They produced some great work throughout their career, but for me Rubber Soul and Revolver are "the peak" While they were undoubtedly massive in 1964 circa A Hard Day's Night, and for all the enduring work they created afterwards, on Rubber Soul and Revolver you get the best of both worlds: innovation and consistently strong songwriting played with the energy of a white hot live band and the enthusiasm of four guys who still enjoyed being Beatles.
For me abbey road demonstrates all of they could do, it's got the classic songs, it's got the psychedelic jams and the band is as tight as it was, with amazing stereo production and the best mixing they've had
For me, as time passes the beatles skills and ambitions increase but as they develop, they do so in different directions and become less of a band and more of four individuals and a backing group. Revolver is the peak in the curve where skill, ambition and group unity come together to produce a cohesive piece of work.
Those "Revolver"-era guitar sounds were the best guitar sounds they ever came up with. Specifically, this song, "Rain," "She Said She Said" and "Paperback Writer."
I think it was in the Anthology where Paul talked about the symbiosis between the Beatles and the Byrds. He says something about the Byrds being influenced by them and adding "that jangly thing" presumably the 12 string Rickenbacker. Then the Beatles heard them and were influenced adding "the jangley thing". This song an Mr. Tambourine, to me have similarities because of the Beatle sounding falsetto harmonies as well as the signature Rickenbacker sound. While I like the Byrds, I have to say, there is something about the presense in Beatles songs that lands closer to my heart. Call it the hook or the musicality, but there is something about the Beatles' songwriting that speaks to me more. Be it the choice of subject matter or the turn of phrase in the actual lyrical word choices, the words comfortable. The same goes for the music. That goes beyond growing up listening to their songs and being familliar with them, as someone suggested to me before. I remember as a teen in the '80s, getting my first British import versions of Rubber Soul and Revolver and getting to hear the tracks cut off of the American releases. I had never heard the non single songs like, Dr. Roberts, And Your Bird Can Sing, If I Needed Someone etc. Even though I may not have heard those songs, they immediately "fit" into my musical lexicon.
Yes this is one of their songs I kinda skipped over when I was a kid discovering them, so much music and I went for all their more rocking or weird stuff. But some like this one I didn’t get until much later and yes knowing what I know about guitar playing today I see that is some wicked genius double riffing
@@MrModway The riff is BOTH Paul and George. Gad, the BS defenses of little put-upon puppy-dog George that necessitates attacking John. The song originates with JOHN, like it or not. The lyrics and music are John's LEARN the basic facts: John had a band. Paul wanted in. He auditioned by playing a song for John. John made the decision to let him in. Paul had a friend, George Harrison, who followed Paul (and John) around like a puppy dog. Paul finally had George AUDITION for the band TO JOHN. It was JOHN who made the decision to let George join JOHN'S band. Paul and John's songwriting success was phenomenal, and it made sense not to screw with it. And George's songwriting was not up to their standard. And the "Do You Want to Know a Secret" was written FOR George, and its limited melody range is because, as John said, George had LIMITED vocal range. The original story about George's song -- the MUSICAL performance of which is awesome, because Paul and John could focus exclusively on playing without singing -- "Don't Bother Me" was that others, in view of John and Paul's success as songwriters, were asking him why he wasn't writing songs, and his response was, "Don't bother me". George did have the luck, though, of being right there when John and Paul were writing hugely successful songs, so got FREE LESSONS in how to write songs. And yet, as late as the "Get Back" sessions, John had to tell George a basic of how to write a lyric: in view of the fact that writing is REwritng, if one doesn't get the right words the first time around, one uses some approximation or place-holder until during rewrites the writing comes more and more together. It isn't bad enough that George fans -- like Paul fans -- can't handle the least criticism of either; George fans have to exaggerate George's talents and accomplishments because they feel the need to do his passive-aggressive whining for him.
@@jnagarya519 John wrote the chords, melody and most of the lyrics but Paul and George both wrote and played that guitar riff. That comment didn't sound like an attack nearly as much as you calling George a puppy-dog, think about it.
@@rrdream2400 George was like a puppy-dog following John and Pal around. That continued with the disregard of his songwriting. And his songwriting was not up to their standard until much later. There's a difference between you and I: I was there. You're a newbie.
AYBCS is not just my favorite Beatles track, it is my all-time favorite song. The harmony guitars launched a thousand ships. This song not only invented power pop, it perfected it, never to be surpassed.
