Ickmusic Giveaway: Memory Almost Full
Let’s give one away, eh mates?
In my inherently lazy way, I’ve been sitting on a copy of Paul McCartney’s new CD, Memory Almost Full, for a good month now. High time I give it away to one of you fine folks, yeah?
You know, I’m one of those people who reveres the Beatles as one of the most important, influential, and best bands of all time. Yeah, I know tastes in music are subjective, but I always felt like most people agreed. And maybe they do. But I work with a couple of guys who sure don’t. One of them, I’ll call him Jim (’cause that’s his name) likens the Beatles to the origin of crappy teen pop. He tells me the Beatles are the reason Britney Spears exists. He has never, does not, and allegedly will never like the Beatles.
When I was in college, my neighbor one door down was a Beatles fanatic. He told me and a few of my friends one time: “Anyone who doesn’t like the Beatles is in a state of denial.” We all laughed, and made a little fun of the comment later. But looking back, he was right! I mean, how can a human being not like the Beatles after listening to Abbey Road? Or The White Album? Or Meet The Beatles!?
So back to the giveaway. It’s an easy entry once again. You leave a comment below, and you’re in the running. I’m assuming those entering are fans of the Beatles (or massive Wings fans? who knows). Do you have anti-Beatles people in your life? Do you struggle to understand them? Is it worth trying to convert them?
Ok, Jim, give me your side of the story. How did you grow into adult form without an appreciation for the Beatles?
- Buy Memory Almost Full [Deluxe Limited Edition].
- For the love of God, buy Abbey Road if you don’t have it.
- Paul’s Official Site.
- Memory Almost Full Sampler Stream: Windows | Mac
Jewel Case Disclaimer: the original jewel case that the CD came in has been systematically dismantled and rendered inoperable by my 15 month old daughter. Another jewel case will be provided. Jeez, this girl and my CDs!
30 Comments
Eric
I’ve always agreed that anyone who says they don’t like the ‘Fabs is either in denial, or thinks it’s “cool” to say so (although, I think it sounds very “uncool”). As someone who saw them on Sullivan (okay, I was four) and who used to sneak into my sisters’ bedroom (an extremely off-limits environment) to listen to their copy of “Meet The Beatles” I consider myself to know of what I speak. My God, there was something there for everybody. Parents (mine included) even liked ’em, for heaven’s sake. Whether it’s “Helter Skelter” or “When I’m Sixty-Four”, their music ran the gamut, and they did it in EIGHT YEARS! Freakin’ amazing.
Yep, they changed my life, all right. They replaced my blood with music, and for that I’m eternally grateful.
Thanks Pete – great post, as usual.
Johnny Bacardi
I’ve encountered many who profess not to like the Beatles; whether or not they’re just stubborn, tin-eared, or trying to be hipper-than-thou or contrary, I just gave up trying to convert the heathen a long time ago. I just pity them.
And you might also want to steer the unenlightened towards Revolver or Rubber Soul (UK version) before throwing them in the deep end of the White Album or the slickness of Abbey Road…just a suggestion…
MamaChristy
Any group with universal appeal like the Beatles can’t NOT be good!
Dan
I liked the Beatles as a kid, but I didn’t like listening to them by the 80s because they were way overplayed (in NY where every DJ claimed to be the 5th Beatle).
I said, not quite correctly, that I didn’t like the Beatles and my brother-in-law freaked out. How could you not like the Beatles?!?! He sang the praises of their innovation, the albums as a whole, their deeper album cuts and their influence. I saw the light and started listening with adult ears and now I am a big fan.
In the late 80s/early 90s I read an interview where Michael Stipe, of whom I am a big fan, made a disparaging comment about the Beatles (which he now explains was taken out of context). I freaked out much like my brother-in-law had. I guess that meant I was a big fan now.
Richard Brandt
My older sister was heavily into Beatlemania too. In fact she got to see them live in Indianapolis–as did my mother, there as a chaperone! (Lucky so-and-so’s.) I did have a friend in high school who didn’t care for the Beatles, though. He thought Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons were far superior. I gave up trying to convert him, because, hey, we’re talking Frankie Valli here.
Jeffro
It’s very difficult to “convince” someone that he/she likes a song. As John Popper so eloquently put it, “it’s the hook that brings you back.” I believe the key with the Beatles is that their hooks and melodies stand out – what was very cool is the fact that they were then constantly able to present those ideas in ever-evolving styles and genres as they and their audience changed, incorporating new sounds and styles.
Dan B.
I don’t trust anyone who doesn’t like the Beatles. I grew up in a household where the radio/turntable was going all the time. When I heard the Beatles, I learned how music could take you to another place, time and feeling…how it could be transcendent.
Then, I discovered Prince at age 12. How lucky was I? He, like the Beatles, showed me a breadth of music like no other. The Beatles and Prince are the reason I’m such a music freak. With all of their influences, I have been able to go back and learn about the history of rock ‘n roll. And we all know what a fun ride that is…
Julie
I would like to submit this post from a poster named Satay *truncated version of Stay Hungry from Bruce’s This Hard Land.
whole thread—try not to be put off by thr goofy crapspeak — it is a highlight of that sight:
http://losersandwhiners.org/board/index.php?showtopic=4932&hl=Beatles
Justin
love the beatles and love paul’s solo stuff. just wanted to put my name in for a chance to win. ps – check the blog daily. definitely some good stuff here.
