Jake Shimabukuro's Songs That Should Be Covered on Ukulele -- Count Five

Posted on Aug 30th 2011 5:00PM by Dan Reilly
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Danny Clinch

Anyone who's ever heard a ukulele and even remotely enjoyed it needs to check out Jake Shimabukuro. The 34-year-old Hawaii native's mastery of the instrument has garnered raves from Eddie Vedder and comparisons to Jimi Hendrix, and his latest album, 'Peace Love Ukulele,' debuted at No. 1 on Billboard's World Music chart. Even though he's already covered such artists as Michael Jackson and Queen, Shimabukuro has some ideas of tracks that need to be performed on a uke. Below, he offers his top five picks for songs that need to be performed on a ukulele (not necessarily by him).

1. 'Here Comes the Sun,' The Beatles
George Harrison loved the ukulele. Any Harrison song played on the ukulele would definitely have George himself smiling above us.

2. 'Eruption,' Van Halen
There's nothing wrong with a little distortion on your ukulele. In fact, you can get a pretty decent tone if you stuff your ukulele with some old T-shirts. It'll help with the unwanted feedback.

3. 'The Godfather Theme'
Being a fan of the ukulele himself, I think Mr. Coppola would grin hearing that timeless melody plucked away on the humble four-string instrument -- if he hasn't already covered it himself.

4. 'What Is Hip?,' Tower pf Power
If you can pull this one off, then you got some serious groove in your pocket.

5. 'Hawaii 5-0 Theme'
Now this one is a no-brainer. I'm not sure why there's no ukulele version out there yet. Hmm ...

Jake Shimabukuro Performs 'Bohemian Rhapsody'

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