Showing posts with label George Martin. Show all posts
Showing posts with label George Martin. Show all posts

Saturday, August 6, 2016

Revolver - The Beatles

Fifty years ago today, the seventh Beatle studio album was released in the UK. This is the often looked at as the sequel, or part two, of Rubber Soul. While I can sort of see that now, I still think it's great in its own right. None the less this was the last album they toured for, and only played I believe one song or two off the record (the rest required too much studio trickery to do live). I can't really think of much more to say about the record, other than lets review this thing.
  1. Taxman: Opening the album, we get George's ode to Tax Collectors. A pretty  funny song, and I love the guitar and beat to the song.  I love the little double time parts Ringo plays and I love the backing "oh Mr heath" (or whatever they say). The vocals on this are great, and I think this a pretty strong track that packs a punch. This has a tasty solo and I still like it quite a bit. 
  2. Eleanor Rigby: When I first heard 1, the compilation that introduced me to the band after Across the Universe, I skipped this song. The reason was because I was seriously afraid of it. Now when I listen to it I think if all the times I heard it playing video games, bit I also hear a song that has some gorgeous string arrangements. It's a very sad and lonely sing, for a very sad and lonely woman. If my ears are correct there's viola, violin, cello and maybe contrabass (could be wrong, but hopefully my ears are right). While it's kinda repetitive, I still think it's a really cool idea for a really cool song. #ExperimentationIsKey
  3. I'm Only Sleeping: This has a very dream like quality to it, very laid back and stream of consciousness feeling. By that I feel like, even with the backmasking (used correctly this time) add to the dream quality. I also love that acoustic guitar in the track, I also love the bass pops. This is a solid tune and one of my favorites off the record. I also love the weird noises, which were backmasked as mentioned earlier. 
  4. Love You To: The second song on the record to be written by George. This song has a very raga influenced sound to it. It opens with some sitar and could actually add to the dream like feeling from the last track. I really like the rhythms on this track a lot, and like the vocal effects on this track. I doubt its only sitar, but there is some great sounds on this track. I'd love to hear a isolated version of each instrument for this track. I know sitars can have that sustain, or are supposed to rather. I also love the percussion on this. I also dig the double time at the ending g, or at least the pick up in tenpo at the ending. 
  5. Here, There and Everywhere: This is a sweet Paul McCartney tune. You can tell because its very pop like, and he's singing it. The guitar on this is so sweet and the harmonies are so fucking great. There's a dream like quality to this, but its more of a romantic dream feeling. Like what it's like to be in love and I love the arrangement here. I could easily see this being played on strings and horns but work quite well without them. Finger snaps a plus. 
  6. Yellow Submarine: I don't really feel I need to talk about this song, but I will. I really like the acoustic guitar on this track. It was written by Macca for Ringo and I love the sound effects. While I feel like, oh its this song, I still get kicks on the occasional listen. Plus, damn they really did a great job with all the effects on this thing. Honestly, listen to the non guitar, bass, drums or vocals (Ringo/harmonies) in the track. I wonder how long that took to do. 
  7. She Said She Said: This song has a bit of a punch off the bat and it has some nice acid rock guitar on it. I also really like the bands tone on the track, we get some great sounds that make it a bit more trippy, and the bass sounds great. Plus that's some solid drumming from Ringo. The vocals work well here, and I like the part that changes. I like this but I have to be in the mood for it I guess. Also the ending where it kinda speeds up a bit, I really dig that. 
  8. Good Day Sunshine: This is sunshine pop, I guess. I like the upbeat feeling of this, but for whatever reason it isn't as sunny as I feel it should be. Like if its sunshine shouldn't it be super bubble gummy. All though I love the piano work on this track. I like how the drums add a bit more punctuation to the vocals. I also really like the harmonies especially at the ending and I like the hand claps. And I appreciate that sort of loop at the end, that's really short. 
  9. And Your Bird Can Sing: This is another track in the vein of She Said She Said, all though it's more fun to listen to. Again a killer bass line and some great drums. Though in the mix they seem to be a bit more buried. I like the hand claps, they are a nice touch. And I love the riff to the track a lot. I love the bass tone though, its like an electrified upright bass without the finger hits as audible. It's nice and fast and works quite well here. 
  10. For No One: This is a bit of a baroque pop number. I really like the harpsichord on the track and its a gorgeous song that I could very easily cry to. I have heard this song a million times but that trumpet still gets me, I know its coming but I still love it. Paul feels very much like he's singing a Paul song. I think the only thing that could have made this possibly better is maybe strings towards the ending. It's still a solid track though. 
  11. Doctor Robert: I like this song, but I also feel like its kinda filler. I mean there are a number of songs that give you what this song gives you on the album. I still like the whole Beach Boys thing in the middle, but I don't fully see the point of it I guess. But what that said its still a solid acid rock tune. And I do dig the bass and organ during that one part. I also want to point out, that guitar is weird. I mean throughout but still. Kudos for getting that in a pop record. 
  12. I Want to Tell You: Another George tune, but I still dig it. This is more in the vein of say Good Day Sunshine. It's a pleasant track. I like the ending fade out, but I've kind of described what I like about it elsewhere. It's a fun song
  13. Got to Get You Into My Life: This is a great time, great bass line and great horn section featured. I could almost see this, if done slightly differently, being on a Motown album. Maybe something like Away We A Go-Go. This has a fun feeling and while it's kinda bare for how large it could be, I think it works. I also love the guitar tone on this thing. It's great. The ending is also great. 
  14. Tomorrow Never Knows: opening with a sitar drone, followed by what sounds like a drum loop with some snare. I really like the drums on this, but I'm pretty sure it's a loop. Like outside of the vocals, I'm pretty sure everything is tape manipulations. Now that's not bad, there's a great solo that is backmasked and the song keeps you interested. I mean some sounds do repeat, but I'd still pick this any day over.... Well a lot of stuff to be honest. I also bet this was fun to do when recording it, considering how this was the first time they played with tape really. I also like the thumb tack/honky rink piano at the ending. I never heard, or remember hearing, that before. Great ending and great prelude for what was to come next. 
Overall i have to give this album a 8.8/10. This is a Beatles record, so its inherently great. Well not always, but you know what I mean. They were lucky enough to not really make a terrible record, even when people fucked with the music. But this is a great, exciting record with a lot of interesting sounds and ideas. While I don't think it's perfect or mindblowing, I do like what's on the record and recommend it along with all the other Beatle records. 

