Beatles

[tygrkhat40]

This week in 1964, the Beatles became the first, and so far only, group to have the top 5 songs on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart. Seven other songs were in the Hot 100 chart.

The songs
1. "Can't Buy Me Love"
2. "Twist and Shout"
3. "She Loves You"
4. "I Want to Hold Your Hand"
5. "Please Please Me"

[deepsepia]

Rather interesting NPR podcast with Fred Armisen (musician, and SNL performer, very funny and talented). He was talking about the first record he bought (he grew up in Brasil)

It was Paul McCartney's "Band on the Run", and he highlighted the song "1985" as a favorite, a cool memory for a number of reasons. One, its a great song, and still very close to Abbey Road in feeling, and a song you never hear on the radio. A second point that Armisen makes is that Paul is playing pretty much everything, and is actually a terrific drummer.

Very interesting feeling, an attacking percussive piano

[tygrkhat40]

"Nineteen Hundred and Eighty-Five" was the B-side of "Band on the Run," and coincidentally, the very first record I ever bought.

[kennyjackson]

I finally saw the documentary on George Harrison "Living in the Material World" and as much as I liked and admired George he seemed to harbor resentment of John and Paul a little too long. He was bitter about the whole Beatle experience. He really needed to get over his negative feelings and maybe think about all the guitarist who would have killed to be in that group. I know he was angry about his allotment of songs per album but from a purely business aspect The Beatles and George Martin made the right decision - go with the proven hit makers (John and Paul).

[imtrying]

I see your point Kenny, although it must be said that George handled his position in The Beatles with John and Paul much better than Brian Jones handled his similar position in The Stones with Mick and Keith.

[stardust2003]

George had an affair with Maureen, she was kindof overlooked with the glamorous Pattie and Jane Asher getting all the publicity
but in fact Mo was quite a looker.

[deepsepia]

Originally Posted by imtrying

I see your point Kenny, although it must be said that George handled his position in The Beatles with John and Paul much better than Brian Jones handled his similar position in The Stones with Mick and Keith.

George is a fascinating character. There's a hell of a lot to be said for the frustration and the songbook he was building up while in the background; "All Things Must Pass" is an statement of ego . .. "lookit me, you jackasses, six sides of songs you wouldn't give the time of day"

Now in truth, there are two sides too many in All things must pass, but still . . . what an album.

Its interesting that the Beatles gravitated to Phil Spector from George Martin-- part of that may have been Apple business related, but you find Phil doing his very best work with George and John. They're some of the few songs that he does in stereo, and the wall of sound never was better than when Phil's preference for bite size singles for the teens ran into giant egos and talents.

[Baudalino]

I always find it interesting when I read posts regarding the Beatles. Many people believe they lacked talent. Ringo gets called a bad drummer. Or perhaps they were a studio, not a live band.

People are entitled to their views. No matter how uneducated they may be.

In my trade, that of the full time professional musician, the Beatles are held with great respect. Even devotion. Any artist able to write successful songs is held in esteem. Because it is so very hard to do. And those in the trenches trying know how hard it is to do.

Of course now, 40 odd years on, the formula is more well known. However, more often than not it fails. There are more unknown, than known songs.The same goes with songwriters.

People wonder about Ringo; was he a good drummer? The answer is simple. Had he not been a good drummer he would not have been able to lay down a great groove. And he layed down many great grooves. The millions of units sold attest to that fact.

All the members played well and all contributed songs.

As for them being a studio or live band, well they cut their teeth in Germany playing marathon sets. Setsthat cannot be imagined today.

Bands such as The Who, Led Zep etc were all inspired by the Beatles.

Recently I saw Ringo with the likes of Steve Lukather, Todd Rundegren and others proud to be on his stage.

[Baudalino]

What a lovely first memory.

[tygrkhat40]

I'd say that "Run For Your Life," off Rubber Soul, is a dark song.