2022 FBG, 172 to 1 Beatles Countdown 1-25 lists... And 173 to 1 Countdown from 1-64 lists! (1 Viewer)

[Dr. Octopus]

it's still there

Maybe lost in the sea of green

No more will my green sea go turn a deeper blue...

 

[zamboni]

This Dr. guy is such a joke sometimes.

Music is the doctor, makes you feel like you want to.
You gotta listen to the doctor, just like you ought to.

#whichdoobieyoube

 

[Dr. Octopus]

Yellow Submarine
2022 Ranking: 85
2022 Lists: 6
2022 Points: 58
Ranked Highest by: @John Maddens Lunchbox (2) Krista(Sharon) (15) Shaft41(Son2) (16) @ekbeats (19) @Dennis Castro (23)
2019 Ranking/Lists/Pts: NR

Getz comments:  From zero votes to six.  How was this not voted for last time? Love this song.

Krista4
My 2019 ranking:  116

2019 write-up:

Yellow Submarine (Revolver, 1966)

“Yellow Submarine" is just irresistible, with its whooshing of the waves, its cocktail party chatter, John blowing bubbles, Brian Jones clinking glasses, and of course that marching band bit. It was a perfect goofy song to give to always-affable Ringo, and the band seemed to have a great time with it when not under the watchful eyes of George Martin, who was at home sick the day the recording began.  On the second night of recording they were joined by Mick Jagger, Brian Jones, Marianne Faithfull, Patti Harrison, and others, who proceeded to form what Emerick called a "whole marijuana-influenced scene...completely zany, straight out of a Marx Brothers movie."  The group played any instruments or other sound effects they could find, from bells to whistles to gongs to the aforementioned wine glasses, while John became obsessed with getting the sound of him actually singing underwater.  After singing while gurgling didn't work, he lobbied for a tank to be brought in into which he could be submerged.  Instead, Emerick convinced him to try singing through a mic that was submerged, and the team dispatched to find first a milk bottle that was filled with water, and then something the mic could be put into to protect during submersion.  The roadie Mal Evans eventually came up with it - a condom!  John was delighted and remarked that this was brilliant because they wouldn't want the mic to get "in a family way."  Unfortunately, the idea didn't work as the sound became too muffled and wasn't usable, but the anecdote shows how much fun this recording was.  Full steam ahead! 

Mr. krista:  "Did they have a budget to bring in a marching band? I love this part, too.  The bubbles, the guy’s voice, like a vaudevillian or carnival barker type thing.  Silly.  I ####### LOVE IT.  It’s obviously not the best Beatles song or the best song on the record, obviously. But its inclusion is great.  It’s a kids’ song.  The soundscapes, and what self-important mother####ers would call musique concrète that people use to evoke mood.  They get to experiment with all that, but with this unserious purpose that’s pure joy and fun.  They get to create this underwater world that’s sailing to the sun in a submarine or whatever.  In the late 90s, etc., all these bands came out with the kind of kitchen sink recordings, I’m thinking specifically of Neutral Milk Hotel, who were more like recording projects rather than bands.  Who made basically a bunch of Yellow Submarine songs that were pure nonsense and 1/10 of the fun.  They’re considered now like a classic album, but it’s Yellow Submarine, man.  It’s Ringo.  It’s self-important, joyless, Yellow Submarine.  But it’s not fun and you wouldn’t let your children listen to it."

Suggested cover:  Making an exception to my "no foreign-language versions" rule for Maurice Chevalier.  I don't know what They Might Be Giants are doing here, but I often don't, to my delight.

2022 Supplement:  If you don’t find this at least somewhat delightful, you have no soul.  In recent years, Paul has cited numerous influences for this song, including the seemingly omni-present Lewis Carroll, The Rime of the Ancient Mariner, and TV programming such as “Flipper” and “Sea Hunt.”  He’s also indicated that there was a subtext to the idea of a submarine, in the sense that at that time the Beatles were living in their own capsule, own microclimate, own capsule.  Paul says that they found the underwater world “quite magical” and somewhat borne of their experiences as post-war kids thinking about a place where everything was possible, moving from bombs and rationing into a world more full of color.  He believes that the Beatles contributed to this (and how could anyone argue against that), taking an active role in helping people move from black-and-white into a vibrant world with “sky of blue and sea of green.” 

Guido Merkins

Yellow Submarine, in general has two schools of thought.  The first being, how can you ruin the greatest album of all time with this goofy crap.  The other being that it’s a very clever recording and the Beatles, along with everything else they are, can write a stone cold children’s classic. 

