Help Me Understand The Beatles
Five years ago, I was questioning my friend about their fascination with the Grateful Dead. Up until that point, my opinion of the Dead had been greatly influenced by the most commercially successful of the Dead’s music–”Casey Jones”, “Truckin’”, “Touch of Gray”, “Uncle John’s Band”, etc. I never found any of these songs to be particularly great, but would listen to them if I happened to hear them on the radio. Indeed, my opinion of the Grateful Dead was one of total ambivalence.
My friend introduced me to some of the band’s “deeper cuts”–songs like “Jack Straw”, “Franklin’s Tower” and “I Know You Rider”. These tracks intrigued me and I began to dig deeper into the bands catalog, delving into the deep collection of live tracks, discovering versions of “Eyes of the World”, “China Cat Sunflower” and “Scarlet Begonias” that would forever change the look of my iPod playlists.
Similarly, I struggled for years to understand why people felt U2 was so great. To me, the band came off as noting short of generic. I asked several U2 fans to suggest some deep cuts to help me gain an appreciation for the band. While I still think the band is over-hyped, I developed a much better appreciation of the band after discovering tracks like “I Will Follow”, “Twilight”, “Is That All?” and “Drowning Man.”
I think it’s now time for a similar project for a band that many consider to be the “best of all time”–the Beatles. I admit that my exposure to The Beatles is relatively limited, basically just the “hits” and The White Album. It’s The White Album that especially perplexes me. Yes, it marks the first time The Beatles drifted away from pop and experimented with real rock n roll, but it falls way short of the greatness of other albums released the same year. In addition to The White Album, 1968 saw the release of the Rolling Stones’ Beggar Banquet, Jimi Hendrix’s Electric Ladyland, Simon & Garfunkel’s Bookends and perhaps the most innovative album of the decade, The Byrds’ Sweetheart of the Rodeo. All of these albums would have a much greater impact on the evolution of rock than The White Album.
What is it about The Beatles that I am missing?
In my opinion, The Beatles did two things well. One, they created radio friendly pop tunes, much like Nickelback or Fall Out Boy of the modern era, when compared to other British invasion bands like The Animals or The Zombies fall short on the artistic meter. Secondly, they produced some interesting whimsical tunes consistent with the work product of one hit wonder bands. Indeed, the two Beatles songs I like the most are “Honey Pie” and “Martha My Dear.”
So with that I put out this plea to all of The Beatles fans out there. Help me understand this band. Suggest some of the band’s work that I should check out that will change my perception. Please provide the track and album name in the comments field.
I don’t know how I stumbled on this blog. But, it’s really quite simple with the Beatles.
Either start at the beginning and work your way through. The White Album only makes sense as a “classic” when you see their progression from start to finish.
But, if you want a kick start – start in the middle with the sweet stuff – “Rubber Soul”‘s a good one. Cause, it’s got the transition between pure pop guys and the weird stuff to come later. Add the bookends of “Help” and “Revolver” next. If you like the more innocent stuff – go backwards. If you’re ready to bridge the gap to the White Album, then you’re ready for Sgt. Pepper’s and Abbey Road.
I actually think Sgt. Pepper’s and Abbey Road are their two best albums. But, you’re wanting perspective, so start with Rubber Soul.
Rubber Soul highlights
- Drive My Car – Fun pop with those great harmonies
- Norwegian Wood – Pure quiet weirdness
- Nowhere Man – Desperation, detachment, and perfect harmony in 2:44
- Michelle – For my money, as sing-along-able as The Police’s Roxanne.
- In My Life – Always brings a lump to my throat
Next, look at the shear number of monumental tracks they recorded, in essentially just 7 years.
Finally, I think the actual best Beatles song is the 3 song mash-up at the end of Abbey Road – Golden Slumbers – Carry That Weight – The End. It rivals any classic masterpiece. Especially for a band that 5 year earlier was essentially still copying Little Richard and Chuck Berry.
Jon, I look forward to listening to some of the deeper cuts you recommended. I know I should have probably checked into Sgt. Pepper’s years ago and I definitely think that might be starting point.
Your recommendations from Abbey Road also sound really intriguing.
To me it’s a musical progression. Simple, catchy, pop tunes – in an era that sounded like syrup – and then with an almost measured progress into to complex, yet reachable tunes in their later years. If you haven’t yet, please just listen to Sgt. Pepper’s from start to finish. Don’t forget the times – Late ’60′s and some of this stuff had never been attempted in the main stream.
You can pick your order of albums – just remember the times.
—- and Abbey Road is pure genius; still, you must listen to it straight through
Enjoy!
I’ll definitely give Sgt. Pepper’s a listen all the way through. I’m familiar with parts of the album–”When I’m 64″ and “Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds” are two Beatles tunes I find listenable on occassion. However, another “hit” from the album falls into a different catergory.
I realize that The Beatles wrote “With a Little Help From My Friends,” but in my opinion Joe Cocker did a much better job with it.