I, born in the mid 60s was raised on Beatles - it was our bedtime music. But being in the states, we didn't get this song on our version of Revolver, so when I heard it in the 80s, it was like finding a new Beatles song.
Exactly my experience. While Yesterday, Day Tripper, Nowhere Man, Drive My Car and We Can Work It Out got a lot of radio play as singles or even B-sides, the other songs were "new" to me when I finally got the import versions with the original track listings. That's when I first learned about the Butcher Cover version of Yesterday and Today and the symbolism of the cover that was later denied (Capitol having "cut up" their albums/babies) It seems preposterous that it was done, but now at least the albums can be bought in tact as was meant to be.
This song has been recognized and dissected a lot lately -- and deserves it. More than 60 years on, discoveries anew. Excellent and informative reaction, Fathom.
I am so impressed with your insight on the guitar and vocal harmonies-you are right on about the 3 voices making a 4th element to their sound...especially coming from such a young musician... you also get an A+
I've been playing Beatle songs for 50yr. While spending many hours discussing & pondering what it was that hooked me & millions of others that Sun night watching Ed Sullivan. Best I can determine it was the blend of their voices that turned a would-be major league baseball player into a long hair gtr player in just under 1hr. Much to the horror of my parents!
AYBCS is about, IMHO, a metaphor for materialism. The girl has everything, been everywhere, but shows little interest in the singer, and only gets unhappy when her new bright & shiny toy no longer works. It's actually a pretty forward-looking song considering our addiction to devices and the way we accumulate and collect the latest, shiny object. Great video! I love your channel so much.
I’m very impressed with the depth and quality of your video, your musical knowledge and ability to play what you reference, your video production chops, and what must have been a ton of time and effort in gathering all the referenced video clips. Much respect.
Yes, I have thought EXACTLY the same thing for a while. I believe the essence of that message lies in these lines: "When your prized possessions/ Start to weigh you down Look in my direction/ I'll be 'round I'll be 'round" I believe the narrator is telling his girlfriend (or "bird" in 60's English vernacular) that if or when she changes her priorities, and realizes that materialism is not what's of central importance in life, then perhaps they'll be able to re-connect at that time.
It's probably one of the first to use harmony guitar lines predating bands like The Naz ie Todd Rundgren's band and The Allman Brothers. Truely a guitar masterpiece( courtesy of George and Paul)
As a tight, coherent group working together, I agree that Revolver was the creative peak for the band. They would still create high-level work on future albums but more as individuals with the others as their session musicians versus active collaborators.
Wow, what a fabulous breakdown of a great song! I'm almost 60, and I'm still learning something new about one of my favorite bands on the planet! Great job, thank you!!!
For me this track is The Beatles. Back in the 1970s I was watching (in colour) the Beatles cartoon show (which I'd seen in b&w in the 1960s) and this song was featured in an episode. I'd forgotten it existed, but as soon as I heard it, I had to go to the old LPs and listen to it again. It's the Beatles coming together as a band where they all are involved in making a beautiful noise. Other tracks are great for featuring one of them backed by the others. But this one isn't John backed by the other four, even though his is the lead voice. It's all of them collaborating to make something greater than the sum of its parts. Thanks for your analysis.
According to Neil Aspinall, the song was about a very posh 'bird' who introduced herself to John at a film party, and whom John at first fancied, almost as much as she fancied him...but, as the conversation developed and she bragged on about her lineage, home in the country, possessions etc, John went off her rather quickly and walked off leaving her stupefied, and not adding himself to her possessions - 'you don't get me'.
Nice info. So it’s about meeting a girl, being attracted to her, then seeing that she’s totally materialistic and walking away. So much more depth in content than most other pop bands of that time. I’d say this song reflects the influence Dylan had on Lennon - he started touching on subjects more serious than holding hands with a girl and moved toward more real life things, reflective or introspective things like this one, nowhere man, even help.
A perfect song. A genuinely perfect song. The bassline is killer, that vocal bit is wonderfully Beatles and that riff is supreme. The melody is the kind of thing I would kill to write. I love your energy. Great video.
Magnificent analysis. Thank you. Just absolutely love your passion and ability to spot the details for what are the genius of the Beatles for many of us. I’m sharing this video with all my friends.
I love how you've chosen this song. I've always pointed this as song as perhaps the most condensed essence of the Beatles. If I had to pick one song of theirs to serve as an example as to what they were all about, this would definitely be a leading candidate. Precisely as you say, it represents the past, present and future of the band. Hear, hear!
