@whart: Bill, I find your summary of the solo writing of Lennon and McCartney right in line with my opinion. Let’s see if you too get attacked for not considering The Beatles above all criticism.
I saw The Beatles live in ’65 (at The Cow Palace in S. San Francisco), and was underwhelmed. I actually was more impressed with the opening act, Sounds Incorporated, a UK band with a horn section. Very exciting!
The Beatles live on the rooftop? Sorry, they just don’t sound very good. To me, at any rate. Of course by the time I saw that performance, I had already seen The Band live (and Procol Harum. And The Kinks. And Albert King. And Jeff Beck. And dozens more.). Absolutely no contest. ;-)