Please understand that part of the Beatles genuis stems from the ability to mature with their audience. The market place at the time the Beatles first came to fame would probably prohibited their latter stuff to come first. And it couldn't happen any way. The Beatles were amongst the pioneers in the mature pop music of their era. They were a voice both reflecting and leading a radically new culture. If not for their early success we may never had the opportunity to hear their latter stuff. I think you will find in time that even their "sappy commercial pop lovey dovey" stuff is brilliant. There are exquiste harmonies and a unique for the time fusion of folk, rock, blues and other musical styles. Just because something is commercial doesn't mean it can't have artistic attributes. Think in terms of a beautifully illustrated comic book. While the early stuff may not be their best it certainly has merit and can be beautiful to listen too. Give it a chance.
In Search of Beatles Rock but not Pop
At least in part inspired by recent posts, I have been listening to more Beatles music and trying to learn more, but so far I seem to respect them more than I have grown to love them.
At the risk of being flamed by our Beatles fans, am I the only one who thinks that some of their music veers disappointingly in the direction of sappy, bubblegummy pop music?
I find when I listen, I want them to play louder, go darker, take more drugs, "shag" more girls, and wear their hair longer. I am the Walrus? I love it!! Blackbird? Superb. Come together? Terrific.
Maxwells Silver Hammer?? Silly. Octopus's Garden? No thank you. I want to hold your hand? Cute, but really just doesn't do it for me and I certainly don't want to listen over and over.
Can any Beatles gurus help me better understand their music and the evolution of their work? Could this be as simple as a Lennon vs McCartney preference? Maybe all of their music is much more complex and multi layered than I realise and I just need to spend more time with it. Or maybe I am trying to take the Beatles too seriously?
Is there something I just don't get here? Do any Beatles songs/albums really rock?
Thank you for your opinions.
At the risk of being flamed by our Beatles fans, am I the only one who thinks that some of their music veers disappointingly in the direction of sappy, bubblegummy pop music?
I find when I listen, I want them to play louder, go darker, take more drugs, "shag" more girls, and wear their hair longer. I am the Walrus? I love it!! Blackbird? Superb. Come together? Terrific.
Maxwells Silver Hammer?? Silly. Octopus's Garden? No thank you. I want to hold your hand? Cute, but really just doesn't do it for me and I certainly don't want to listen over and over.
Can any Beatles gurus help me better understand their music and the evolution of their work? Could this be as simple as a Lennon vs McCartney preference? Maybe all of their music is much more complex and multi layered than I realise and I just need to spend more time with it. Or maybe I am trying to take the Beatles too seriously?
Is there something I just don't get here? Do any Beatles songs/albums really rock?
Thank you for your opinions.