A few weeks ago, American Idol featured its contestants singing Lennon-McCartney songs. Many struggled, offering either note-by-note renditions that paled by comparison, or else straying so far they ruined the songs.

If artistry, as my old pal Richard Rogers used to say is “knowing where to steal,” then the American Idolers exposed their lack of it. All they had to do was watch Across the Universe for a treasure trove of Beatles music rethought and redone. And very well.

Here is Dana Fuchs, who played Sadie in the film, with her band doing Helter Skelter. To my ears, Janis is alive and well. 

The film also offered this version of “I Want to Hold Your Hand” as a plaintive yearning for lesbian love.