First released: 1966
One of three Lennon tracks inexplicably left off of "Revolver" in the US in favor of the "Yesterday and Today" compilation. Although it is not one of my favorite tunes by The Beatles, it was and is a travesty that their material was treated that way up through 1966. When CDs were released in 1987, this song was there, on "Revolver", as it should have been. A demo version appears on "Anthology 2" in 1996 complete with The Beatles incessant giggling.
The main reason for my dislike of the song is that it always seems that Lennon is straining to sing it, and the lyrics and music are below the standards of a typical Beatles song of the time, especially when you compare it to "Tomorrow Never Knows" off the same album.
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Friday, June 13, 2008
And I Love Her by The Beatles - ***
First released: 1964
Yet another hit from "A Hard Day’s Night" and the b-side of "If I Fell" in the US. I like the clicking stick sound that was prominent on this tune. Besides the "Hard Day’s Night" soundtrack, it’s on "Something New". Later it appeared on 1973's "1962-1966" and 1977’s "Love Songs", 1980’s "Rarities" (!) in a slightly longer version, and on 2004’s "The Capitol Albums, Vol 1". A demo version appears on "Anthology 1" from 1995, and McCartney does a live take of the song on "Unplugged (The Official Bootleg)" in 1991.
Yet another hit from "A Hard Day’s Night" and the b-side of "If I Fell" in the US. I like the clicking stick sound that was prominent on this tune. Besides the "Hard Day’s Night" soundtrack, it’s on "Something New". Later it appeared on 1973's "1962-1966" and 1977’s "Love Songs", 1980’s "Rarities" (!) in a slightly longer version, and on 2004’s "The Capitol Albums, Vol 1". A demo version appears on "Anthology 1" from 1995, and McCartney does a live take of the song on "Unplugged (The Official Bootleg)" in 1991.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Amsterdam by John Lennon - **
First released: 1969
Finally, an actual listenable side of a John and Yoko album. The b-side of "The Wedding Album" features various interviews from John and Yoko’s Amsterdam Bed-In.
Finally, an actual listenable side of a John and Yoko album. The b-side of "The Wedding Album" features various interviews from John and Yoko’s Amsterdam Bed-In.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
American Woman by Burton Cummings - ***
First released: 1993
A live version of the classic Guess Who song by Burton Cummings appears on "Ringo Starr and His All-Starr Band Volume 2 Live From Montreux" in 1993 (this version reissued on 2000’s "The Anthology…So Far").
A live version of the classic Guess Who song by Burton Cummings appears on "Ringo Starr and His All-Starr Band Volume 2 Live From Montreux" in 1993 (this version reissued on 2000’s "The Anthology…So Far").
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
America by The Beatles – (NR)
Unreleased.
The Beatles apparently perform a little bit of this patriotic classic at Shea Stadium in 1965. I don’t know for sure, as I’ve never heard it.
The Beatles apparently perform a little bit of this patriotic classic at Shea Stadium in 1965. I don’t know for sure, as I’ve never heard it.
Monday, June 9, 2008
Almost Grown by The Beatles - **
Unreleased.
The Beatles run through this Chuck Berry classic during the "Get Back" sessions in 1969. Two different, but very brief performances on different days were tried. Nothing serious.
The Beatles run through this Chuck Berry classic during the "Get Back" sessions in 1969. Two different, but very brief performances on different days were tried. Nothing serious.
Sunday, June 8, 2008
All You Need is Love by The Beatles - ****
First released: 1967
There’s a Beatles book out there that comments on the composing abilities of the group and really badmouths this song claiming that it is only based on one note. If that truly is the case, then it is the most glorious one note song ever recorded. Others bad mouth it as being too simple coming on the heels of "Sgt. Pepper" and not included on the album. It was a hit single and added to the "Magical Mystery Tour" album in the US, as well as being a highlight of "Yellow Submarine" and included on its soundtrack album as well. It's also on "1967-1970", 1999's "Yellow Submarine Songtrack" and 2000's "1". It is also used for 2006's "Love".
It was never performed live except for when it was originally recorded for the "Our World" special, but Paul did record it live for the "Party at the Palace" in 2002 accompanied by Rod Stewart, Joe Cocker and Ladysmith Black Mambazo. On this version, the "French National Anthem" opening was replaced with the opening bars of "God Save the Queen".
There’s a Beatles book out there that comments on the composing abilities of the group and really badmouths this song claiming that it is only based on one note. If that truly is the case, then it is the most glorious one note song ever recorded. Others bad mouth it as being too simple coming on the heels of "Sgt. Pepper" and not included on the album. It was a hit single and added to the "Magical Mystery Tour" album in the US, as well as being a highlight of "Yellow Submarine" and included on its soundtrack album as well. It's also on "1967-1970", 1999's "Yellow Submarine Songtrack" and 2000's "1". It is also used for 2006's "Love".
It was never performed live except for when it was originally recorded for the "Our World" special, but Paul did record it live for the "Party at the Palace" in 2002 accompanied by Rod Stewart, Joe Cocker and Ladysmith Black Mambazo. On this version, the "French National Anthem" opening was replaced with the opening bars of "God Save the Queen".
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