Booker T.'s "McLemore Ave." is a Memphis Classic

Booker T.'s "McLemore Ave." is a Memphis Classic

There are some things you shouldn't mess with. Great movies don't need sequels, incredible books don't need to be adapted into mediocre films, and some songs should be off limits to cover bands.

But with all rules, there are some exceptions. For example, Booker T. and the MG's 1970 release, "McLemore Avenue".

McLemore Ave., Booker T. and the MGs

Yes, the cover of "McLemore Avenue" looks a lot like the cover of  the Beatles' "Abbey Road" set in Soulsville. And it's true that the record is made up of medleys of the songs from "Abbey Road". But the finished product is sort of like those purses made out of construction netting - the material is the same, but the new use is so much cooler than the original.

The record is entirely instrumental with one notable exception: the most famous lines of "The End" are sung, and the effect is positively religious. Booker T.'s organ makes the Beatles' songs sound like they'd be equally appropriate in the soundtrack to a 1970's action movie or in church.

The call and response between Steve Cropper's guitar and the drums on "I Want You (She's So Heavy)" gives the song a deep, gritty sultriness that the original tried for, but couldn't quite achieve. "Mean Mr. Mustard" sounds like it could be "Green Onions, Part 2".

Pick it up on emusic, iTunes, or at your favorite local record store.

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Robin
You know what? This makes me realize that Danger Mouse totally stole the concept for The Grey Album from Booker T & The MG's. Great entry!! I love your blog. Keep up the great work. XO
June 29, 2010 10:03pm
Ellis W. Darby
RE: ..."your favorite local record store." What? Poplar Tunes has re-opened??!!
July 2, 2010 8:46am