155: Good Night
Album: The Beatles
Writer: Lennon
Singer: Starr
Verdict: Curious as to why John wrote this for his son but didn’t wind up singing it. Perhaps because he knew he couldn’t top Paul’s ode to his son, Hey Jude? I mean, why else dump it on Ringo? Ringo’s voice ain’t too bad here, but it is incredibly cheesy with lush orchestral arrangements by George Martin. Continue reading Beatles Song Countdown: 155-151
160: Blue Jay Way
Album: Magical Mystery Tour
Writer: Harrison
Singer: Harrison
Verdict: Another song where Harrison seems to be intentionally avoiding any semblance of range. Almost monotone, and I’m also referring to the lyrics. Plus, the endless repetition of “don’t be long” gets very tiresome. And there’s that Hammond organ again I don’t like. Continue reading Beatles Song Countdown: 160-156
165: Another Girl
Album: Help!
Writer: McCartney
Singer: McCartney
Verdict: An unusual verse structure and I enjoy the swing-beat. Paul’s guitar playing ain’t bad either. But there’s not a lot of energy to this one and it’s very forgettable. Continue reading Beatles Song Countdown: 165-161
170: Hold Me Tight
Album: With the Beatles
Writer: McCartney
Singer: McCartney
Verdict: I like this better than the band did that’s for sure. The verses, like most of their early stuff, is garbage. But I think the chorus has a pretty neat hook. Paul and John harmonize well, and I like how it crescendos upwards until Paul belts “It’s you!” But yeah, faint praise. Continue reading Beatles Song Countdown: 170-166
175: Long, Long, Long
Album: The Beatles
Writer: Harrison
Singer: Harrison
Verdict: I’ve been really picking on George lately. While reading up a bit on this song, I found little but endless accolades, with some even considering it George’s best song, doubling as both a love song and a painful and moving message to God. So I just fired it up again to give it another chance. Nope. The lyrics are fine, but it sounds like George is mumbling into a tunnel. I want to shake him and tell him to sing already. The ending also sounds like someone is farting aluminum cans. Continue reading Beatles Song Countdown: 175-171
180: I Need You
Album: Help!
Writer: Harrison
Singer: Harrison
Verdict: Harrison tries really hard here. His guitar playing is a nice change of pace with the suspended chords and whatnot, and he would improve upon this later with If I Needed Someone. The cowbell in the the second verse really throws me off. Continue reading Beatles Song Countdown: 180-176
185: All I’ve Got To Do
Album: With the Beatles
Writer: Lennon
Singer: Lennon
Verdict: “I had the image of walking down the street and seeing her silhouetted in the window and not answering the ‘phone, although I have never called a girl on the ‘phone in my life! Because ‘phones weren’t part of the English child’s life.” Okay props to Lennon for writing a song for an American audience about something he had never done. Also apparently the first song in rock and roll history where the bass plays chords vital to the song. I just wish the lyrics or the melody were interesting.
190: You’re Going To Lose That Girl
Album: Help!
Writer: Lennon/McCartney
Singer: Lennon
Verdict: As simple and unimaginative as anything on their earlier albums. Saying exactly what you mean is fine in song; country artists have been doing it for years. But then don’t rely on repetitive choruses.
195: Ask Me Why
Album: Please Please Me
Writer: Lennon/McCartney
Singer: Lennon
Verdict: This is a interesting song from a musical standpoint. The structure changes a few times and John does some interesting things with his voice. I dig the line, “That I, I, I, I should never, never be blue.” But Paul’s backing vocals are needless and distracting and ultimately, the lyrics themselves are underwhelming. If this were an a cappella solo I’d probably like it more.
200: Why Don’t We Do It In The Road
Album: The Beatles
Writer: McCartney
Singer: McCartney
Verdict: A song about two monkeys having sex in the street. Or two humans. The song leaves it up to your imagination. What doesn’t require imagination is the song’s lyric. There are a total of fourteen words here, repeated over and over. That seems to be a common theme among these songs down here.
Death By Troggles 
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