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Preface: First, a confession. I don't think the Beatles are a shoo-in for the greatest band that ever was, like everybody seems to think they are. And though they rode the vanguard, they weren't single-handedly responsible for the musical revolution of the '60s. If the Beatles never existed, one of the many other great bands that were also blazing new trails in that era would have stepped in to fill the void. That said, I do recognize the Beatles' talent and enormous influence on music and culture. And there are a few Beatles songs that I can at least tolerate when I'm in the mood. So I figured the least I could do was dedicate a week to them. That way, nobody can complain if I never pull out another Beatles song on my music log again. :-p
Monday (9/03/07): While My Guitar Gently Weeps [The White Album, 1968]
Comments: This was the first Beatles song that ever caught my attention, unsurprisingly from the soulful lead guitar courtesy of one Eric Clapton. I actually heard a stripped acoustic version of this song once, with no lead guitar. Talk about pointless. Anyhow, I've discovered musicians that can make their guitar weep much more sorrowfully than Clapton can since then, but this one's still a good lead.
Tuesday (9/04/07): Happiness Is A Warm Gun [The White Album, 1968]
Comments: This might sound kind of dark, but I like the idea of accepting happiness as an illusion, which many people struggle for, but only end up making themselves more miserable when they can't reach it. And so, in the end, the only true happiness is a warm gun, with which you can end your own tortured existence... or, let off some steam by murdering a few of the wretches that torment you, I suppose. Either way, it's all good. :-D
Wednesday (9/05/07): Twist And Shout [Please Please Me, 1963]
Comments: The impassioned vocals on this song make it a keeper, not to mention the Little Richard-esque accompaniment. Honestly, it was the movie Ferris Bueller's Day Off that made me like this song. It's just a great, fun scene. But ultimately, it's the vocals that carry this song.
Thursday (9/06/07): Helter Skelter [The White Album, 1968]
Comments: This is quite possibly The Beatles' heaviest song, and that makes up for a lot. Unlike the group's crooning pop singles, this one's a solid rocker, front to back.
Friday (9/07/07): I Want You (She's So Heavy) [Abbey Road, 1969]
Comments: This song has a tendency to drag on - kind of like Hey Jude - but in this case, the song is enticing enough that it doesn't feel unwelcome. The strained energy of the song is palpable, and the lyrics, while incredibly simple, just cut right to the point - "I want you so bad it's driving me mad". When I first heard/discovered this song, it was the perfect accompaniment to my own feelings at the time.
Saturday (9/08/07): Yer Blues [The White Album, 1968]
Comments: Actually, I first heard this song c/o The Dirty Mac, from The Rolling Stones' Rock And Roll Circus, but the Beatles version is good too. A great take on a rockin' blues. I read once that this was a tongue-in-cheek jab at either the blues itself or the British imitation of it, and from the lyrics I can believe it. But ironically, that doesn't kill my enjoyment of the song, because I can still listen to it and take it at face value.
Sunday (9/09/07): Revolution 9 [The White Album, 1968]
Comments: I have to say this is probably my favorite Beatles song, and that statement isn't entirely independent of the fact that many Beatles fans hate this song and think it's the worst thing the band ever recorded. I do think it's genius, though. Absolutely creepy, very atmospheric. I like scary things like this, and just the idea that a band like the Beatles recorded it makes it even more intriguing. And the alleged connections to Revelation 9 only sweeten the deal.
Afterthought: Looking back with the perspective I have from 2024, this is still a good collection of songs (although I don't think I realized how prominently The White Album was featured). If I did it today, I could probably find more songs to appreciate - but don't hold your breath, as that's not a priority for me. (Do check out my theme dedicated to lesser-known Beatles covers, though). While I stand by everything I said about Revolution 9, I have to admit it's not something I'd listen to on any random Tuesday. It really demands the right frame of mind. Revolution, however - the one without the number 9 attached to it - is another great, hard-rocking Beatles track, and eminently more listener-friendly.