Best of the Beatles: Please Please Me

Well put.

So many great songs on this one. Choosing one wasn’t easy

Despite “Twist and Shout” being a cover, I had to vote for it–between the song, the production and Lennon’s strained voice, it’s the most concentrated 2-minute-33-second expression of lust ever put on vinyl.

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This, plus the guitar line has got to be one of the strongest before the days of power guitar playing. There’s a reason why it’s a staple at Springsteen and The Who concerts, and it wouldn’t have been if not for the Beatles’ version. I’m kind of surprised that it isn’t the runaway winner in this poll, which is not to take anything away from the other songs. It’s just so iconic of pure rock and roll.

Few Beatles songs strike me as genius. One of them is “Yesterday.” But for that record, I’d say “T&S.”

After reading this excellent analysis of “I Saw Her Standing There,” I realize it’s more musically sophisticated than I’d given it credit for. So, pulykamell, turns out I can dig its fun excitement, AND be a tasteful hipster. :wink: Now I’d put it in a tie with “There’s a Place.”