Print Page | Close Window

Top 10 Beatles Tunes

Printed From: Progarchives.com
Category: Other music related lounges
Forum Name: Proto-Prog and Prog-Related Lounge
Forum Description: Discuss bands and albums classified as Proto-Prog and Prog-Related
URL: http://www.progarchives.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=75879
Printed Date: December 18 2024 at 20:26
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 11.01 - http://www.webwizforums.com


Topic: Top 10 Beatles Tunes
Posted By: Fox On The Rocks
Subject: Top 10 Beatles Tunes
Date Posted: February 12 2011 at 21:47
What are you favourite top 10 Beatles Songs (do not have to be specifically in order)
1.A Day In The Life
2.Abbey Road Medley
3.Get Back
4.She's Leaving Home
5.I Am The Walrus
6.Strawberry Fields Forever
7.Helter Skelter
8.Penny Lane
9.I Want You (She's So Heavy)
10.Hey Jude


-------------



Replies:
Posted By: Atavachron
Date Posted: February 12 2011 at 21:54
oh gosh, too big a catalog for only ten, here goes for this moment in time -

Tomorrow Never Knows
Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite
It's All Too Much
And I Love Her
Yer Blues
Every Little Thing
Come Together
Hey Bulldog
Within You Without You
Rocky Raccoon





Posted By: The Dark Elf
Date Posted: February 12 2011 at 22:49
Hmmm...favorites or level of importance?
 
From an importance standpoint, I would say:
 
1. Eleanor Rigby (a rock song with no guitar, bass, keyboard or drums? Preposterous!)
2. Hey Jude (a rock band can't have a hit song over 7 minutes long, it just isn't done!)
3. Norwegian Wood (the first time a sitar appears on a rock release -- the Yardbirds used one, but on a demo)
4. Tomorrow Never Knows (one of the most influential pieces of psychedelia ever recorded)
5. Yesterday (the most covered song in history -- so that must mean something, right?)
6. A Day in the Life (Progressive before there was such a thing)
7. In My Life (Lennon's final piece of evolution from pop tune writer to rock composer)
8. I am the Walrus (psychedelic symphonic orchestration? And lines from King Lear?)
9. Something (the first Harrison song to appear on the A side of a single)
10. Helter Skelter (Paul McCartney writes an acid rock song? And Charles Manson hears voices)
 


-------------
...a vigorous circular motion hitherto unknown to the people of this area, but destined
to take the place of the mud shark in your mythology...


Posted By: paganinio
Date Posted: February 13 2011 at 05:52
1. Happiness Is a Warm Gun (White Album)
2. When My Guitar Gently Weeps (White Album)
3. "black bird singing in the dead of night" song (White Album)
4. Desolation Row (Bob Dylan wouldn't have written this, if The Beatles hadn't encouraged him to go electric)
5. It's Alright Ma (I'm Only Bleeding) (Bob Dylan wouldn't have written this without influence from The Beatles).


-------------


Posted By: The Dark Elf
Date Posted: February 13 2011 at 16:21
Originally posted by paganinio paganinio wrote:

5. It's Alright Ma (I'm Only Bleeding) (Bob Dylan wouldn't have written this without influence from The Beatles).
 
The Beatles had nothing whatsoever to do with this song, written in 1965. It is more influenced by the Book of Ecclesiastes and the Everly Brothers than anything.


-------------
...a vigorous circular motion hitherto unknown to the people of this area, but destined
to take the place of the mud shark in your mythology...


Posted By: chopper
Date Posted: February 13 2011 at 17:08
Originally posted by paganinio paganinio wrote:


3. "black bird singing in the dead of night" song (White Album)


That would be "Blackbird".


Posted By: richardh
Date Posted: March 02 2011 at 14:16
Tomorrow Never Knows
Its All Too Much
She's Leaving Home
Eleanor Rigby
LSD
Ticket To Ride
You've Got To Hide Your Love Away
Michelle
A Day In The Life
Paperback Writer
 


Posted By: chopper
Date Posted: March 02 2011 at 16:39
Tough one, off the top of my head -

Strawberry Fields Forever
Hello Goodbye
For No One
You've Got To Hide Your Love Away
In My Life
The Fool On The Hill
Here Comes The Sun
Martha My Dear
She's Leaving Home
I Want You

though if you asked me tomorrow I'd probably change a few of these


Posted By: Moogtron III
Date Posted: March 03 2011 at 02:58

1.      A Day In The Life

2.      Abbey Road Medley

3.      She’s Leaving Home

4.      Hey Jude

5.      Penny Lane

6.      Let It Be

7.      Something

8.      Lady Madonna

9.      For The Benefit Of Mr. Kite

10.   Eleanor Rigby



Posted By: earlyprog
Date Posted: March 04 2011 at 06:01
Tough one but perhaps:
 
1. Tomorrow Never Knows
2. A Day in the Life
3. Ticket to ride
4. In my Life
5. Girl
6. Nowhere Man
7. Eleanor Rigby
8. Strawberry Fields Forever
9. Happiness is a warm Gun
10. I want you (She's so heavy)
 
Mostly Lennon it seems with only one McCartney tune.
 


Posted By: rogerthat
Date Posted: March 05 2011 at 03:37
Incredibly difficult. Anyway:

1.Because
2. Love You To
3. Tomorrow Never Knows
4. Penny Lane
5. Strawberry Fields Forever
6. In My Life
7. Hey Jude
8. I Want You (She's So Heavy)
9. Day in the Life
10. While My Guitar Gently Weeps

EDIT: Damn! Put Here Comes The Sun and Eleanor Rigby somewhere in there too.Ouch



Posted By: Equality 7-2521
Date Posted: March 07 2011 at 09:48
A Day In The Life
I'm Only Sleeping
Two of Us
Strawberry Fields Forever
Piggies
Octopus' Garden
Happiness is a Warm Gun
While My Guitar Gently Weeps
I'm Looking Through You
Abbey Road Medley

List is in a rough order. I'm not sure I could make it exact.


-------------
"One had to be a Newton to notice that the moon is falling, when everyone sees that it doesn't fall. "


Posted By: Equality 7-2521
Date Posted: March 07 2011 at 09:51
Originally posted by paganinio paganinio wrote:

1. Happiness Is a Warm Gun (White Album)
2. When My Guitar Gently Weeps (White Album)
3. "black bird singing in the dead of night" song (White Album)
4. Desolation Row (Bob Dylan wouldn't have written this, if The Beatles hadn't encouraged him to go electric)
5. It's Alright Ma (I'm Only Bleeding) (Bob Dylan wouldn't have written this without influence from The Beatles).



And the Beatles wouldn't have written anything if their parents didn't give birth to them, but that's not exactly what the OP was asking.


-------------
"One had to be a Newton to notice that the moon is falling, when everyone sees that it doesn't fall. "


Posted By: Abstrakt
Date Posted: March 07 2011 at 10:48
The list could be ALOT longer, but...
 
Please Mister Postman
No Reply
I'm Only Sleeping
Tomorrow Never Knows
Fool on the Hill
Fixing a Hole
Within You Without You
While my Guitar Gently Weeps
Happiness is a warm gun
I Want You (She's so Heavy)
 
 


Posted By: Moogtron III
Date Posted: March 08 2011 at 03:34
Originally posted by Abstrakt Abstrakt wrote:

Fool on the Hill
 
 
I forgot that one.
Great song!


Posted By: TheLionOfPrague
Date Posted: March 18 2011 at 21:36
Not in order....

-While My Guitar Gently Weeps
-Happiness Is A Warm Gun
-A Day In The Life
-For No One
-Michelle
-I Am The Walrus
-Strawberry Fields Forever
-She's Leaving Home
-You Never Give Me Your Money 
-Let It Be


-------------
I shook my head and smiled a whisper knowing all about the place


Posted By: StarMan2112
Date Posted: March 26 2011 at 18:59
  1. A Day In The Life
  2. I Am The Walrus
  3. In My Life
  4. Within Without You
  5. Dear Prudence
  6. Hey Bulldog
  7. I Me Mine
  8. Because
  9. Octopuss Garden
  10. The End


Posted By: Horizons
Date Posted: March 26 2011 at 19:46
Does every post you make have to be huge,blue,underlined, and crossed-out Wacko
 
 


Posted By: StarMan2112
Date Posted: March 26 2011 at 20:50
Originally posted by Horizons Horizons wrote:

Does every post you make have to be huge,blue,underlined, and crossed-out Wacko
 
 

I noticed you hated it thats WHY Y DID IT THIS TIME LOL
but first time was just making a point


Posted By: Mr.GizaRainbow
Date Posted: March 26 2011 at 20:54
1- Revolution 1
2- Helter Skelter
3- While My Guitar Gently Weeps
4- A Day In The Life
5- Sexy Sadie
6- Strawberry Fields Forever
7- Can't Buy Me Love
8- Octopus's Garden
9- Day Tripper
10- The End
.
The Beatles, best band ever my favorite definitely Clap


-------------
"I always say that it’s about breaking the rules. But the secret of breaking rules in a way that works is understanding what the rules are in the first place"


Posted By: Morningrise
Date Posted: March 31 2011 at 09:07
No order:
 
While My Guitar Gently Weeps
A Day In The Life
The Fool On The Hill
Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds
Something
Eleanor Rigby
Yesterday
I'll Follow The Sun
With A Little Help From My Friends
I Want You (She's So Heavy)


Posted By: silcir
Date Posted: March 31 2011 at 14:41
A Day in the life for the first 10 places.


Posted By: Horizons
Date Posted: April 11 2013 at 20:13
Bump :3

I was just singing along to the ending of one of the most underrated Beatles songs - Hey Bulldog, and i had to make my list afterwards. So here it is..

Don't Let Me Down
Tomorrow Never Knows
Hey Bulldog
I Want You (She's So Heavy)
A Day In the Life
Dear Prudence
Yer Blues
Happiness Is A Warm Gun
Strawberry Fields Forever
In My Life

Not ranked........ yet :D


-------------
Crushed like a rose in the riverflow.


Posted By: Eria Tarka
Date Posted: April 11 2013 at 21:22
Hmmm

f*ck I can't do it


Posted By: Horizons
Date Posted: April 11 2013 at 21:28
I have faith in you k

-------------
Crushed like a rose in the riverflow.


Posted By: Eria Tarka
Date Posted: April 11 2013 at 21:39
Okay but I can't rank them

The Night Before
Eleanor Rigby
I'm Only Sleeping
Tomorrow Never Knows
Day in the Life
Fool on the Hill
Blue Jay Way
While My Guitar Gently Weeps
I'm So Tired
Here Comes the Sun


Posted By: smartpatrol
Date Posted: April 11 2013 at 21:39
Originally posted by Atavachron Atavachron wrote:

oh gosh, too big a catalog for only ten


-------------
http://bit.ly/1kqTR8y" rel="nofollow">

The greatest record label of all time!


Posted By: Finnforest
Date Posted: April 11 2013 at 21:42
In no particular order....

Two of Us
Across the Universe
She's Leaving Home
Fool on the Hill
Penny Lane
Yesterday
Norwegian Wood
I'm so tired
Mother Nature's Son
If I needed someone
Dig a pony


Smile


Posted By: Atavachron
Date Posted: April 11 2013 at 21:51
In chronological order -

Every Little Thing
We Can Work it Out
In My Life
Eleanor Rigby
Tomorrow Never Knows
It's All Too Much
Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite
Yer Blues
While My Guitar Gently Weeps
The Long and Winding Road



Posted By: Finnforest
Date Posted: April 11 2013 at 22:02
Originally posted by Atavachron Atavachron wrote:

In chronological order -

Every Little Thing
We Can Work it Out
In My Life
Eleanor Rigby
Tomorrow Never Knows
It's All Too Much
Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite
Yer Blues
While My Guitar Gently Weeps
The Long and Winding Road



Comparing with your earlier post long ago.....pretty close DavidSmile

Tomorrow Never Knows
Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite
It's All Too Much
And I Love Her
Yer Blues
Every Little Thing
Come Together
Hey Bulldog
Within You Without You
Rocky Raccoon


Posted By: Atavachron
Date Posted: April 11 2013 at 22:33
LOL  ah the perils of habitual posting




Posted By: Finnforest
Date Posted: April 11 2013 at 22:35

Don't worry man....I've done the same....


Posted By: Stool Man
Date Posted: April 12 2013 at 02:15
off the top of my head, before breakfast or coffee...
 
It's All Too Much
1967 Christmas flexi
1966 Christmas flexi
1968 Christmas flexi
Flying
Hey Bulldog
The Inner Light
While My Guitar Gently Weeps
Tomorrow Never Knows
With A Little Help From My Friends (as covered by Joe Cocker)
 
and I love the Love album Star


-------------
rotten hound of the burnie crew


Posted By: ProgMetaller2112
Date Posted: April 12 2013 at 02:26
I can't do this Censored

But I can name some that I love

Revolution
Eleanor Rigby
In My Life
Yesterday
Hold Me Tight
I Want You(She's So Heavy)
Michelle
The Word
Here Comes the Sun
Strawberry Fields Forever

This is so hard, I left out a lot of great ones Head on wall



-------------
“War is peace.

Freedom is slavery.

Ignorance is strength.”

― George Orwell, Nineteen Eighty-Four



"Ignorance and Prejudice and Fear walk Hand in Hand"- Neil Peart





Posted By: Cactus Choir
Date Posted: April 12 2013 at 03:02
A Day In The Life
The Night Before
Because
In My Life
She's Leaving Home
I Should Have Known Better
Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds
A Hard Day's Night
You've Got To Hide Your Love Away
Let It Be


-------------
"And now...on the drums...Mick Underwooooooooood!!!"

"He's up the pub"


Posted By: progresssaurus
Date Posted: April 12 2013 at 03:21

Across The Universe 
The Fool On The Hill
Strawberry Fields Forever
I'm so tired
Blackbird
Dear Prudence
Mother Nature's Son
The Long And Winding Road
Yellow Submarine
And I Love Her




Posted By: ExittheLemming
Date Posted: April 12 2013 at 05:02
Penny Lane
Yes It Is
Norwegian Wood
A Hard Days Night
Strawberry Fields Forever
I'm So Tired
The Long and Winding Road
The Ballad of John & Yoko
Hello, Goodbye
I Am the Walrus

Like everyone else who posted here, this selection could be replaced on the hour every hour for several weeks hence....



-------------


Posted By: chopper
Date Posted: April 12 2013 at 07:20
Off the top of my head -
 
1) Strawberry Fields Forever
2) In My Life
3) Hello Goodbye
4) Martha My Dear
5) Things We Said Today
6) Here, There and Everywhere
7) A Day in the Life
8) Fool On The Hill
9) You Know My Name (Look Up The Number)
10) We Can Work it Out


Posted By: Prog Sothoth
Date Posted: April 12 2013 at 08:10
Originally posted by chopper chopper wrote:

9) You Know My Name (Look Up The Number)
Wow man, maybe I need to hear that again...last time I heard that (decades ago) I remember it being pretty ridiculous.Big smile
 
 
Norwegian Wood
Tomorrow Never Knows
Everybody's Got Something To Hide...
I Am The Walrus
Cry Baby Cry
Helter Skelter
Across The Universe
While My Guitar Gently Weeps
Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds
Eleanor Rigby
 
 
Hmmm...making this spur of the moment list I never realized I'm quite the John fan as well as a White Album fan.


Posted By: tamijo
Date Posted: April 12 2013 at 08:57
At the moment im Especialy into Abby Road Medley, particulary She came in trough......



-------------
Prog is whatevey you want it to be. So dont diss other peoples prog, and they wont diss yours


Posted By: chopper
Date Posted: April 12 2013 at 10:22
Originally posted by Prog Sothoth Prog Sothoth wrote:

Originally posted by chopper chopper wrote:

9) You Know My Name (Look Up The Number)
Wow man, maybe I need to hear that again...last time I heard that (decades ago) I remember it being pretty ridiculous.Big smile
 
 
It is, that's the point. The best version is the full one included on the Anthology, which has the "ska" section omitted from other versions.


Posted By: Larree
Date Posted: April 12 2013 at 22:49
A Day in the Life
Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds
Abbey Road Medley
Something
Norwegian Wood
Tomorrow Never Knows
All I've Got To Do
I Saw Her Standing There
Blue Jay Way (because I used to park in the culdesac at the top of the hill on Blue Jay Way overlooking the city and party way back in the seventies.)
With a Little Help From My Friends (The Joe Cocker cover version from Woodstock.)  Cool


Warning!  This list can change at any moment!  Big smile


-------------
http://larree.ws" rel="nofollow - The Larree (dot) Website


Posted By: Stool Man
Date Posted: April 13 2013 at 04:48
I look forward to seeing somebody compile all these lists into one, and seeing how many Beatles originals are beaten by Joe Cocker!

-------------
rotten hound of the burnie crew


Posted By: Larree
Date Posted: April 13 2013 at 11:35
Originally posted by Stool Man Stool Man wrote:

I look forward to seeing somebody compile all these lists into one, and seeing how many Beatles originals are beaten by Joe Cocker!

Yeah!  Thumbs Up


-------------
http://larree.ws" rel="nofollow - The Larree (dot) Website


Posted By: infocat
Date Posted: April 13 2013 at 13:25
I hate Joe Cocker!

-------------
--
Frank Swarbrick
Belief is not Truth.


Posted By: Larree
Date Posted: April 13 2013 at 13:34
And you gotta love Jeff Beck's version of A Day In the Life!  This f**king ROCKS!




-------------
http://larree.ws" rel="nofollow - The Larree (dot) Website


Posted By: MustardSea
Date Posted: April 13 2013 at 13:41
1. It's All Too Much (love all that guitar-feedback)
2. A Day In The Life
3. Tomorrow Never Knows
4. She Said (those vocal harmonies!)
5. Rain (love the drums and bass.. actually I love the bass in every Beatles-song haha)

6. I Want You (She's So Heavy) (love how heavy this is)
7. Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds
8. Dear Prudence
9. Hey Bulldog
10. You Know My Name (Look Up The Number) (because it's The Beatles having fun)

this was really hard and I guess that list would look different every day... (with the exception of  "It's All Too Much" - this would be on every single incarnation of a personal Beatles-Top 10 list Cool)


-------------
http://www.progarchives.com/artist.asp?id=8335" rel="nofollow - Kanoi on PA
http://kanoi.bandcamp.com" rel="nofollow - kanoi.bandcamp.com




Posted By: TheGazzardian
Date Posted: April 13 2013 at 16:39
Happiness Is a Warm Gun
She Came In Through The Bathroom Window
Helter Skelter
I Want You (She's So Heavy)
Dig a Pony
Strawberry Fields Forever
Because
Get Back
While My Guitar Gently Weeps
Come Together


Posted By: Mr. Mustard
Date Posted: April 13 2013 at 20:43
In no particular order:

Lady Madonna
Hey Jude
Get Back
Penny Lane
Oh! Darling
Happiness Is a Warm Gun
A Day in the Life
I Am the Walrus
I Want You (She's So Heavy)


-------------


Posted By: jayem
Date Posted: April 14 2013 at 18:27
Strawberry Fields: This song stands out. We're in this weird sad (mellotron flute) dreamlike mood, going through lot's of orchestral tension, and hear this Lennon's gentle voice.  Very unsettling, really caught my attention.

Everybody's Got Something To Hide
I've Got A Feeling
In My Life
Come Together
Revolution 9
Tomorrow Never Knows
Back In The USSR
Why Don't We Do it In The Road
A Day In The Life


Posted By: chopper
Date Posted: April 18 2013 at 10:42
Originally posted by jayem jayem wrote:

Strawberry Fields: This song stands out. We're in this weird sad (mellotron flute) dreamlike mood, going through lot's of orchestral tension, and hear this Lennon's gentle voice.  Very unsettling, really caught my attention.

Everybody's Got Something To Hide
I've Got A Feeling
In My Life
Come Together
Revolution 9
Tomorrow Never Knows
Back In The USSR
Why Don't We Do it In The Road
A Day In The Life
Wow, that's a first!
 
Once voted the worst Beatles song ever, just ahead of Mr Moonlight.


Posted By: Argonaught
Date Posted: April 19 2013 at 17:48
Nobody has mentioned Dirty Maggie Mae, sung in the proper Liverpudlian fashion!

Dehty Maggie May
They have taken 'ehr away
She will never walk down Lime Street anymowah 

I like practically all of the Beatles's songs between 1965 and 1968. By that time, I think they had done so much that some "over-saturation" had to ensue. 

The Mean Mister Mustard, the Polythene Pam and the rest of the potpourri on Abbey Road is "something else", and is great.   

Bottom line being: The Beatles are an unmatched and still largely inscrutable phenomenon and the greatest band of all time. They birthed the proto-version of pretty much every genre that's is known as the modern day "popular music". Yes, including "prog", "psychedelic", "symphonic", "metal" and "art". 

And by the way, Paul is one of the best composers in the history of the humankind. 
 

  




Posted By: DisgruntledPorcupine
Date Posted: April 19 2013 at 20:53
I can't really make a Beatles list. Not sure why as I don't totally love them. My favourite song is Tomorrow Never Knows though. Perfect tune.


