song might never have happened were it not for writer/director Jessie Nelson's 2001 film, I Am Sam. Nelson initially planned to use original Beatles' numbers throughout the movie, but was unable to secure rights. This led to the director commissioning a rang of artist to provide cover versions, Ben Harper among them.
The Beatles' released Strawberry Fields Forever in 1967 as a double A-side single with Penny Lane. Both of these songs relate to places in the band's home city of Liverpool. Lennon's childhood memories of playing in the garden of Strawberry Field, a Salvation Army children's home, provided the lyrical inspiration for this extraordinary track, which features tape manipulation and Indian instruments.
Harper's version retains the sweet orchestral arrangement and psychedelic feel, but he succeeds in adding his own personality, and the results are wonderful.