I am halfway between the two schools.  Personally, I would live for Yellow Submarine to have been the flip side of Paperback Writer and Rain to have been on Revolver.  Having said that, though, Yellow Submarine does expand the musical palette on Revolver and sits well next to some of the darker songs on the album.  It’s kind of an oasis.  It was mostly written by Paul, but John helped and Donovan even gave them the line “sky of blue and sea of green.”

In any event, whatever you think of the song, it IS an extremely clever recording, just as well done as anything else on Revolver. Originally there was a spoken intro, the “Land O Groats” intro as it’s become known, that had the sound effect of marching feet (coal shaken in a box like on Lennon’s Power to the People in 1971.)  The song itself if filled with different effects.  The sound of swishing water, which were chains in a tub of water.  There were also glasses chinking together, excited chattere, Pattie’s high pitches squeals, chains rattling, and a brass band section which was a section of tape from the EMI library.  John stood in the door of an echo chamber to deliver the “in the life of ease” and “everyone of us” repeating of Ringo’s lines.  Note, on the mono version, it starts with “in the life of ease”.  In stereo it begins with “everyone of us.”

The song was written to be children’s song, but the fadeout, IMO, has always sounded like a drunken sing a long, which isn’t far from the truth.  Apparently Mal Evans was leading a conga line around the studio playing a large bass drum while Paul, George, Ringo, Pattie, Brian Jones of the Stones and the other EMI staff followed him.

George Martin has experience recording Peter Seller and the Goons, which the Beatles were huge fans of.  Yellow Submarine was, in many ways, a Goons recording moreso than being a Beatles recording.  It’s supposed to be funny.  If people listened to it that way, maybe they would get it and like the song more.

Very fun song - but surprised to see it get this much love - in many ways its very similar to the much maligned Octopus' Garden.

 

[Zegras11]

Very fun song - but surprised to see it get this much love - in many ways its very similar to the much maligned Octopus' Garden.

What do you mean?  Garden received one 25th place vote last time 

 

[fatguyinalittlecoat]

Very fun song - but surprised to see it get this much love - in many ways its very similar to the much maligned Octopus' Garden.

Octopus’s Garden is way better IMO.

 

[Guido Merkins]

I like Santanic Magesties Request - but yes psychedelia was not their strong suit, however they did manage a few gems in the genre like “She’s a Rainbow”; “Ruby Tuesday”; “She Smiled Sweetly” and “We Love You”.

And they didn’t copy the Beatles, they planned the phases together as evidenced by the four Beatles appearing in the Flowers on “Satanic” and the message about the Stones on “Peppers”. Obviously the Beatles were better in that genre - there’s no denying that.

”Begger’s” has some blues based stuff, but it’s also heavily country influenced and it’s best known song is a samba.

I just think it’s overly simplified to say they’re “just a blues cover band” - that’s just lazy analysis - but yes that was how they got their start and the blues will always be in their DNA.

Just compare the two albums that were released in 1968.  The White Album has almost every genre of music you can think of.  Beggar's, as great as it is, doesn't have close to that type of variety.  You pretty much named them all.  Blues, country, and a samba....Meanwhile, what DOESN'T the White Album have?? 

I stand by my statement and Paul's statement.  The Beatles cast a much wider net. 

I'll give you the last word my friend.  Good debating with you!!!!

 

[Dr. Octopus]

Just compare the two albums that were released in 1968.  The White Album has almost every genre of music you can think of.  Beggar's, as great as it is, doesn't have close to that type of variety.  You pretty much named them all.  Blues, country, and a samba....Meanwhile, what DOESN'T the White Album have?? 

I stand by my statement and Paul's statement.  The Beatles cast a much wider net. 

I'll give you the last word my friend.  Good debating with you!!!!

There's also "Street Fighting Man" which is a rocker (albeit one whose main track is an acoustic guitar and a toy drum kit).

I will admit the Stones never ventured into art-rock like Wild Honey Pie or Revolution No. 9 

 

[Zegras11]

There's also "Street Fighting Man" which is a rocker (albeit one whose main track is an acoustic guitar and a toy drum kit).

I will admit the Stones never ventured into art-rock like Wild Honey Pie or Revolution No. 9 

Angie down? 

 

[Dr. Octopus]

Angie down? 

Well it's not on Beggar's Banquet and I don't know anyone that would classify it as "art-rock" but otherwise, yes.

"Angie" is a ballad that elicits emotion like few can - it's a great song by imo (obviously ymmv).