Oh! It’s a good day. How great to stumble on to this video. I’m 64, and so grew up listening to my older siblings playing Beatles records. This song’s vocal harmonies and ultra cool guitar riff always fascinated me. Maybe my favorite Beatles song. (🤔) I still play this album all the time. So great to hear a young person/musician have great appreciation for it as well. I’m a new subscriber!
There's so much going on in this tune, and I don't think I had any idea of how complex the harmonies were until I was aware of the earlier takes and could hear the evolution of the track. I've got the entire Beatles catalog and this tune has always been among my favorites. Great job with the analysis! Really enjoying your channel.
As a lifelong Beatles fan since age 9 (I turn 70 this year), I appreciate your thoughtful analysis, as well as your admiration for their many contributions. Loved your submarine, too! The Beatles inspired me to learn guitar and write my own songs, which I continue to this day. Thank you for sharing your insights with us. Your enthusiasm is a joy to watch.
When i try to show someone the magic of the Beatles, this album is always what I go to first. it has a little of everything, and this song is a perfect example of that
As a songwriter and recording enthusiast, I have one question to ask you. Where have you been all my life? This blew my mind wide open and changed everything about the way I perceive my own music.
WONDERFUL!!😆😆😆that SONG put me on the right way of real music. The parase:”You tell me that you’ve heard every sound there is” IS PURE GOLD TO ME! ❤ only BEATLES could make that music!!!!
Excellent comparative musical analysis (from a dude that only knows how to play the radio)! And your musical skills are amazing! Your take on this album is unique, refreshing, and you deserve to have 100x the followers that you have. Keep up your fantastic work! ✌🏼☮️
All hail the mighty Algorithm for ushering you across my path. Subscribed, so I don't lose you again! What a fabulous breakdown of the musical elements of this song, and the clips of later "influencees" were excellent. I haven't read all through the comments yet... so at the risk of duplication I'll say that as you were describing the tightness and camaraderie of the band, still having fun.... during the recording dates of Apr. 6 - June 21, 1966 ... the thought crossed my mind that this was right when they were deciding to stop touring, and also just before John met Yoko. Maybe relevant. 🤔 Also, your yellow submarine is fabtabulous! 🚤
As a guitar player, I've always loved "And Your Bird Can Sing", with it's lovely harmonized guitar lines. I appreciate the time and effort it took to write those guitar lines and get play them well. This song may be one of the Beatles more underappreciated tracks, but not by me. Your analysis was fascinating and increased my appreciation of the song. Thanks!
just before the "beautiful backing vocals in the final verse" almost our whole family was like: "wait, it's coming, wait , now, ahh!" It is the peak of this fantastic song! Now I know why - descending melody lines. Thank you so much for this brilliant video.
A minute and a half of pop perfection. It's impossible not to like. And I like your guitar ! (additional observation ) I get really pissed when I hear people like Quincy Jones ( who should know better ) slagging off The Beatles as musicians. What is his problem ? Professional jealousy, I assume.
Good to see your channel blow up a bit with more subscribers this weekend, including myself. You deserve the extra attention. Your passion for music is contagious, and what better band to be passionate about. The Beatles and Van Halen have always been my two favorite bands.
I interpreted this song as saying that material items aren’t what define us, and how money can’t buy what’s most valuable (which is character and authentic human connection imo).
This was likely about Frank Sinatra. Listen to First Version / Take 2 / Giggling from Anthology and John and Paul can't stop laughing. When they sing "and your bird can swing" is a double entendre, Sinatra was famous for swing jazz music and that thing between a man's legs he called a bird is also known to swing.
This is a sensational analysis of a great song. I'm in awe (and I've been trying to analyse and understand Beatles songs for more than five decades). So many valuable insights, presented with so much joy! Thank you!
Where have you been all my life?? The internet isn't all bad, it turns out. We need more deep dive, smart, loving investigations into Beatles' songs like this. Entire video wonderful, making this life long Beatles fan hear this song in a new way. Thank you.
I read in the Beatles '66 book that another possible inspiration is John's hatred of the high-brow art elitists (people like Yoko) who looked down on everything that wasn't confusing and "way out", that they were mostly rich and had everything, but they couldn't even see, hear or understand John.
I think that's true. John always felt misunderstood and the lyrics of this song seem to point to rich braggarts and their superficial accomplishments. "You tell me you've heard every sound there is.." And Paul tells how John felt self-conscious around the people that Paul was hanging out with at that time -- his perception, not objective reality -- but still a possible insight into this song.
