A Bit Of Darkness Creeps In Courtesy Of John
Dave Sigmon | Connecticut, USA | 08/01/2010
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The rush of their first three albums is supplanted here by a melancholia. The harmonies show them to be at their most Everly Brothers-influenced ever. The album jacket reveals them to look world-wearied, however, that doesn't neccessarily inform the material. Though "Mr. Moonlight" is a lapse of prudent judgement and "Kansas City" sounds uptight, the other covers work. "Rock And Roll Music" has some of the shivering explosiveness of "Money" and "Twist And Shout" and I do love the charm of Ringo singing "Honey Don't". George's rockabilly guitar phrasings inspire both Carl Perkins inclusions. The John and Paul duet on Buddy Holly's "Words Of Love" bests his great original and there goes George's fine fretwork again. "Every Little Thing" is just another irresistable euphoric love song in the Lennon-McCartney catalogue. But the striking "I'm A Loser", "Baby's In Black" and "I Don't Want To Spoil The Party" let the darkness creep in. And first prize goes to John's scornful "No Reply", a complete story of repudiated lover and a double-crossing woman with an assertive lead vocal that intensifies its drama."