 

[Guido Merkins]

There's also "Street Fighting Man" which is a rocker (albeit one whose main track is an acoustic guitar and a toy drum kit).

I will admit the Stones never ventured into art-rock like Wild Honey Pie or Revolution No. 9 

Well....I didn't say it was all good

 

[Zegras11]

like few can - 

 I feel the same way about Yellow Submarine. 

Pure joy as I can picture my kids 21 years ago singing it in the family truckster on our trip around the country.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

 I feel the same way about Yellow Submarine. 

Pure joy as I can picture my kids 21 years ago singing it in the family truckster on our trip around the country.

I like Yellow Submarine a ton. It's a very fun song - I was just surprised that Octopus' Garden was framed as a song we should be embarrassed about picking while YS ended up ranked so highly.

They're both Ringo singing a children's song about living an idyllic life under the sea. 

 

[Zegras11]

You Can’t Do That
2022 Ranking: 84
2022 Lists: 3
2022 Points: 62
Ranked Highest by: @Anarchy99 (1) @Guido Merkins (7) @ManOfSteelhead (8)
2019 Ranking/Lists/Pts: 71/2/35

Getz:  Our last song with only three voters and our first song with three Top 10 votes. A’99 with his 13th entry. Second song to get a #1 vote.  Guido with his fourth entry, all in the last 11 songs. YT above is live from 1964.

Krista4
My 2019 ranking:  72

2019 write-up:

You Can't Do That (A Hard Day's Night, 1964)

It's another "boy, John sure seems angry and jealous" song, though I don't put it in the same category as "Run For Your Life" because it's not directly threatening physical harm.  Well it doesn't, that is, as long as you decide as I have to hear "let you down and leave you flat" to mean "break up with you and leave you bummed" and not something more sinister.  John described his inspiration for this song:  "That's me doing Wilson Pickett. You know, a cowbell going four in the bar, and the chord going chatoong!"   And since Wilson Pickett didn't have a violent nature, I assume John didn't intend any violence in the song.  Wait, what's that?  [Checking Pickett's bio.]  Oh, nevermind.

Reminder of items I've listed so far that give a song an advantage in the rankings:  (1) cowbell, (2) cello, (3) I can sing harmony, and (4) more cowbell.  Why, what have we here??  1, 3, and 4!  There, I shouted some numbers, too!  While I do love the cowbell in the song, I'm more fond of John's aggressive vocal and his guitar on the intro and on the messy, rockin' solo, as well as George's 12-string work - his first major use of the 12-string on a song - and that little drum fill Ringo does each time between "I told you before" and "ooohhh."  Not a big fan of how the ending just peters out; it's too great a rock song for that.

Mr. krista:  "I like that song a lot.  The harmonies are fun.  They really liked the blues.  They’re so British, though, they can straight up rip people off.  A lot of blues tropes, but it still sounded distinctive and unique."

Suggested covers:  Wait for the scream and the guitar solo:  Diana Ross & the Supremes  Kind of a cover:  Harry Nilsson

2022 Supplement:  Fun song, great riff, cowbell!  The Beatles did a lip synch version of this at Scala Theatre in London, with the intention of its being used at the end of the film, but it was cut:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=quiivAJmtyk (As an aside, why do people insist on colorizing these?  I’ve had more than one instance of not being able to find a B&W version.)  Fun fact:  young Phil Collins was in the crowd for this.

Why lip synch?  Well, as we’ve discussed, John had a hard time remembering his songs, including this one, so that could have been the reason.  I assume this is the live version that Getz will link (as I’m not aware of any others); notice how John forgets that there is a bridge and second verse before the guitar solo:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DG6VL291o4o

There was also an early take of this song released in the Anthology series.  Even though it lacks the harmonies at this stage, I think it’s a nice version:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jgdFEGOYesk   

Guido Merkins

One of my favorite songs on A Hard Day’s Night is a song John called “a Wilson Pickett thing with a cowbell”, You Can’t Do That.

This is the song with the great opening riff from George on 12 string.  George was talking to Tom Petty about this song and said he just came up with it on the fly in the studio.  Petty asked him how he did that.  George said “I was just standing there and I thought to myself, I’ve got to do something.”  Typical George, always underselling his contribution.

Great musical elements like a great vocal, great background vocals, great drumming, a very cool Lennon chord guitar solo, and a typical Lennon lyric warning his girl that she “can’t do that”
, like talking to another guy. John was worried about people “laughing in his face.”  This is a great rocker, one of their best, IMO.  

