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How to listen to the Beatles re-releases?

There have been some stupid questions asked on these forums over the years, and several of those stupid questions have come from me. Perhaps here's another one for the ages...

I'm 38 and have never really listened to the Beatles catalog. I own "Peppers", "Rubber Soul" and "Abby Road" on vinyl, plus "Love", but wouldn't say I'm as familiar with their body of work as I am with, say, R.E.M (they were "my" band during my high-school and college years).

However, I've pre-ordered both the stereo and mono Beatles re-releases. What's the best way to re-introduce myself to the genius of the "fab four"?

Should I sit down and work my way through their collection chronologically? Is there a good companion book to read through while I listen? Should I listen to an album over-and-over until I really "get it" before moving on to the next? Both mono and stereo?

There are albums that I pick up and think "Wow...It would have been awesome to listen to this the first day it was released." Fleetwood Mac's "Rumors". CCR's "Willy...". Rush's "Moving Pictures". Etc. The excitement of the release. The cultural and musical context. The significance. I'll never be able to experience that with the Beatles, and I'd like to put myself in a place (mentally) to really listen to the Beatles for the first time (again).

Does this make sense? Blast away. I figure I couple of people will understand what I'm asking and have some thoughtful suggestions.
128x128nrenter

Showing 6 responses by audiofeil

audiofeil
4,011 posts
 
>>08-30-09: Chashmal
Yeah, they were good....but they were not THAT good.<<

In fact, they were THAT good. Their incredible body of work was created over a measly span of 6 years.

The best measure of greatness is passage of time. Appears they have passed that test with flying colors so far.

Remember, they've been disbanded over 40 years and interest in the music/members continues by young and old.
audiofeil
4,011 posts
 
>>08-31-09: Chashmal
My point is that it is still just pop music<<

That is a flawed argument.

Pop music, or classical, or jazz is no less important/significant or impactful than any other genre.

Hope that helps you understand better.
audiofeil
4,011 posts
 
>>08-31-09: Chashmal
about how over rated (and thus inappropriately venerated) the Beatles have become.>>

Overrated is purely subjective but I respect your right to be incorrect on this.
audiofeil
4,011 posts
 
>>08-31-09: Tubelvr
If you can remember the sixties you wern't really a part of them<<

Wow, that line is about as old as the 60's.

I can hardly stop laughing.

Got any other good yukkers?
audiofeil
4,011 posts
 
>>09-09-09: Dcrugby
i can hear chashmal in a previous life, 20,000 years ago in a cave in southwestern france...<<

There's no need to insult Neanderthals by comparing them to this guy.
audiofeil
4,011 posts
 
No problem

Even a caveman could make those points.

Nice job.
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