Tuesday, January 12, 2016

Tug of War - Paul McCartney

Considering the 2015 reissue of this and Pipes of Peace, I decided to review this. Though that was months ago, I still think I should do this. I deserve this, and besides why not review this album. Also hopefully I'll finish the Sticky Fingers review too, soon (it also had a deluxe reissue this last summer). Now back to business, this is the third solo album credited to Paul McCartney. I'm talking non-Wings and Post-Beatles (if you include Thrillington) its the 5th but its technically only number 3 (1970-McCartney, 1980-McCartney II, 1982-this). This particular album is actually quite good, and is one of my favorites of his career. Information wise,  I'll try to do this off the top of my head, I wanna see what I remember. This is his first solo album produced by George Martin, though Live and Let Die the track was produced by Martin. This is also from 1982, and was his first Post-Lennon's Murder album. Since I could only remember 7 track (8 if you consider I couldn't remember the name but what it was) I decided to look some stuff up and I need to say it. This album is all star studded with the likes of Steve Gadd, Stanley Clarke and even George Martin plays the old electric piano. The others who played will be listed in their individual tracks. Also for the review I'm using my preferred mix, the 1993 CD version. I will also list, as a special little thing, at the bottom a few tracks from the 2015 reissue I think are worth listening to.
  1. Tug of War: This is very easy to listen to, its very radio friendly. This opens with what sounds like, honestly, audio from the scene in Titanic when they are boarding and you hear the men working. Like in real life though. I know its not that, but it sounds like a factory or an old timey labor force struggling. It works for the title. Then the acoustic guitar and vocals enter with the titular phrase. It's pretty pleasent sounding to be honest. This is followed by strings and some horns and harmony vocals. This is still very nice and I just love this tune. There is a bit of a Yesterday feeling to this. Like a bigger version of the song, maybe with the other members singing on this and playing too. Once the band comes in it sort of looses that Yesterday feeling and have a Wings vibe reminiscent of Mull of Kintytre. This is a nice opening and sort of sets a mood for the record. Also great fade into the next tune. 
  2. Take It Away: This is an instant favorite track. It's super damn catchy. There is the classic Macca hook that is just an earworm. It has this sort of pop reggae vibe to it. Maybe not reggae, but an island vibe. The chorus has some great harmonies and is followed by some solid horns. I love how the tune gets larger and larger with each passing verse. Oh, I have something I'd like to add, Richard Starkey drums on it. I forgot that, Damn me! And George Martin plays Electric Piano.
  3. Somebody Who Cares: Digging this acoustic guitar and woodwind a intro. This is reminiscent of Wings again, but you know I like them. The highlight of the song is the chorus. I enjoy hearing it, even though I never can remember this song. Also that woodwind, not sure if organic or synthesized. The solo on this is pretty nice and that woodwind adds a texture. This is at the very least a 7. This is another song that I wasn't super familiar with, I forgot about it, but you know.... It's pretty damn solid. I really dig this.
  4. What's That Your Doing: Co-written and performed with Steve Wonder. This is one of two tracks that features him. I like this track, but I'm not huge on the title. It's like having two songs, your bandmembers wrote and released on albums, titled Angel. *Cough* Christie *couch*. The intro made me laugh, this is so 80's. I'm seriously waiting for MTV to have a video going on while I listen. The vocals in the beginning can be called if Paul made Temporary Secretary a pop song. This is pretty funky, and I'm pretty sure that's a drum machine. This is a bit dated now, but it's still a nice touch. But again, I don't think this would have been made in any decade besides the 80's. I do like this tune though, and their vocals sound good together. Also it's kind of a good change of pace. Though it might run a bit long, and might quote more Beatle songs lyrics that I would have wanted. 
  5. Here Today: A very touching song that feels right. For the two people reading this Paul & John had a very strong friendship and songwriting partner ship in their Beatles days. Even though they wrote the songs themselves, and would only really on occasion post-1963 write together, they still credited the songs to each other. Now around 1966 when Yoko (she wasn't the complete reason) came into the fold they had already begin to grow as musicians and artists. By the Pepper sessions their relationships were strained. It lead to people quitting, rejoining and so on until September (if I'm remembering correctly, the month) 1969. John officially left, without announcing it. Paul was the first to officially announce his leaving in early 1970. Thought 1970-1972 or 73, they'd take shots at each other in different ways, mostly songs. John retired in 1975 and then came back in 1980, shortly before his passing. It's funny how time heals all wounds, Paul talked to John before he died and they were on good terms. I believe them being on good terms may have helped, but regardless, the situation must have hurt. And this song is a very touching, not to sappy not to bitter, song about a friend who passed and can only be written when you look past all the bullshit and just look at the good times. This might be more deserving of that Yesterday comparison. 
  6. Ballroom Dancing: Lyrically look at this as Paul's take on the idea of Come Dancing. You know, just a song about memories of a ballroom. Both are fun and silly, though CD has some serious parts. You know, for a title like this this sure have a big Rockabilly vibe going one. That's not a complaint, pretty solid track this is, but I just.... I just laugh. I mean I can't really describe this, it's fun and just don't take it that serious. Nice solo, of sorts, or breakdown rather. Also I love that musical breakdown. This tracks pretty cool, and fun and make me wonder if Gilmore made an uncredited appearance :). 
  7. The Pound is Sinking: It took a while to realize what this song is about. Based of the title I couldn't piece it together till I remembered Pounds is currency. So, the Money is Sinking? So this has to be about money in some way, like a political track, be it satire or straight. Now it's been a longb time since I heard this track, but I think it's pretty damn solid. It has these changing sections that reminds me of Uncle Albert, but this could be the masterpiece (in terms of structure) on this record. Most are rather straight, this has changes. That whole part where he talks with an accent, I love it. The guitar here is great, and this song could be a favorite of mine. There song has a personality that for whatever reason, I love in a McCartney song. This is really a great track. All the other songs I could honest review in one listen, I know them so well and they are pretty simple, this would take multiple.
  8. Wanderlust: One of my all time favorites, and still is. This song has such an epic feeling to it. I love how this follows that last track. It's just so comforting, I feel like this could just be an ending but not the end. Like a sort of floating away to go on a trip. Great example, when Rey heads out at the end of Force Awakens... If she doesnt get to her destination in the film and it ends on her just leaving and going and heading out that would be a great thing for this song. I mean, not perfect, but it feels pretty satisfying. I just love this tune, I don't know why, but I just do.
  9. Get It: This track features one Carl Perkins on guitar and vocals. For those unaware The Beatles covered Perkin's on multiple occasions. Before I listen to it for the review I want to note I remember not loving this track, and it being a weaker track. Now let's see if I remembered correctly. This actually sounds like it's fit on that Russian rock and roll covers record, Снова в СССР,  or the 1999 Run Devil Run record. It isn't straight rockabilly, but there is hints and Carl sounds snug as a glove on this duet with Pauly. It's not half bad, though I prefer the other tracks. O
  10. Be What You See (Link): Opening up with a Carl Perkin's laugh, this is actually a nice little link. Ah a Vocooded James Paul that sounds like he's singing Jesu. That's all I honestly have to say, but I think it's a good link. The transitions pretty solid. 
  11. Dress Me Up As A Robber: I haven't heard this song in years and I can still play the titular line in my head. And it makes me wanna dance. From the falsetto to the percussion and Spanish guitar. This is a Spanish song, even if it may sound a bit robotic. This is one of the best songs here and really this is awesome. I love how you pick little things up here and there with each listen. While nothing crazy it's nice. Also the main riff that's very distorted could sound just as nice if played on horns. 
  12. Ebony and Ivory: Closing the album is one of the best sings about togetherness. Featuring Stevie Wonder this song, while still a good song..... It's kinda hilarious. Also the demo is much sadder in nature. I love this song, maybe more for its cheese.... But this is the good shit. I bet in the 80's this was a solid song and the songs just so happy and harmless ..... The only reason you can hate it is if you over heard it on the radio back in the day. But honestly, this is just to damn innocent. Really, there isn't any depth beyond "Ebony" (black) and "Ivory" (white) "live together". Why don't we live together "side by side". Also I'm a sucker for the "living in perfect harmony" pun. 
Overall I have to give this album a 8/10. And early 80s record that holds up, and while not as experimental as the McCartney albums this is still a great release. I'm serious, this is probably the best solo record and maybe the last great record by the guy. That doesn't mean he didn't have anything worth listening to after this, but honestly Pipes of Peace and the following records just kind of...... this is the end of an era where Macca did no wrong (so to say). He'd never reach this high quality again after this, that's probably more accurate. Also don't frett, I have another Memorial review coming out tomorrow. 

