Various Artists: Minnesota Beatle Project Vol. 2

It is a testament to the the Lennon/McCartney songwriting team that these songs can retain their freshness after two generations of would-be re-interpreters. From Cirque de Soleil to the long-haired junior high kids down the street, the Beatles’ repertoire in cover admits constant variety and only occasional ingenuity. It’s no different on the second volume of the Minnesota Beatle Project, which packages Beatles covers from artists all over the state to raise funds for music education in public schools. Noble intentions aside, the versions on the disc generally inspire a return to the originals. Exceptions include Rogue Valley’s slow, sunny rendition of “And Your Bird Can Sing” and P.O.S.’s sardonic, conversational verses on “Dear Boy”.