Originality, the basis for all things artistically credible, is as connected to those who follow as those leading. Be the first and you’re ground-breaking; have too many imitators, and be responsible for market over-saturation. Often times a band’s influence is judged by the number of great, yet more likely annoying, followers.

And if imitation is the ultimate form of flattery, The Beatles should feel honored. The Liverpudlian foursome has been referenced, copied and praised more than any band in history – and rightfully so.

On the 40th anniversary of the band’s “Rubber Soul,” a hodgepodge of band-of-the-moment scenesters assembled to pay tribute to one of the 10 greatest albums of all time (though still the second best Beatles’ album behind “Revolver”).

But why? Naturally, these 14 covers will be compared to the original tracks. And who in their right mind would want to be stacked up against The Beatles?

Change the original drastically (The Fiery Furnaces’ “Norwegian Wood,” Nellie McKay’s “If I Needed Someone”) and sound arrogant. It isn’t a “tribute” if the song is ruined. Sound too similar to Lennon/McCartney (The Donnas’ “Drive My Car,” Rhett Miller’s “Girl,” Ben Lee’s “In My Life”) and people might as well dust off their vinyl for better versions.

The key is a balance between mimicry and modernity. And some do that (Ben Kweller’s “Wait,” Ted Leo’s “I’m Looking Through You,” Low’s “Nowhere Man” and Dar Williams’ “You Won’t See Me”).

All in all, “This Bird Has Flown” is a lousy, unnecessary attempt to pay homage to one of rock ’n’ roll’s cornerstones. But in this case, the greatest form of flattery would have been to just leave it alone.