Let It Be A Tribute

I thank God for the city of Liverpool for 2 reasons – one of them is Liverpool FC. The other, is the most influential musical act of all time. No other artist comes close to replicating the band’s effect of revolutionising the music industry (no, not even MJ). No other pop act could produce songs with such lyrical insight, musical audacity, and longevity. I am talking about John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr – The Beatles.

Abbey Road!

While I was just a little kid, I remember my dad bringing home his friends after dinner and they would just congregate in the living room and belt out Beatles tunes on the karaoke set like there’s no tomorrow. I would say that those cheong-k sessions played a huge role in instilling my interest in their songs. I heard that recently contestants on AI covered their songs, but I bet that they completely butchered every single one of them and didn’t do those musical pieces of art any justice at all.

Asking me what my top 10 favourite Beatles tracks is like asking me which Big Apple doughnut flavour is the best – there are just too many of them that I like! Ask me again tomorrow and I’ll probably revise my preferences. The following 10 are some which I really can’t live without:

10. Anna
Better known as “Go to Him”, this one of the band’s first cover songs. Just like another song further down this list, this song was recorded when John had a cold. The blend of the guitar riff during the verse and John’s coarse vocals made the song haunting yet beautiful at the same time. From my childhood memories, this was probably the first Beatles’ song that I’ve heard. The song responsible for my baptism into Beatlemania deserves a spot on this list!

9. Back In The USSR
We sang this song for House Shout during my time at The Leys! Good times! This is The Beatles’ take on a Beach Boys type of song. Apparently Ringo quit the band during the recording session for this song, so Paul is responsible for drums here.

8. Twist and Shout
If John was still around and The Fab Four brought this song up during a gig, I bet all the girls would go ballistic. Okay, make that both guys and girls. John had a cold while this song was recorded and by the end of his session, his voice completely gave up on him from all the shouting. Good on ya, John! If you listen to the song for yourself, you’ll know what I mean.

7. Ticket to Ride
‘60s pop-rock at its very best without sounding corny in any way. Love the electric guitar intro by George which is repeated throughout the verses. John said that the song was a milestone for the band, because it marked a deviation of musical styles from their previous albums.

6. Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da
LOL don’t give me that look! I like this song, okay? (smiles sheepishly) “OLD, OLD” was heavily influenced by reggae and ska, hence the uplifting vibe that the song gives out. If I could only sing one Beatles’ song in the shower, this would be it.

5. Paperback Writer
Combines a trademark Paul bass-line and some flawless harmonization of vocals. I like.

4. Come Together
The Beatles go psychedelic rock! Take a bass line to die for (how on Earth did Paul come up with such genius?), an interesting drum pattern by Ringo, an extremely high-on-crack John Lennon and what do you get? An amazing song for you to just kick back on a sofa and drink some JD to. I call it a “stoner’s song”. Lyrical nonsense is in abundance throughout the song, but it doesn’t matter. John was high when he wrote the song anyway.

3. Let It Be
The Beatles’ finest ballad. Please shoot yourself if you’ve never heard it before.

2. Taxman
George Harrison’s sole representation on my list – but it’s a very impressive one at that. And since George is singing the lead, Paul takes over George’s duties to play the freaking guitar solo!!! :D Oh and this is another song in which the bass line really stands out. Somehow I could imagine song being featured in the opening credits of a superhero movie.

1. Hey Jude
I know many people will beg to differ, but this is the definitive Beatles song for me. Paul was on fire when he wrote the song, which was originally meant to comfort John Lennon’s son who was distressed over John’s affair with Yoko Ono. The second half of the song features Paul, being the demented Scouser that he was, backed up with a 36-piece orchestra (featuring violins, trombones, trumpets, clarinets, cellos, etc.), singing (or rather sprouting balderdash) us out until the song fades while the rest of the band bursts into an engaging chorus of “na-na-na-na”s. Amazing vocal from Paul. Superb stuff. Five stars. No, make that ten.

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Honorary mentions go out to Help!, With A Little Help From My Friends, Daytripper, Eleanor Rigby, Revolution, We Can Work It Out, Here Comes The Sun. There are just too many good songs! And since I’m only familiar with their mainstream material, I bet that they also have other gems which I have yet to discover. I suggest that you try to give them a listen on IMEEM.

Disagree with my list? Then feel free to share with me your favourite tracks by the Fab Four J