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The Greatest Beatles Song You’ve Never Heard …
Thursday Nov 18, 2004
Its no secret that I’m a huge fan of the Beatles. Something about their chemistry always struck a deep chord within me (intended cliché). Their counter melodies, three part harmonies, experimental spirit, and really high level production are and will always be music to my ears (another intended cliché).
I must admit its tough to come up with one single "secret" Beatles Song that trumps the rest. But at the same time its really difficult to find Beatles songs that haven’t spent time in the lime light. Off the top of my head here are the nominees for Greatest Beatles Song you’ve never heard …
"No Reply" – Beatles For Sale
This song kicks off what is widely accepted as the worst album of the Fab Four. While I’ll agree that perhaps there are more bombs on this record than usual, there are also so grand treasures and amongst them is this seemingly innocent song that bridged bubble gum rock to the angriest of blues tunes. The song tells the story of a snooping boyfriend catching his girlfriend intentionally ignoring his phone calls. I have a friend JD who got caught doing something similar when he was being partially stalked. He saw who the call was from and rejected it. He then looked up to see her across the street glaring at him. He also mentioned she was wearing headphones – perhaps listening to this hidden Beatles classic.
Honorable mention from this album: "Follow the Sun" – Possibly one of the greatest Paul songs of all time, I actually felt that it was slightly too mainstream for this list and thus omitted it. "Baby’s in Black" – Not a great song but it features a three part harmony in the bridge that will melt any music lover’s heart.
"For No One" – Revolver
A cute little piece that according to a book I read back in college has only been played three times live. Paul played it once for the boys, once for George Martin, and then they recorded it. Its a lot like a museum exhibit that never opened. Its buried in a very rich LP but its worth brushing the dust off and having a closer listen. Still, even its title suggests that Paul knew this song was never really going to amount to much.
"Rain" – Past Masters II
My Beatles professor was obsessed with this song. He said that in a way this song was like when the color started appearing in Pleasantville. It was about rain washing away all the bull sh#t, the suits running for cover, and the rest of the world cleansing and being re born. Besides being one of the band’s first message songs it featured some amazing experimental drumming by good old Ringo.
"I’m So Tired" – The White Album
I debated whether or not this song is mainstream. I didn’t find much about it on the internet and I really really love this song so I had to put it on the list. It tells the story of John whilst he was on the retreat in India. He can’t get Yoko out of his mind, he can’t seem to follow the self-disciplinary rules set forth by the Maharishi, he wants to sleep but has too much on his mind. This song is an inner struggle and it is a straight up solid rock song. If you’ve ever felt a war brewing inside yourself that this song will sing to you.
"Lovely Rita" – Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band
Can anything from this epic record really be a secret? Hidden as best as it can be this song sits on the "B" side of what is considered to be the most cohesive rock experience ever created, Lovely Rita gets back to the Liverpudlian roots of the boys. Paul isn’t sure if she looks more like a girl or a guy but he’ll take what he can get even if its on the couch in front of the entire family. Either way she picked up the tab and his heart so she can’t be all bad.
Feel free to write with additional nominees. The winner will be selected by week’s end.
"For tomorrow may rain so I’ll follow the sun…"
-Paul McCartney