You Can’t Do That was one of the songs that was done before the live audience at the end of the A Hard Days Night film.  It ended up being cut from the movie, but I saw the footage originally on a “making of a Hard Day’s Night” type of video.  I now have it as one of the extras on my DVD copy of A Hard Day’s Night.  I’m sure it’s on Youtube somewhere if anyone is interested. 

 

[Binky The Doormat]

You Can’t Do That
2022 Ranking: 84
2022 Lists: 3
2022 Points: 62
Ranked Highest by: @Anarchy99 (1) @Guido Merkins (7) @ManOfSteelhead (8)
2019 Ranking/Lists/Pts: 71/2/35

lovin' all the write-ups and numbers data - many thanks, it makes it a lot more better - 

 

[Zegras11]

Why lip synch?  Well, as we’ve discussed, John had a hard time remembering his songs, including this one, so that could have been the reason.  I assume this is the live version that Getz will link (as I’m not aware of any others); notice how John forgets that there is a bridge and second verse before the guitar solo:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DG6VL291o4o

Nothing gets by K4. 

 

[krista4]

I like Yellow Submarine a ton. It's a very fun song - I was just surprised that Octopus' Garden was framed as a song we should be embarrassed about picking while YS ended up ranked so highly.

They're both Ringo singing a children's song about living an idyllic life under the sea. 

I grouped them together in my 2019 rankings because I find them so similar, too, though I think Octopus is better.  If I had to guess, people accept Yellow Submarine more because it was Lennon/McCartney and not Starkey as the writer.  Again that's just a guess.  I'm with you on them, though - and I love both.

 

[Zegras11]

Chalk Rankings Top 10. #84 = 89 pts. each Sponsored by: The Rolling Stones

1 --anarchy99---691

2 --Krista (Sharon)---593.5

3 --OTB_Lifer---584

4 --ManOfSteelhead---545.5

5 --Shaft41---476

6 --murph---387

7 --Krista (TJ/Michael)---377.5

8 --Wrighteous Ray---351.5

9 --Encyclopedia Brown---349.5

10 --Mac32---345

11 --Guido Merkins---335

 

[zamboni]

You Can’t Do That

Like the tune a lot, but always that it had more than a passing resemblance to "Money (That's What I Want)". Beyond the bridge, that is.

 

[krista4]

I know @Anarchy99 is busy with LZ, but I hope he'll post about "You Can't Do That."  Also @John Maddens Lunchbox about "Yellow Submarine." 

 

[Dr. Octopus]

I grouped them together in my 2019 rankings because I find them so similar, too, though I think Octopus is better.  If I had to guess, people accept Yellow Submarine more because it was Lennon/McCartney and not Starkey as the writer.  Again that's just a guess.  I'm with you on them, though - and I love both.

Yellow Submarine was also more in the mainstream (perhaps for the reason you gave). There was a Sesame Street "skit" that was built around it and we used to sing it in Elementary School music class - so I can surely see why one gets more "love" - but like I (and you) said, they're almost the same song. 

 

[krista4]

Yellow Submarine was also more in the mainstream (perhaps for the reason you gave). There was a Sesame Street "skit" that was built around it and we used to sing it in Elementary School music class - so I can surely see why one gets more "love" - but like I (and you) said, they're almost the same song. 

Absolutely.  It was part of a double-A-side single.  And there was an animated movie later.

At least Octopus got the Muppets treatment, but that's about it.

 

[Zegras11]

At least Octopus got the Muppets treatment, but that's about it.

yeah, this song always gets the shaft.

 

[Anarchy99]

I know @Anarchy99 is busy with LZ, but I hope he'll post about "You Can't Do That."  Also @John Maddens Lunchbox about "Yellow Submarine." 

I will post more on YCDT when I have a chance. I have been out of town the last week+ and am wondering if it makes more sense to go all the way back and try to catch up posting covers . . . or jump back in and start posting them for the current songs and post covers for the huge chunk of songs I missed when I have time.

In general, more songs get posted a day than I can get to . . . would posting fewer covers of each song and trying to keep up with the flow of the songs being posted be better?

I have no good explanation for why, but I have been listening to Britney Spears all afternoon. I need to hand in my man card for that. (Yes, I have a dedicated folder for just Britney songs.)

 

[heckmanm]

Follow the Sun
2 = 24 pts
3 = 23 pts
20 = 6pts
total = 53 pts

ATAA
17 + 13+ 12+ 10 = 52 pts.

