It works because the recognizable elements become insignificant; within a few seconds, you're no longer paying attention to the gimmick but riding the groove. It works because "Helter Skelter" sounds good beneath "99 Problems." It works because the limp "December 4th" becomes warm and poignant when underscored by "Mother Nature's Son." It works because "Dirt Off Your Shoulder" on a date with "Julia" is just about the most beautiful thing you'll hear all year. And when it doesn't work, which happens occasionally, you're still awed by the fact someone took something very old and made it sound so very new that it scared the hell out of a record label stuck in a dead past. Steal this album. You have no other choice.