Beatles News
The legacy of Sir George Martin, the legendary Beatles producer, continues to echo as his children, Giles and Lucie Martin, are gifted 30 musical instruments by the Bailiwick of Guernsey. This generous offering, inclusive of violins, cellos, and a drum kit, is intended as a boon for young musicians on the Caribbean island of Montserrat, furthering the musical bond that Sir George Martin, often referred to as the ‘fifth Beatle,’ fostered between the islands during his time.Sir George Martin, who held residences in both Alderney on Braye Road and Montserrat, left an indelible imprint on the musical connection between the islands. His children will be officially accepting the donation at a ceremony set to commemorate this burgeoning relationship. The event serves as a poignant reminder of Martin’s love for music and his unyielding commitment to nurturing talent.Tim Wright, spearheading the Guernsey Music Service, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration with Government House and the Governor’s Office in Montserrat. He emphasized the extraordinary opportunity to highlight the legacy of George Martin, whose Montserrat recording studio was a sanctuary for many top artists. This initiative marks a significant step in preserving and promoting the musical heritage that Martin passionately cultivated.
Source: BNN Correspondents/bnnbreaking.com
Donovan has revealed that he became a songwriting mentor to George Harrison during the 1960s to help him out of the “shadow” of John Lennon and Paul McCartney.
The Scottish singer-songwriter, known for his hits ‘Mellow Yellow’, ‘Sunshine Superman’ and ‘Hurdy Gurdy Man’, regularly spent time with The Beatles during the peak of their success.
Speaking to Record Collector Magazine (via Music News), he said: “I became George’s mentor for songwriting. He was in the shadow of John and Paul for so many years and I said, ‘Look, I’ll show you a few tricks, how to encourage the songs.’ There’s a way to encourage the song to come.
“You can tease it, like fishing,” he continued. “I told him how to play a chord then put your ear on the guitar, listen to the open chord and try a tempo.”
“You can hear melodies, believe it or not. Melodies appear, but you’ve got to be quick to catch them.”
Harrison went on to write several of The Beatles’ most beloved songs, including ‘Here Comes the Sun’, ‘Something’, While My Guitar Gently Weeps’ and ‘Taxman’.
Source: Max Pilley/nme.com
Paul McCartney and Wings scored several hits throughout their tenure. Among that pack is “Let ‘Em In.” The instantly catchy track reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Adult Contemporary chart–one of three top hits on that particular chart. Given its popularity, we’d feel fine surmising that most people have heard “Let ‘Em In” at least once, but do many people know the meaning behind the track? If not, find out below.
Behind the Meaning
Someone’s knocking at the door
Somebody ringing the bell
Someone knocking at the door
Somebody ringing the bell
Do me a favor
Open the door, and let ’em in
McCartney is no stranger to writing playful, tongue-in-cheek songs. “Let ‘Em In” is one such song. The meaning behind this song is fairly self-explanatory. Given McCartney’s proven ability to hide metaphors in his music, one might be tempted to think that there is more than meets the eye to “Let ‘Em In.” Nevertheless, it is exactly as it seems.
Sister Suzy, brother John
Martin Luther, Phil & Don
Brother Michael, Auntie Jin
Open the door, let ’em in, oh yeah
McCartney lists the names of famous friends, loved ones, and family members–all of whom are desperate to get into McCartney’s house for some reason. The names were inspired by real-life acquaintances, according to McCartney.
Source: Alex Hopper/americansongwriter.com
Modern music would sound very different without The Beatles. During their seven-year career as a recording band, they revolutionised music in so many ways, elevating it to an art form. But even a band as inarguably great as they were had their off days – their back catalogue is littered with the occasional stinker that should have never made it out of the studio. Here are 10 tracks that prove The Beatles were human after all.
Source: Henry Yates/loudersound.com
The Beatles, an iconic quartet that revolutionized the music industry, left an indelible mark on the world with their timeless and innovative tunes. As pioneers of the British Invasion in the 1960s, John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr created a musical legacy that continues to captivate generations. In this exploration of the “Top 10 Best Beatles Songs of All Time,” we embark on a journey through the band’s illustrious discography, spanning from the energetic days of Beatlemania to the experimental phase of their later years. These ten tracks stand as monuments to the band’s unparalleled songwriting prowess, intricate harmonies, and groundbreaking production techniques. From anthems that defined a generation to tender ballads that resonate with the human experience, each song on this list represents a chapter in the Beatles’ extraordinary narrative. Join us as we celebrate the genius of the Fab Four and delve into the magic of their music, revealing the timeless allure that continues to make The Beatles a cultural phenomenon and their songs enduring classics.
Source:Samuel Moore/singersroom.com
Ringo Starr became a Beatles legend, one of his signature tunes was a track about a caveman. Somehow, this all connects to "Monster Mash."
Before Ringo Starr became a Beatles legend, he played cover songs with lesser-known rock musicians. One of his signature tunes back then was a track about a caveman, but not just any caveman: a comic strip caveman. Somehow, this all connects to “Monster Mash.”
In a 2019 Rolling Stone article, Ringo and Nirvana’s Dave Grohl interviewed one another. Grohl asked Ringo if he would sing songs as part of his pre-Beatles bands. “I’d do ‘Watch Your Step,’ and I’d do ‘Alley Oop,'” Ringo replied. “Watch Your Step” is a blues-rock hit by Bobby Parker while “Alley Oop” is a novelty song about the comic strip caveman of the same name. Between “Alley Oop” and The Flintstones, cavemen appeared to be in vogue at that time.
Ringo discussed the reaction to “Alley Oop.” “In Germany, all the Germans would always [say], ‘Spielen’ Alley Oop,'” he said. “You know, substances came into play in Germany — that was good. A lot of alcohol, of course, but speed came in, and that kept us up all night.” During a 2017 interview with People, Ringo said German audiences enjoyed “Alley Oop” because its hook was the same in every language.
Source: Matthew Trzcinski/cheatsheet.com
The Beatles' "Yellow Submarine" includes an echoing verse where the inhabitants of the yellow submarine talk to each other. Ringo Starr told a rock star how he created this sound.
The Beatles‘ “Yellow Submarine” includes a famous verse where the inhabitants of the yellow submarine talk to each other. The verse has a memorable echo effect. Ringo Starr once explained to another rock star how The Beatles were able to create this sound.
In a 2019 Rolling Stone article, Ringo and Nirvana’s Dave Grohl interviewed each other. Grohl asked how the Fab Four created the famous echo sound effect for “Yellow Submarine.” “We were just in Abbey Road for the [remastered] Abbey Road album release,” he replied.
“If you look where the stairs come down, [that’s] where we used to hang out and huddle with each other,” he added. “There’s a big door, and I went and opened that door and just shouted from there. John was saying, ‘What we do, Captain?’ or something. We were just all shouting and put it on. So that’s [why] it felt echoey. We did what we did!”
Source: Matthew Trzcinski/cheatsheet.com
It’s hard to pick a definitive Beatles song. The rockers have too many classic tracks to their name, but “Yesterday” is a strong contender for the title. The Paul McCartney penned track sees the singer long to turn back time. Revisit the meaning behind this hit, below.
Behind the Meaning....
Yesterday
All my troubles seemed so far away
Now it looks as though they’re here to stay
Oh, I believe in yesterday
Like much of McCartney’s catalog, “Yesterday” is concerned with romantic relationships–or the lack thereof. He finds himself reeling from heartbreak, wishing he could turn back the clock and erase the breakup.
Suddenly
I’m not half the man I used to be
There’s a shadow hanging over me
Oh, yesterday came suddenly
Source: Alex Hopper/americansongwriter.com
John Lennon and Paul McCartney weren't on good terms when The Beatles broke up. Lennon was reportedly ready to put their differences aside.
After The Beatles broke up, John Lennon and Paul McCartney were on decidedly chilly terms. They insulted one another in interviews and songs and rarely saw one another. Several years after the breakup, though, much of their anger had waned. According to Lennon’s girlfriend, May Pang, he considered reuniting with McCartney to write music.
After the vitriolic Beatles break up, Lennon and McCartney steered clear of each other. McCartney said that anytime he attempted to reach out to his former bandmate over the phone, he was met with nothing but anger.
By 1973, though, neither felt nearly as angry. According to Lennon’s girlfriend, May Pang, McCartney and his wife Linda visited them often.
“Paul and Linda would visit us whenever we were [in New York],” she told Cultural Sonar. “Well, they said that they were going to New Orleans to record their new album. John thought it was a fabulous idea.”
Source: Emma McKee/cheatsheet.com
John Lennon got into many fights in his life. After one, his ex-wife told Lennon's opponent that he should have hit him harder.
John Lennon’s first wife, Cynthia, was likely more familiar with the musician’s caustic side than most. The couple did not separate on good terms, and Cynthia dealt with his coldness and infidelity throughout their marriage. After their divorce, Cynthia learned that musician Terri Hooley punched Lennon. She told Hooley he should have hit him harder.
In 1970, Hooley met Lennon in London. They were looking for radio equipment, but Lennon, incorrectly believing they were members of the IRA, offered to give them weapons.
“Me and a few friends had just set up a pirate radio station in the Craigantlet Hills and were in London to get equipment for it when I met Lennon,” Hooley told the Belfast Telegraph. “I can clearly remember that one of Lennon’s friends brought us to a garage and showed us guns and asked us if we wanted to bring them back home. They obviously thought we were ‘the lads.’ We were ‘the lads,’ just not the ones they thought we were.”
Source: Emma McKee/cheatsheet.com
