I’m currently trying to get a freind into the Beatles, and they’ve finally agreed to listen to a CD, now I only have to figure out which one. So, if you were in my shoes, wha would you reccomend for a first time Beatles listener?
I have a feeling everyone will disagree with me but I would say have the person listen to 1. That was the first Beatles CD I listened to and it got me hooked. Have them listen to 1 and discuss which songs they like the best then you get move in to more specific albums.
Yup, gotta agree with 1. Though they induce horror in hard-core fans, compilations are usually the best way for newbies to get a grip on an artist.
(The only real problem with 1 is that it omits the best song from their best single–i.e. Strawberry Fields Forever. And it really ought to be there, since it was a double A side.)
Just one CD? If so, I agree with Kid_A and say 1.
A more thorough introduction to the Beatles are the 1962-1966 (Red) and 1967-1970 (Blue) collections.
I too agree with 1 as a starter, but if you want to dive right in, get Revolver, Rubber Soul or Abbey Road and go from there.
Sgt. Pepper is one of my personal favorites, but I’d recommend it for a little later.
1 is good. So are the so-called Red & Blue Albums (Compilation of their music ‘Red’ is early stuff, ‘Blue’ is 1967-1970.)
1 is a better overview of their whole carreer, Red and Blue are better overviews of their work during a particular period.
While I won’t argue with the 1, “red” and “blue” album suggestions as representative of their commercial high points, I’m more in line with the latter part of photopat’ssuggestion: take a different tack altogether.
My 2 cents: Chances are, your friend has been exposed to much of the Beatles’ poppier stuff ad nauseum over the years in department stores, in commercials, etc. and, let’s face it, is not currently a fan. That makes me think you’ve got to show the other side/versatility of the Beatles. I’d suggest the White Album, Revolver, Rubber Soul, or Abbey Road (in that order).
Personally, I would start a friend out on their early stuff - the toe-tapping, mindlessly catchy music. I would pick A Hard Day’s Night.
“Best of Albums” do not capture the ambience of the times…
To really get a feel for The Beatles during the sixties,I suggest…
Magical Mystery Tour!
I second this. It was actually my first Beatles album (given to me by my parents). Though I was familiar with Beatles stuff, as my parents were big fans. There’s plenty of good songwriting on that. It took me a while to like the Beatles in their later phases. I would not start someone out on the White Album–it’s too uneven. I think Abbey Road is probably their most solid effort. Rubber Soul would be good to try to transition someone into their later period, as it is a nice mix. Rubbor Soul Vol. II (aka Revolver) would be a good choice, as well. If they are really into music history, Sgt. Pepper’s would be good as far as its landmark status, but I don’t think it’s the best album ever, like some mainstream critics.
Help! Dammit!!! HELP!
I just started to listen to the Beatles myself, and I’m obsessed with Let it be… Naked. It’s a rerelease of the Let it Be album, without Phil Spector’s production on it.
Let It Be…Naked, I agree, would be a great introductory album because (even though the original was the Beatles’ last released album) it kind of captures the band’s earlier, simple sound without always resorting to happy, poppy love songs. 1 is excellent, too, but it largely consists of their big hits, which weren’t always their best songs.
My suggestion…burn a customized CD so you can pick and choose the best from all their albums. Just make sure you include “A Day in the Life” and “I Am the Walrus.” Your friend will be hooked in no time…
Depends on what they’re used to. If they won’t be freaked by general oddity, then Sgt Pepper is the one for them. If normal songs is preferable, then Revolver is the best option.
Steer clear of the 'best of’s, whatever you do. The later albums were created as such, and they should be listened to from one end to the other.
Another alternative: how 'bout a movie?
Here’s what I did with my then-serious girlfriend.
Told her "I can’t marry you until you see Hard Day’s Night. (I added “…in a theater” just to up the ante)
She wasn’t blown away, but at least it did explain Beatles fanacticism to my now-wife.
I think getting to see the lads and get to know them and their sense of humor goes a long way toward understanding/enjoying their music.
ps: Domo Arigato, Mr. Roboto, for what has to be a clever slice of post-ironic “humour”:
Magical Mystery Tour??!?
I started off with the ‘Blue’ album that others have mentioned, and I think it’s an excellent dive into the later Beatles’ stuff, without having to go through Revolution No. 9 or Piggies - which would have put me off, somewhat.
I think “Rubber Soul” was my next jaunt - a great album and again not too over-powering.
Hmmm. Well, you could go with one of the compilations already mentioned. But I cut my teeth on the White Album, and I’m going to stick up for it as a good starting place. I think it’s more representative of what was truly unique about them than the pre-HELP! albums (while I love them dearly), but it’s still plenty catchy and I think it’d do the job.