zamboni
Footballguy
Indeed - you could have an argument all day about which of their tunes has the best harmony. My #1 on this measure is probably going to be very high in the countdown.Those harmonies are heaven-sent.
Indeed - you could have an argument all day about which of their tunes has the best harmony. My #1 on this measure is probably going to be very high in the countdown.Those harmonies are heaven-sent.
I like this pick, NT. It's kinda/sorta off the board, but it meets many of krista's criteria.A random thought I can’t shake is that it’s going to be You’ve Got to Hide Your Love Away. I’m not even sure it’s top 20 for me but it’s like John is speaking to me from beyond. That is of course unless it’s already been eliminated and I missed it.
Spill it!Indeed - you could have an argument all day about which of their tunes has the best harmony. My #1 on this measure is probably going to be very high in the countdown.
Spot-on, I’d say.So we're at the point of the list where the songs are pretty good but either
A) A bit goofy (Hello, Goodbye)
or
B) Somewhat forgettable (I'll be back)
Sheesh, I'm speaking Mennonite today. "Drive My Wagon"?I like this pick, NT. It's kinda/sorta off the board, but it meets many of krista's criteria.
Mine stab at it is similar, but probably too obvious - "Ticket To Ride"
With A Little Help from My FriendsJust checked with Vegas and longest shot is "song where Ringo sings lead".
Ticket to ride is one of my favorites. Love the feel and I think it's in my top ten. Choosing my top ten Beatles songs is so difficult that I'm not going to actually try.Uruk-Hai said:I like this pick, NT. It's kinda/sorta off the board, but it meets many of krista's criteria.
Mine stab at it is similar, but probably too obvious - "Ticket To Ride"
"I'll be back" - same here. I had forgotten all about that song. Love it.BroncoFreak_2K3 said:Another Top 50 for me. Would be way higher for sure. Those harmonies are heaven-sent.
"I Wanna Raise Your Barn"?Uruk-Hai said:Sheesh, I'm speaking Mennonite today. "Drive My Wagon"?
Baby's in Black"All My Oven"
"Here Comes The Bun" (double meaning!)
Devastating lyrics.Just listened to "For No One" and got chill bumps.
I loved the fact that they originally tried to do this song as a 3/4 waltz (Anthology demo), but John thought it was too hard to sing . Then they immediately adapted like the Borg. Amazing how fast they transitioned.I need a distraction.
141. I'll Be Back (A Hard Day's Night, 1964)
Beatles version: Spotify YouTube
Damn beautiful. Those three-part harmonies...swoon. I love this structure that has no chorus but two different bridges, and a constant change between major and minor. Are the major/minor changes meant to represent the waffling feel of the lyrics, such as:
You know, if you break my heart I'll go
But I'll be back again
'Cause I told you once before goodbye
But I came back again
The song is weird and complex and mesmerizing to me. I'd say 99+% of people who say "I like the Beatles" don't know this song...that just tells you how great they were, for this to be such a forgotten song for them.
Mr. krista: "That’s a weird song to end that album on. Songs like that are probably the reason the Beatles are the most popular band of all time. Those harmonies are so tight. They have to harmonize and end on all those long vowel sounds. Maybe it’s just not in my rock wheelhouse. Oh, you have to harmonize, not just shout and spit."
Suggested cover: This entire endeavor has been worth it to find this cover, which I hadn't previously heard: Elliott Smith Also if you like lady singers, Shawn Colvin
Fantastic info here; all of it. Thank you!I loved the fact that they originally tried to do this song as a 3/4 waltz (Anthology demo), but John thought it was too hard to sing . Then they immediately adapted like the Borg. Amazing how fast they transitioned.
By the way, just noticed that the movie Nowhere Boy is on Netflix. Really good flick.
Listening to Help! again and this would be in contention for my favorite. It has been in my head the last few days following this thread. Honestly my number 1 could change weekly among several songs. Can't imagine doing what Krista has done but glad she did because it has made me revisit lots of great songs.A random thought I can’t shake is that it’s going to be You’ve Got to Hide Your Love Away. I’m not even sure it’s top 20 for me but it’s like John is speaking to me from beyond. That is of course unless it’s already been eliminated and I missed it.
Tell me you didn’t already post about this song?Devastating lyrics.
We won't be getting to For No One for a bit. Don't tell me this means you aren't reading every post, though, GB?Tell me you didn’t already post about this song?
I try to read only the important posts but even then I might miss one or two.We won't be getting to For No One for a bit. Don't tell me this means you aren't reading every post, though, GB?
Btw, I love reading from so many different people how they're revisiting various songs via this thread, and I also love having conversations with people I haven't interacted with a lot before this. This thread is a lot of work but so much fun to me.
Today was Grandpa's funeral and I have another long day tomorrow of cleaning out his stuff before heading home Sunday morning. Then I hope to hit it back in full force. It's been fun to read about the guesses of my favorites; in a purely selfish way I think about each one in terms of what I've given off personally to make it seem like that might be it. Every guess has been great because...well, all the songs named have been great. Duh.
Yes, thanks for asking. I worry most about my mom because, like me (or rather I'm like her...and my dad), she is not good at showing vulnerability or reaching out for help. So I'm trying to do stuff and take care of everything without her needing to ask, and she's also not quite herself and a little foggy due to the suddenness of it. My (almost) 99-year-old Grandpa has a 97-year-old sister and an 89-year-old sister, and they had some trouble today as well, but they are ridiculously strong women, too. The minister today kept repeating in the eulogy a quote from my Grandpa: "Why get angry, if you could be happy instead?" I realized in my entire life I had never once seen my Grandpa mad at anyone. We all - and certainly I - would do well to take that to heart.I try to read only the important posts but even then I might miss one or two.
For No One is for everyone one. I am curious how you rank it.
It was nice to read your post and how upbeat it sounds. Does that mean the family is doing well-given the circumstances?
Great advice by Grandpa. Glad the minister passed it along.Yes, thanks for asking. I worry most about my mom because, like me (or rather I'm like her...and my dad), she is not good at showing vulnerability or reaching out for help. So I'm trying to do stuff and take care of everything without her needing to ask, and she's also not quite herself and a little foggy due to the suddenness of it. My (almost) 99-year-old Grandpa has a 97-year-old sister and an 89-year-old sister, and they had some trouble today as well, but they are ridiculously strong women, too. The minister today kept repeating in the eulogy a quote from my Grandpa: "Why get angry, if you could be happy instead?" I realized in my entire life I had never once seen my Grandpa mad at anyone. We all - and certainly I - would do well to take that to heart.
Not a fan. This would have been better served cut in half and part of Side Two's medley.I'm exhausted. This seems like a good time to post some that might cause consternation, because you all have to be nice to me right now. Coincidentally, the next couple of them probably fit the bill!
140. Because (Abbey Road, 1969)
Beatles version: Spotify YouTube
Listen, this is unquestionably a great song. It's placement at #140 isn't a reflection of how masterful it is, but instead a function of (1) its being a song I admire more than love, and (2) the Beatles, man. There are so many of their songs I find myself wanting to hear more often.
The construction of the song is one of the intriguing aspects; the story goes that John was listening to Yoko play Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata on the piano and used those chords, played backwards, to frame the song. The lyrics are straightforward, or as John termed them "no bull####." The real star for me is the three-part harmony that is triple-tracked to make it seem like a choir. The ending of the song is great. Haunting, gorgeous...this is a song that when the mood strikes you, there's nothing better. The mood just doesn't strike me all so often.
Mr. krista: "I kinda like that song. Interesting structure. Seems more like choral music. When is the last time they did three-part harmonies throughout? Harpsichord doing a guitar line. It must have been a ####### ##### to record."
Suggested covers: Elliott Smith George Clinton I do not suggest the following terrifying cover: Devo
I've a sense that this simple lyric is related to more than hippie bliss. It reminds me of the late, great contrarian Christopher Hitchens' stock response when asked when he first stopped believing in God. He relates that it was a standard part of Church of England indoctrination in public education to make children grateful to The Almighty as well as The Crown (head of the CoE, of course) in tangible ways such as, on nature walks his early grade teacher would say " "So you see children, how powerful and generous God is. He has made the grass to be green, which is exactly the colour that is most restful to our eyes." He claims that, which was utter nonsense to him even before he knew why, was what first made him suspect his preceptors were feeding him a big fat line and started him down the path which made him one of the more entertaining figures of the turn of the recent century..I'm exhausted. This seems like a good time to post some that might cause consternation, because you all have to be nice to me right now. Coincidentally, the next couple of them probably fit the bill!
140. Because (Abbey Road, 1969)
Beatles version: Spotify YouTube
Listen, this is unquestionably a great song. It's placement at #140 isn't a reflection of how masterful it is, but instead a function of (1) its being a song I admire more than love, and (2) the Beatles, man. There are so many of their songs I find myself wanting to hear more often.
The construction of the song is one of the intriguing aspects; the story goes that John was listening to Yoko play Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata on the piano and used those chords, played backwards, to frame the song. The lyrics are straightforward, or as John termed them "no bull####." The real star for me is the three-part harmony that is triple-tracked to make it seem like a choir. The ending of the song is great. Haunting, gorgeous...this is a song that when the mood strikes you, there's nothing better. The mood just doesn't strike me all so often.
Mr. krista: "I kinda like that song. Interesting structure. Seems more like choral music. When is the last time they did three-part harmonies throughout? Harpsichord doing a guitar line. It must have been a ####### ##### to record."
Suggested covers: Elliott Smith George Clinton I do not suggest the following terrifying cover: Devo
be interesting to know what they think of it....Taking the kids to see the Fab Four tonight. From what I understand they are supposed to be pretty good.
Fab Four
I heard this version a while ago that seems to up that bet even more on the vocals.140. Because (Abbey Road, 1969)
the real star for me is the three-part harmony that is triple-tracked to make it seem like a choir.
If you look in the right youtube space someone put up a playlist of every song off every album. No live stuff, just the regular releases that our fair hostess has been posting.Someone mentioned a few pages back about the miracle of typing in a few words and accessing all kinds of videos from the past. It’s true. And when it comes to the Beatles, this might be most miraculous video of them all.
As far as I know this is the only recorded video performance of the Beatles at the Cavern, August 1962, just after Ringo joined the band. The world had no idea what was about to come.
By the way, their cover of Some Other Guy is awesome! Would have been great to get that on an album.
You are amazing at finding fantastic videos - bravo. I'm keeping a list now because as I go through this, I'm focusing on the posts and going back now and then to catch up on the videos. I don't think it's one you posted, but next on my list will be finally to watch that "What makes Ringo a great drummer" one. I feel like I need to keep all these in a file somewhere. Still loving that Swedish TV show one in particular.Someone mentioned a few pages back about the miracle of typing in a few words and accessing all kinds of videos from the past. It’s true. And when it comes to the Beatles, this might be most miraculous video of them all.
As far as I know this is the only recorded video performance of the Beatles at the Cavern, August 1962, just after Ringo joined the band. The world had no idea what was about to come.
By the way, their cover of Some Other Guy is awesome! Would have been great to get that on an album.
Never tied Julia and Mother together, but I wish I had. I'm with you, Julia could use a pick me up.@Mister CIA, I know you're a fan of Lennon's solo work "Mother," so I'm wondering what you think of this? I find them somewhat similar, though I prefer "Julia."
Mr. krista: "His voice is sincere…it’s not good. He’s singing a little out of his range. It’s kind of a fantasy, I think. They were poor people, and I don’t think that [beach scene] ever happened for him. You can hear in his voice that he’s struggling to come to grips. So with hindsight, and a couple of Beatles biographies, I like it a lot more. It’s an earnest effort, and he committed to it, so…gahbless."
Suggested cover: Sean Lennon, because.
Agreed - it's odd the juxtapositions I've ended up with, such as these two together. If you take a snapshot of any, say, five songs in my rankings, you'll find such varied music. Look at this one, for instance:These are two very different songs - both of which would likely be more highly ranked on my list - but I wouldn't take on that kind of gigantic task. Just too much of back-and-forth in my rankings, I would probably never really be done.
Martha My Dear - I'm not a big fan of Paul's vaudevillian songs - this one leans hard in that direction but doesn't quite qualify. I really like the melody and his vocals.
Julia - this is so quiet, and peaceful - it's the kind of song that is great when you're alone and feeling reflective.
Mr Krista is spot on. I can't get past the lyrics. Never enjoyed this one.137. The Word (Rubber Soul, 1965)
Beatles version: Spotify YouTube
Jesus, we're getting into such great stuff now. This description by John of his inspiration for this song makes it even better: "It sort of dawned on me that love was the answer, when I was younger, on the Rubber Soul album. My first expression of it was a song called The Word. The word is 'love', in the good and the bad books that I have read, whatever, wherever, the word is 'love'. It seems like the underlying theme to the universe. Everything that was worthwhile got dow to this love, love, love thing. And it is the struggle to love, be loved, and express that (just something about love) that's fantastic." Whether or not you agree with that sentiment, or possibly even find it simplistic, it seems like a turning point in some of their songwriting and very much of its time. Led by Paul's bass, this song grooves the hell out, feeling almost Stax-like to me. You could even argue it has an evangelical preacher sound to it, or maybe I'm imbuing it with too much Memphis sound. In any case, straight-up FUNK. Ima gonna go dance now.
Fun fact: the lyric sheets for this song were covered with psychadelic, colorful drawings, and later Yoko Ono gave this to John Cage for his birthday. The manuscript was reproduced in Cage's collection called Notations and later donated to Northwestern University along with several other Beatles lyric sheets.
