Def Leppard Covers "Helen Wheels"

Lots of rock acts are covering Paul McCartney tunes for The Art of McCartney. The set, due November 18, will celebrate the song writing and career of Sir Paul McCartney.

One of the covers included on the box is "Helen Wheels" by Def Leppard. It's an interesting cover, and certainly a different song choice.

The track represents McCartney's time with Wings. The Art of McCartney is available for pre-order on Amazon now. It's under $20.

Comments

[Bob]

Great song, uninspired cover version. This is the second clip from this set in which the acts appear to be going through the motions with their cover versions. I love the concept of this McCartney tribute, but judging by Alice's cover of Eleanor Rigby, and DL's cover of Helen Wheels, this project, so far, seems like a better idea in theory than in practice.

[Jeff]

Sounds great. They did a Great job on the cover!

[Metalboy!]

Yeah, I agree with Bob... The two covers we've heard are too faithful to the originals. Heck, one would think Def Leppard especially would heavy it up a bit more. When you listen to the Wings version, it's way more passionate and ruckus.

I mean, McCartney really screams his head off on the original. This was a chance for Elliott to really let loose (even if they had to clean it up in post production). Listen to Def Leppard's live cover of CCR's "Travelin' Band" from the Deluxe Edition of "Pyromania". That's the Elliott we needed to hear on "Helen Wheels".

Let's hope the others on this tribute are a little more adventurous, something one might believe could happen on a few tracks, considering the level of talent involved.

One thing that may be inadvertently holding everybody back, however, is McCartney's band, as they were enlisted as the backing band. It was probably a good move in theory, but more than likely wound up being a hindrance to any real chance of spontaneity or risk taking since they are all about sticking to McCartney's sound.

Aside from what Bob Dylan, Brian Wilson, Billy Joel and all the rest could very well bring to the party, I am especially looking forward to hearing KISS' cover of "Venus and Mars/Rock Show" and Cheap Trick's version of "Jet".

p.s. Upon reading more about this tribute album, it really does sound first class. In the words of one blogger, "No one said no to anything on this project", from the roster of artists to some of the packaging details (i.e. a USB in the shape of McCartney's signature Hoffner bass).

[Ace Steele]

Sir Paul is already rock's ultimate songwriter.
It's interesting to see how other musician's translate his music. For what it's worth, I already ordered this weeks ago.

Like Metalboy, I'm waiting to hear KISS's take on "Venus & Mars/Rockshow".

*Interesting trivia: McCartney's guitarist Rusty, was in one of L.A.'s big local bands back in the 70's, "Smile".

And, for a guy in his 70's, McCartney still knows how to put on a show! Here's video of "Live & Let Die" from his show in Phoenix... And it was well worth the flight to attend!

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BzZKUejwVez2UnhTTkZRZ3ZtNjg/view?usp=sharing

[gary]

Hmmm...metalboy/him/ace...I don't need to be the king of the world...long as I'm the hero of you little girls.

[gary]

Hmmm...order a pizza or get metalboy really riled.