B-Sides The Beatles cover

B-Sides The Beatles

The Smithereens · 2008

27 min · 12 tracks · alternative rock

A lively tribute that channels the energy of classic Beatles B-sides through jangly guitars and earnest harmonies.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Thank You Girl — This track opens the album with an energizing rendition that captures both nostalgia and the band's signature rock sound.
  • →
    You Can’t Do That — The Smithereens infuse this track with raw energy, making it stand out as a highlight that retains the spirit of the original while adding a modern twist.
  • →
    If I Fell — The band’s vocal harmonies shine on this track, illustrating their ability to interpret emotional depth while staying true to the original's essence.
  • →
    P.S. I Love You — This cover showcases the band's softer side, transforming the romantic sentiment into a fresh experience while maintaining its timeless charm.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

46 /100
Foothills
Higher than 10% of albums we've rated

The album captures the essence of Beatles B-sides but lacks standout originality.

What we noticed

  • The album features a consistent use of jangly guitar riffs across nearly all tracks, reminiscent of The Beatles' early sound.
  • Each song is performed with a lively tempo, maintaining an upbeat energy throughout the record.
  • The harmonies are layered, often featuring multiple vocal lines that create a rich texture in the choruses.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
5/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • short bursts of nostalgic energy
  • sing-along moments with friends
  • for afternoon gatherings
  • quick, upbeat listening sessions

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer longer, immersive albums
  • seek deep lyrical exploration

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Fan Favorite — A tribute album that resonates with dedicated fans, showcasing their love for The Beatles.
Themes
nostalgic tributes· Beatles B-sides revival
Career context
Released in 2008, B-Sides The Beatles was a creative endeavor for The Smithereens, coming a decade after their last studio album, God Save The Smithereens. This album reflects their enduring appreciation of The Beatles and showcases their ability to reinterpret beloved tracks while maintaining their own distinct sound.
Stylistic neighbors
Soul Asylum· Big Star· R.E.M.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Thank You Girl 2:03
  • 2 There’s a Place 1:56
  • 3 I’ll Get You 2:07
  • 4 You Can’t Do That 2:36
  • 5 Ask Me Why 2:26
  • 6 Cry for a Shadow 2:25
  • 7 P.S. I Love You 2:09
  • 8 I’m Happy Just to Dance With You 1:57
  • 9 If I Fell 2:18
  • 10 Slow Down 2:59
  • 11 I Don’t Want to Spoil the Party 2:38
  • 12 Some Other Guy 2:04

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata