Didn’t mean to abandon this thread, it’s just been busy with school starting up again. I have been slowly going through the songs, but haven’t had any luck finding the actual albums anywhere.
Onto *A Hard Day’s Night *:
“A Hard Day’s Night” The energy in this song was great, and I loved the lyrics and the beat. Apparently John Lennon wrote the entire song in one night, which is pretty damn impressive. The ride cymbal throughout was a nice touch.
“Tell me Why” This song was all right. Repetitive and not very interesting, but of course the vocals were top-notch.
“I’ll Cry Instead” Pretty disposable, though the dark-edged lyrics were kind of a nice change.
“I Should Have Known Better” Huh. The lyrics were pretty syrupy, and the instrumentation was kind of feeble and half-hearted, it seemed. If I hadn’t heard John Lennon’s amazing voice, I wouldn’t have thought it was the Beatles.
“I’m Happy Just to Dance with You” I liked the guitar on this one but the backing vocals were a little bit annoying. Kind of boring overall.
“And I Love Her” This one was great. Loved the bongos and the smooth, slow vocals. Really beautiful song.
“If I Fell” Liked the drums and the harmony on this one; very romantic and sweet song.
“Can’t Buy Me Love” Didn’t care too much for this one. It was a little too chirpy and almost sounded unnaturally manufactured.
So, this album didn’t really cut it for me. Moving on…
Something New
“Things We Said Today” Wow. The instrumentation throughout was brisk and beautiful (I loved the opening guitar chords), while Paul’s clear, crisp voice was almost hypnotic. Probably the best vocal I’ve heard from him; also, the lyrics were great.
“Any Time At All” The vocals were nice and raspy on this one. I wasn’t fond of the piano and guitar, though, as they became grating very quickly.
“When I Get Home” Hmm. I liked the frenzied, almost hysterical sound of the song; it was an interesting change.
“Slow Down” The vocals and guitar were too manic for me to enjoy on this one. I know, it was an intentionally fast song, given the subject of the song, but still.
“Matchbox” Again, kind of meh. Didn’t care for the vocals, and the guitar was a little too twangy.
“Komm, Gib Mir Deine Hand” Heh, well this was different. Pretty similar to the original English song, but it was interesting to hear a different version.
Beatles ’65:
“No Reply” Not bad, but the chorus was a little bit pitchy. The rest of the song had a very nice sound.
“I’m a Loser” Loved the harmonica and the guitar solo, and the lyrics were very fun. When Lennon hits the low notes (I think it’s a low G), I just melt.
“Baby’s in Black” Loved the little guitar solo about 2/3 of the way through, and of course the vocals were amazing. Lennon and McCartney singing together is always a treat to hear, and I liked the mellow tempo of the song.
“Rock and Roll Music” I’m familiar with this song from The Beach Boys, but this version is much more enjoyable. It seems much quicker, with a better overall sound, and Lennon’s voice is perfect for it.
“I’ll Follow the Sun” Beautiful vocals once more from Paul McCartney. Loved the instrumentals and the tone of the song.
“Mr. Moonlight” Nice vocals but the organ solo was a bit out of place. Mostly forgettable song.
“Honey Don’t” Bit weak on the vocals for this one. Guitar work was pretty feeble as well.
“I’ll Be Back” Liked the dark, brooding sound, and the flamenco guitars were a nice, different touch.
“She’s a Woman” The simple structure of the song was a good way for Paul to show off his vocals. Not too shabby.
“I Feel Fine” Loved every aspect of this one. The guitar riff was so smooth, it was superb. The first few seconds were great, and the vocals were crystal clear throughout. Also loved the mellow sound of the song.
“Everybody’s Trying to Be My Baby” Nice and fun, but a little repetitive.
The Early Beatles:
I’ve heard all these before except “Ask Me Why”, which had nice vocals and overall was pretty good.
Beatles VI:
“Kansas City/Hey Hey Hey Hey Medley” I liked the different feel of this one; it was much more bluesy and a little less commercial than some of their other songs.
“Eight Days A Week” Liked the clapping and the opening guitar on this one. Not a classic, but still fun.
“You Like Me Too Much” Liked the vocals and the old-timey piano on this one, but the lyrics were a little bit creepy and aggressive.
:eek:
“Bad Boy” Mm. Loved the raspy vocals on this. Very fun, rocking song.
“I Don’t Want to Spoil the Party” Liked the engaging sound contrasted with the soft, melancholy lyrics.
“Words Of Love” Didn’t really care for the guitars, and the song overall kind of put me to sleep.
“What You’re Doing” Loved the guitar on this one and the background “ooh”s. Vocals were intoxicating.
“Yes It Is” Ugh. Slow and dragging and very boring all over the board.
“Dizzy Miss Lizzy” Didn’t like the guitars too much, but the vocals were great. Not really my kind of song.
“Tell Me What You See” The slow, easy feel of the song was very nice, and the vocals were once again hypnotic.
“Every Little Thing” Very sweet and romantic, and the raspy quality of John’s voice is such a nice touch. Also loved the instrumentation, especially the timpani drum.
My impression so far is that most every song has something great to offer - some great guitar work, some impressive vocals. And it really seems that the Beatles enjoy what they’re doing; the energy and vitality come through very well.
More to come.
