Infinite Sounds UK: Album Review: The Beatles Songbook Played by DJ Format

The Beatles Songbook

DJ Format

Getting the chance to put your talents to use on a release by someone such as DJ Format is one of those bucket list things, so when I got the chance to do this review for his new release, The Beatles Songbook, as part of the Weaponize Mixtape Series Volume 1, on Weaponize Records, then I had to give it a go, even if it did mean that my normal in-depth review style wouldn’t really work here for this kind of mix style release.

Now, I have been a fan of Format’s work ever since the release of Music For The Mature B-Boy back in 2003. Some of that was that he was born in the same city as me, Southampton, UK. But it was mainly due to the fact that he always came with the kind of banging Hip Hop tunes that always got you fired up and bouncing along to the music. As his career grew and he released more of these mega-mix style tracks, it gave me some great driving music to vibe to, which made those long journeys all the more enjoyable; loving the way he took you back to that foundation of Hip Hop and Breakin’ sound, mixing it all with some eclectic musical sounds to boot.

So, just what can you expect from The Beatles Songbook?

Here we find Format on fine form as he finally brings us something special, after chasing a desire, or obsession even, for ten years or more, and by that, I mean bring us a mix of lesser-known Beatles covers that are all seamlessly mixed together with the usual funky B-Boy breaks!

Now, I have to confess that I am not a huge fan of The Beatles music. I mean I know their stuff and heard plenty of it growing up before Hip Hop came along that is. but, and here’s the thing, this 65-minute mixtape really draws you in. There is such a wide range of genre’s than are covered in this mix that it makes you realise just how much of an impact the Fab Four had on so many people. From pop to rock, funk vibes, instrumentals and much more in a whole host of languages, Format has outdone himself by digging out a proper eclectic mix of covers to get your head nodding. Mixed in with all this is a good dose of breaks and beats to keep things really moving, plus a good sprinkling of little comical samples, such as Steve Coogan, that bring a light edge to proceedings and keep the enjoyment levels maxed out.

Whether you like The Beatles or not, there is a lot to like about this mix, there are plenty of recognisable tracks and some not so. There is also plenty of obscure versions that might not be instantly recognisable to you. It might also take you a couple of listens to really get into it, especially if you do what I did and spend the first listen thinking too much about the tracks.

The best way to enjoy this mix is to just sit back and listen, then you can vibe to the sound, with the changes in pace and those genre bending versions of those famous songs, really filtering through your awareness.

I honestly believe that both the lovers and the haters of The Beatles music will love this. The only ones who might struggle are the purists. The ones who only bow to the original sound and think that everything else is just sub-standard.

What is clear from listening to this mix, if you just take away the subject matter for a second, is that this is DJ Format doing what he does best; collecting a host of obscure records that the listener may never have heard of, and might otherwise have overlooked; then taking elements of those records along with a dash of other samples and mixing them all together to create a really fun and enjoyable release than has a definite timelessness factor.

This mix etches these tracks into your mind, mixing them together in a way that makes them as enjoyable now and, in the future, as they were when created, in fact some would say that this mixtape style actually makes the music more listenable and more enjoyable than those cover versions were. DJ Format also opens up The Beatles music, and these cover versions, to whole new audience who might now find they want to track down those original cover versions and also give a new listen to the original sound of The Beatles.

Reflecting back on this, I wasn’t sure that my words would be enough to express just how enjoyable this release is but, honestly, Format has done it again. He show’s his skill as a DJ, Producer, and mixer to breath new live into some dusty old crates full of music, proving once more that Hip Hop and the art of sampling and mixing can shine a whole new light on once forgotten music.

The Beatles Songbook played by DJ Format was available on limited CD and cassette; however, it is now sold out. If you were unlucky enough not to grab a CD or tape and still want one, then why not just petition Weaponize Records to do a third repress. I know this series is meant to be limited but, surely something as good as this needs to be something you can hold in your hand; and as it will not be made available on any DSP’s, perhaps a third re-up is really what’s needed here?

My huge thanks to Guy from Weaponize for giving me that chance to bring this one to you.

I’m outta here,

See Ya.

Steve.

LINKS

Weaponize Records links:

https://linktr.ee/weaponize_records

Weaponize Records Socials:

https://www.instagram.com/weaponize_records/

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551812373834

DJ Format Socials:

https://www.instagram.com/djformat/