We know now that some recordings were done without all of the Beatles working on them, but for the majority of the songs, each Beatles’ contribution melds with the others to make an organic, musical whole, nothing removable or replacable – the rasp of John’s voice, old and wise beyond its years, Paul’s infectious delight in his singing, miraculous harmonies, which make your hair stand on end, melodies as instantly familiar on first hearing as they are now, George’s intricate, perfectly sculpted guitar parts, Paul’s rolling, melodic bass, John’s often unnoticed but indispensable second guitar, the heart beat thump of Ringo’s drums, as well as the contributions of the fifth Beatle, George Martin, who helped shape arrangements, whose incorporated musical suggestions are forever part of the Beatles tapestry. The tapestry of those incomparable songs – of pathos, humor, good will, social commentary, anger, joy, sadness, compassion and love. Love Love Love.
You know them. If you haven’t lately, go listen to the songs again, see if I’m lying, see if they don’t make you feel like when you first heard them. See if your heart doesn’t swell. Again. See if your mouth doesn’t turn upward, despite yourself. See if you don’t feel a decade, or two, or three, or four, younger.
I’d call that magic. I’d call that music. I’d call that The Beatles.
Article comments
1 - ostrova
I don't think they were millionaires for a long time. Sir Paul has most of his money from music publishing, I believe, and remember he doesn't own the Lennon and McCartney catalog!
2 - Will Brennan
Well, they were certainly pulling in millions as a group. Back in 1964, The Beatles were sent a check from EMI for three months record sales, which came to 6 million pounds. That's 24 million a year, just from records. I don't know what the pound/dollar exchange was at the time, but the pound has been double the dollar historically. Suffice it to say, they made a lot of money. It got taken away by the British tax system, used in bad business deals, their finances got very messy, but they did become millionaires.