Ha! For some reason, when it comes to bands, I tend to consider the group as a whole rather than focus on the individuals. It’s all four of them who made The Beatles The Beatles, so I never got into the whole John vs. Paul thing.
I love the band though!
And I really appreciate your critique of the “genius” artist trope.
I was never a huge Beatles fan. Their early songs were enjoyable and good for learning guitar in the 80s before the explosion of exact transcription tablature books. I didn’t listen to much of the catalogue beyond Sgt Pepper.
That said, I’ve always been a McCartney fan, never cared for Lennon. Love Wings and his solo stuff. Guilty pleasure - I love the Frog Chorus… as a child I loved Rupert Bear.
I think of them this way; Lennon wanted to be an icon, Paul wanted to be a musician. If they were young today I think you’d probably see Lennon on X-factor or any other TV talent show. If Macca had never made it, I think he’d still be writing songs. He just can’t help himself.
I think of the Beatles as 4 exceedingly talented people who together created a band that was even better than the sum of its parts, and who went on to do interesting and creative work on different paths afterward. It's a shame Lennon's "afterward" path wasn't longer.
One thing I admire the most is that when you know the lives they came from, it would've been so easy for them to coast on their early success and just enjoy the fame and fortune. Instead, they remained artistically ambitious, always looking for new inspiration--even spiritually and cross-culturally. They continued to grow and change with every album (and it was probably that continued growth and change that ultimately sent them all off in their own directions).
I do think Yoko Ono gets an unfairly bad rap. While I'm not a fan of her vocal wailings, a lot of her conceptual art is smart, sometimes witty, and thought-provoking. For all Lennon's flaws, I think his admiration for her is to his credit.
Are you among those of us who are impatiently waiting for the next installment of Mark Lewisohn's series of books, of which only Vol. 1 has been released so far?
I also admire John for so clearly being in love with Yoko (a strong opinionated woman). You couldn't write that relationship -- no one would believe it.
Oh! I need to read the Lewison book NOW. (Just finished The reluctant Beatle, which I didn't think was very good.)
Fantastic piece, I remember seeing the public mourning for John on TV as an 8 year old and asking my mum why so many people were crying for someone famous. It left quite an impression
I was a bit older, but yeah, it hit me hard too. I can't imagine what it would be like for people who were around when the Beatles were in their primce.
Great article. I’m reading a biography of Leonardo DaVinci which lays out the extensive research he did on anatomy, movement, and other areas which informed his art. Hard work is important!
Similar trajectory formed my love for the Beatles. I was in a community theater play with an outrageous, gorgeous blond boy who never hesitated to do something wild for attention. Obviously he became my best friend and introduced me to the Beatles. I became obsessed with them (as he was and as I was with him). It didn’t end in a happily ever after but neither did it end in a McCartney/Lennon grudge match. He went his way and I went mine but my love for the band he introduced me to remains unchanged.
Haha lovely memory. I think music is different from, say, books or movies, in that you can share it more intimately with another person. And I think it triggers memories/emotions better.
Excellent. Really.
Why thank you. Yeah yeah yeah.
I think whichever one you consider to be the “cool” Beatle depends on which one you vibe with. I’m a Paul girl for sure!
I thought you were going to say Ringo!
Oh definitely! DEFINITELY! hahaha
Great piece! I have a new appreciation for Paul, though my approach was always to like neither of them. :-)
BOMB THROWER!!!
WHAT??????
#Deadtome
Ha! For some reason, when it comes to bands, I tend to consider the group as a whole rather than focus on the individuals. It’s all four of them who made The Beatles The Beatles, so I never got into the whole John vs. Paul thing.
I love the band though!
And I really appreciate your critique of the “genius” artist trope.
Yeah, I figured you'd agree with that.
Love this!
Thank you!
Well done! I’m not a fashionista but I did cherish my Nehru jacket.
Haha, I never had one, but I truly wish I did! I guess it's not too late.
(The story behind those jackets -- and also their haircuts -- is interesting. It's all so random!)
I was always a George fan. Always.
That is a very fair answer. I also would have accepted "Ringo." 😂😂😂
Paul was the music chaser. John was the saboteur.
haha, yes accurate.
I was never a huge Beatles fan. Their early songs were enjoyable and good for learning guitar in the 80s before the explosion of exact transcription tablature books. I didn’t listen to much of the catalogue beyond Sgt Pepper.
That said, I’ve always been a McCartney fan, never cared for Lennon. Love Wings and his solo stuff. Guilty pleasure - I love the Frog Chorus… as a child I loved Rupert Bear.
I think of them this way; Lennon wanted to be an icon, Paul wanted to be a musician. If they were young today I think you’d probably see Lennon on X-factor or any other TV talent show. If Macca had never made it, I think he’d still be writing songs. He just can’t help himself.
Not a Beatles fan??? 🥺😉🙂
I think that level of fame would drive anyone bonkers. They didn't all deal with it well. But I agree that Paul is ultimately a songwriter. 🙂
I think of the Beatles as 4 exceedingly talented people who together created a band that was even better than the sum of its parts, and who went on to do interesting and creative work on different paths afterward. It's a shame Lennon's "afterward" path wasn't longer.
One thing I admire the most is that when you know the lives they came from, it would've been so easy for them to coast on their early success and just enjoy the fame and fortune. Instead, they remained artistically ambitious, always looking for new inspiration--even spiritually and cross-culturally. They continued to grow and change with every album (and it was probably that continued growth and change that ultimately sent them all off in their own directions).
I do think Yoko Ono gets an unfairly bad rap. While I'm not a fan of her vocal wailings, a lot of her conceptual art is smart, sometimes witty, and thought-provoking. For all Lennon's flaws, I think his admiration for her is to his credit.
Are you among those of us who are impatiently waiting for the next installment of Mark Lewisohn's series of books, of which only Vol. 1 has been released so far?
Wise words all!
I also admire John for so clearly being in love with Yoko (a strong opinionated woman). You couldn't write that relationship -- no one would believe it.
Oh! I need to read the Lewison book NOW. (Just finished The reluctant Beatle, which I didn't think was very good.)
Fantastic piece, I remember seeing the public mourning for John on TV as an 8 year old and asking my mum why so many people were crying for someone famous. It left quite an impression
I was a bit older, but yeah, it hit me hard too. I can't imagine what it would be like for people who were around when the Beatles were in their primce.
Great article. I’m reading a biography of Leonardo DaVinci which lays out the extensive research he did on anatomy, movement, and other areas which informed his art. Hard work is important!
It is! I also always feel like I can tell if an artist has done the work or if it's all smoke and mirrors and hype.
Similar trajectory formed my love for the Beatles. I was in a community theater play with an outrageous, gorgeous blond boy who never hesitated to do something wild for attention. Obviously he became my best friend and introduced me to the Beatles. I became obsessed with them (as he was and as I was with him). It didn’t end in a happily ever after but neither did it end in a McCartney/Lennon grudge match. He went his way and I went mine but my love for the band he introduced me to remains unchanged.
Haha lovely memory. I think music is different from, say, books or movies, in that you can share it more intimately with another person. And I think it triggers memories/emotions better.
Thanks! We just left, but we did make it inside. :-)
P.S. I always liked Linda. Class act (even if not-great musician 😂. But she loved Paul enough to give it the college try.)
That is just LOVELY! And I'm very very glad to hear it..😍❤️❤️❤️❤️
Oh! I need to read that one next... Just read the new-ish George Harrison one which left me with very mixed feelings.
Thank you, btw.