SNOOD
Paul McCartney? Is he a new Artist? 8P
Did I Win? Put me name in the hat. Thanks
Chuck
Without explaining (in any great detail) how my first LP was “Meet The Beatles”, played drums because of Ringo, and bought a pair of “Official Beatle Boots” just this year at the Beatlefest in NJ …MY memory is almost full and, fortunately, a good part of the musical area is filled with Beatles songs and influences. Peace & Love (that’s what Ringo would say!)
george
i’m getting grief from a few friends of mine (beatles nuts) about this record. i reckon its a good one but the talk around our town is that you can make a good macca record over the last 3. i think this one holds up pretty well on its own.
Brad
I think the Beatles were an amazing band, for the reasons you all cite here. Yep. Range, originality, creativity, breadth, depth, everything. Yep. but I don’t listen to ’em much. I’ve heard it all, like it, am awed by some of it, but don’t particularly want to hear it again. Isn’t that strange? And I DON’T feel that way about, say, the Stones. Though I don’t put it on much, when I do, I want to hear it.
I do listen to soem of Lennon’s solo stuff, and a little of Harrison’s, but have pretty much hated (what I have heard–I admit) the McCartney stuff. Still, I would love to hear this new album, but probably won’t buy it if I don’t win it.
thanks!
Brad
Jim
Statements of Appeasement:
* I never claimed they were not musicians and poets.
* It may be wear and tear that detracts from my ability to love the Beatles as I am apparently required to do as a human being. (Believe Dan mentions this)
* It is catchy, infectious stuff just like “Oops, I did it again”
* These 4 gents and some collaborators created some good, very commmercially viable music.
Truth is I like some of the (less played) tunes for a short while. They don’t stick with me for very long, though. I just don’t value the Beatles above Britney Spears. They are not as Rock ‘n Roll as everyone is lead to believe.
I credit their pioneer status as the creators of modern pop music and their influence will continue to resound in Avril Levigne, Back Street Boys, Monkees and every other group built to make catchy, infectious, commercially fantastic melodies. They did it first. They did it better than the “Fab”ricated groups that followed their path.
Ford made it possible for every American to own a car. He was a pioneer. Doesn’t mean I want one of those pieces of junk. Thank you Mr. Ford for Cloverleaf intersections, the morning commute, rest stops with over priced gasoline and wars in the oil rich lands. He was a great businessman, but I don’t like his product and I don’t like him.
I am saying maybe we should not carve their faces in the Cliffs of Dover just yet. They had the 18-24 demographic wrapped up for a few years. That was great.
They did it in a novel way, for that they deserve more credit than those that followed.
I just want to also “thank” them for what followed and give it the proper perspective as Lowest Common Denominator Pop.
Dan B.
Jim:
Since you are a rare creature in my eyes, who are your favorite musical artists and ones you would deem “great”?
Jim
From that era?
I liked Creedence Clearwater Revival. So much of that art is resurfacing and remade and it is still good stuff.
For unique performance Jerry Lee Lewis, not an original lyricist, but he did things with and to a piano that no one knew to be possible.
Ray Charles was “setting” then but I think the music was finally getting a good listen.
For good old rock ‘n Roll our friend the Rolling Stones and the ANimals stick in my mind.
I am not sure why I am fooled into thinkning these artist had a soul while the poppy end (Beatles, Ronettes, etc) was without one. But I am fooled.
Jim
Not a word on why I should logically love Bruce, Mr. Icke!
(I am Moving to New Jersey, though!)
Pete
The Bruce subject is a whole ‘nother post, my friend. Not touching that one right now….
Jim sez…
Anonymous
Okay, Jim. I hate you a little less now that you said…
I am not sure why I am fooled into thinkning these artists had a soul while the poppy end (Beatles, Ronettes, etc) was without one. But I am fooled.
However, Jerry Lee Lewis did things to a piano no one knew could be done? Yes, I’ll agree. And the Beatles did amazing things in the studio with 4 tracks.
As far as the Beatles paving the way for the “fab”ricated pop of today, I don’t think you can hang that noose on them. It’s not like they were the Monkees, a group that was “fabricated” in hopes of making money (and only money). Fortunately or unfortunately, the Beatles were a part of a phenomenon that the money-makers seized upon. They saw dollar signs in all those fainting young girls’ eyes right before they rolled back in their heads.
There is nothing wrong with a pop song. The Beatles made many, all varied with clever, thoughtful lyrics and beautiful, catchy melodies that continue to remain timeless despite the restrictions of a 1960s studio. All in such a short span as well.
I was interested in what bands you listen to today (or within the last 20 years) in hopes of catching you up in some hypocrisy.
Alas, I know I’ll never convince you the Beatles are one of the greatest bands ever. I also know you’ll never convince me you’re not crazy.
Have a good weekend, Jim.