1 pt if someone listed it 25th
25 pts is someone listed it 1st.

But for the "chalk" rankings, everyone who listed "I'll Follow the Sun" gets 53 points, regardless of whether they ranked it #2 or #20, right?

 

[krista4]

I will post more on YCDT when I have a chance. I have been out of town the last week+ and am wondering if it makes more sense to go all the way back and try to catch up posting covers . . . or jump back in and start posting them for the current songs and post covers for the huge chunk of songs I missed when I have time.

In general, more songs get posted a day than I can get to . . . would posting fewer covers of each song and trying to keep up with the flow of the songs being posted be better?

I have no good explanation for why, but I have been listening to Britney Spears all afternoon. I need to hand in my man card for that. (Yes, I have a dedicated folder for just Britney songs.)

Whatever is best for you!  I think jumping back in right here and then going back whenever you have time might be easiest, yes?  As for the second question, fewer would be just fine if that works better for your flow.  

 

[Zegras11]

But for the "chalk" rankings, everyone who listed "I'll Follow the Sun" gets 53 points, regardless of whether they ranked it #2 or #20, right?

It was ranked #89, and each received 84 points.    #172 got one point.  #1 gets 172 points.....

 

[Zegras11]

I will post more on YCDT when I have a chance. I have been out of town the last week+ and am wondering if it makes more sense to go all the way back and try to catch up posting covers . . . or jump back in and start posting them for the current songs and post covers for the huge chunk of songs I missed when I have time.

In general, more songs get posted a day than I can get to . . . would posting fewer covers of each song and trying to keep up with the flow of the songs being posted be better?

I have no good explanation for why, but I have been listening to Britney Spears all afternoon. I need to hand in my man card for that. (Yes, I have a dedicated folder for just Britney songs.)

Whatever is best for you!  I think jumping back in right here and then going back whenever you have time might be easiest, yes?  As for the second question, fewer would be just fine if that works better for your flow.  

Thanks for doing these... I would just post the ones you like best/find interesting.   Like 2-5 of them?  When you list like 20+, I don't know which ones to click on...

 

[falguy]

4 of the last 10 songs from AHDN.  Nice little run.

 

[John Maddens Lunchbox]

I know @Anarchy99 is busy with LZ, but I hope he'll post about "You Can't Do That."  Also @John Maddens Lunchbox about "Yellow Submarine." 

I just love a sing a long.

Not my biggest shock of the day, thats another story, but to see this come out in the 80s, before Octopus’ Garden is baffling.

Happy childhood memories surrounding my mother are few and far between. She loved the Beatles and doing a sing along in the car to this track was one of them.

My number one Beatles track, despised by others, will also involve happy memories for a different reason. 

 

[simey]

4 of the last 10 songs from AHDN.  Nice little run.

I have two from that album on my Top 25 favorites. I wonder if they are coming up.  

 

[John Maddens Lunchbox]

Thanks for doing these... I would just post the ones you like best/find interesting.   Like 2-5 of them?  When you list like 20+, I don't know which ones to click on...

I would suggest that @Anarchy99just do 2-5 as you suggest, but with variety. Note for note or dull covers are of no interest. 

 

[Anarchy99]

I would suggest that @Anarchy99just do 2-5 as you suggest, but with variety. Note for note or dull covers are of no interest. 

The issue on my end is I have so many options for some songs that it would take me 10X as long to have to listen to them all to then decide which ones are best. I tired doing that in the beginning, but many of the ones I liked were not on YouTube. My catalog of Beatles covers is 50X more than the actual Beatles catalog.

I guess I will just post ones by famous artists and a few that "break the mold" on the originals. I agree, carbon copies don't make much sense. Been there, done that, and if people want to listen to that version of a song, just go to the Beatles version.

 

[falguy]

I have two from that album on my Top 25 favorites. I wonder if they are coming up.  

me too.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

I just love a sing a long.

Not my biggest shock of the day, thats another story, but to see this come out in the 80s, before Octopus’ Garden is baffling.

Happy childhood memories surrounding my mother are few and far between. She loved the Beatles and doing a sing along in the car to this track was one of them.

My number one Beatles track, despised by others, will also involve happy memories for a different reason. 

I think it will just turn out that Octopus' Garden doesn't get ranked. Maybe I'm wrong?

 

[Dr. Octopus]

Just compare the two albums that were released in 1968.  The White Album has almost every genre of music you can think of.  Beggar's, as great as it is, doesn't have close to that type of variety.  You pretty much named them all.  Blues, country, and a samba....Meanwhile, what DOESN'T the White Album have?? 

