The WannaBeatles (Bryan Cumming, Dennis Scott, David Toledo, and Nathan Burbank) have crafted songs that they hope would make their mentors (John, Paul, George, and Ringo) proud. Here is the Inside track to the songs from "We're Still Rockin'" that may be of interest to Beatles fans and even WannaBeatles fans. 1. "Let's Run Away" was Nathan's contribution when we had the opportunity to write songs about vacations to pitch to a cruise line company. Dennis wrote the first verse lyrics that personalized the need to get away, and it was his suggestion to add ocean waves to create an inviting holiday atmosphere. Bryan’s skillful guitar work and David’s exotic drumming transport the listener to climes far away. 2. "If We Knew Then" was birthed from Dennis imagining what might have been if Paul and John’s friendship had continued beyond the breakup of The Beatles. The lyrics work equally well describing the relationship between a man and a woman looking back wistfully over their lives, wishing things could have been different. Bryan put Dennis's words to music, then they worked together to craft the shape of the song. 3. "Before They Were Fab" was written as the theme song for a local-access TV show based in Nashville called "The Lads From Liverpool." Being familiar with the subject matter of the Beatles, The WannaBeatles were well-suited for the task. This was a genuine four-way collaboration, with each member contributing music and lyric ideas. 4. "This Song's For You" grew out of Bryan’s doodling on his guitar during sound check at the Wilson County Fair in Tennessee. David overheard the chord changes, and the two began bouncing melodies around. Within a day they had a rough draft, but then spent months tweaking the lyrics. It ended up a sweet Latin-flavored love song, somewhat in the style of "And I Love Her." 5. "In '63" is Dennis' creative response to our being booked for Virginia Beach’s 50th anniversary in the city’s pops concert lineup. Knowing that 1963 was also the year of the Beatles' first major hit, Dennis came up with a song about things that happened that year. Nathan contributed the exuberant string arrangement. 6. "Louise" Most of us, at one time or another, have experienced a broken relationship; a moment when a misunderstanding or a word spoken in anger brought about mistrust and frustration. In this song, Bryan addresses the issue with a heartfelt lyric that reaches across the chasm to restore harmony to what should otherwise be a great relationship. 7. "We're Still Rockin'" started as David's song, but with a different title, (“We’re Rockin’ Now”), and - believe it or not - a faster tempo. One older record we all liked as a model was "Good Lovin'" by The Rascals - simple, driving, energetic, and with a trace of Latin rhythm. Another song was John Cougar's "R.O.C.K. in the U.S.A." Ultimately, every WannaBeatle left his mark on this song, a process David calls “performing plastic surgery on the ugly baby to make it more beautiful.” When David presented a demo that incorporated everyone’s ideas, including his new whistle solo, we knew we had something special. 8. "The Land of You and Me" is another song that came from the campaign to write a TV commercial about vacations. This one started with David's verse, which Dennis simplified, and then Bryan came up with chords for a chorus. They too were reshaped under Dennis’ skillful producer’s scalpel, and the result is a charming invitation to enjoy life with a loved one. The vocal arrangement at the end was inspired by the Beach Boys. 9. "Oh Betty!" is Dennis' musical response to Betty White winning a Grammy Award in the category in which The WannaBeatles were nominated. (You can hear snippets of that album at: http://www.fabfanmemories.com). Based on one of Dennis' earlier works, the group reworked the song and added new parts - including Bryan’s rockin’ sax solo. We made a fun video of this song, even dressing up in plaid jackets like a 50’s doo-wop group. We also sponsored a Betty White look-alike contest and featured the winner – Evelyn Ford – in the video. You can watch it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d_9TG-qwgKU. 10. "Bristol Lights" was Nathan's entry in his hometown’s 250th anniversary song contest. The lyrics mention "playing Sousa on the bandstand," which gave Dennis the idea of adding a brass band. Nathan picked up the idea and created the brass arrangement. David’s military drumming and Bryan’s beautiful “weeping” guitar capture the feelings of anyone who’s proud of their small town upbringing. 11. "License To Spy" is what happened when we were dreaming up 60’s flavored music to use as the soundtrack for "Fab Fan Memories," our spoken-word CD. Dennis suggested coming up with a "groovy" instrumental similar to Ray Charles' "What'd I Say." Nathan came up with the chord changes while Bryan wrote the melody and brass licks. David provides the mystery voice in Spanish, along with some hot drumming. Dennis wore his producer’s hat throughout the recording of this song, giving his blessings and his vetoes as needed. 12. "If We Simply Love" is David's classic anthem. He worked hard getting it right, with a little help from his friends. David not only arranged the string parts, but he also played piano and bass. Every nuance is from his soul and imagination. Nathan thought it cried out for a Gospel choir, so he and Dennis worked on coming up with an arrangement suitable for David’s majestic melody. The inspiring message, as well as Bryan’s soaring guitar solo, bring the album to a very satisfying finish.