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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
has2be's avatar
has2be
555 posts
 
I really do like almost every one of the Beatles songs and own 10 of their LPs. No offence but " Rock and Roll would not exist today as we know it without the Beatles , period." The beatles would not of existed if it were not for those who pioneered it before them and were the ones who inspired the Beatles. The genesis of Rock and Roll does not begin and end with the beatles. They do have a great part in musics progession without question but I,m sure that they were not the inspiration for all to come and certainly didn,t invent it. Rock and Rolls birth and influence came from this side of the pond in your own backyard. Thank those for inspiring the Beatles, I,m sure if they were all with us, they would. Cheers
lindisfarne
511 posts
 
Taste in music is like beauty. It's in the eye (ear) of the beholder. Just listen and if you like them, great. If you don't, I still do. Easy.
chashmal
605 posts
 
Great music: YES
but
Over rated: YES
audiofeil
4,011 posts
 
>>08-30-09: Chashmal
Yeah, they were good....but they were not THAT good.<<

In fact, they were THAT good. Their incredible body of work was created over a measly span of 6 years.

The best measure of greatness is passage of time. Appears they have passed that test with flying colors so far.

Remember, they've been disbanded over 40 years and interest in the music/members continues by young and old.
chashmal
605 posts
 
Audiofeil: to debate just how good is moot. I know their longevity is unique and that people get great joy and edification from the music. That is not in question.

My point is that it is still just pop music, albeit very great pop music, but people treat it as if it were something more.
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