All posts by Beau

Beatles Song Countdown: 25-21

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. I also love all the crescendoing, as if the song means something more than it does. 

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Beatles Song Countdown: 35-31

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 girl go on a date with me once after I told her I liked this song. Then again, it wasn’t the best date. 

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Beatles Song Countdown: 45-41

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 in Gibraltar near Spain.” Plus it’s always fun to belt out, “Christ you know it ain’t easy!” 

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Beatles Song Countdown: 50-46

50: You Won’t See Me

Album: Rubber Soul
Writer: McCartney
Singer: McCartney

Verdict: A rare song for Paul where he sings in a lower key. A fairly simple “Ugh, my girlfriend sucks,” song, but I love the vocalizations, especially John’s harmony. My favorite line is “Time after time you refuse to even listen,” but that’s not surprising for me. I tend to enjoy when a singer stays on each note slightly longer than the rhythm would suggest. 

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Beatles Song Countdown: 70-66

70: Kansas City/Hey-Hey-Hey

Album: Beatles for Sale
Writer: Jerry Leiber, Mike Stoller (and Little Richard?)
Singer: McCartney

Verdict: An amalgamation of two songs, sort of. This is mostly a cover of Little Richard’s version of Kansas City, as he added the whole hey-hey-hey bit. Paul knocks it out of the park. Pretty sure this is the last cover song on the list. 

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