Posted By: maani
Date Posted: April 25 2013 at 01:07

The Top 50 Beatles Songs

by Ian Alterman

(published on Culture Catch)

Obviously, the entire idea of picking the 10, 20, 50, or -- as Rolling Stone recently did -- 100 "best" Beatles songs is not simply an exercise in futility, it is as stupid as every other "top" list that has been generated by radio stations, TV stations, and magazines.  Even if the primary criterion is not sheer "popularity" (as with many of these types of lists), there are still quite a number of factors to consider.  Are we talking about historic importance?  The influence a song had?  Songwriting?  Musicianship?

Giving some serious thought to this, I decided to do the "stupid" thing and compile my own top 50 list of Beatles songs, based on a variety (or combination) of these various criteria.  However, rather than rank the songs (probably the stupidest aspect of creating this kind of stupid list), I provide them alphabetically, with my comments on why each was chosen.

That said, if I had to choose a single "greatest" Beatles song, it would be "All You Need Is Love."  It not only has every element of a great Beatles song (writing, musicianship, harmonies, etc.), but it includes an orchestra and chorus.  But perhaps the single most important aspect of the song is its message: it is the distillation of what "The Beatles" were about.  In my opinion, there is simply no song that comes even close to its historic importance vis-a-vis The Beatles.

So, without any further ado, my list of the top 50 Beatles songs:

http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/stat?id=g1UnrUS5W4M&offerid=146261&type=3&subid=0&tmpid=1826&RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fitunes.apple.com%252Fus%252Falbum%252Facross-the-universe%252Fid401151866%253Fi%253D401151893%2526uo%253D4%2526partnerId%253D30%20target=itunes_store" rel="nofollow - "Across the Universe"

Unquestionably Lennon's best "late period" song. The combination of thoughtfulness, wistfulness and spirit (as well as the music and lyrics) make this a no-brainer. Stands alongside "Two of Us" as the best songs on Let It Be.

http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/stat?id=g1UnrUS5W4M&offerid=146261&type=3&subid=0&tmpid=1826&RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fitunes.apple.com%252Fus%252Falbum%252Fa-day-in-the-life%252Fid401141921%253Fi%253D401147266%2526uo%253D4%2526partnerId%253D30%20target=itunes_store" rel="nofollow - "A Day in the Life"

I would probably choose this as runner-up to "All You Need Is Love" as their second greatest song overall. (It was #1 on the Rolling Stone list.) If you don't understand the many reasons -- musical, lyrical, production, socio-cultural, etc. -- you can hardly be said to understand The Beatles.

http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/stat?id=g1UnrUS5W4M&offerid=146261&type=3&subid=0&tmpid=1826&RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fitunes.apple.com%252Fus%252Falbum%252Fall-you-need-is-love%252Fid402060584%253Fi%253D402094704%2526uo%253D4%2526partnerId%253D30%20target=itunes_store" rel="nofollow - "All You Need Is Love"

In addition to my comments above, it pretty much defined the rock "anthem."

http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/stat?id=g1UnrUS5W4M&offerid=146261&type=3&subid=0&tmpid=1826&RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fitunes.apple.com%252Fus%252Falbum%252Fand-your-bird-can-sing%252Fid402060584%253Fi%253D402079603%2526uo%253D4%2526partnerId%253D30%20target=itunes_store" rel="nofollow - "And Your Bird Can Sing"

This one gets included both for its musicianship (ignore everything else and just listen to Lennon and Harrison!) and because it represented the segue between Rubber Soul and Revolver -- arguably the most important segue they would ever have.

http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/stat?id=g1UnrUS5W4M&offerid=146261&type=3&subid=0&tmpid=1826&RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fitunes.apple.com%252Fus%252Falbum%252Fbecause%252Fid401186200%253Fi%253D401187155%2526uo%253D4%2526partnerId%253D30%20target=itunes_store" rel="nofollow - "Because"

Among their most underrated songs. Not only are the harmonies among the best they ever accomplished (if you have never heard the a cappella version of this song, you are missing something truly spine-tingling), the quasi-classical musical approach is wonderful, and the "mood" is all but unique in their canon. An astounding piece of writing. 

http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/stat?id=g1UnrUS5W4M&offerid=146261&type=3&subid=0&tmpid=1826&RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fitunes.apple.com%252Fus%252Falbum%252Fbeing-for-benefit-mr.-kite!%252Fid402060584%253Fi%253D402079783%2526uo%253D4%2526partnerId%253D30%20target=itunes_store" rel="nofollow - "Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite"

From virtually every standpoint -- music, lyrics, effects, production, atmosphere, and sheer chutzpah -- this song may well belong in their top 10 greatest.

http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/stat?id=g1UnrUS5W4M&offerid=146261&type=3&subid=0&tmpid=1826&RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fitunes.apple.com%252Fus%252Falbum%252Fcome-together%252Fid401186200%253Fi%253D401186260%2526uo%253D4%2526partnerId%253D30%20target=itunes_store" rel="nofollow - "Come Together"

They really did, didn't they? Simply one of their best, most important and, arguably, most influential songs they ever wrote. A polished gem.

http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/stat?id=g1UnrUS5W4M&offerid=146261&type=3&subid=0&tmpid=1826&RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fitunes.apple.com%252Fus%252Falbum%252Fthe-continuing-story-bungalow%252Fid401126224%253Fi%253D401126271%2526uo%253D4%2526partnerId%253D30%20target=itunes_store" rel="nofollow - "Continuing Story of Bungalow Bill"

Huh?! I'm kidding, right? Nope. Unquestionably the single most underappreciated, misunderstood Beatles composition ever. Although "Yellow Submarine" preceded it, this is The Beatles' truest "children's" song. The songwriting and storytelling are deceptively brilliant, the change in tempo between the verses and chorus (and the inspired "all the children sing" used as the segue) is great, and more than any other song on the album you can tell that the group is having a great deal of fun. As an aside, the title has always been among their most clever. ("Continuing" from where?)

http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/stat?id=g1UnrUS5W4M&offerid=146261&type=3&subid=0&tmpid=1826&RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fitunes.apple.com%252Fus%252Falbum%252Fdear-prudence%252Fid401126224%253Fi%253D401126240%2526uo%253D4%2526partnerId%253D30%20target=itunes_store" rel="nofollow - "Dear Prudence"

Simply among the most superbly constructed songs John ever wrote. And the guitar part is among the most copied of any of their songs.

http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/stat?id=g1UnrUS5W4M&offerid=146261&type=3&subid=0&tmpid=1826&RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fitunes.apple.com%252Fus%252Falbum%252Feleanor-rigby%252Fid402060584%253Fi%253D402079146%2526uo%253D4%2526partnerId%253D30%20target=itunes_store" rel="nofollow - "Eleanor Rigby"

What need be said? This broke as much ground as any song they ever wrote and produced. And the fact that the entire song is about death makes it all the more eerily brilliant.

http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/stat?id=g1UnrUS5W4M&offerid=146261&type=3&subid=0&tmpid=1826&RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fitunes.apple.com%252Fus%252Falbum%252Fthe-fool-on-the-hill%252Fid402060584%253Fi%253D402094386%2526uo%253D4%2526partnerId%253D30%20target=itunes_store" rel="nofollow - "Fool on the Hill"