The best explanation I've heard about the lyrics is that it's a veiled reference to John's dissatisfaction with his marriage to Cynthia, and what he perceived (wrongly, no doubt) as her shallowness and materialism. Read the words that way, describing a man feeling trapped in an unhappy relationship, and they make a lot of sense.
“(wrongly, no doubt)” You’re that certain, despite having never met the woman personally as opposed to John who was *married* to her for a number of years?
@@TheJayson8899 I've read dozens of books about the Beatles and watched numerous interviews including both John and Cynthia. I'm sure John had what he thought were good reasons for being unhappy in his marriage, and I'm sure Cynthia has some faults. But she is not shallow, nor she does she seem overly materialistic.
I love that you so appreciate the musicality of my favorite group ever. Thank you! What great insights you provide! I hope that you reach your and other generations with the wonder of the Beatles, as you say, at their peak. What's better than the two back-to-back albums, Revolver and Rubber Soul!
Perfect Beatle song to dissect. In fact, your analysis itself is as much a work of brilliance as the musical piece that has got you so geeked. You’re my Spirit RU-vidr.
Brilliant analysis of an overlooked masterpiece. Among your many astute (and delightfully presented) observations, it does seem like the likely source of those great 70s harmonized guitar solos. Thank you from a new subscriber!
Another Revolver track I was always intrigued by was Got To Get You Into My Life. It was re-released in the '70s when the Motown like horn sound was picked up by bands like Chicago and brought to the US charts, giving that wonderful song a new life. To me, the Anthology version without the horns at all still holds magic and I really like it as it stands as such a stark difference from the released version. It is so wonderful and includes the almost completely acapella harmonies with only the keyboard note of accompanyment. Captivating and charming.
Got to Get You Into My Life was the first Beatle track I ever remember hearing on the radio when it was released as a single in 1976 to promote the Rock and Roll compilation and as such it has a special place in my heart and I usually rank it as my favourite. I thought it was brand new. After all Paul McCartney was all over the radio at the time and the horns were current.
@@Kieop I didn't know it was a rerelease, I just remember it getting a lot of radio play and sounding so much like the style of 25 or 6 to 4 - my favorite Chicago song. The Beatles were undeniable trend setters, even when it took 10 years for others to catch up with some of their contributions.
@@vinceinhouston4338 I'm not sure it was technically a re-release, since it hadn't been a single before, but yeah, if I understand you correctly, then it was the same for me. I didn't realize that the song was 10 yrs old either since it fit in so well with what was on the radio.
@@Kieop Oh yes, they put it out as a single again. They've been releasing remasters and remixes now, but putting it out again for public consumption would be a rerelease I think. At 6 years old in '76, I didn't know it. Live and learn 😀
Best song on the album for my money. This would be any other band’s biggest hit; for the Beatles, it was just another album track. Phenomenal level of quality. Best part of it for me is that last verse you mentioned, and the way Paul’s glorious descending bassline matches the vocal harmonies underneath John’s lead vocal. I’m so glad you highlighted it. If heaven is real, that’s what it sounds like. P.S. It might also be the most satisfying Beatles song to play on guitar and bass (although “Lovely Rita” runs it close on bass).
Great comment! As for Lovely Rita, I am constantly being reminded on the top 50 Paul McCartney bass lines video I did that Rita should have won a spot. A big regret there!
This is a fantastic song, definitely Bach-influenced. John was maybe being critical of his lyrics, but the other guys really showed up on this one, and he should have said something on the order of that, complimenting the quality of the work of his bandmates, and saying he felt like he let them down with his lyrics in his criticisms of it. It's musically wonderful. Love that chromatic descent, Abm, Abm(#7), Abm7, Db9 (similar to Abm6, I play Db9) and how well that switches to E, Gbm, B and E.
Back in the day, I worked for The Association's road crew, they of 'Never My Love,' 'Cherish' and 'Windy,. Part of my job was to be in the studio while they were recording in case anyone needed anything. I distinctly remember the guys spending what seemed like an inordinate amount of time ensuring that their sibilances matched. When it came down to the mix, I realized all that "misplaced" scrutiny was anything but misplaced. The devil is in the details. Paying attention to musical minutiae is what makes a great record.
Wow. Whenever I listen to Revolver now, I'll be closing my eyes during this song to fully take in all of the beautiful elements you've explored here. (AWESOME sub btw - totally takes me back to my childhood watching this movie on TV!!)
