I don't like The Beatles, am I the only one?

[Labhound]

A few snippets from Richie Unterberger's biography of The Beatles:-

"So much has been said and written about the Beatles -- and their story is so mythic in its sweep -- that it's difficult to summarize their career without restating clichés ...they were the greatest and most influential act of the rock era, and they introduced more innovations into popular music than any other group of their time....they were among the few artists of any discipline who were simultaneously the best at what they did and the most popular at what they did. Relentlessly imaginative and experimental,... always staying ahead of the pack in terms of creativity and never losing the ability to communicate their increasingly sophisticated ideas to a mass audience. Their supremacy as rock icons remains unchallenged to this day... They synthesized all that was good about early rock & roll and changed it into something original and even more exciting. They established the prototype for the self-contained rock group that wrote and performed its own material. As composers, their craft and melodic inventiveness were second to none; they were key to the evolution of rock from its blues/R&B-based forms into a style that was far more eclectic, but equally visceral. As singers, both John Lennon and Paul McCartney were among the best and most expressive vocalists in rock, and the group's harmonies were intricate and exhilarating. ...in the studio, they proved instrumental in pioneering advanced techniques and multi-layered arrangements. ...the popularity of the Beatles, however, proved eternal....like any great works of art, the Beatles' records carried an ageless magnificence that continues to captivate new generations of listeners."

A career rock historian pretty much only gets to write the above statements, once. And that's as individual statements: to amass them all in describing one group, says something about The Beatles.

cheers

Often misquoted, "Theirs is the final, great consensus in popular music—not liking them is as perverse as not liking the sun." -Paul Evans

 

[solderdude]

Tell that to people who are allergic to sunlight or to folks having a sun-stroke or are close to having one.

 

[Soandso]

 

[Labhound]

Tell that to people who are allergic to sunlight or to folks having a sun-stroke or are close to having one.

I interpret his statement more broadly as the sun is a fundamental reality.

 

[IPunchCholla]

I interpret his statement more broadly as the sun is a fundamental reality.

Sure. But it is a cherry picked one. There are many fundamental realities that could have been used; death, entropy, the relative nature of time. Substitute those and the not liking part becomes more complicated.

I live in the desert. The sun dictates many of my behaviors and the timing of my activities. If I fail to respect its power I can die. Visitors do on a regular basis. I often do not like the sun, but I recognize its existence and consequences. Same as the Beatles.

 

[tineared]

Anyone who doesn't like Taxman is a communist

 

[Coltr@ne]

Anyone who doesn't like Taxman is a communist

I warn you that the opposite is not true

 

[Labhound]

Sure. But it is a cherry picked one. There are many fundamental realities that could have been used; death, entropy, the relative nature of time. Substitute those and the not liking part becomes more complicated.

I live in the desert. The sun dictates many of my behaviors and the timing of my activities. If I fail to respect its power I can die. Visitors do on a regular basis. I often do not like the sun, but I recognize its existence and consequences. Same as the Beatles.

Yeah I live in the desert too. This oft misquoted statement comes from the Rolling Stone Album Guide and was made by Paul Evans who is known for divisive "over the top" hyperbolic statements. One should not try to over analyze hyperbole. Just agree, ignore or call BS.

 

[olds1959special]

I like The Beatles, but you can only take so much of that syrupy formulaic stuff. They have composed some great songs, though.

 

[wadude]

Can you provide examples of pop/rock music that isn’t formulaic?

 

[olds1959special]

Can you provide examples of pop/rock music that isn’t formulaic?

Why I listen to 75% jazz and 20% classical, and 5% rock/pop.

 

[DavidEdwinAston]

Can you provide examples of pop/rock music that isn’t formulaic?

I will suggest, "Wait till they change the backdrop," See what you think.

 

[IPunchCholla]

Isn’t all music formulaic? Isn’t that what separates it from noise? Some formula are more complex than others, making it hard to parse until several listening, often providing intellectual enjoyment, Some are simpler allowing easy predictability and the possibility of physical and/or group enjoyment/participation (dancing + community bonding). Both provide incredible, human, outlets.

Unlike assholes, opinions are unjustifiable. It’s ok not to like something, or to like something, but liking and disliking have no effect of the thing itself.

 

[olds1959special]

Isn’t all music formulaic? Isn’t that what separates it from noise? Some formula are more complex than others, making it hard to parse until several listening, often providing intellectual enjoyment, Some are simpler allowing easy predictability and the possibility of physical and/or group enjoyment/participation (dancing + community bonding). Both provide incredible, human, outlets.

Unlike assholes, opinions are unjustifiable. It’s ok not to like something, or to like something, but liking and disliking have no effect of the thing itself.

Yes, all music is formulaic. But The Beatles is on the cornier, campier end of things.

 

[Timcognito]

But The Beatles is on the cornier end of things.

Yes I'd put them here, coo coo ca choo, Rocky Raccoon

Got Yacht Rock?

I was today years old when I learned of the term "Yacht rock." I had no idea that was a thing, and a large thing too. Watched a documentary about it last night, and learned a lot! https://www.imdb.com/title/tt34280353/

www.audiosciencereview.com

 

[Rocky Maine]

They were great songwriters and benefitted from an excellent producer. Their timing was perfect, what with all the other good music coming from the UK. Rubber Soul, Revolver and Abbey Road are my favorites, although Yer Blues and Everybody's Got Something to Hide Except Me and My Monkey from the white album are also top notch.

How can you not love side 2 of Abbey Road??

 

[GroeneLeeuw]

Yes I'd put them here, coo coo ca choo, Rocky Raccoon

Got Yacht Rock?

I was today years old when I learned of the term "Yacht rock." I had no idea that was a thing, and a large thing too. Watched a documentary about it last night, and learned a lot! https://www.imdb.com/title/tt34280353/

www.audiosciencereview.com

Naming made trendy by people who know little about music and have dubious tastes (I dare say, ****** taste).

 

[Timcognito]

How can you not love side 2 of Abbey Road??

I can but for me they peaked at Revolver and a lot of screaming girls helped them along. Not a hater but but don't want to hold their hands.

 

[tineared]

I can but for me they peaked at Revolver and a lot of screaming girls helped them along. Not a hater but but don't want to hold their hands.

Well she was just seventeen
If you know what I mean

 

[wadude]

I will suggest, "Wait till they change the backdrop," See what you think.

Definitely has a form but it's a nice form!

Yes, all music is formulaic. But The Beatles is on the cornier, campier end of things.

Well, I'm glad you copped to that! One of the first things you learn about in Jazz is form. "Classical" music is a study and history in forms. I will admit that when approaching the Beatles or any other British act in the pop/rock style, it's good to have an awareness of Music Hall and Panto. Once you do, you begin to realize that it's hard to escape those influences regardless of the "genre."