I stand by my statement and Paul's statement.  The Beatles cast a much wider net. 

I'll give you the last word my friend.  Good debating with you!!!!

I listened to the White Album while walking my dog - think I got most of the first half in on the walk (its ####### cold).

Not intentionally, but after the fact I realized I didn't have one song from it in my Top 25. I'm not sure why, although it's fallen down my rank of their albums a lot over the years. I think mainly because I more and more see it's not the Beatles but more the individuals. Paul could have used some checks and balances on this one. 

 

[fatguyinalittlecoat]

I think it will just turn out that Octopus' Garden doesn't get ranked. Maybe I'm wrong?

You are wrong.

 

[John Maddens Lunchbox]

I think it will just turn out that Octopus' Garden doesn't get ranked. Maybe I'm wrong?

I know it was ranked. I had it 21 or so spots lower than Yellow Submarine. Ringo singalongs are fun.

 

[Binky The Doormat]

I think it will just turn out that Octopus' Garden doesn't get ranked. Maybe I'm wrong?

You are wrong.

well, the idea that Octopus' Garden is ranked ahead of the majority of songs already list is MORE than a little disappointing.

 

[Zegras11]

well, the idea that Octopus' Garden is ranked ahead of the majority of songs already list is MORE than a little disappointing.

so is your face.

 

[fatguyinalittlecoat]

so is your face.

I’ve just seen it

 

[Zegras11]

Yer Blues
2022 Ranking: 82T
2022 Lists: 5
2022 Points: 63
Ranked Highest by: @turnjose7 (8) @jamny (10) @Man of Constant Sorrow (12) @Oliver Humanzee (16) @Murph (21)
2019 Ranking/Lists/Pts: 106T/1/14

Getz: We have a RingoBingoTM!! Composite and K4 at 82. Solid improvement from 2019. Turnjose7 with his first song…. 9 left….

Krista4
My 2019 ranking:  82

2019 write-up:

Yer Blues (White Album, 1968)

I've read that this song is at least in part meant to be parody, but I think the tongue-in-cheek part is only in its existence, the discomfort and self-consciousness as a well-off white Englishman trying to sing blues.  The song itself displays no parody, though, as the raw, desperate vocal sounds like a truly anguished dude, and the self-revelatory style of the lyrics fit with similar expressions from John in other songs.  John described the songwriting experience as coming from being in India trying to reach God, but feeling suicidal:  "The funny thing about the [Maharishi's] camp was that although it was very beautiful and I was meditating about eight hours a day, I was writing the most miserable songs on earth. In 'Yer Blues,' when I wrote, 'I'm so lonely I want to die,' I'm not kidding. That's how I felt."  

When I first heard this song, I recall thinking it sounded like it had been recorded in someone's basement, and as it turned out, that wasn't far off the mark.  John decided he didn't want to use EMI's Studio Two (their usual location) for this recording, but instead to record it in a 40-square-foot storage room adjacent to the control room.  The close quarters and togetherness - with John on a microphone in the middle - added to the power of the song.  Along with John's despairing vocal, the drums on this song really shine (those fills on the end of every other measure are glorious), the gritty guitar solos sound like modern grunge, and I particularly love the excitement of the interplay between John's guitar and tempo shifts of Ringo's drums.   The whole song feels filthy, which is why I love it.

One unfortunate note on this song:  there's a bad splice of one take over another around the 3:17 mark.  Tough to listen to that.

Mr. krista:  "That’s a good jam.  Hope you’re hearing how hard Ringo is hitting the drums.  That little shuffle.  I liked that a lot.  I liked how British dude blues was a thing in that time, when Ron Wood and the Faces and Eric Clapton got popular, but Lennon clearly loved that music, and he committed to the absolute pathos.  Whereas I think a black guy from the US in the 60s, that person’s tragedy could be apparent and they can communicate it subtly, Lennon has to scream 'I want to die' at the top of his lungs to convey the same feeling.  That 12-bar blues is not terribly exciting, but they play it so well and it’s recorded so well that it just sounds great, and you hear Ringo hitting the living #### out of the drums.  I really like it.  The title is perfect, too."

Suggested cover:  Not sure if it's cheating to post a cover on which John performed, but it's not the Beatles.  The Dirty Mac was a group consisting of John, Eric Clapton, Keith Richards, and Mitch Mitchell, who recorded the song for a never-aired TV movie called, "The Rolling Stones Rock and Roll Circus."

