If I Needed Someone

On the 7th December 2005, to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the release of (arguably) The Beatles' folkiest album Rubber Soul, Mike Harding, on his folk music radio programme at the BBC, presented a tribute from the cream of the folk music community of the British Isles.

All the artists taking part did so with a huge amount of enthusiasm, some immediately drawn to the classics from the album, others relishing the challenge of the more oblique. In each case the artist was given a completely free hand. Some interpretations are faithful, albeit acoustic versions of the original; others have taken the opportunity to give a completely new feel to the song.

From Ralph McTell's Michelle, complete with accordion and ukuleles, to June Tabor's unaccompanied rendition of In My Life, to Show Of Hands very Indian influenced

version of If I Needed Someone this is a remarkable collection which illustrates not only the great writing skills of The Beatles, but also the inventiveness and creativity of British folk artists.

The songs were played on Mike's show in the same order they appear on the Beatles album:

If I Needed Someone

(George Harrison)

If I needed someone to love
You're the one that I'd be thinking of
If I needed someone

If I had some more time to spend
That I guess I'd be with you my friend
If I needed someone
Had you come some other day
Then it might not have been like this
But you see now I'm too much in love

Carve your number on my wall
And maybe you will get a call from me
If I needed someone
Ah, ah, ah, ah

If I had some more time to spend
That I guess I'd be with you my friend
If I needed someone
Had you come some other day
Then it might not have been like this
But you see now I'm too much in love

Carve your number on my wall
And maybe you will get a call from me
If I needed someone
Ah, ah, ah, ah..............

International Copyright Secured.

Gott Discs GOTTCD035 2006

Drive My Car -

Jim Moray

Norwegian Wood -

Waterson:Carthy

You Won't See Me -

Paul Brady

Nowhere Man -

Chris While

Think For Yourself -

Coope Boyes & Simpson

The Word -

Johnny Dickinson

Michelle -

Ralph McTell

What Goes On -

Boo Hewerdine & Eddi Reader

Girl -

John Tams

I'm Looking Through You -

Martin Simpson

In My Life -

June Tabor

Wait -

Cara Dillon

If I Needed Someone -

Show Of Hands

Run For Your Life -

Spiers & Boden