Classic Rock Album of the Day- The Beatles- Abbey Road (1969)- *****
Reviewing works by the greatest rock band in history makes me very nervous. In context, even when I got my first album of any kind in 1965 (Meet The Beatles), there was always this level of inferred mesmerization, as these were some of the greatest song writers of not only rock, but of any music genre of any kind. This album, and about half a dozen of their catalog is massively filler free. These albums ere not only perfect, they transcend into what seems to a different plane of creativity.
What I find so endearing about this particular album is its sheer randomness. There isn't a conceptual bone in the body of this work,and when you are considered the greatest band on earth? Who is to tell you who, what, where, or when to record. What is amazing is this legendary band only made 13 traditional studio albums, and man did they not waste any vinyl in getting their message across.
The Beatles were not just a band, They set the styles, and were cultural icons in every form and fashion. It could be argued that they invented counterculture . So many bands on both sides of the pond made it a point to sound like, imitate, or emulate the Beatles. Their impact on music can not be underestimated.
And from a historical perspective, I remember so many pundits claiming that the band was at "jump the shark"moment with Yellow Submarine. Personally I loved YS, and all of their work, but critics were shocked that a band that in previous order Sgt. Peppers, Magical Mystery Tour, and White Album had devolved to a cartoon soundtrack. In retrospect it was genius, and only in legacy building worked perfectly into their discography.
Abbey Road itself split in the 2 sides has side one that seems more entwined in the tradition and style of the White Album. Well let me reiterate some parts of the White Album, but not in its entirety. Side 2 is mostly a hodgepodge of musical Vignettes in a Pollock art like splash of musical fortuitous darts at a dart board. Jaw Dropping excellence to say the least.
Fun Fact: The Beatles are the highest selling musical act in history with sales of 600 Million Units. That is not a typo..... 600 Million. And that is just albums. If you include all the 45's, I'll bet they are pushing a Billion.
Special Props to the YT author who put this together. CGI adds a special touch to the Fab 4's efforts, and enjoyment to this listening experience. I'd recommend watching it before the YT police yank it down.
Side 1-
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Come Together- This cut and the next one "Something" were probably the most recognized hits on the LP. Come Together is an incredible whimsical and nonsensical (just first of several) number. Song contains maybe McCartney's most iconic bass lines. Of course you can tell this is a mostly Lennon inspired effort. His fingerprints are all over it in style and delivery.
6Something- Maybe the greatest rock ballad ever composed. Beautiful, emcompassive, and powerful. I always thought this was one of the first big hits that featured a Mellotron, though from the credits, it cited as Hammond Organ. Sure sounds like a Mello to me. Definitely George Harrison's greatest example of his work.
5Maxwell's Silver Hammer- McCartney clowning around in again... whimsical and nonsensical. My least favorite add on Side 1 though.
16Oh Darling- The Beatles made very few of what I would call blues styled songs. But the song works nicely, and really showcases just how talented and versatile they are.
12Octopus' Garden- See Maxwell's, but compliments of Ringo. Yellow Sub Hangover? Maybe the most hooked effort on the album.
13I Want You- Like I mentioned earlier, by this point in their careers, their styles had diverged enough, that you can almost predict who had the main line of songwriting at the time. By the late 1960's all the Lennon- McCartney credited songs were really individual efforts. Versus early on, it was though not impossible, more difficult to discern.to Lennon's style was so much serious and melancholy, the differences are striking. The end of the song has some of the most thundering almost hard rocked edged stuff the Beatles ever did.
9Side 2-
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Here Comes The Sun- Thus begins the Medley side of Abbey Road, and it begin magnificently. Upbeat and bright.... Yes, Here Comes the Sun. Harrison's contributions on scale and on this particular song exceed here on this album than any other from my taste. Yes, Something was the epic classic, but this one is one of my favorites by the band. And it also gives glimpses of why Harrison was the most successful of the four in their solo careers.
1Because- Sgt. Peppers psychedelia feel on this one. Almost perfect harmony, and very interesting harpsichord melody, just adds to one of so many unique Beatles tunes.
11You Never Give Me Your Money- Another almost Day in the Life kind of phasic number that shifts and turns in direction more than once in this excellent effort.
7Sun King- With Crickets blaring the band downshifts into a soft ballad of a short minute and a half.
10Mean Mr. Mustard- By this time, the band is about to shift the direction into nonsensical overdrive. Works wonderfully in the scheme of it.
15Polythene Pam- Love this throw back that almost seems it could have been added in 1964. It rocks.
2She Came in Through the Bathroom Window- Another that kind of has that style from the Sgt. Peppers/ Magical Mystery Tour era. All these Vignettes are done in such rapid fashion you might be inclined to think this is musical incoherence. But that is not the case. There is a reason why the legacy of this album focuses on it being on almost all Top 10 lists in Rock History. It's genius.
3Golden Slumbers- Fairly Short McCartney ballad, that mostly serves as a transitory tune .
14Carry That Weight- Another Heavy tinged and orchestrated dubbed that adds nicely to the equation
8The End- And what an end. The band allows all hell to break loose. It has it all... Searing dual guitar solos, drum solos, and a swan song goodbye that sums it all up. To me... this is the end of the band as a collaborative melded force. Let it Be, In my estimation was a forced event where the 4 members were going their own way, and it just didn't have the charm or the effect.
4Her Majesty- Very short acoustical ditty that basically dissed QE2. Somehow they still acquired Knighthood.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tIGW_TEwCXw