The Rise and Fall of the Beatles

The Middle Period: Experimentation

�  By late 1965, the Beatles were in a position enjoyed by few stars in any field. �  - They could do no wrong

�  - This freedom pushed the Beatles to experiment with their sound.

�  This caused some strife between McCartney and Lennon – Each wanted to go a different direction.

“Yesterday” �  Originated as a solo for McCartney accompanied by

acoustic guitar.

�  George Martin (CEO of Parlaphone) suggested that the Beatles use a string quartet accompaniment.

�  Was released on “Help!” in the UK and as a single in the USA. – Climbed to the No. 1 spot and has since been the most recorded Beatles song

�  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2WQAl5nJWHs

�  Is “Yesterday” Rock?

�  Naturally, John Lennon HATED “Yesterday”.

�  It kept the listening audience on notice that the Beatles would not just stick to one style of music or formula.

The Experimentation Albums

�  “Rubber Soul” & “Revolver” would show gradual increase in experimentation and the transition from their early period to their mature style.

The Beatles “Mature” Style �  No more “Yeah, Yeah, Yeah” songs

�  John discovered the lyrics of Bob Dylan.

�  George had discovered the Sitar

�  Exposed to American Folk Rock

�  Recording Processes allowed them to experiment more with four-track edits.

�  Approached music as a layered process.

Rubber Soul �  “Norwegian Wood” -

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lY5i4-rWh44 �  - Use of the Sitar -

�  “Michelle” - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKvee-w0uBc �  - Using bilingual lyrics – French & English

Revolver �  The release in the midst of their biggest

controversy yet.

�  John Lennon was quoted “We’re more popular than Jesus now” �  -https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ETFKXMdjbkU

�  Over 30 radio stations banned Beatles records, protests, record burnings.

�  The US Tour was still a success but they soon tired of the touring life.

�  “Love You Too” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MF90rX43VpE

�  “Eleanor Rigby” - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-LOgMWbDGPA

�  “Yellow Submarine” - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e_cwWP5Qf1k

�  “Penny Lane” - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jd-oLhJQne0

The Later Beatles: Revolution

�  Continued to push the limits of Rock and Roll.

�  Could get away with more due their status.

�  1967 would be known as the decade’s most interesting year for the Beatles. �  - John Lennon met Yoko Ono at an art show �  - Brian Epstein committed suicide. Felt he was no

longer needed among other personal issues. �  - Without Epstein, their personal lives began to fall

apart.

Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band

�  The ultimate Classic Rock Album of the late-1960s

�  Stayed 168 weeks on the top 100 charts in the USA

�  The origin of a “Concept Album” tied from beginning to end.

�  The album presented a series of “acts” in a psychedelic concert atmosphere.

�  Begins with crowd noise, full of drug-oriented double entendres.

�  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1T5fqLBhZgo

�  Important songs from the album: �  - A Little Help from My Friends

�  - Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds (LSD) �  - She’s Leaving Home �  - Within You Without You

�  - When I’m Sixty-Four

Other Important Albums

�  The Beatles (The White Album) �  - The Most Important Beatles Album – A Double

Album with 30 songs �  People Love it or Hate it �  Telegraphs the end of the Beatles – Sessions were

characterized by tension, resentment, egocentricity �  Essentially a “Tug-of-war” between Lennon and

McCartney

The End of the Beatles �  Paul releases “Paul is Live”

�  1969 – John and Yoko release “Give Peace a Chance”

�  Ringo released a solo album – “Sentimental Journey”

�  George joined Eric Clapton’s band on tour and prepared his own solo album – “All Things Must Pass’

�  “Let It Be” was release after the breakup with an album by Paul McCartney that included a public interview acknowledging the breakup.

Other Group of the British Invasion

�  The Rolling Stones �  - Formed a Counter-Image to The Beatles

�  - Performances were more sexually suggestive �  - had long hair

�  - scruffy unkempt look

�  “I Want to Be Your Man” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y6-sRjMqvIg

�  “Satisfaction” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3a7cHPy04s8