I came across this track in a show, as a frequent source of some fascinating new music. The sequence gave a sense of the fleeting, of that which exists in a brief passing moment. Yet, this track lends permanence to it: as if to say that this brief experience will last a lifetime.
Although not the original performer of this track, Joe Cocker has lent it a unique touch and truly made it his own. Indeed, he is best remembered for this cover of the Beatles song. This association is really for the best, Cocker's version stands out far more. It is more pleading, more urgent, more real. It sounds like a story to tell. I like the way the song picks up and the need to let the world know the sentiments becomes more obvious. "Do you need anybody to love," when answered in a hollowing low affirmative alludes to the need of friends to see them through. Of course, there are many tropes about the original Beatles' songwriting. As the track was co-written by Paul McCartney and John Lennon and performed by Ringo Starr, the track literally gets by with help from friends.
Hoping you get by this week with a little help from your friends.
You can learn more about Joe Cocker here:
About the curator - Aarushi Aggarwal
Aarushi is a senior at college and is majoring in history and international relations. Her music library is as much home to jazz as it is to Indian classical. Her passion for discovering new music far supersedes other equally important things like finishing assignments on time. She loves dogs, coffee and chocolate.