Another dangerously underrated song, and possibly Paul's greatest ballad. Another great use of alternating time signatures.

http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/stat?id=g1UnrUS5W4M&offerid=146261&type=3&subid=0&tmpid=1826&RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fitunes.apple.com%252Fus%252Falbum%252Ffor-no-one%252Fid402060584%253Fi%253D402079605%2526uo%253D4%2526partnerId%253D30%20target=itunes_store" rel="nofollow - "For No One"

Another sadly underrated Paul composition, second only to "Eleanor Rigby" in its superb use of classical elements and approach.

http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/stat?id=g1UnrUS5W4M&offerid=146261&type=3&subid=0&tmpid=1826&RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fitunes.apple.com%252Fus%252Falbum%252Fgood-day-sunshine%252Fid402060584%253Fi%253D402079253%2526uo%253D4%2526partnerId%253D30%20target=itunes_store" rel="nofollow - "Good Day Sunshine"

The most deceptively complicated song on Revolver, and tied with "She Said She Said" for best song on the album. Three different time signatures, amazing chord progressions, fabulous harmonies -- all done in what seems on its face a very simple way. And truly fun to listen to.

http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/stat?id=g1UnrUS5W4M&offerid=146261&type=3&subid=0&tmpid=1826&RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fitunes.apple.com%252Fus%252Falbum%252Fgood-morning-good-morning%252Fid402060584%253Fi%253D402079819%2526uo%253D4%2526partnerId%253D30%20target=itunes_store" rel="nofollow - "Good Morning Good Morning"

Perfect in every way, including (again) alternating time signatures, great lyrics, superb musicianship, and one of Harrison's most aggressive guitar performances. As well, the "raw" production really does give an "outdoor" feeling to it.

http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/stat?id=g1UnrUS5W4M&offerid=146261&type=3&subid=0&tmpid=1826&RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fitunes.apple.com%252Fus%252Falbum%252Fhappiness-is-a-warm-gun%252Fid401126224%253Fi%253D401126349%2526uo%253D4%2526partnerId%253D30%20target=itunes_store" rel="nofollow - "Happiness is a Warm Gun"

Along with "All You Need Is Love" and "A Day in the Life," the top three Beatles songs of all time. Again, if you don't know why, you simply don't "get" The Beatles and what they were about, or what they were doing or accomplished. This one simply hits it so far out of the park that they ran the bases twice! LOL.

http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/stat?id=g1UnrUS5W4M&offerid=146261&type=3&subid=0&tmpid=1826&RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fitunes.apple.com%252Fus%252Falbum%252Fa-hard-days-night%252Fid402060584%253Fi%253D402060914%2526uo%253D4%2526partnerId%253D30%20target=itunes_store" rel="nofollow - "A Hard Day's Night"

Even without the film, this would probably make the list as one of their most representative early period songs. But add the film connection, and this becomes the very definition of Beatlemania.

http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/stat?id=g1UnrUS5W4M&offerid=146261&type=3&subid=0&tmpid=1826&RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fitunes.apple.com%252Fus%252Falbum%252Fhelp!%252Fid402060584%253Fi%253D402078054%2526uo%253D4%2526partnerId%253D30%20target=itunes_store" rel="nofollow - "Help"

That immediately recognizable opening "open strum" chord, John's vocal, the harmonies, the chord progression, the melody -- what's not to like? And it doesn't hurt that it is unarguably among the greatest movie themes ever written.

http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/stat?id=g1UnrUS5W4M&offerid=146261&type=3&subid=0&tmpid=1826&RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fitunes.apple.com%252Fus%252Falbum%252Fhelter-skelter%252Fid401126224%253Fi%253D401126439%2526uo%253D4%2526partnerId%253D30%20target=itunes_store" rel="nofollow - "Helter Skelter"

I was shocked not to see this on Rolling Stone’s list. If there were ever a historical, influential composition, this is it. The most aggressive (and wild) song they ever wrote, and its historic importance cannot be overstated.

http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/stat?id=g1UnrUS5W4M&offerid=146261&type=3&subid=0&tmpid=1826&RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fitunes.apple.com%252Fus%252Falbum%252Fhere-comes-the-sun%252Fid401186200%253Fi%253D401187150%2526uo%253D4%2526partnerId%253D30%20target=itunes_store" rel="nofollow - "Here Comes the Sun"

Harrison's masterwork. The lazily shifting time signatures add panache to a song that already has everything in spades. If any single "George" song is going to make the list, this is the one.

http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/stat?id=g1UnrUS5W4M&offerid=146261&type=3&subid=0&tmpid=1826&RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fitunes.apple.com%252Fus%252Falbum%252Fhey-jude%252Fid400835735%253Fi%253D400835962%2526uo%253D4%2526partnerId%253D30%20target=itunes_store" rel="nofollow - "Hey Jude"

Along with "All You Need Is Love," this helped define "anthem rock." And it doesn't hurt that it is among Paul's most inspired, catchy, and emotionally expressive songs.

http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/stat?id=g1UnrUS5W4M&offerid=146261&type=3&subid=0&tmpid=1826&RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fitunes.apple.com%252Fus%252Falbum%252Fi-am-the-walrus%252Fid402060584%253Fi%253D402094413%2526uo%253D4%2526partnerId%253D30%20target=itunes_store" rel="nofollow - "I Am the Walrus"

This could be #4 or #5 overall. (Although "Strawberry Fields Forever" gives it a run for its money.) Very little prepared even Beatles fans for this lyrically esoteric, musically brilliant, and overall eerie/spooky production. Never duplicated -- or even approached -- by anyone. (Well, maybe Zappa...LOL.)

http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/stat?id=g1UnrUS5W4M&offerid=146261&type=3&subid=0&tmpid=1826&RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fitunes.apple.com%252Fus%252Falbum%252Fi-want-to-hold-your-hand%252Fid400833614%253Fi%253D400833652%2526uo%253D4%2526partnerId%253D30%20target=itunes_store" rel="nofollow - "I Want to Hold Your Hand"

Although "She Loves You" preceded it (and was better and more "important"), historically, no list is complete without this. Their second American single, and their first to top the Billboard chart. After the success of "She Loves You," this absolutely cemented both their musicality and success -- and their appeal not simply to the screaming teenagers, but even to some of their parents.

http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/stat?id=g1UnrUS5W4M&offerid=146261&type=3&subid=0&tmpid=1826&RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fitunes.apple.com%252Fus%252Falbum%252Fif-i-fell%252Fid402060584%253Fi%253D402060918%2526uo%253D4%2526partnerId%253D30%20target=itunes_store" rel="nofollow - "If I Fell"

Yikes! That opening series of key-defying chords, and the best two-part harmony ever written. Period. Doesn't need anything else.

http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/stat?id=g1UnrUS5W4M&offerid=146261&type=3&subid=0&tmpid=1826&RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fitunes.apple.com%252Fus%252Falbum%252Flady-madonna%252Fid400835735%253Fi%253D400835961%2526uo%253D4%2526partnerId%253D30%20target=itunes_store" rel="nofollow - "Lady Madonna"

I'm allowed one or two simply for fun. The piano part has always given me goose bumps, as has Paul's vocal. And the "ha ha ha"s are just plain great.

http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/stat?id=g1UnrUS5W4M&offerid=146261&type=3&subid=0&tmpid=1826&RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fitunes.apple.com%252Fus%252Falbum%252Flet-it-be%252Fid401151866%253Fi%253D401151904%2526uo%253D4%2526partnerId%253D30%20target=itunes_store" rel="nofollow - "Let It Be"

Yes, please do. Among Paul's best, and certainly among the best of their late period.

http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/stat?id=g1UnrUS5W4M&offerid=146261&type=3&subid=0&tmpid=1826&RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fitunes.apple.com%252Fus%252Falbum%252Fsgt.-peppers-lonely-hearts%252Fid401141921%253Fuo%253D4%2526partnerId%253D30%20target=itunes_store" rel="nofollow - "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds"

#5? #6? Simply defines the term "psychedelia." The best song on Pepper? Hmmm...here's an interesting thought. If Pepper "defined" psychedelia, and "Lucy" defines Pepper, and Pepper is their greatest, most important and influential album, then "Lucy" is, if not the "greatest" song they ever wrote, arguably the most important and/or historic.

http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/stat?id=g1UnrUS5W4M&offerid=146261&type=3&subid=0&tmpid=1826&RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fitunes.apple.com%252Fus%252Falbum%252Fmagical-mystery-tour%252Fid401144331%253Fi%253D401144467%2526uo%253D4%2526partnerId%253D30%20target=itunes_store" rel="nofollow - "Magical Mystery Tour"

This may be more "acid-ic" even than Lucy. Indeed, Lucy may say, "Hey, we take acid," but this one says, "Hey, come with us on one of our acid trips!" LOL. Those phased vocals, that middle eight, and of course the impossibly gorgeous production all help us do that.

http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/stat?id=g1UnrUS5W4M&offerid=146261&type=3&subid=0&tmpid=1826&RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fitunes.apple.com%252Fus%252Falbum%252Fthe-night-before%252Fid402060584%253Fi%253D402078278%2526uo%253D4%2526partnerId%253D30%20target=itunes_store" rel="nofollow - "The Night Before"

Along with "Lady Madonna," my other "personal" choice. In addition to being beautifully constructed and performed, I have always felt that there is something really eerie about this superficially non-eerie song. (That eeriness was enhanced even further by how it was placed in the film: they were playing in an open field, for no audience, surrounded by tanks and military personnel!!!)

http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/stat?id=g1UnrUS5W4M&offerid=146261&type=3&subid=0&tmpid=1826&RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fitunes.apple.com%252Fus%252Falbum%252Fnorwegian-wood-this-bird-has%252Fid402060584%253Fi%253D402078872%2526uo%253D4%2526partnerId%253D30%20target=itunes_store" rel="nofollow - "Norwegian Wood"

Dylan's influence, George's first sitar use, opaque lyrics, wonderful acoustic guitar -- all help make this a "signature" Lennon composition. And along with "Yesterday" and "Something," one of the most-covered Beatles songs.

http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/stat?id=g1UnrUS5W4M&offerid=146261&type=3&subid=0&tmpid=1826&RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fitunes.apple.com%252Fus%252Falbum%252Fnowhere-man%252Fid402060584%253Fi%253D402078946%2526uo%253D4%2526partnerId%253D30%20target=itunes_store" rel="nofollow - "Nowhere Man"

Definitely a "bridge" song, it certainly offered many new elements in their songwriting, both musically and lyrically. (Wikipedia claims it to be their first song "not about romance or love" and John's first "philosophical" song.) Indeed, it is almost unbelievable that this was written and recorded while they were still a touring band!

http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/stat?id=g1UnrUS5W4M&offerid=146261&type=3&subid=0&tmpid=1826&RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fitunes.apple.com%252Fus%252Falbum%252Foh!-darling%252Fid401186200%253Fi%253D401186505%2526uo%253D4%2526partnerId%253D30%20target=itunes_store" rel="nofollow - "Oh Darling"

The Beatles do hard blues -- and nail it in a way that only they could. Paul's voice is at its absolute strongest, Lennon's "sharp" rhythm guitar part is masterful, and that middle eight is simply spine-tingling. Truly one song that simply never gets old or boring.

http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/stat?id=g1UnrUS5W4M&offerid=146261&type=3&subid=0&tmpid=1826&RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fitunes.apple.com%252Fus%252Falbum%252Fonly-a-northern-song%252Fid402060584%253Fi%253D402095685%2526uo%253D4%2526partnerId%253D30%20target=itunes_store" rel="nofollow - "Only a Northern Song"

Originally meant for Pepper (!), this superb piece of trippy esoteric existentialism was the best song on Yellow Submarine. (And George's other, "It's All Too Much," was second best.)

http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/stat?id=g1UnrUS5W4M&offerid=146261&type=3&subid=0&tmpid=1826&RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fitunes.apple.com%252Fus%252Falbum%252Fpenny-lane%252Fid402060584%253Fi%253D402094492%2526uo%253D4%2526partnerId%253D30%20target=itunes_store" rel="nofollow - "Penny Lane"

The jaunty nostalgia, interesting chord progression, Paul's delivery, and those infectious horns make this a perfect counterpart to John's "Strawberry Fields Forever." Never has there been such an extraordinary double-A-sided single.

http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/stat?id=g1UnrUS5W4M&offerid=146261&type=3&subid=0&tmpid=1826&RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fitunes.apple.com%252Fus%252Falbum%252Frevolution%252Fid400835735%253Fi%253D400835964%2526uo%253D4%2526partnerId%253D30%20target=itunes_store" rel="nofollow - "Revolution"

No more fooling around. John gets serious with his politics -- and his fuzz guitar. As catchy as it is socio-politically astute (and brave); if "All You Need Is Love" is, as I posit, "what The Beatles are about," then "Revolution" is what John was going to be about from that point forward.

http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/stat?id=g1UnrUS5W4M&offerid=146261&type=3&subid=0&tmpid=1826&RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fitunes.apple.com%252Fus%252Falbum%252Frocky-raccoon%252Fid401126224%253Fi%253D401126405%2526uo%253D4%2526partnerId%253D30%20target=itunes_store" rel="nofollow - "Rocky Raccoon"

Like "Bungalow Bill," a dangerously underrated piece of writing and performance. With utterly brilliant storytelling (and Paul's wonderfully off-key opening line), The Beatles’ homage to the American West is done in metaphorical style. And if this is another "children's" song (like "Bungalow Bill" and "Ob-la-di Ob-la-da"), it is an awfully edgy one.

http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/stat?id=g1UnrUS5W4M&offerid=146261&type=3&subid=0&tmpid=1826&RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fitunes.apple.com%252Fus%252Falbum%252Fsgt.-peppers-lonely-hearts%252Fid401141921%253Fi%253D401142264%2526uo%253D4%2526partnerId%253D30%20target=itunes_store" rel="nofollow - "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band"

Although the reprise is actually edgier and more powerful, this thumping rock tribute to a fictional band is the ultimate come-on: "We'd like to take you home with us, we'd love to take you home." Given that the band had stopped performing over a year earlier, the irony of this sentiment could not have been lost on their fans. Simply one of the best straight-ahead rock songs ever written or produced.

http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/stat?id=g1UnrUS5W4M&offerid=146261&type=3&subid=0&tmpid=1826&RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fitunes.apple.com%252Fus%252Falbum%252Fshe-loves-you%252Fid402060584%253Fi%253D402155068%2526uo%253D4%2526partnerId%253D30%20target=itunes_store" rel="nofollow - "She Loves You"

Like "Yesterday" -- but even moreso -- the number of ways that this song broke ground musically and socio-culturally cannot be overstated. As much as any song before it (by Berry, Perkins, et al), it changed rock and roll forever. It was the song that lifted The Beatles way out of the league of the other British Invasion bands (of which there were at least a dozen), and it remains the best early-period Beatles song.

http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/stat?id=g1UnrUS5W4M&offerid=146261&type=3&subid=0&tmpid=1826&RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fitunes.apple.com%252Fus%252Falbum%252Fshe-said-she-said%252Fid402060584%253Fi%253D402079243%2526uo%253D4%2526partnerId%253D30%20target=itunes_store" rel="nofollow - "She Said She Said"

Although Rubber Soul had its quasi-trippy moments, Revolver cemented them. And as I noted in http://culturecatch.com/literary/magic-circles-beatles" rel="nofollow - my review of Devin McKinney's Beatles book , it was the first album on which the lads started thinking, and writing, about death (no less than eight of the songs mention it). The opening line, "She said, I know what it's like to be dead," reflects this new obsession, and the obvious trippy quality of the lyrics and writing make it abundantly clear that the band was no longer "hiding" anything. As with Pepper and "Lucy," if Revolver defined their new image, "She Said She Said" defined Revolver.

http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/stat?id=g1UnrUS5W4M&offerid=146261&type=3&subid=0&tmpid=1826&RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fitunes.apple.com%252Fus%252Falbum%252Fshes-leaving-home%252Fid402060584%253Fi%253D402079750%2526uo%253D4%2526partnerId%253D30%20target=itunes_store" rel="nofollow - "She's Leaving Home"

I might even put this in a top ten. An astounding composition, with that harp, strings, superb harmonies, classical elements, etc. No list of truly important Beatles songs is complete without it.

http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/stat?id=g1UnrUS5W4M&offerid=146261&type=3&subid=0&tmpid=1826&RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fitunes.apple.com%252Fus%252Falbum%252Fsomething%252Fid401186200%253Fi%253D401186387%2526uo%253D4%2526partnerId%253D30%20target=itunes_store" rel="nofollow - "Something"

Frank Sinatra covered it. What more need be said? And no, I'm not kidding. Along with "Here Comes the Sun," George's masterwork. Even Paul and John called it the best Beatle song of their later period. Oh, and many others covered it as well. (As an aside, you are probably aware that it also holds an interesting distinction: it is one of three #1 songs -- along with "Layla" and Clapton's "Wonderful Tonight" -- that were all written about the same woman.)

http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/stat?id=g1UnrUS5W4M&offerid=146261&type=3&subid=0&tmpid=1826&RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fitunes.apple.com%252Fus%252Falbum%252Fstrawberry-fields-forever%252Fid402060584%253Fi%253D402094452%2526uo%253D4%2526partnerId%253D30%20target=itunes_store" rel="nofollow - "Strawberry Fields Forever"

Definitely top ten. This was the segue between Revolver and Pepper. (It was actually the first song recorded for the Pepper sessions.) This was a serious breakthrough for the Beatles, even given some of the stuff on Revolver. And nothing would ever be the same.

http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/stat?id=g1UnrUS5W4M&offerid=146261&type=3&subid=0&tmpid=1826&RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fitunes.apple.com%252Fus%252Falbum%252Ftaxman%252Fid402060584%253Fi%253D402079135%2526uo%253D4%2526partnerId%253D30%20target=itunes_store" rel="nofollow - "Taxman"

It took John over another year to openly express his politics ("Revolution"), but George got there first. And although Rubber Soul started the band writing things other than "love and romance" songs, Revolver virtually put the nail in the love song coffin. (There are only two love songs on the whole album.) It also shows George's growing "power" that both John and Paul agreed to open the album with this vicious anti-tax screed. Unquestionably George's greatest middle-period work.

http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/stat?id=g1UnrUS5W4M&offerid=146261&type=3&subid=0&tmpid=1826&RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fitunes.apple.com%252Fus%252Falbum%252Fthings-we-said-today%252Fid402060584%253Fi%253D402060935%2526uo%253D4%2526partnerId%253D30%20target=itunes_store" rel="nofollow - "Things We Said Today"

An early example of something the Beatles would do at least a few times: alternating between minor and major in the verses (and/or using minor or major verses, and reverse choruses). And the best of them by far. Also the rhythm (and, indeed, entire "feel") change between the first part of the verse and the second. And then that fabulous ending on a major chord after going back to the minor. More radical than anyone caught at the time, and one of their truly great early period songs.

http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/stat?id=g1UnrUS5W4M&offerid=146261&type=3&subid=0&tmpid=1826&RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fitunes.apple.com%252Fus%252Falbum%252Fthis-boy%252Fid402060584%253Fi%253D402155097%2526uo%253D4%2526partnerId%253D30%20target=itunes_store" rel="nofollow - "This Boy"

How this could be left off any list like this, I don't know. Unquestionably their best, most complicated early harmonies, and possibly their best-ever ballad.

http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/stat?id=g1UnrUS5W4M&offerid=146261&type=3&subid=0&tmpid=1826&RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fitunes.apple.com%252Fus%252Falbum%252Ftomorrow-never-knows%252Fid402060584%253Fi%253D402079615%2526uo%253D4%2526partnerId%253D30%20target=itunes_store" rel="nofollow - "Tomorrow Never Knows"

This is the song for which one can say, "Here comes prog rock." True, there are no shifting time signatures, or even anything other than 4/4. But the overall sound and effect of this song was the most progressive thing that The Beatles had ever done, even given "She Said She Said" and "Good Day Sunshine."

http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/stat?id=g1UnrUS5W4M&offerid=146261&type=3&subid=0&tmpid=1826&RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fitunes.apple.com%252Fus%252Falbum%252Ftwo-of-us%252Fid402060584%253Fi%253D402154121%2526uo%253D4%2526partnerId%253D30%20target=itunes_store" rel="nofollow - "Two of Us"

Wistfully, many like to think this was John and Paul singing about themselves. No such luck. Still, it is a phenomenal piece of writing, standing proudly alongside "Across the Universe" as the two best songs on Let It Be, and the only two in which the entire band actually "feels" right.

http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/stat?id=g1UnrUS5W4M&offerid=146261&type=3&subid=0&tmpid=1826&RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fitunes.apple.com%252Fus%252Falbum%252Fwhile-my-guitar-gently-weeps%252Fid401126224%253Fi%253D401126346%2526uo%253D4%2526partnerId%253D30%20target=itunes_store" rel="nofollow - "While My Guitar Gently Weeps"

