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How to listen to the Beatles re-releases?

There have been some stupid questions asked on these forums over the years, and several of those stupid questions have come from me. Perhaps here's another one for the ages...

I'm 38 and have never really listened to the Beatles catalog. I own "Peppers", "Rubber Soul" and "Abby Road" on vinyl, plus "Love", but wouldn't say I'm as familiar with their body of work as I am with, say, R.E.M (they were "my" band during my high-school and college years).

However, I've pre-ordered both the stereo and mono Beatles re-releases. What's the best way to re-introduce myself to the genius of the "fab four"?

Should I sit down and work my way through their collection chronologically? Is there a good companion book to read through while I listen? Should I listen to an album over-and-over until I really "get it" before moving on to the next? Both mono and stereo?

There are albums that I pick up and think "Wow...It would have been awesome to listen to this the first day it was released." Fleetwood Mac's "Rumors". CCR's "Willy...". Rush's "Moving Pictures". Etc. The excitement of the release. The cultural and musical context. The significance. I'll never be able to experience that with the Beatles, and I'd like to put myself in a place (mentally) to really listen to the Beatles for the first time (again).

Does this make sense? Blast away. I figure I couple of people will understand what I'm asking and have some thoughtful suggestions.
128x128nrenter

Showing 6 responses by mapman

mapman's avatar
mapman
21,838 posts
 
I never realized fully just how good the Beatles catalog is until I had kids and discovered dozens of Beatles tunes (some covers) that were great songs to sing them to sleep with.

Both my kids love the Beatles. Their output is far more than just a collection of very good rock tunes. Many BEatles tunes hit upon themes which are timeless better than most anyone else.

That's a big part of what will make their music timeless.

Of course all the innovation and talent that went into recording and producing those tunes won't hurt either.
mapman's avatar
mapman
21,838 posts
 
"However SO much great music gets cast by the wayside that Beatle worship just seems silly and wasteful to me. "

I'd say admiration rather than worship, then its OK.

Not silly and wasteful. I chose "The Beatles" as the most practical tool available to help my kids develop appreciation for musical excellence at a young age. That seed has been planted....we'll see where it goes.

I agree that much music is under appreciated, but that is certainly not "The Beatles" fault.

It is what it is....
mapman's avatar
mapman
21,838 posts
 
FWIW here's a few Beatles tunes that I covered quite often with my kids before bed when little and recommend:

I Will
Bad Boy
All My Loving
Hello Goodbye
All Together Now
All You Need Is love
I've Just Seen A Face
All I've Got to Do
You Won't See Me
Love Me do
Twist and Shout
Words of Love
I should Have Known Better
Penny Lane
When I'm 64
All My Loving
Little Child
Hold Me Tight
It Won't Be Long
Rocky Racoon
Ob la di
The Word
Tell Me Why
You can't Do That
Can't buy me Love
Eight Days A Week
mapman's avatar
mapman
21,838 posts
 
I think cavemen would have dug the Beatles, their early Rock and Roll period especially, and Ringo in particular.

Not sure they would get Bach. Definitely not Mahler. Maybe Stravinsky.
mapman's avatar
mapman
21,838 posts
 
"Mapman, remember Ringo starred in the movie "Caveman"."

I certainly remember Barbara Bach. Was Ringo in there also?

Kidding....
mapman's avatar
mapman
21,838 posts
 
I've been listening to maccaradio.com on my rig all evening.

THEY HAVE BEEN PLAYING WHAT SOUNDS LIKE ALL BEATLES REMASTERS....MANY IN MONO!!!!!

Pure heaven.......

Update:

Unfortunately, that program on Macca radio just ended at 12:00 am 9/12.

I'm sure the remasters will pop up again here and on other Beatles-friendly internet stations...keep an eye and ear out.
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