Now here are the deluxe edition track to check out: (this is just a bonus and in no way effects the score). Dress Me Up As A Robber/Robber Riff (Demo), You Don't Know Where She Came From (Demo)

Saturday, September 12, 2015

Help! - The Beatles

This is late, like it should have been up last month, but whatever it's up now. Something I wish i would have done is review these in honor of their 50th. All The Beatles albums, why? Their my favorite and most influential artist on my taste and writing. The worst part is I did their debut as a 50th so its not like I started doing reviews and it was already the 50th for Revolver. I was doing the prior to the first album. So whatever,  this is the sixth studio UK studio, and second soundtrack, album by The Beatles. Well it coincided with the movie of the same name, only the first side of the album songs featured in the movie. In the US version, it was a straight up soundtrack. It featured the movie songs, and also the instrumental tracks from the movie. I've also researched the movie for the hell of it to remind myself how they work into the story. I have it on DVD so that was no problem.
  1. Help!: A classic theme song that sticks in your head very easily. I may not love this track, but I like it. If was originally supposed to be slower and more depressing, but they made him change it to upbeat. I wish the early version would have made it to the Anthology. That has more of a blatant, "help me I'm depressed and not getting better" (which is what its meant to be). This is more of a lighthearted" help I'm a damsel in distress and will ultimately be saved, this is an episode of a sixties show with  shenanigans". But regardless of the end products "meaning", I  love the descending guitar line. Also how it then arpeggiates.... *Fancy Person Rating Restruant Kiss Finger Thingy* Ah. This song has a really solid arrangement. I don't know if Martin was responsible, but the shifts, and the little spirts of change make this a classic.
  2. The Night Before: One of my personal favorites is this track. I love this thing. Paul sings this, and wrote it, but I love how catchy it is. I also think its better and stronger than the prior track. There isn't a single second of this that isn't a 10. I love the harmonies that both back up and call and response to Paul, the hammond organ (actually a Hohner Pianet), the bass line, the double tracked lead vocal. Then drum heavy refrain and the guitar tone that is one to aspire to in that solo. This is how you make a frickin flawless rocker. I can't not listen to this without singing along. It's seriously impossible.
  3. You've Got to Hide Your Love Away: This is a decent song. I mean it isn't of the quality the last two were, but it isn't of the quality the next one is either. This is actually, thought I never realized it, a perfect track to fit this spot. Now I don't think it's as good as the two before it, but it's at lest a 7 or 8. But it's slower, it doesn't keep chugging away at the quick rockers that the first two were. This also uses the flute to a masterful effect. 
  4. I Need You: This has a weird minor feeling to it. I feel like I should look up these chords. Now I want to note this is one of the first times Georgie wrote a song. The first is one of my favorites Don't Bother Me, frickin' instant classic no matter what he though of it in later years. This, this is more in that lane of... I kinda feel like this should be the song that was his first time writing a song on an album. I mean in the movie it works for it's scene, but on the album I kinda think it doesn't. I like the strum pattern, the kind of spanish (?) one. I think the thing that really bothers me, or hurts the song, is the fade in fade out guitar lead. This doesn't really seem like the type of song that this would work for. Maybe if it was an organ and they notes were a little longer, but the guitar just.... I don't like it's mymic job you know. I looked it up, and now I understand why it doesn't click. But I'll never tell. Mostly because I didn't figure it out on my own, but also because it'd be very bad.
  5. Another Girl: Easily one of the best songs by the group in my opinion, it was penned by Sir McCartney and features him on lead fills and lead vox. This is very similar to The Night Before, It's very fun and makes me want to get up and play along. I really love this and I really can't find much to say about it that I didn't say earlier in this review.
  6. You're Going To Lose That Girl: Not huge on the fact there's another long track that could work as being lines in each others songs. I don't know why, but this isn't that bad. I mean, I know all the words to this track, it makes me want to play along. And that's kinda the magic of this group. They always have solid drum beats, catchy vocals, great bridges, tasty licks and at this period some nice sharp guitar tones. If the guitar was mixed louder I'd almost think it was taken from Roxy & Elsewhere or at least that 1973-1974 period where he used "razor blades" to play. It's hard to hate any of their songs. I do like the intro to this song, and love that bongo.
  7. Ticket to Ride: I never got this. The first Beatles CD I had, my cousins burned it on my computer, was 1. There was songs I skipped, and never really liked to listen to. To my recollection all have either grown, or degrown (but not to the point of not liking it) on me, except this track. This honestly was the same from day one, in terms of feelings. Few tracks are like that. I know its a popular Beatles song, but I'm not into liking things just because they are popular. I like what I do because I do. Let's hope the chord structures unique or interesting. I mean I guess I can look at the sheet music and see if I like the way it's voiced. I mean I didn't see anything that I thought was mind blowing, but I do like the ending. I kinda wish that didn't fade out of the best part, but you know.
  8. Act Naturally: This is a cover of a song by Buck Owens and The Buckaroos, sung by Ringo. This song is so Ringo, you kinda can't hate it. And this is also the perfect song to be on this album, it's almost self aware. It wasn't written for this, but this is the soundtrack, Side 1, for their second movie and it talks about "Acting Naturally" while being in the "Movies". It's a country diddy that fits very well too. I do like the 
  9. It's Only Love: This is a sequel of sorts to Your Gonna Loose That Girl, but where that song is fun this is more sad or low. This sounds like an outtake from, honestly, Beatles For Sale. It's kind of a romantic feeling to it, but I don't know. I really am kind of out of things to say about it. I mean, I really can't think of anything I haven't said earlier, or later, here that is different. Not that it's not different, just I don't have anything to say.
  10. You Like Me Too Much: This is another just okay song. This is much better than I Need You, but it still kinda reminds me of that, but also mixed with some other songs on this album. The piano reminds me a little of a saloon, but the pianet reminds me of the other songs with it used on it. This could almost be looked at as George's take on The Night Before. This is more relaxed, or loose rather. I don't think those are the right words but where TNB is urgent and fast, this is took a toke and played the same song. Does that make sense?
  11. Tell Me What You See: See this is another track that would be snug on Beatles For Sale. And I... Damnit what song. This reminds me a lot of Every Little Thing or maybe What You're Doing, though that little post chorus sections with the really cool "fill" is sick. Not mind blowingly sick, but sick enough. But that's the only really interesting part. And the thing is even the lesser songs on Beatles For Sale have something going for them, interesting arrangements or instruments. Or the fact there is a cover or two, so if a cover's not exciting I don't really hold it against the bad. And both of those song listed earlier are notable better than this. And the change is more.... they flow better.
  12. I've Just Seen A Face: A song that touches me every time I hear it. It's so innocent, I mean it has a skiffle feeling to it, and it's also a country song. This is like All Together Now, except this is a love song. From the drum sound (achieved with "brushed snares" I looked it up), to the vocals (not double tracked), to the solo that is works and never sounds a bit off. This is also a great song to get you into the full effects of the next track. There isn't much here to comment about, it's just a really great song that's infectious as hell. Much like some of the other greats on this album.
  13. Yesterday: This really is worthy of being a standard. Being the most covered song ever, officially, its gorgeous. The original is the best but its such a well written song its one of those, every version is either, good great or above. Songs like Autumn Leaves and Summertime are like this. I've yet to hear a bad rendition if this, or those. There obviously lesser version, but I haven't come across a totally bad version. It's got the gentle touch of a solo song that is just so intimate. The string arrangement reminds me a little of a variation of the Family Way soundtrack that was arranged by George Martin also, and was written by Paul. This is how arrangents should vs the sometimes over-arranged (at parts) Let It Be album, though I do think it'd be siginficatly better if it's wasn't so "wall of sound" 
  14. Dizzy Miss Lizzy: This is a cover which I'd assume was rather dizzying back in the day. Now it is still kinda, bug not so much. It's not half bad, but it's also not that amazing. It's a rocker that closes the album, but the sharp tone might be mixed a little too loud without not enough power. Like there are parts where it sounds like it's not synced up. Like the double track isn't matched up close enough. That kinda sucks about it, but I wish the guitar also was more intresting. Not just that same riff. Play little fills and licks, not "Da Da Da DaDeLa Da Da".
Overall I have to give this album a 7/10. Of the 14 only 4 in my mind are flawless. At the end of the day one of the weaker albums in my opinion. But saying that doesn't take away from this being one of the best albums on the 60's. Maybe I'm biased, I mean there are songs here I haven't heard in a few years that I am picking up on things I try to do in songs. But I try to look passed my biases. This is where they started trying new things, not to the extent of Rubber Soul but seriously. There isn't another album by the group that sounds that similar to this, if you look past the songs that are "outtakes". But the worst part here is that the songs are so short and go by so fast, it's hard to get all my thoughts out. TBH that's kind of a good "flaw". If you get a chance check out the mono version of this, it's worth it.

Sunday, March 24, 2013

Please Please Me - The Beatles

This is the debut album by my FAVORITE BAND OF ALL TIME. This is the third album review I'm doing of a Beatles album, I don't know exactly when this is going to be uploaded but I started this review on March 23rd, 2012. I'm pissed because my cunt ass computer wasn't working right and I couldn't use the keyboard to type into it. This was supposed to go up on March 22nd, 2012 which was the 49th anniversary of it being released, but I later said fuck it and am going to now upload it 1 year later so it will celebrate it's 50th anniversary. So it was basically useless to me. Now I have an good one and it works, especially since we got two, in case one breaks. Well aside from the computer thing, this album was risky for me. I used to say I didn't like The Beatles then I saw the movie Across The Universe and that got me interested in them. My cousins burned 1 on the computer and I kinda liked it, except Let It Be. #You have no fucking idea how Ironic that is. But then I used to say, after I bought Abbey Road, I only like their later stuff. So the album that I took a risk, so to say first was Rubber Soul. That album was still kind of experimental. But this was the first early, pre-experimental Beatles album I ever bought. And well.... I got into it. moral of the story is musical experimentation is very important, and if not for The Beatles I probably wouldn't have ever learned that. But you'll see why I love this album so much right....... Now! Well, Now it's a few days after the 50th, so lets dive in!
  1. I Saw Her Standing There: This is the first song on the album. It is a good introduction to this album. It's upbeat and exciting and sets the tone for this album as a whole.
  2. Misery: This song is another awesome song. The way this song starts it's got this feeling that I can't quite put my finger on, but I love it. I could see them playing this in Hamburg. I think the little piano fills in there are awesome. It's so sick that they did that for track two on album one. I don't know why, but this kind of blows my mind. It has kind of a doo-wop vibe
  3. Anna (Go To Him): The first time I heard this I was surprised that I liked it so much. It thought that it was kind of a weird track. I thought it didn't sounds like any other of the hits that I'd heard before. Now I love the track even more than the first time I heard it.
  4. Chains: This is a good song. I don't think that it's amazing, but I don't hate it. I think that this is a slower song. It doesn't really make me wanna get up and dance. Even some of the slower songs on this album I would still dance too.
  5. Boys: Ringo sings this one. This is a pretty exciting track to pick up where Chains was slower. I think that this is a doo-wop song. I think it's a fun song that you can dance to. Its like a good Sha Na Na. The solo in this song is sick. I really don't know how other to describe it than it's perfect of the song.
  6. Ask Me Why: This is a jazzy kind of song. I could see this being played at a school dance in the 60's. I really like this song. This has one of the coolest refrains/chorus on the album. It love it.
  7. Please Please Me: This is probably my favorite track on the album. I love the hell out of it. The vocals at all the parts of this song are awesome. There isn't really any part of this song that I think it's good. Sometimes really good songs have parts at aren't as good, well I don't think this track does. From the solid playing, and the bass line, and guitar vocals. Paul is one sick ass bassist. {10/10}
  8. Love Me Do: You can't go wrong with this song. The simple beat and lyrics. This song is a good example of, well, sometimes simple is better. So hats off to Ziggy. I love Paul's vocals in the song and his bass line. And I love the harmony's. This song is just, in a single word, yes {10/10}
  9. P.S. I Love You: I really like this song. I don't like at as much as the last two tracks, but I still do like it. I think it's a little more sad than the last track, which was upbeat. This was the b-side of the Love Me Do single in the UK in '62. There is like a Spanish feeling to this song. Which is FUCKING AWESOME! Even back then  they didn't just do blues *cough* The Rolling Stones *cough*.
  10. Baby It's You: This is probably one of the weaker points on the album. I do think this is a good song, but I don't think it's anything special.
  11. Do You Want To Know A Secret: This song is a pretty cool song. The beginning of this song sounds like it's something exciting coming up. Thought it stays at a slow pace this is still a kick ass song. I like the way George sings this one. I also really like the bass line and the drums.
  12. A Taste Of Honey: This song is almost seductive with the way that it is. It feels kind of like tango. I could see someone dancing to this song. I could probably see myself making love to this song, while it's playing. I love the chorus and the arpeggios. The distortion of the guitar is awesome to. I also think it's sick the way that they did the double track on Paul's vocals in the :"middle eight".
  13. There's A Place: I love this song, wow, I say that a lot. No, but seriously, this is an awesome song. I like the way the harmonica. The refrains in this song, and along with a part of this album, are just amazing. I'm a sucker for an AMAZING refrain/chrous/pre-chrous and lots of songs on this album have those. "Do you know that it's so". Some examples, off other albums, are Another Girl, No Reply, Think For Yourself, She's A Woman, Michelle, I'll Be Back, I'm So Tired among others.
  14. Twist and Shout: This is one of the very, I mean very, few. Like out of The Beatles 200+ songs in their main discography, there is probably 5 songs I'm not huge on. This is one of them. I have just gotten sick of this song. It was ok at first, but Ferris kinda ruined the song for me. Now it doesn't really have that same UMPH! it used to have.
Overall I have to give that album an 8/10. This album was an important part in my musical journey, that still goes on today. As funny as it is, listening to this album today, it only helps remind me how AMAZING The Beatles actually are. I can't believe that these guys have done as big of a number as they have to me. In the best way possible.

Monday, May 28, 2012

Let It Be - The Beatles

This is long past due but here it is. This is the 12th and final studio album by the legendary, and my favorite band, The Beatles. This was recorded from January-February 1969, with the exception of Phil "Shithead" Spector's overdubs. His overdubs took place over January-April, 1970. Some stuff was recorded in February of 1968, Across the Universe, and January 1970, I Me Mine. This album was released on May 8th, 1970 and the movie was released May 13th, 1970. The movie pretty much showed, unintentionally, the final climax leading to the breakup to the band. In late 1968 Paul came up the idea to have a "live in the studio" movie and for them to get back to their roots. That's why it was originally called Get Back. After The Beatles broke up the title was changed to the more appropriate Let it Be.
  1. Two Of Us: Paul wrote this one about Linda. It is a very sweet love song. This is one of my favorite songs on this album. This has a finger picked intro to it and it sounds awesome. This song has a place in my heart because it is a love song. I think that this is a good intro to the album. This is a pretty song and you can tell that this has meaning to Paul. This is a fun song and the beat to it makes it a classic Paul on guitar song. Even though there are other instruments on this song. I could kind of see this possibly being on The White Album if it was just Paul and his guitar, but this way is a lot better than the other way.
  2. Dig a Pony: This is a song written by John. I don't remember if there was a meaning behind this song or not, but I do know that it grew on me. I used to not like it when I first heard it Freshman year, but later on, still in Freshman year, I learned to like it, kind of. This song is a good example of how their song writing changed. Listen to The White Album then listen to this song. I can see this kind of being on that album, but I also feel like that would kind of be a stretch. I love this bass and the guitar distortion.The vocals on this kind of remind me of, the part with the harmony vocals, I've Got A Feeling. This song has a raw live feel to it. I don't know if that's because of Phil "saving" the project or weither it would have sounded like that anyway. I feel it would have been more raw if he didn't. The solo in this song is neat. I really like the ending how it "comes full circle" with the riff.
  3. Across The Universe: This songs was originally released in 1968 for some world fund foundation compilation. This song is very eerie and kind of depressing. This song, I think, has sitar in it. If its not sitar that's making that whole buzzing sound, then it's the fact that Phil slowed the track down. This song has really cool sounding acoustic guitar in it, and I think it goes along with one of my favorite acoustic guitar sound, also on that list is the epic A Day In The Life off the epic 1967 Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. I'm gonna try to finish that review for June 1st. This song also has a sick string part that comes in at that fade where you have to listen for it.
  4. I Me Mine: This is a great song by George. This song is very catchy and has that Waltz feel to it. This is a song I could see someone dancing to on Dancing with the Stars, if they were able to get the legal stuff for it. Well anyway the vocals on this song are kind of cool. I really like the guitar distortion on this and the drums. This song is very, drum sounding. The strings add and compliment this song and help to give it this, epic feeling. The chorus completely changes the tempo and style of song. The whole chorus has different instruments and has this like organ fill at the end of it in the background. This song is a really cool song and is helped by the orchestrations in it. And each verse gets more epic sounding and louder. Until the end where it's as big as it gets and then goes down, and ends.
  5. Dig It: My favorite version is the 8 minute one that is on the Ultra Rare Trax Vol. 6. Which that is a bootleg album, so it's not an official album. I hope to one day hear all of the Bootleg Beatles albums, I am going to review some of them too. This is just a silly filler song the album. Its fun to hear the pop culture references he makes in the 8 minute version because he has 7 minutes worth of them more.
  6. Let It Be: This is a classic Beatles song. I find it hard for you to honestly say that you don't like this album. This song is one of my favorite Beatles songs. This song is one of most uplifiting songs I've ever heard in my entire life. The beginning piano intro make it feel like "It's here :)". Paul's vocals come in the song to make it sound this ballad. I love the way the piano sounds and the Phil Spector added choir makes this into that gospel sounding song that everyone knows it as. Then the drums come in and it followed by Billy Preston on organ and he does a fill into the solo. I think that my favorite solo is the one in the single. The one in this version is John's solo, the single is George's. The guitars distortion is just eargasmic to me. I love the tone and the whole feel of it. The Fender Jazz bass, which they used on, I believe, White Album, Abbey Road and Let it Be. I think that's the only albums. But the bass in that song is just as good and adds to the song. There are also horns in this and it all adds into a beautiful gospel sounding song. {12/10}.
  7. Maggie Mae: This is a catchy song and really fast. I like this one a lot for some reason. This is a traditional Liverpool song. It sounds like a song you'd sing if you were drunk. This is only 40 seconds long and it is kind of a silly song. I know that they didn't include in on the Let it Be... Naked version of the album. The thing that I like about this song is that it has that sound that was a sound that sounded like, if you've heard any bootlegs from the Get Back/Let it Be recordings sessions, or at least seen the movie, you know that sound. This sounds like it was played for fun and not seriously. I think that it kinda ok for the continuity of the album.
  8. I've Got A Feeling: This is one of the funniest songs that I've heard them play at the rooftop concert. It was in the movie, of course. Yet again a sick sounding guitar part. This song seems like a song that would be a good first song to a concert. The whole way it is, and how it's like the parts come in one at a time after each other. Paul's voice sounds like this is live. Now I know they took parts of the live version from the concert and used it.The part where it goes "Everybody had a good year" is not as good and Paul's part, but the whole instrumentation that goes into the part where they both sing their parts of the song is awesome. This song is a fun song and a good live song. It's a shame that Paul didn't play this song live with Wings.
  9. One After 909: This song was back from the '50s Beat Brothers days. This was writen by John with some input from Paul. This song is totally a '50s song. The way it's set up and the way it sounds. It isn't in anyway a stretch to say that John said he wrote it when he was about 17, so around 1957 which is when the Beat Brothers were still together under that name. This was different sounding and revamped. This version is better than the one from, I'm pretty sure 1964, which they didn't use until Anthology Vol 1 in 1995. I really like the bass on this song and the entire album in general. This is a fun song that I think should get more attention. 
  10. The Long and Winding Road: Let me state this, the Let it Be... Naked version is probably the one I perfer. I feel like the whole orchestral parts in this song give me a headache if its too loud. Phil really did a number on this album. This is a terrible reality because of the "wall of sound" production. I like this version a lot, but I also think that Spector shouldn't have messed with the song. I think that the entire choir, strings and brass give this song a gospel sounding vibe to this song. Much like Let it Be but more. This song is a songs that, for some reason, I could see being played on Seasame Street. The original, not orchestrated version doesn't really, for the most part, have and resemblance of a gospel sounding tune.
  11. For You Blue: This isn't one of George's best. I really don't like this song that much. It is too bluesy and irritating. I never really liked this song that much anyway. The whole slide in this song bugs me. I just can't stand the whole blues to it. I really have a hard time with this song. Not terrible song, just not one of my favorites. This sounds like a song that The Rolling Stones would do, but not as good. OH that a diss, big time Mick. I do kind of like how the slide sounds distorted, but the piano or keys and the slide solo, very much hurt the song. It sounds cute, but not in a good way. I do think that this song isn't terrible though.
  12. Get Back: This is one of my favorite Beatles song. I love the crap out of this song. This was one of the first song that I loved/got me into these guys. The song tells a story that some think makes mention of Linda's last husband, who lived in Tuscon Arizona. And it is also been said this is just a Get Back and leaves alone to Yoko. Well whatever the song is about doesn't really matter to me anymore. What I'm more into this the musical part of it. I already know enough about this song, I want to get to the writing. The song starts out with them tuning up, and talking, which was there to add the effect of the making of the film. The guitar distortion in this song is one of me favorite types of distortion. For that reason, well I need a Fender Amp and Fender Tele. This is such a bluesy song, which blues irritates me, but I love the crap out of it. The chorus is catchy and impossible to forget. The consistent bass riff that Paul is playing makes me want to play along. The first solo, or organ fill, is played by on Billy Preston. The second solo, guitar this time, is played by John and is one of my favorite solos by Los Beatles. I like how the song just kind of ends vs the single version where it stops then starts up again and plays to fade.
Overall I have to give this a 9.7/10. What you have to realize is that this was the last album released, but Abbey Road was the last album to be recorded.  Though there were somethings Phil Shitctor added in 1970, the vast of it was recorded in the winter of 1969. If you want to hear the real Let it Be buy 2003's Let it Be... Naked. That's as close as anything else to what it would have sounded like. Though I have my problems with this, I have to say that Phil did do a good job on some of the songs. And if he didn't do this, Let it Be might of never been released. Think about that for a second.... It pisses me off that they don't really credit George Martin as a producer. He did most of he work. In all honesty it's like a 7