What can be said? Although the Am-G-F-E progression had been used before ("White Room" comes to mind), George all but made it his own with this truly sensational composition and production. According to Rolling Stone, Clapton's presence had an amazing, positive effect on the band, at a time when there was growing tension. George Martin describes this as "the best, most cohesive recording the band made during these sessions."

http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/stat?id=g1UnrUS5W4M&offerid=146261&type=3&subid=0&tmpid=1826&RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fitunes.apple.com%252Fus%252Falbum%252Fwithin-you-without-you%252Fid402060584%253Fi%253D402079796%2526uo%253D4%2526partnerId%253D30%20target=itunes_store" rel="nofollow - "Within You Without You"

Number 96? Out of 100? Out of a total of only 220 Beatles' songs? Rolling Stone must be kidding! If there was ever a groundbreaking and influential Beatles composition (in this case, of course, virtually solo Harrison), I'm not sure anything else even comes close. It can be argued that "Within You Without You" "made it safe" for everyone else to use not only sitar, but "non-standard" instruments, as well as to create compositions that were not strictly "Western" in structure.

http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/stat?id=g1UnrUS5W4M&offerid=146261&type=3&subid=0&tmpid=1826&RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fitunes.apple.com%252Fus%252Falbum%252Fyellow-submarine%252Fid402060584%253Fi%253D402095683%2526uo%253D4%2526partnerId%253D30%20target=itunes_store" rel="nofollow - "Yellow Submarine"

The Beatles' first "children's" song (and deliberate sing-along) is simply brilliant. Indeed, every aspect of it is brilliant - from the composition itself, to the effects, to Ringo's perfect delivery, to some of the most deceptively difficult harmonies the group ever composed. Maybe not top ten, but darn close.

http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/stat?id=g1UnrUS5W4M&offerid=146261&type=3&subid=0&tmpid=1826&RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fitunes.apple.com%252Fus%252Falbum%252Fyesterday%252Fid402060584%253Fi%253D402078763%2526uo%253D4%2526partnerId%253D30%20target=itunes_store" rel="nofollow - "Yesterday"

Saying anything here is redundant: the number of ways in which this song broke ground -- both for The Beatles and others -- is legion, and has been described by better writers than me.

So, if I HAD to do a Top 10:

1. "All You Need Is Love"

2. "A Day in the Life"

3. "Happiness is a Warm Gun"

4. "Strawberry Fields Forever"

5. "I Am the Walrus"

6. "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds"

7. "She Loves You"

8. "Yesterday"

9. "Within You Without You"

10. "Nowhere Man"/"And Your Bird Can Sing" 



Posted By: chopper
Date Posted: April 25 2013 at 07:04
Great list and comments maani, except for the dreadful "Only a Northern Song". There's a reason it was left off Sgt. Pepper and stuck on Yellow Submarine.


Posted By: someone_else
Date Posted: April 25 2013 at 07:21
I think this will be a decent top 15:

1. A Day in the Life
2. I Am the Walrus
3. Happiness Is a Warm Gun
4. Eleanor Rigby
5. I Want You (She's So Heavy)
6. Here Comes the Sun
7. Norwegian Wood
8. Love You To
9. Tomorrow Never Knows
10. Dear Prudence
11. Helter Skelter
12. Within You Without You
13. Blue Jay Way
14. Revolution 9
15. Baby You're a Rich Man


-------------


Posted By: chopper
Date Posted: April 25 2013 at 07:28
Originally posted by someone_else someone_else wrote:

8. Love You Too
 
Sorry to be pedantic but it's "Love You To", which prompts me to start a top 10 Beatles songs where the title is not mentioned in the lyric, starting with this and Tomorrow Never Knows. Now I just have to remember the others. LOL


Posted By: someone_else
Date Posted: April 25 2013 at 07:32
Originally posted by chopper chopper wrote:

Originally posted by someone_else someone_else wrote:


8. Love You Too

 

Sorry to be pedantic but it's "Love You To", which prompts me to start a top 10 Beatles songs where the title is not mentioned in the lyric, starting with this and Tomorrow Never Knows. Now I just have to remember the others. LOL


Checked and modified. Thanks for correcting me .

-------------


Posted By: chopper
Date Posted: April 25 2013 at 09:26
Originally posted by chopper chopper wrote:

Originally posted by someone_else someone_else wrote:

8. Love You Too
 
Sorry to be pedantic but it's "Love You To", which prompts me to start a top 10 Beatles songs where the title is not mentioned in the lyric, starting with this and Tomorrow Never Knows. Now I just have to remember the others. LOL
Rats, I can't find 10 -
 
The Ballad of John and Yoko
For You Blue
Tomorrow Never Knows
Yer Blues
 
and being pedantic again...
The Continuing Story of Bungalow Bill
Being for the Benefit of Mr Kite
Revolution 9
Flying
(not counting the last 2 as instrumentals as they have voices).
Have I missed any?


Posted By: chopper
Date Posted: April 25 2013 at 09:49
Missed The Inner Light and Wild Honey Pie


Posted By: maani
Date Posted: April 25 2013 at 18:54
Chopper: Always loved "Ballad of J&Y."  You are aware that the entire recording is just John and Paul?  George and Ringo were not around.  That's Paul on drums.  Cool!

BTW, re "Kite," according to George Martin, John DID say "being" before "for the benefit of Mr. Kite" in the first line of the song, but it was accidentally "clipped" when the master was cut.

Also, "A Day in the Life" is not said within the song.  Others:

Within You, Without You (the LYRIC is "within you AND without you")
Hello, Goodbye (the LYRIC is "you say hello, and I say goodbye")
Wild Honey Pie

Peace.




Posted By: chopper
Date Posted: April 26 2013 at 06:02
Originally posted by maani maani wrote:

Chopper: Always loved "Ballad of J&Y."  You are aware that the entire recording is just John and Paul?  George and Ringo were not around.  That's Paul on drums.  Cool!

BTW, re "Kite," according to George Martin, John DID say "being" before "for the benefit of Mr. Kite" in the first line of the song, but it was accidentally "clipped" when the master was cut.

Also, "A Day in the Life" is not said within the song.  Others:

Within You, Without You (the LYRIC is "within you AND without you")
Hello, Goodbye (the LYRIC is "you say hello, and I say goodbye")
Wild Honey Pie

Peace.


I knew about the Ballad of J&Y being recorded by Lennon and McCartney on their own, but I didn't know that about Mr Kite, thanks. Smile
 
Yes, I missed A Day in the Life, thanks. Big smile
 
"Hello Goodbye" is actually sung as part of the backing vocals just before the solo so I have to discount that one, sorry. Wink
 
 


Posted By: Stool Man
Date Posted: April 26 2013 at 06:49
also "I Want You (She's So Heavy)" - the two phrases appear separately

-------------
rotten hound of the burnie crew


Posted By: humor4u1959
Date Posted: May 09 2013 at 23:28
I couldn't pick a Top 10 list for the Beatles with a loaded gun to my head! I will say that 'In My Life' is really close to the top as my all-time favorite.



Print Page | Close Window

Forum Software by Web Wiz Forums® version 11.01 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Copyright ©2001-2014 Web Wiz Ltd. - http://www.webwiz.co.uk