The Lemon Twigs: Five Essential Beatles Songs
The Lemon Twigs' Michael D'Addario and Brian D'Addario (photo courtesy of the Beggars Group, PR)
On the Lemon Twigs' impressive debut album, Do Hollywood, brothers Brian and Michael D'Addario don't hide their deep affection for the Beatles and George Martin's production techniques. In fact, their love of the Fab Four was almost a birthright passed down from their parents: Brian's middle name is Paul — yes, he was named after Paul McCartney (and Brian Wilson too).
Colorful rock 'n' roll influences are artfully filtered through the prism of the brothers' music: Do Hollywood shifts effortlessly between decades, plucking from the British Invasion of the 1960s, psychedelic pop, and 1970s glam. But the Hicksville, Long Island, duo bring their own vivid, very original take on music that gallops through generations, writing sophisticated songs with irresistibly catchy melodies. And like McCartney, John Lennon and George Harrison when they first met, the D'Addario brothers are still teenagers — Brian is 19 and Michael is 17.
As the Lemon Twigs' Brian D'Addario reveals in his "Five Essential Beatles Songs," for FUV Essentials, the Beatles will always be a core foundation band for the brothers.
"Because," Abbey Road (1969)
One of my favorite songs! I love how simple the instrumentation is on this song, with the harpsichord and the guitar playing the same arpeggios. The mood is also beautiful on this one. I remember this was a song that me, Michael and my dad used to sing together in the car. Taught us a lot about harmonies
"You Won't See Me," Rubber Soul (1965)
Awesome song! The melody really compliments the emotions in the lyric. When he reaches the high notes for the verse—"Your lines engaged, so act your age"—I kind of imagine him yelling about how fed up he is. Apart from that, there are so many great parts going on in this song! The bass parts great, the overdubbed hi hat is great, the piano's great.
"All I've Got to Do," With the Beatles (1963)
Great early Beatles song. Love the drum part. Also sounds like Paul's playing bass chords in the verse! Must be among the first times they were used in rock, but I've never heard anyone talk about it before.
"What You're Doing," Beatles for Sale (1964) or Beatles VI (1965)
Great song with a cool solo. Some bass chords on this one too. Paul lays down a killer vocal.
"Any Time At All," A Hard Day's Night (1964)
Murderous vocals on this one. John sings most of it, but every chorus Paul pops in on the second line. Those Beatles knew how to do it.
- The Lemon Twigs' Brian D'Addario
February 2017