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Rubber Soul - The Beatles


This album is very meaning full to me. I originally bought it just to have it. It was the fourth Beatles CD I bought. I still wasn't a huge fan. This album eventually grew on me and is now one of my favorite albums. The feel that I get from this album is one of warm, loving, comfortable winter. The kind that is what makes you feel like what it is like inside and bundled up and warm. There are many, I mean many, factors that led to this being one of my favorite albums. One being that, it reminds me of 9th grade when I bought this. During winter and listened to it like crazy. I was in love with this along with all the other Beatles albums. This album has some of my favorite songs and memories built on to this so... here we go
  1. Drive My Car: The introduction riff to this song grabs my attention. The use of the piano in the chorus and the use of cowbell is perfect. The dual vocal harmony is tight, and the solo. The sound they guitar makes during the solo is one of my favorite distortions to a guitar. The feel I get from this is... yeah
  2. Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown): This song is completely different. This is, from my understanding, the first commercial pop song to feature a sitar. The Acoustic Guitar/Sitar playing at the same time makes this perfectly emotional, and makes it seem more impact. John's vocals are good, but when he sings the chorus with Paul it fills that little gap in the vocals and makes it whole.
  3. You Won't See Me: This is an 'iffie. I like this song, but it depends on what mood I'm in. This song is a very pretty song, which as I understand again, Jane (Paul's then girlfriend) and their ''Failing?" relationship. The backing vocals give it a doo-wop feel to it.
  4. Nowhere Man: This song makes me cry. I found more respect for it after seeing the Yellow Submarine movie. The part with Jeremy, the nowhere man, realizing that he has lived a life of nothingness makes you contemplate. Though this song was about John's. And the solo what can I say beside beautiful. The Guitar distortion in the song fits perfect, and the bass adds an backup to the acoustic guitar and drums. This song helps me sometimes think about the decisions I've made and the choices I should make and if there is really a point to wasting time.
  5. Think for Yourself: George needs as much props for this song as he can get. This song is vocal harmony wise tighter than Drive My Car and also the guitar is even cooler on this than that one too. The whole atmosphere of this song, the bass, drums, guitar, tambourine, maracas. I really think that it should be on a Beatles greatest hits album. This deserves to be on my list of favorite songs
  6. The Word: The song lyrically is ok. But the instrumentation is great if you take the time to listen to it. The chorus in the song feature one of the coolest sounding guitar riffs on the album. And in the verses the little screech is awesome. The vocals on this song are another tight vocally.
  7. Michelle: This song is EXTREMELY important to me. Not because of the memories that it brings back, but the fact that this was one of the most important all around songs that helped me change my view on music as a whole. Before this I only like Metallica and other old metal. Now since this album it changed my views on that and this song helped make my favorite band The Beatles. I spent so much time trying to learn the french in the song perfect. I also tried to learn this to impress my first person I'd ever been in love with. Obviously nothing was really there, it was just my emotions running off. The vocals/lyrics make me cry. The acoustic guitar makes me cry. The very prevalent bass guitar helps the beauty of it all. Now the distortion on the guitar in this song is my favorite on the whole album as a whole.
  8. What Goes On: A ''cute'' Ringo song. It fits and sound like a fun up beat song. A perfect ''filler'' in between two of the most beautiful songs on the album, Michelle, and the most depression Girl
  9. Girl: I remember sitting in my kitchen alone in the middle of the night, during finals week freshman year, probably at like 2 or 3 am. I was listening to this song and trying to write songs based off this one. This song is an awesome Lennon ballad. Johnny's vocals and lyrics fit perfect, a word I use alot (but it works and fits, with my opinion). This song literally makes me cry when I listen to it. The chorus is, if anything, makes it harder to not let it hit. The inhales he takes it seem like he is well, he's a bum and this girl he's singing about ruined his life and his everything.
  10. I'm Looking Through You: Another cute song. Upbeat, like What Goes On. Now the added affect of its fun is added by its claps in the song. This is a fun song to listen to just for funzies, a
  11. In My Life: This song hits, not like girl, but still hits. I remember being a freshman and thinking about everyone that I'd ever met and everything that I'd ever done and if I'd ever get married, have a family, have a job. What you should be concerned about growing up. I wrote a song, which is just more like a poem. I remember calling talking to my friend Annette on the phone and asking her what rhymes with some words. And I also think of my cousin Stevie who read the lyrics to the song for a speech. So it is completely full of memories for me. This could be the same way for you to. This is another good contemplating song
  12. Wait: Fun, upbeatishly down? I like this one a lot. The vocals sound like one person. The songwriting on this song defiantly deserve a shit load of praise. The effects and overall atmosphere of this song is one of raw but not. It feels rough, but at the same time it feels clean cut and mastered and that it's shit is together.
  13. If I Needed Someone: This song is good. The chorus is very pretty. The verses are also pretty. This is an overall pretty song.
  14. Run For Your Life: This song is ok. This is probably my least favorite song on the album. I used to like it more, but there is just no real reason I don't. It's just that I lost interest in the song? What ever, it's still good, just not as good as the others. But it is a perfect closing song to this album.
Over all Rubber Soul deserves an 100/10. I love this album, it's the shit and it deserves it spot on Rolling Stones 500 greatest albums of all time - NOTE I'm gonna add stuff and fix this review. So it won't be a 10 forever, also I don't really regard most of the reviews from 2012 or possibly 2013 as really accurate anymore. Very far and few in between still work.