This is the next post in our series on the best classic rock bands of all time. This series was inspired by a list of top 100 rock songs of all time that I completely disagreed with. This post, I'll talk about the Beatles, who I included on my list of best classic rock bands of all time. Enjoy!
Whenever I think of the Beatles, my mind automatically goes to the conspiracy theories surrounding the band and to my dad and mine's running joke that one of those conspiracies is actually true. I remember when my dad first tried to tell me that outlandish theory that Paul McCartney actually died and that he was replaced by a McCartney look-alike that has a slightly different singing voice. TO THIS DAY, I know that my dad's not actually being serious about it, but he still tries to convince me that he actually takes the theory as truth. "Paul is dead man--it says so backwards on one of their, albums. I'm telling you, it's totally true." Yeah, right dad. You just keep trying to convince me.
Anyways, on to our reasons for believing that the Beatles are one of the best of the best of the best classic rock bands of all time.
I need to start this post by saying that I think I'm almost completely biased when it comes to the Beatles; I grew up listening to their music on long car rides and I know many of their songs word-for-word. I also grew up admiring the band members and being a bit depressed by the fact that John Lennon was murdered. I didn't live through it myself, but John's passing was brought to the forefront of my mind many a time through watching the tribute to him in Forrest Gump. Suffice it to say that I have a personal history of Beatles fandom of my own.
Now, for some solid TOP TEN REASONS why the Beatles truly rock.
1.) They're pioneers of contemporary rock
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| The iconic cover from the album, Abbey Road. |
Sure, they too were influenced by figures like Buddy Holly and Elvis, but the Beatles started new trends never before seen in the genre. And the changes the Beatles made to rock n' roll created just the right environment for the rock music of the last several decades to unravel. First and foremost, the Beatles wrote their ow songs, which was unique for performers at the time. This band and others contemporary to it started calling into question the power and necessity for professional song writers for pop and rock music. Just so happens this is also part of what is called the "British Invasion," where a bunch of boy bands from the UK with long hair started getting super popular and left a revolutionary impact on contemporary culture that can never be erased.
2.) They've written HUNDREDS of songs
This one speaks for itself. And the fact they wrote so many songs and that many of them became popular and are still popular to this day really speaks to how talented the band was. I wish I could say the same for some of the John Lennon and Yoko Ono stuff, but alas...
Along with a high volume or hit songs ("Love Me Do," "Come Together," "Help," and many, many others) they produced a ton of albums. Here are a few of those:
- Abbey Road (1969)
- Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (1967)
- Revolver (1966)
- Help! (1965)
- Let It Be (1970)
- Rubber Soul (1965)
- A Hard Day's Night (1964)
- Please Please Me (1963)
- Magical Mystery Tour (1967)
- Yellow Submarine (1969)
- Beatles for Sale (1964)
- And others...
3.) They're psychedelic
Many people think the band sounds, "psychedelic," but have you wondered why they have that sort of sound? In my opinion, it's the sitar played by George Harrison in songs like, "Norwegian Wood" from the album, Rubber Soul. If you haven't heard it, check it out below! It's seriously cool because George spent a ton of time studying the instrument in India because he wanted to incorporate it into Western music.
Another reason why the songs might come off as psychedelic is because of the ofttimes outlandish lyrics and the themes expressed in the Beatles' work overall. Not to mention the fact that a lot of their music was drug-induced... (See point 10). Anyways, the band is most definitely well-described with the word, "psychedelic."
4.) Their sound is very unique
This is a lot like the point above because, I mean, the sitar in rock is about as unique as you can get. And awesome too! But overall, many have noticed that there is something about the Beatles' music that is not really comparable to any other band. Comparisons have been made, but I really don't think they're accurate. Nor do I believe that the Beatles are anything like the Rolling Stones, with whom they are often lumped into the same category. In a way, the Beatles are so different, they may even be a genre unto themselves. Adding to that, they have influences from not only former rock artists and India, but they also show influence from blues and progressive rock.
5.) They started from nothing
Yes, they did! And this is really inspiring to me when musicians can just pick up their instruments and make something out of nothing. In the case of this band, Paul and John started it up by writing a couple of songs for the guitar that the did not expect anyone to even enjoy. Well, surprise surprise, good music can really go a long, long way. And it really has. Pretty cool that two guys picking up a guitar and singing a few verses turned into one of the most revolutionary rock bands of all time.
6.) At this point, you can't talk about Rock n' Roll without mentioning the Beatles
Really, you can't. They really forged the path to later 70s, 80s, and 90s, branch off genres of rock that have continued the evolution of rock throughout the years. I think the Beatles were really a critical juncture for rock worldwide though, as they changed their genre so much that it can't go back to what it was. This is a really significant achievement, in my opinion.
7.) Let's face it, they're a bit wacky (maybe explained by point 10?)
But that's why we love them, right? It will take a Beatles fan probably two seconds to recall the nonsense lyrics characteristic of songs like, "Dig a Pony," "Octpus' Garden," "I am the Walrus," "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds," and others. If you're a true fan of the Beatles, you'll know that the list in the preceding sentence doesn't even begin to scratch the surface.
8.) They've been in several very well-received films together
There are five main films in which the Beatles have appeared: A Hard Day's Night, Help!, Magical Mystery Bus Tour, Yellow Submarine, and Let it Be. Ever heard of any of these? Many in the younger generations might not have heard of them, but their critical approval ratings are pretty great. Also, this point doesn't even include the numerous films that have been made about the Beatles or that have heavily referenced the band. One of my personal favorites about the Beatles is Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (1978); this one is based on the Beatles' music and artistic ideas, but these ideas are executed by different musicians, such as Peter Frampton and the Bee Gees. It's really worth a watch if you like music by the Beatles!
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| Peter Frampton and the Bee Gees, portraying the characters made up by the Beatles in Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (1978). |
9.) They were so popular in their day that there is literally a word for going crazy for the Beatles, "Beatlemania"
Oh. My. Gosh. If you think you've seen an insane fandom for a band or anything else, think again. The fans of the Beatles were so passionate about the band that they were frankly obsessed. You can see an example of the Beatlesmania in their performance on the Ed Sullivan Show below. Not only were fans so involved at Beatles performances, but young women who were most obsessed with the band would actually pee their pants if they were ever in the presence of these four young men. Talk about a wound up fan base...
10.) For being high all the time, they're really not bad
"Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds" says it all... Haha. In fact, a lot of the band's ideas for music very likely came from their frequent use of LSD. But don't try this at home, kids! Despite what the drugs may have done for this band's music, that's not the typical effect they have.
That's all for now! How did we do? Did we miss some points you thought were more important? Let us know all about it in the comments below. Thanks for reading, and keep rocking, Pragmus fans!
--Corey Cherrington
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