Today seems to be one of those moments when it appears that Beatlemania will abount however briefly. Not only is The Beatles: Rock Band hitting gaming systems the world over but many of the greatest albums are being reissued as remastered CDs. Abbey Road, Revolver, Rubber Soul, and the quintessential White Album are just four of the titles dropping today.
While I was cleaning the shop today, I glanced at a Parent and Child magazine and one of the cover articles pondered….”Why Kids Love the Beatles”. I don’t know how many parents today introduce their children to the Fab Four but I know of at least one father whose youngest can rip off lyrics during a game with the best of them… oven obscure songs that flew right over my head. I agree wholeheartedly with most of the article. I believe that the longevity is due in large part to the creative genius of Lennon and McCartney who penned some of the most memorable songs imaginable that still hold up 40+ years after the groups break up. Classic melodies and words from ballads like “Yesterday”, “Hey Jude,” and “Let It Be” to pop standards such as “I Saw Her Standing There,” “Can’t Buy Me Love,” and “Penny Lane” to the wildly odd lyrics of “Octopus’ Garden” and “I Am the Walrus (goo-goo-ga-joob)” are just a few of the hits produced from the Lads from Liverpool.
The article went on to give a small bio of the four gents. Who was the Cute Beatle, the Quiet Beatle, the Brainy Beatle, and the Sad Beatle? I did not list them in order they appear in the articel so if you decide to cheat you better make sure you read the question carefully. Not only did John and Paul contribute to the songwriting but George and Ringo wrote some classics as well.
No matter what kind of personal lives the quartet lived outside the stage or studio, one thing remains undeniably clear. Even after 40 years, millions are still listening to, singing along with, and commemorating the world’s greatest rock band. I’m not sure if The Beatles will hold up to classic composers like Bach and Beethoven 100 years from now and I don’t think I will be around to find out. Plus, we had an Elvis themed game night… why not a Beatles? At least we can introduce one of our friends to the classics who shall remain anonymous… unless they care to comment.
A Beatles night. Sounds good to me, I have a few of their CDs. I’m not sure if I need the remastered versions. Maybe I should give one a listen.
I have one or two also. I dunno about the remasters either. Sometimes I think they are a ploy to milk what is decent already.
That’s funny – just last night I was thinking about what CD’s to get for game night, and I had made up my mind to get Beatles! Can you guys bring yours?
You betcha!
Hopefully, I don’t bring a repeater
Driven by a walrus ?
Named Paul?
but Paul is dead! We have the barefoot pictures to prove it,