Mr. krista: [Shaking his head no.] "Drums, bass, and guitar are really good, but the lyrics are so ####### dumb."
Suggested cover: Bettye LaVette. I happen to like the Shins so am posting this one, but I don't know what Beat Bugs means and just the name irritates me.
It's a children's cartoon -- where the bugs in the show resolve a situation using a good lesson for young kids that happens to dovetail with a Beatles' song. So each episode ends with cover of the song. It's the reason my 7-year old loves the real Beatles.I don't know what Beat Bugs means and just the name irritates me.
I'm sorry about your grandfather. Seems he lived a very nice life. Go ahead and show the softer side. At this point, most of us have been there. Mr R and I spent this evening at his parents' house. His mother died on the 8th, and we are clearing out her things and deciding what we want to keep. She was a very organized pack rat. Why the hell did she keep that crap? I found her ledger from 1966! Ghah. When you keep everything, you keep nothing. None of it is special that way.krista4 said:Yes, thanks for asking. I worry most about my mom because, like me (or rather I'm like her...and my dad), she is not good at showing vulnerability or reaching out for help. So I'm trying to do stuff and take care of everything without her needing to ask, and she's also not quite herself and a little foggy due to the suddenness of it. My (almost) 99-year-old Grandpa has a 97-year-old sister and an 89-year-old sister, and they had some trouble today as well, but they are ridiculously strong women, too. The minister today kept repeating in the eulogy a quote from my Grandpa: "Why get angry, if you could be happy instead?" I realized in my entire life I had never once seen my Grandpa mad at anyone. We all - and certainly I - would do well to take that to heart.
Having said all that, I don't much like the Beatles. I've had to listen to that stuff all my life. Other than a few I do like, the rest is just not for me. I find the lyrics to be simplistic and bland.krista4 said:Mr. krista: "His voice is sincere…it’s not good. He’s singing a little out of his range. It’s kind of a fantasy, I think. They were poor people, and I don’t think that [beach scene] ever happened for him. You can hear in his voice that he’s struggling to come to grips. So with hindsight, and a couple of Beatles biographies, I like it a lot more. It’s an earnest effort, and he committed to it, so…gahbless."
Safe travels. If you are using the version of the album that contains Dr Robert, then I have a guess for that entry. That tune might replace Savoy Truffle For me,, down in the two hundreds.krista4 said:No more countdown tonight. Tomorrow I spend most of the day getting back from Louisville to Seattle. When I next post, though, we will have...
my first (or last) selection from Revolver.
As usual Mr K is spot on. The music is awesome but the lyrics are boring which makes The Word an average Beatles song. Of course, average songs by the Beatles are stil good.krista4 said:137. The Word (Rubber Soul, 1965)
Beatles version: Spotify YouTube
Jesus, we're getting into such great stuff now. This description by John of his inspiration for this song makes it even better: "It sort of dawned on me that love was the answer, when I was younger, on the Rubber Soul album. My first expression of it was a song called The Word. The word is 'love', in the good and the bad books that I have read, whatever, wherever, the word is 'love'. It seems like the underlying theme to the universe. Everything that was worthwhile got dow to this love, love, love thing. And it is the struggle to love, be loved, and express that (just something about love) that's fantastic." Whether or not you agree with that sentiment, or possibly even find it simplistic, it seems like a turning point in some of their songwriting and very much of its time. Led by Paul's bass, this song grooves the hell out, feeling almost Stax-like to me. You could even argue it has an evangelical preacher sound to it, or maybe I'm imbuing it with too much Memphis sound. In any case, straight-up FUNK. Ima gonna go dance now.
Fun fact: the lyric sheets for this song were covered with psychadelic, colorful drawings, and later Yoko Ono gave this to John Cage for his birthday. The manuscript was reproduced in Cage's collection called Notations and later donated to Northwestern University along with several other Beatles lyric sheets.
Mr. krista: [Shaking his head no.] "Drums, bass, and guitar are really good, but the lyrics are so ####### dumb."
Suggested cover: Bettye LaVette. I happen to like the Shins so am posting this one, but I don't know what Beat Bugs means and just the name irritates me.
Great point.When you keep everything, you keep nothing. None of it is special that way.
Yes, I’m using the British versions.Safe travels. If you are using the version of the album that contains Dr Robert, then I have a guess for that entry. That tune might replace Savoy Truffle For me,, down in the two hundreds.
I started off strongly: was sitting at the gate when my Hertz receipt came through, showing a $250 extra charge for not returning the key. Looked in my purse and found that I had their key, but had left behind my Subaru key with them. Had to go all the way back out to the rental car lot to execute the switch. Luckily SDF is a small airport. I need sleep.Safe travels, ma'am