I Want To Tell You:
Fragments Of Thought On The Beatles
by Chad
Recently I had the pleasure of watching a documentary on George Harrison. I kept thinking, “people probably consider him the third best writer in The Beatles, but on the same token, couldn’t he also possibly be considered the third best songwriter of all time?” I mean, maybe it’s arguable, maybe it’s not, but Something and While My Guitar Gently Weeps are 2 of my favorite Beatles songs, without a doubt. Somedays (many actually), George is my favorite Beatle. Who is yours? Why?
I don’t quite understand the people who say, “I don’t like the Beatles, but I respect what they did”. That blows my mind. How can someone not like the Beatles?! What sort of music are you into right now? Pop? Rock? Avant garde? The Beatles did it better than anyone else we may be listening to, and they did it first. More creative than Radiohead, more catchy than Justin Timberlake, more raw than The Black Keys, more creative production than Timbaland or whoever the super producer du jour is today….the list goes on and on.
And while we are on the subject, can we talk about Ringo for a bit? For some reason, growing up I always remember people making fun of him, but I’d like to go on record and say that his drum parts are extremely musical. I could probably sing to you every single fill Ringo ever played. The beat he came up with for Come Together is insane. He listens to the vocals before he creates his drum parts. I can’t emphasize this enough when I’m talking to drummers or working in the studio. I can walk into any Guitar Center and find some dude who can shred on the drums, but when I leave, what will I take with me? Ringo’s drumming always hit in the right places. He was playing melodies.
Okay, sorry for the digression. Perhaps I need to devote another blog purely to Ringo. My fear is that if you are of the younger generation, you might not even own a Beatles album! If you don’t, this is what I’d recommend:
First, ask for a Beatles album for Christmas. You’ll thank me later, and I’m sure Santa will be happy to oblige. Second, pick YOUR FAVORITE artist you are currently listening to. Do some research and find out who their biggest influence was. Check out that band and see what they were doing and find out who THEIR biggest influence was. Repeat this process a few times, and undoubtedly, I bet you’ll end up at The Beatles.
-Chad
Currently Listening To: Rubber Soul
When you talk about Ringo I instantly thought of that scene in 500 Days of Summer.
When he thinks she’s crazy when she says he’s her favourite.
I always loved that she had a framed photo of him.
I also think your task is quite appropriate and more than relevant.
It can be sad sometimes when you realise all some people ever hear is what’s on the radio (not that it’s all terrible..), I don’t know how they survive not exploring new music, finding new bands and all that jazz.
Not to mention it is something I shall do to avoid college assignments, procrastination at it’s finest, thanks!!
-Sarah
Faul is my favorite beatle
while my guitar gently weeps is the greatest song for sure on the white album!
Yes! Just today my classmates were making fun of John Lennon and The Beatles in general. It’s just amazing to me how ignorant some people can be.
Well, obviously, The Beatles’ impact on music can’t be denied, but that doesn’t mean their music matches everyone’s exact tastes.
IPS REPRESENT!
And yeah totally agree Tony. When I say I respect the Beatles it just means they’re music doesn’t speak to me. My music has to speak to me and draw a deeper emotion whether its upbeat or a darker emotion. Has to evoke something.
Hey Chad,
Without a doubt The Beatles are one of the greatest of our time. You’re right: we can’t deny that. Although some people think we can
In the seventies the Stones we’re big as well, but
they hadn’t such a influence as their much braver looking rivals.
Myself, I’m listening to older music most of the time (Beatles, Neil Diamond, Pink Floyd, The Doors, Creedence Clear Water Revival). And when I don’t, I’m always thinking about how this modern music just hasn’t got that soul as in the sixties and seventies. There’s just something about it!
Ok, thanks for your blog! Next one about the music that influenced Paper Route??
Did not realize you guys had a blog! Great.
Actually, I can’t understand people who can’t understand that “I don’t like the Beatles, but I respect what they did.” Its a complete, sensical sentence. To like Paper Route, I don’t HAVE to like every influence of theirs, and the influences of those bands, and the influences of those bands, etc. The beauty is that even though I grew without any musical background, I was able to tap into music wherever it made the most sense–and that is to say, I didn’t feel obligated to dig up certain older artists and intentionally “enjoy” them so I could have some cred. I wasn’t there in the 70s, so I don’t need to pretend. Of course, with the exception of Boney M. and The Trees Community, I’m really just not a huge fan of old music. I’m heard enough to have given it a shot, just don’t feel the need to pressure myself to enjoy it.
Chad, I have to thank you for posting this. For so long I’ve known that The Beatles have been a huge influence on modern music, but I had only ever heard whatever I heard in passing on classic rock radio or movie soundtracks. Upon reading this, I became uncomfortably aware of the fact that I had no business considering myself a music lover unless I was deeply familiar with the work of The Beatles. I proceeded to immerse myself in the Beatles. I was blown away. I don’t know if it’s possible to adequately describe how good they actually were, given that they invented about 7 genres of music, and still had time to write several of the best melodies ever conceived. I have to agree with everything you said, and I’d like to throw some more props up to Ringo. He’s undoubtedly one of the best drummers ever. I don’t have a favorite Beatle yet, but so far my favorite songs are She’s Leaving Home and Norwegian Wood. They would probably be my favorite band if my heart didn’t already belong to Paper Route… but I think they wrote a song about that too.
Fear not, Chad. I’m not sure what you consider ‘young’ but I am a devout Beatles fan. Because and Blackbird and And I Love Her are some of my favorite songs of all time.
However, my best friend doesn’t like the Beatles. It kills me; I keep trying to sneak it in on her, but alas. I think it’s out of spite? I’m honestly not sure where her distaste comes from. Luckily she loves you, so I know she’s not a lost cause.
Interesting comments on Ringo’s drums. I’ll have to pay more attention.