Private Beach
I am old enough to remember when some people tried to portray musical choice as a “war” between the Beatles and their fans on one side and the Stones and their fans on the other. But I liked them both and the two groups respected each other, so in retrospect that looks pretty silly.
What still seems odd to me as a Brit is American fans enthusing wildly over Beatles albums that never existed in Britain. Capitol ripped off American consumers by reducing the number of tracks on each Beatles LP and making up additional albums from the surplus tracks. The CD reissues rightly followed the British track listings, which were the ones the group and George Martin approved for release. Why are people so nostalgic over being cheated?
The Lone Beader
Luv your blog. It’s wicked cool, esp. the P-Funk post. Cheers=:)
Shadoobie
Sometimes it takes a life changing event to turn an anti-Beatles person into a fan. I’ve seen it happen.
Johnny Bacardi
Private Beach: Well, when one hears music as vital as this, sometimes the track list and order becomes part of that overall listening experience. As an American, sure, I grew up with the US versions of Rubber Soul and Revolver, and in that order, those songs have a charm of their own. Myself, I prefer the original UK configurations, which I now own on CD, but it still sounds odd to me to hear “Drive My Car” leading Rubber Soul off.
And truth be told, in those versions, Yesterday…and Today and The Beatles Again are superior albums- all meat, no filler. Those “ripoff” US LPs are still outstanding LPs.
Smitty
I remember reading an interview with Michael Stipe, back in the mid “80’s ,where he said he had never listened to a Beatles album all the way through. I found that hard to believe, especially since I had just seen an interview by Peter Buck, in “Musician”, where he talked about how often he used an A to E chord progression when composing. He noted that “all the big guys do it, just listen to Elvis Costello and [yes] The Beatles”.
I have only recently started taking R.E.M. seriously again.
Markadelphia
The Beatles, simply put, are the changing face of pop music. They are the embodiment of the history of rock and roll as they took what had come before and launched into a different galaxy by creating pieces of work that will be listened to for hundreds of years.
For anyone to think anything less than this…well…they are musically illiterate and essentially have no business saying they are a “fan” of anything. Everything began with The Beatles (John especially) and all has grown from their garden.
jazzmaster
The Beatles were (and still are, to some extent) THE creative force in modern music. The melodies, harmonies, lyrics, expiremental directions, political diatribes… They were the package deal!
I think Jim is confused… The Beatles weren’t manufactured. Every other pop group he mentioned is just trying to copy what they did. They were THE innovators. The fact that Britney’s people are trying to follow their lead doesn’t make them any less important in modern music.
And, I was VERY suprised to see CCR at the top of his list. Wow. I don’t think they make my top 100 (neither does Bruce, but that’s another story, too!). If you want to talk about who has soul, let’s talk about Jimi Hendrix, Prince or The Doors… But Jerry Lee Lewis? Hmmm… I don’t know… It’s all subjective anyway.
I’m glad to see that Sir Paul is still alive and kicking. I haven’t heard anything from the new disc (but would love to, Pete ~ hint, hint). I seriously doubt that it holds a candle to what he did in the 60s and 70s, but so what… It’s Paul Freakin’ McCartney!!!
Jim
Just to keep this rolling…
I do understand the Beatles were not manufactured like all the imitators who followed in pursuit of the $$$. I know the Monkees were built specifically to be a TV Band (Footnote A). I call the Beatles pioneers of this art.
Perhaps I should be laying blame (Footnote B) with the Disc Jockey’s unholy and continuing alliance (Footnote C) with record distributors for the sad state of Billboard Chart music they continue to proclaim is the best music.
I still can’t relieve them of all blame. I think they either:
A) Sacrificed some art to maximize the money
B) Really are that milquetoast in their perception of the world
I flipped to 60’s on 6 to verify my logic and catch a random example. 15 minutes was long enough to give me ANOTHER BEATLES SONG. This one was about the biggest American and World tragedy of the day. They were “inspired” by the assassination of a popular world leader. This was a horror film caliber spectacle with brains bouncing around on cars before shocked children. It was the September 11th of the decade. I ask you what choice phrase would you utter when you “heard the news today!”
Consider your choice…
You are going to put it in a song…
That you are banking will be remembered forever…
Would it be …
“Oh Boy” (more sighed than sung)?
(Footnote A) Despite MTV’s claims over creating video music.
(Footnote B) R. E. M. Reference intended
(Footnote C) I also realize that the radio controlling corporations have assumed the role of Disc Jockey. They fire any “on air personality” that wants to mess with the play list. Often they just replace the on air personality with a cart shuffler (research WFMZ, Allentown, PA)
Dan B.
Jim:
If you are suggesting “A Day In The Life” was written about the JFK assassination, you would be incorrect. Check out the Wikipedia link…
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Day_In_The_Life
Please do your homework before going on another convoluted rant (now super-sized with footnotes!!).
Peace & Love,
Dan
Jim
Thought you might like the footnotes, sorry about the JFK assumption. I stand corrected.
Pete
We gotta winner!
Dan B. led the Comments charge against my Beatles-deprived friend, Jim. It’s nice to see the discussion. Now this is what the comments sections was built for! Thanks everyone for the great comments…
Congrats Dan…. new Macca CD coming your way…