I fell in love with The Beatles in my mid 20’s, thirty-five years after they disbanded. Most of what I knew of them until then were catchy songs in commercials and the upbeat pop tunes from their early years I’d hear on KQQL. I was blown away when I actually got my hands on the … Continue reading Beatles Song Countdown
5: In My Life Album: Rubber Soul Writer: Lennon Singer: Lennon Verdict: One of my me and my wife’s songs. A non-cloying existentialist treatise.
10: I’m Looking Through You Album: Rubber Soul Writer: McCartney Singer: McCartney Verdict: Similar to Run For Your Life in that it’s about the angry devolution of one of the singer’s relationships, only without the violence and misogyny. Also, it’s got Paul’s amazing voice (have I mentioned that before?). I might be the only person who loves … Continue reading Beatles Song Countdown: 10-6
15: Run For Your Life Album: Rubber Soul Writer: Lennon Singer: Lennon Verdict: Lennon cited this as the worst song in the entire Beatles catalog and regrets writing it. I can see why. It’s misogynistic and violent. So yeah. For me it’s so over-the-top it comes off more as an angry hyperbolic fantasy to blow off steam. The guitar … Continue reading Beatles Song Countdown: 15-11
20: Penny Lane Album: Magical Mystery Tour Writer: McCartney Singer: McCartney Verdict: Such an evocative song, probably because it’s about a real place and about real things. Probably more than any other Beatles song I have a hard time describing what I love about it. It’s not Paul’s best voice work. And there’s perhaps too many background … Continue reading Beatles Song Countdown: 20-16
25: I Am The Walrus Album: Magical Mystery Tour Writer: Lennon Singer: Lennon Verdict: An intentional nonsense song John wrote just to confuse the analytically obsessed. The lyrics themselves are not that attractive; it’s definitely not a song I ever just sing to myself. But dang it John’s voice is spectacular as are the backing musicians, especially the strings. … Continue reading Beatles Song Countdown: 25-21
30: Martha My Dear Album: The Beatles Writer: McCartney Singer: McCartney Verdict: A passive-aggressive song here by Paul that sounds lighter than it really is. Not his best work, but the orchestra background kicks some ass. So, go George Martin!
35: Rocky Raccoon Album: The Beatles Writer: McCartney Singer: McCartney Verdict: I think I overrated this a bit; satirical songs usually wear thin after a while. Especially since Paul is trying his hardest not to use his best singing voice. I think I just like how most of the song is just one long breath. I also had a … Continue reading Beatles Song Countdown: 35-31
40: Mother Nature’s Son Album: The Beatles Writer: McCartney Singer: McCartney Verdict: A virtual solo by Paul. He sang while playing acoustic and dubbed in the percussion. Mostly lyrically absent, but nobody can do “doo doo wahs” quite like Paul. Definitely a song the guitar guy at the party could do to try to get attention.
45: The Ballad of John and Yoko Album: Past Masters, Volume II Writer: Lennon Singer: Lennon Verdict: I don’t really care about John’s struggles with the media following his marriage to Yoko. But John drops some pretty awesome rhymes here. “Holland or France” with “Give us a chance,” and “Honeymooning down by the Seine,” with “You can get married … Continue reading Beatles Song Countdown: 45-41
Death By Troggles 