Good Beatles Music. Good.

I love the Beatles! and this has been my toughest list to put together to date. The short list came to seventeen, and I couldn't bear to get rid of any of them. These aren't the best, but ten of my faves. Oh the Beatles. Oh.

	I Want You (She's So Heavy) [from Abbey Rd] Probably my favourite song ever, so it's hardly surprising it ended up here. Simple lyrics and brilliant guitars, I had it on a raggy old cassette tape for years before purchasing the CD and experiencing it... in stereo. Indescribable. Best Line: "I want you so bad, it's driving me mad..." [buy it!]
You've Got To Hide Your Love Away [from Help!] I fell in love with this song in 1994, like most of the others. I liked it at first because it was kind of depressing, but kind of pretty, and I didn't understand it. Now, I just think it's lovely, but have to put up with listening to it on vinyl, because I can't afford the CD. Best Line: "How could she say to me, 'love will find a way'?" [buy it!]
	A Day In The Life [from Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band] A favourite of Elle and myself, this is one of their greatest songs ever. I could never bring myself to listen to a remake of this track, because it just can't be perfected. Elle and I still remember all the words, although she sings it better. Best Line: "He didn't notice that the lights had changed..." [buy it!]
Across The Universe [from Let It Be] Suede did a remake of this a few years ago, which brought it back to my attention. It's a good stoner's song, but that's not what I use it for. I love the guitars and the lightness of the song, it's kooky and almost summery, with no real angst. Best Line: "Words are flowing out like endless rain into a paper cup..." [buy it!]
	Things We Said Today [from A Hard Day's Night] This is my favourite of the Beatles' poppy-dop songs. I'd forgotten about it til I heard it again, on a pirated copy, about seven years ago. It's actually the only poppy-dop song to have made this list, chased closely by I Should Have Known Better, and If I Fell. Best Line: "Some day when we're dreaming, deep in love, not a lot to say..." [buy it]
She's Leaving Home [from Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band] This is a saddie but a goodie. It brings Sgt Pepper down easy, and is a good addition to the album. It tells a good story, and it's pretty, and doesn't stick in your head too much, which spells out a dandy tune. Best Line: "What did we do that was wrong? We didn't know it was wrong." [buy it!]
	Golden Slumbers [from Abbey Rd] The nicest song in the world to go to sleep to. So peaceful, it gives the illusion that all is well in the world, and that you're loved, and that at least for a few hours all is calm inside your crazy head. At least, that's what it tells me. Best Line: "Sleep pretty darling, do not cry, and I will sing a lullabye..." [buy it!]
I Am The Walrus [from Magical Mystery Tour] Everyone loves I Am The Walrus. I do too, no harm in that. It's written brilliantly, the lyrics are weird but funny and rhyme beautifully. Genuine, bona fide kook; which the Fab Four are as good at as they are at everything else in music. Best Line: "Expert textpert joking smokers, don't you think the joker laughs at you?" [buy it!]
	Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown) [from Rubber Soul] One of my favourite Beatles tunes to sing along to. It always makes me laugh, I never really know why. I once had a girl, or should I say, she once had me... it makes me retrospective in a fun kind of way, and that can't be bad. Best Line: "And when I awoke I was alone, this bird had flown..." [buy it!]
While My Guitar Gently Weeps [from White Album] I heard this song dozens of times before I even knew what the title was. Listening to the lyrics more closely about five years later made me completely love it, completely. Although I completely resent all covers of it. It's perfect as is. Best Line: "I don't know how someone controlled you, they bought and sold you..." [buy it!]

[back to Chelly's Tens]