In which our hero tries and fails miserably to convey the essence of one of rock and roll's greatest albums from one of rock and roll's greatest bands in his birthday inspired once a year album review. Hell, even the album cover is one the most memorable in rock's history....
Already wrote a bio of the Beatles and each of its members--just going to cut to the quick of synopsizing each song on Abbey Road (all seventeen of them):
Come Together--With its ominous musical overtones, "Come Together" opens the album and sets the standard for all the songs to come. Staccato guitar, a pulsating bass drum, and the rattlesnake cymbals make for a stunning intro . The gibberish lyrics just add to its charm. Favorite Line: "He say I know you, you know me/One thing I can tell you is you got to be free..."
Something--Just to give you an idea, 200 artists have done a cover version of this one (only "Yesterday" has more covers of a Beatles song). Yeah, it's a little on the sappy side, but it has a lovely melody, heartfelt lyrics, heartfelt vocals, and a nice guitar solo. An excellent effort from George Harrison--one of the greatest love songs ever written. Favorite Line: "Something in the way she knows/And all I have to do is think of her..."
Maxwell's Silver Hammer--Serial killing with an upbeat tempo. Not the best on the album or in Paul McCartney's career. Still better than anything Styx or REO Speedwagon ever did, though. Favorite Line: "Joan was quizzical, studied pataphysical/Science in the home..."
Oh! Darling--A raucous piece of barroom rock and roll. Essentially a 'baby please don't leave me" song. McCartney does his best to sound like he warmed up his voice by smoking three packs of cigarettes and drinking a fifty of whiskey--it works well enough. No one would ever confuse it with one of the Beatles' best, but a listenable effort. Favorite Line: "When you told me/You didn't need me anymore/Well you know I nearly broke down and cried..."
Octopus's Garden--Did you know that octopuses collect items from the ocean floor and build gardens from them? Me, either, but learning new things is one of the perks of Friday Night Jukebox. Ringo Starr wrote this one and performs the vocals. As novelty efforts go, it's not quite "Yellow Submarine," but it's still a cut above. Considered by many to be a great children's song. Quirky and lovable, just like Ringo. Favorite Line: "We would be warm below the storm/In our little hideaway beneath the waves..."
I Want You (She's so Heavy)--A nearly eight minute love song from John Lennon to Yoko Ono. Considered by some to be a precursor to heavy metal. Not your usual Beatles fare, but it works tremendously well. The lyrics are simple, the construction of the song is not. Lots of feedback over a foreboding guitar, while the drums accentuate the somber tone. One of those songs that make you realize why the Beatles were (and are) one of the most influential bands ever. Favorite Line: "I want you/I want you so bad/It's driving me mad..."
Here Comes the Sun--And out of the darkness comes one of the most hopeful, both musically and lyrically, songs ever written. The second gem on the album penned and sung by George Harrison, The light at the end of the tunnel, the end of the rainbow--it's the easing of your struggles and the peace you had hoped for coming over the horizon. The opening acoustic guitar is instantly recognizable and utterly unforgettable. Favorite Line: "Little darling, it's been a long cold lonely winter/Little darling, it feels like years since it's been here..."
Because--Lennon, McCartney, and Harrison all harmonize on this one, the first time all three would share lead vocals. Not only that, they did some fancy studio wizardry to make it sound as if it were nine voices. While the nature of this song is very different, like "I Want You (She's so Heavy)" this is another signature song for the Beatles which makes you realize why they're often considered to be the greatest band of all-time. Favorite Line: "Love is old, love is new/Love is all, love is you..."
You Never Give Me Your Money--The first song of an eight song medley (though this one sounds like it's three songs in one). Listening to the Beatles juxtapose all three sections is a joy--ballad to a bit of a rocker to a sing song pop song. Some think McCartney wrote this one believing Abbey Road would be the Beatles last album. Favorite Line: "You never give me your money/You only give me your funny paper..."
Sun King--The second song of the medley, and the second song where Lennon, McCartney, and Harrison harmonize the lead vocals. This one's a lot of lovely instrumental and a few lyrics, including a mix of romance languages at the end which Lennon admitted later was just the Beatles goofing around. Favorite Line: Everybody's laughing/Everybody's happy/Here comes the sun king..."
Mean Mr. Mustard--Lennon wrote a song about a real life miser who supposedly hid his money so well he couldn't spend it because he couldn't find it, to continue the medley. It only last one minute six seconds, but as with the best art a lot is packed into that short time. Almost has a whimsical quality, and I always liked it because I found it to be so catchy. The mention of the miser's sister Pam is a lead in to the next song. Favorite Line: "Saving up to buy some clothes/Keeps a ten-bob note up his nose/Such a mean old man..."
Polythene Pam--This Lennon penned ditty is the fourth song of the medley. Like the previous tune, extremely short and extremely catchy (from small things big things come). Supposedly about sex with a woman wrapped in polythene--which Lennon may or may not have been part of. Favorite Line: "Get a dose of her in jackboot and kilts/She's killer-diller when she's dressed to the hilt..."
She Came in Through the Bathroom Window--Number five. Based on a true story of a fan who used a a ladder to climb through the bathroom window of McCartney's home. She promptly let some friends in and they stole a handful of items. Another short catchy song. Maybe a theme? Favorite Line: "Sunday's on the phone to Monday/Tuesday's on the phone to me..."
Golden Slumbers--The last three songs of the medley are as close to godliness as rock and roll can get, and this one is a lovely lullaby. A beautiful plea to to a sleepy child to stop crying and let a peaceful sleep bring her a happy awakening. McCartney absolutely nails the vocal. Favorite Line: "Once there was a way to get back homeward/Once there was a way to get back home..."
Carry That Weight--Another song written by McCartney anticipating the end of their time together. The phrase "carry that weight" is an acknowledgment that all of them would carry the weight forever of being in the Beatles. A rare song as the chorus features all four Beatles harmonizing. An uplifting exhortation. Favorite Line: "Boy, you're gonna carry that weight/Carry that weight a long time..."
The End--A stellar drum solo from Ringo Starr, stupendous guitar solos in order from McCartney, Harrison, and Lennon, and perhaps the greatest single line ever written in a rock and roll song completes the last time the Beatles would be in the studio together. A masterful ending to a master work. Favorite Line: "And in the end/The love you take/Is equal to the love/You make..."
Her Majesty--Just to add the cherry on top, the Beatles added this novelty ode to Queen Elizabeth as a hidden track (on the original release). Twenty-six seconds of lighthearted fun to send us all home happy. Favorite Line: "I wanna tell her that I love her a lot/But I gotta get a belly full of wine..."
Enjoy a masterpiece:
It Was an Insurrection--the Blood of Those Killed on January 6th Is on Republican Hands
Peace,
emaycee
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