You have a great ear. I was mesmerized by that song when I was 9 years old. I played it on a stereo for the first time at a block party in Brooklyn in 1974. It came alive in stereo. I heard it previously from a TV speaker from their cartoon series. Thanks Grandpa for giving me permission to handle my uncle's stereo and vinyl.
What a brilliant synopsis of this 'throw-away' song. It's always been one of my favorites, and your breakdown of it is stellar. And yea, Hamburg made the Beatles, THE BEATLES. Nothing can replace those hundreds and hundreds of hours they spent sharpening their playing, singing, rapport and camaraderie.
Thank you for doing this. This is my favorite song on REVOLVER and often I choose it as my favorite Beatles song. I love your deep dives. (And as a cat dad, appreciate the guest appearance)
I was 15 when Revolver came out. So that makes me, what, about 37 by now? Don't check my math OK? 😆 This is such a great analysis, and appreciation, of my favorite song on Revolver. Well done!
I have to smile when they get compared to other bands either of that time or afterwards, just think about this, between Dec.65 and May 67, in only 18 months, they released Rubber Soul, Revolver, a little thingie like the 45 Strawberry Fields Forever/Penny Lane AND Pepper, thus changing music completely and forever, apart from the stellar songwriting, the sheer amount of creativity, of musical and technical innovation on those albums is astonishing, particularly considering that only 3 years before, they were writing stuff like Please, Please me. I read somewhere that Keith Richards didn't think much of Pepper which honestly, I don't feel is their strongest album but short and selective memory Keith, remember what the Stones were doing in 67 and whet they have done up to that point? Sure, a couple of good songs but something like a Day in the life is worth more than all combined Stones' albums up to that point.
Great analysis! You totally nailed the heart of this fabulous song, by I would say the most consistently and generally excellent to superb band in the rock realm
Thank you for showing a clip of the "picnic" cover video, wonderful version painstakingly done which the outtakes at the end show he took like eleven tries(!) to get right, and thank you for showing the melodic complexity through your own skillful playing... kudos, Nancy!
You are terrific! What an excellent dive into this wonderful song! You reference Classical music, other bands and go on to demonstrate how great the Beatles were at song writing and performing multiple versions and takes until it was as perfect as humanly possible. (With a little help from their friends like George Martin & Geoff Emerick.)
listening to Revolver and Sgt Peppers back to back makes me wonder what the latter would have been like if Harrison hadn't (seemingly) checked out of the band at that point. Revolver is one of the few lps where his contributions , not just writing, really solidify the Beatles as a band.
Wow. I passed on your thumbnail twice, but the third time was the charm. Excellent. Just excellent. Beautiful analysis, effort and pet! As for the meaning of the song, is there one? John's "throwaway" songs often referred to little snippets of things he wrote down and then forced himself to finish off. Probably the first verse was inspired by a high-society woman and the rest was simply filling out the idea. Not too far away in theme from Norwegian Wood, Baby, Your're a Rich Man, "She's not a girl who misses much . . ." (Happiness) , etc.
I used to play it obsessively on my Fender Musicmaster BEHS tuned in low B. The single coil guitar pickup worked magically with my Holmes 40B amp into a receiver and headphones.
Everything you say is totally correct and is what I've thought about this recording for many decades. This is the best video I've ever seen by someone I know nothing of. I will watch your other videos based off the excellence of this one. Over the long years I have hipped people to the vocal harmonies and the playing on this track and you've summed it all up perfectly in twenty minutes. Well done. Also, if this song is not the starting point to Power Pop what song is? The takeaway I get from the lyrics is that the person Lennon is singing about is doing some cool things and some uncool things as well and Lennon is leaving the door open to them that when they figure that out he will be there for them. Should also mention that you blew me away when you started to play the parts of the song on guitar and bass. Well Done!!! Rock on!
I thoroughly enjoyed your analysis on this song! I always thought this was an underrated gem too. I love that you pointed out the theme of descending lines; that last verse with the descending harmony and bass part is such a fantastic bit.
I've been a Beatles fan since I was 3 years old (1964) and my older sisters played their songs. They weren't "in style" in the 70's and early 80's, but I didn't care. I've read and listened to every critical analysis and this is the best, most enjoyable I've come across. You are young, but have the musical background and talent, and most importantly, you are a beatlemaniac. Why else would you attempt a paper mache yellow submarine?!?