2022 Supplement:  I continue to enjoy this one more than most people; the close recording and its general filthiness makes it one of my favorites.  John was, as he said, “trying to reach God and feeling suicidal,” and all of that mishmosh in his head of love and suffering and love of suffering comes through clearly – or rather, appropriately mishmoshy – in the song.  If the originally published version wasn’t filthy enough for you, listen to this bluesy ####### rave-up mostly instrumental version (with faint guide voice by John) they recorded as Take 5, included in the White Album deluxe set released a few years ago:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W75VWUGpwi8

Guido Merkins

John commented how ironic it was that he was in India mediating, but writing “the most miserable crap on earth.”  Yer Blues is one of those, half joking, half not.  With lines “wanna die” and “feel so suicidal, even hate my rock and roll”, John was obviously in a bad head space.  His relationship with Yoko hadn’t started yet, but it would be soon and, apparently, she was writing him while he was in India, so maybe his marriage falling apart was weighing on John.

Whatever it was, Yer Blues was recorded with all four Beatles in one room, with no separation.  You can hear that on the recording.  Sounds like a jumbled, glorious mess.  Grunge in 1968.  Loud, distorted guitars, Ringo bashing away, John screaming.  Great guitar solo by John and George, sounding like it was played through a Leslie speaker.  Paul’s bass, as usual stellar. 

The best “cover” version of this song was by The Dirty Mac, which consisted of John Lennon, Eric Clapton, Keith Richards, and Mitch Mitchell for the Rolling Stones Rock and Roll Circus.  Between the Who and the Dirty Mac(obviously a reference to Paul) blowing the Stones off the stage, it’s no wonder it wasn’t released until decades later.

 

[prosopis]

Could be, but he's adding some megabucks to his senile fortune with his 2022 Got Back tour. Not paying over $200+ bucks for this.

Charging that is criminal and I wish people would stop paying those prices.

 

[zamboni]

The best “cover” version of this song was by The Dirty Mac, which consisted of John Lennon, Eric Clapton, Keith Richards, and Mitch Mitchell for the Rolling Stones Rock and Roll Circus.  Between the Who and the Dirty Mac(obviously a reference to Paul) blowing the Stones off the stage, it’s no wonder it wasn’t released until decades later.

 

[simey]

well, the idea that Octopus' Garden is ranked ahead of the majority of songs already list is MORE than a little disappointing.

It is favorites, so I'm ok with anything except for Revolution 9. There is no excuse for that. Maybe k's friends, Worth and Rob, are in some cult. 

 

[simey]

Yer Blues

This is a bourbon song. 

 

[landrys hat]

reaction

 

[ekbeats]

Very fun song - but surprised to see it get this much love - in many ways its very similar to the much maligned Octopus' Garden.

Who doesn’t like Yellow Submarine?  About 10 years ago I was hanging outside with a few of my buddies in Hartford.  Down the street was a Portuguese Club - BIG watering hole.  We heard this huge ruckus and incoherent singing so we went down to check it out.  When we opened the door there were about 40 ####-faced, middle aged Portuguese dudes dancing around and singing Yellow Submarine.

 

[krista4]

On today's date in 1966...published in The Evening Standard:

"Christianity will go. It will vanish and shrink. I needn't argue that. I'm right and will be proved right.   We're more popular than Jesus right now. I don’t know which will go first, rock and roll or Christianity. Jesus was all right, but his disciples were thick and ordinary. It’s them twisting it that ruins it for me."

Oopsie.

 

[Leroy Hoard]

On today's date in 1966...published in The Evening Standard:

"Christianity will go. It will vanish and shrink. I needn't argue that. I'm right and will be proved right.   We're more popular than Jesus right now. I don’t know which will go first, rock and roll or Christianity. Jesus was all right, but his disciples were thick and ordinary. It’s them twisting it that ruins it for me."

Oopsie.

This has been on my "to do list" for 56 years.

"Go outside and burn all my Beatles records".

 

[Zegras11]

Michelle
2022 Ranking: 82T
2022 Lists: 5
2022 Points: 63
Ranked Highest by: @John Maddens Lunchbox (1) WrighteousRay(hub) (5) @neal cassady (21) @rockaction (25)
2019 Ranking/Lists/Pts: 86/3/23

Getz comments:  JMLBox had his #1 and #2 go today. 

Krista4
My 2019 ranking:  111

2019 Supplement:

Michelle (Rubber Soul, 1965)

Someone tell @AAABatteries it's safe to come back in the thread now.

