Playlist Part 2 The Beatles Edition

No discussion of music that I love would be complete without discussing The Beatles.  They are my all time favorite musical artists.  When I listen to their music it isn't only like an eargasm, it's like my soul is uplifted.  I don't think I can accurately describe how I feel about their music, or about the men themselves.  I can't watch The Compleat Beatles without getting all teary.  I know I'm a pussy, but this is the one time I don't mind.  They are that amazing.

Now, keep in mind that I was not yet born when The Beatles were together.  I came a bit late to the party, but my cousins are all decades older than I am, so they introduced me to their music, probably while I was still in the womb.  I just can't remember a time when I didn't love their music.  I'm pretty sure the first song I ever learned to sing was "Love Me Do".  I have all of their albums on vinyl, cassette, and cd.  Yes, I am that much of a freak.  If you look at my Twitpic you will also see my most prized possession.  No, not my boobs, but a gigantic framed picture of The Beatles.  Are the autographs authentic?  Doubtful, but I don't care.  I just love looking at them.

I've had people ask me how I can love their music so much when The Beatles no longer relevant.  I find this an absurdly stupid question.  First of all, the movie Across the Universe just came out three years ago and was a huge hit.  Second, good music is TIMELESS.  Let's see where Justin Bieber and Lady Gaga are 40-50 years from now and see if they are as popular then as they are today.  I'm sure we will all be saying, "Who?"  Third, so much of today's music is a direct descendant of The Beatles.  Their music has been inspiring other musicians since 1962 and probably won't ever stop.  Even Lady Gaga said she is inspired by them, although I consider that more of an insult.  Sorry, but I hate Lady Gaga.

So, what are my favorite Beatles songs?  There are so many but I'm just going to touch on a few.

"For No One" - Revolver 
 I know it's a little weird because it's kind of sad, but I think that's what I love about it.  There's such a sense of despair but acceptance at the same time.

And in her eyes you see nothing. 
No sign of love behind the tears. 
Cried for no one,
A love that should have lasted years.

It breaks your heart but it's also so beautiful.

"She's Leaving Home" - Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band
 When I was 18 years old I moved out of my Mom's house for the first time.  I was so excited to be on my own, but I loved my Mom too so it was kind of bittersweet.  I remember putting Sgt. Pepper's on the turntable and listening to it as I began to pack up my room.  When "She's Leaving Home" came on I started to cry a little because I knew that my Mom didn't want me to move out. The lyrics don't actually have anything to do with my situation, but I was 18...what can I say?

"Birthday" - The Beatles (aka The White Album)
I admit it.  Every year on my birthday I HAVE to hear this song.  My friends and family always played it for me at my birthday parties or sometimes if I had nothing planned they'd call me up and play this song over the phone for me.  One year, not only did they have this song played at a bar we were celebrating at, but when I got home I had 26 messages on my answering maching all playing this song.  It's a tradition.  I love it.

"Run for Your Life" - Rubber Soul
I know.  This song is probably like the wife-beaters credo, but I just think it's hilarious.

Well I'd rather see you dead, little girl
Than to be with another man
You better keep your head, little girl
Or I won't know where I am

You better run for your life if you can, little girl
Hide your head in the sand, little girl
Catch you with another man
That's the end, little girl.

I'm Happy Just to Dance With You - A Hard Day's Night
I think this is one of their more romantic songs.  I can listen to this song over and over and never get sick of it.  It's also nice to hear George singing for a change.

Got to Get You Into My Life - Revolver
I just love the expansiveness of this song.  Also, I'm kind of a sucker for horns.

Helter Skelter - The Beatles (aka The White Album)
Even if there was no creepy side-note to this song, this song still fucking rocks.  George's guitar, Paul's bass and vocals, Ringo's beat...it's just a perfect rock song. 

Come Together - Abbey Road
I just love the lyrics to the song and how Ringo lays down an almost tribal beat during the verses and a rolling beat at the end of the chorus.  It's all like a giant mind fuck...and I love it!

You Like Me Too Much - Help!
I have no reason for really liking this song other than I can't hear it without absolutely needing to sing along.  It's just a great tune.

With a Little Help from My Friends - Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band
I love this song because of the whole sing-sing back thing.  It's also nice to hear Ringo singing for a change.

Do You Want to Know a Secret - Please Please Me (The Early Beatles in the US)
For some reason, this is one of my favorites from The Beatles' earlier recordings.  I just love the harmonies and the up-tempo beat.  Oh,, and George sings this one too.

Your Mother Should Know - Magical Mystery Tour

Let's all get up and dance to a song
That was a hit before your mother was born
Though she was born a long, long time ago
Your mother should know
Your mother should know
Need I say more?

While My Guitar Gently Weeps - The Beatles (aka The White Album)
Written by George, sung by George, amazing guitar licks by George...okay, have you figured out yet that I love George?  I love all 4 of them, but I admit that George was the Beatle I most wanted to get naked with.  *sigh*  Also, I used to sing this song in a band I was in several years ago.  So there!

When I'm Sixty-Four - Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band
I wasn't going to include any obvious songs on this list, but then this song came on my iPod and I just had to.  I like playing air-bell to this song.  Don't ask.

I'll Cry Instead - A Hard Day's Night
Angry dude rock is actually a lot more rare than angry chick rock which is why I like this song.  I also love the juxtapostion of the cheery beat along with the bitter lyrics.  Very oxymoronic.

Across the Universe - Let It Be
I know, another obvious song, but it's so fluid and poetic and lovely.  I love it and I even love the cover by Fionna Apple.

Michelle - Rubber Soul
This song taught me the only French I know besides "Lady Marmalade" (Voulez-vous coucher avec moi) which is why I love this song.

Okay, there are sooo many more.  I mean, I didn't even pick any off of Hey Jude or some of their earlier albums.  I just think this blog has gone on long enough.  Let me just leave you with these last words.

Her majesty's a pretty nice girl
but she doesn't have a lot to say
Her majesty's a pretty nice girl
but she changes from day to day
I wanna tell her that I love her a lot
but I gotta get a belly full of wine
Her majesty's a pretty nice girl
someday I'm gonna make her mine
Oh, yeah, some day I'm gonna make her mine

You either get it, or you don't.