The Not So Famous Guide To The Beatles
I'd planned to review a number of Beach Boys albums this week, but have been traveling on business, so unfortunately I have to postpone the piece yet again, probably until this weekend. But in the meantime, I'd like to check in with some commentary on that other famous "B" band, the one staffed by John, Paul, George and Ringo.
Most everyone knows all the Beatles' hit songs, so it can be tough to contribute to the literature about the group without sounding somewhat redundant. So, in an attempt to be decently original, I'd like to give my recommendations on some Beatles songs that are relatively un-famous. Here's my picks for the best of the bunch, no hit singles allowed:
There's A Place (1963)
This gem from the Please Please Me album is as catchy as any of the group's early hits (the middle-eight in particular is one of the best in all of rock music), and features great cerebral lyrics that were way ahead of their time.
I'm Happy Just To Dance With You (1964)
Simple, ultra-catchy, very danceable. The title tells it all. From the Hard Day's Night album.
Things We Said Today (1964)
Also from Hard Day's Night, this song is one of Paul McCartney's best ever. I think it may have been the B-side of the "Hard Day's Night" single as well, but it wasn't the hit song itself, so it's legit for this list.
I'll Be Back (1964)
Yet another album track from Hard Day's Night. (Can you tell this is one of my favorite Beatles' albums? :-) This song is so great that it doesn't even have a real chorus in the traditional sense, and yet it still sticks in your head for weeks.
That Means A Lot (1965)
This outtake from the Help album wasn't released until Anthology 2 in the mid-'90s, but wow, it's fantastic. That's how amazing the Beatles were - even their throwaways are better than many hit bands' best stuff.
The Continuing Story Of Bungalow Bill (1968)
My favorite track from the White Album, this super-catchy John Lennon tune tells the story of a tiger hunter in India who seems all tough on the outside but is really a weenie. Add to that some fabulous mellotron playing and a lyrical reference to comic books, and you've got an absolute Beatles classic. I once had a summer camp counselor who played this song over and over every day in our cabin, and I still never got sick of it.
Martha My Dear (1968)
Okay, I'll admit this song is a bit unusual. Nothing but McCartney singing and on the piano with a brass band behind him, and the musical structure is very odd. But you'll still listen to it and say "wow, that was great!"
Hey Bulldog (1969)
In my opinion, this track is by far the best from the Yellow Submarine mini-album. For anyone who thought the Beatles forgot how to play true rock 'n' roll when they went psychedelic in the mid-'60s, here's the evidence they didn't.
Two Of Us (1970)
So the Sgt. Pepper hippy dippy phase is over and the Beatles want to get back to basics. Here's one of the best examples of how they did it. With beautiful harmony singing, a fantastic instrumental beat, and poignant lyrics about Lennon's and McCartney's relationship as songwriters and as close friends, this leadoff track from the Let It Be album is one of the group's best.
You Know My Name (Look Up The Number) (1970)
This weird and hilarious B-side to the "Let It Be" single doesn't sound too much the Beatles, but all you need to know is that it's Paul McCartney's favorite song that they ever did. And you can't get a much better recommendation than that.
Well, there's a Top 10 for you. I'm sure many (if not most) people would certainly disagree with at least some of these selections, but to my ears, these songs are golden. Here's to Paul and Ringo playing them on their next solo tours!
Most everyone knows all the Beatles' hit songs, so it can be tough to contribute to the literature about the group without sounding somewhat redundant. So, in an attempt to be decently original, I'd like to give my recommendations on some Beatles songs that are relatively un-famous. Here's my picks for the best of the bunch, no hit singles allowed:
There's A Place (1963)
This gem from the Please Please Me album is as catchy as any of the group's early hits (the middle-eight in particular is one of the best in all of rock music), and features great cerebral lyrics that were way ahead of their time.
I'm Happy Just To Dance With You (1964)
Simple, ultra-catchy, very danceable. The title tells it all. From the Hard Day's Night album.
Things We Said Today (1964)
Also from Hard Day's Night, this song is one of Paul McCartney's best ever. I think it may have been the B-side of the "Hard Day's Night" single as well, but it wasn't the hit song itself, so it's legit for this list.
I'll Be Back (1964)
Yet another album track from Hard Day's Night. (Can you tell this is one of my favorite Beatles' albums? :-) This song is so great that it doesn't even have a real chorus in the traditional sense, and yet it still sticks in your head for weeks.
That Means A Lot (1965)
This outtake from the Help album wasn't released until Anthology 2 in the mid-'90s, but wow, it's fantastic. That's how amazing the Beatles were - even their throwaways are better than many hit bands' best stuff.
The Continuing Story Of Bungalow Bill (1968)
My favorite track from the White Album, this super-catchy John Lennon tune tells the story of a tiger hunter in India who seems all tough on the outside but is really a weenie. Add to that some fabulous mellotron playing and a lyrical reference to comic books, and you've got an absolute Beatles classic. I once had a summer camp counselor who played this song over and over every day in our cabin, and I still never got sick of it.
Martha My Dear (1968)
Okay, I'll admit this song is a bit unusual. Nothing but McCartney singing and on the piano with a brass band behind him, and the musical structure is very odd. But you'll still listen to it and say "wow, that was great!"
Hey Bulldog (1969)
In my opinion, this track is by far the best from the Yellow Submarine mini-album. For anyone who thought the Beatles forgot how to play true rock 'n' roll when they went psychedelic in the mid-'60s, here's the evidence they didn't.
Two Of Us (1970)
So the Sgt. Pepper hippy dippy phase is over and the Beatles want to get back to basics. Here's one of the best examples of how they did it. With beautiful harmony singing, a fantastic instrumental beat, and poignant lyrics about Lennon's and McCartney's relationship as songwriters and as close friends, this leadoff track from the Let It Be album is one of the group's best.
You Know My Name (Look Up The Number) (1970)
This weird and hilarious B-side to the "Let It Be" single doesn't sound too much the Beatles, but all you need to know is that it's Paul McCartney's favorite song that they ever did. And you can't get a much better recommendation than that.
Well, there's a Top 10 for you. I'm sure many (if not most) people would certainly disagree with at least some of these selections, but to my ears, these songs are golden. Here's to Paul and Ringo playing them on their next solo tours!
posted by Shane at 1:03 PM
1 comments