I could more easily understand loving this song than hating it, though for me it falls near the middle of my rankings.  I find some of the lyrics irritating, and you might (or probably won't) wonder how I have this above "I Will" after complaining about the trite lyrics in that one.  The answer is twofold:  first, I don't have it ranked higher every day, and if you asked me last week "I Will" might have been slightly higher, or next week it might be again.  I see these two songs as very similar sweet but slight Paul love songs.  The second answer to the question no one has asked is that, while this has some similarly basic "I love you"s that the anti-sentimental me doesn't appreciate, they're sung in this one with a desperation that I find more appealing.  Say "I love you" in a song and I'll probably dismiss it as banal and silly.  Imbue the "I love you" with desperation and pathos and angst and I'll call you genius, I guess.  It's not a surprise that this part in a minor key was written by angsty John (inspired by Nina Simone's "I Put a Spell on You") and not sunny Paul, or that I like that part the best.

Anyway, this also shines with a stunningly gorgeous bass part and a lovely guitar solo that was probably played by George (though some think it was Paul).  I appreciate the switch between major and minor keys in the verses v. the middle eight, which I think emphasizes the switch between the optimism of the verses by Paul and the sadness of the middle by John.  I also think Paul glides nicely between English and French, even if the French lyrics are a little simple.  

The song was originally composed by Paul in 1959 and was one he would play at parties thrown by John's friend Austin Mitchell.  Basically he played it to try to get girls and threw in the French parts to seem romantic.  As Paul tells it:  "I remember sitting around there, and my recollection is of a black turtleneck sweater and sitting very enigmatically in the corner, playing this rather French tune. I used to pretend I could speak French, because everyone wanted to be like Sacha Distel."  Later when they were cranking out albums and singles so fast that they needed material, John suggested to Paul that he dust this off and make something of it, and Paul did learn a little French rather than faking it.

Maybe it's because this one won the Grammy for song of the year that some people hate it, thinking it's overrated.  But I don't see how one couldn't appreciate its melody, its changes, and that bass.  It sounds like a pop standard, but that was groundbreaking for this band at this time.  It's only this low for me because I don't like ballads as much as the rock songs.

Mr. krista:  "I like this song.  I like the French singing.  I really like his bass solo."

Suggested covers:  Iggy Pop(!)  Ben Harper

2022 Supplement:  No need to call AAABatteries back in this time!  Happy that he has been able to participate more in the thread. 

As discussed in 2019, Paul went to art parties with older, cooler John, and wandered around “playing a French-sounding song and making guttural noises,” hoping someone would think he was French, “possibly even a French intellectual.”  He has more recently named Edith Piaf’s “Milord” as a specific influence on this song, along with some chords he learned from a guy named Jim Gretty, who worked in a guitar shop in Liverpool.  Paul and George loved to go into the shop and learn chords from Gretty, including a lush F chord that they called “F demented.”  Paul put “F demented” (which he says was probably something like an F augmented ninth) in the song, along with another “naughty” chord that he thinks might have been a D diminished.  Using these two chords, he “grunted along like a cod Frenchman, and there was ‘Michelle’.”

Guido Merkins

Paul loves to tell this story and it’s so cool because every guy has been there.  They were at this party and Paul wanted the girls to notice him.  So, he picked up his guitar and started playing this very French thing and singing nonsense French phrases at an art party so the girls would think he was this exotic Frenchman.  The interviewer asked Paul, “did it work?” and Paul said, very matter of factly, “No.”   So see, before he was Paul McCartney, he was just some goofy teenager from Liverpool trying to get girls to notice him.

Years later during the sessions for Rubber Soul, John said something to the effect of “Paul, remember that French thing you used to do?  Yeah, it was pretty good, you should work on that.”  So that’s how we got to Michelle.

Paul sought out Jan Vaughn, the wife of his old friend from Liverpool Ivan Vaughn (the guy who introduced John and Paul) who was a French teacher, to come up with a name and a rhyming phrase, so she came up with Michelle, ma belle and later Paul came up with “these are words that go together well” and asked her to translate, so that came up “sont les mots qui vont tres bein ensemble.”  John came up with the middle “I love you I love you I looooovvve you.” 

The main attraction, IMO are the guitars.  They are just lovely. Especially the solo and the outro.  Some people (Bob Dylan for example) have been dismissive of Paul’s ballads and especially Michelle, but I think it’s a beautiful song.  There is a time for everything under Heaven, yes even romance.  The guitars on this track are so beautiful I don’t especially care if the lyrics are a bit sappy.