OK, I'm starting with something easy. An album I love and that most of the sentient world also loves. Abbey Road by The Beatles.
The facts: Abbey Road was recorded in 1969, and recording for it was interspersed with recording of the beatles' last album, Let it Be (originally titled
Get Back). It was their second to last album recorded and one of their best selling studio albums, having gone 12x platinum. It was also number 3 on the iTunes album charts after iTunes finally acquired the rights to sell the Beatles catalog.
Opening thoughts: These are all ridiculously good songs. But If I rate all of them at 4 or 5 stars, they'll all pop up in my top rated playlist, which I'm hoping will be one of those experiences where every song is a smile and I don't feel like skipping any of them. And I can think of a few that won't always be smiles ("Sun King" and "Because" come to mind). I've logged somewhere in the triple digits in terms of play count on all the songs on Abbey Road, so many of these songs will probably be boring to hear too many times again. But I would like them to hold their own in my Top Rated playlist lest it become overrun by newer, less familiar tunes.
Track 1. Come Together
OH god. I've played this badly so many times in my basement that it's wonderful to hear the original. You can't help but sigh and squint at the contact coolness you get from the bassline. And the lyrics, even though they don't cohere as a poetic whole, they're written to be sung. It's like you can feel Mr. Lennon spitting in your ears from his eager consonants. And of course the eerily prescient "shoot me" of the opening groove.
Rating: 5 Apples
Track 2. Something
The lustiness of this one has worn off over the years. And since I've known all the lyrics by heart for a while, the way they magically fit is not as amazing as it used to be. Everything about the song is spot-on and extremely clean, like all of this album. Maybe too clean.
Rating: 4 Apples
Track 3. Maxwell's Silver Hammer
The story on this one is so eerie it never gets old to sing along with "bang bang, maxwell's silver hammer came down upon his head, made sure that he was dead." Probably the most macabre beatles tune.
Rating: 4 Apples
Track 4. Oh Darling!
No doubt that this one's got a great groove, and is way more fun most doo-wop tunes with similar words. I gave this one 3 stars a while ago, just because I think the lyrics are so much like normal pop. But Paul really gives us some good screams on this track, and isn't that what we all really want?
Rating: 4 Apples
Track 5. Octopus' Garden
One of only a couple that Ringo penned, I think. And not as WTF? as Don't Pass Me By on The White Album. This track's got a sanguine childishness that's hard to find anywhere nowadays. The lyrics are like a kindergarten kid's homework assignment, but their cute honesty is what makes them work. And I love the groove.
Rating: 5 Apples
Track 6. I want you/She's so heavy
More angular than most beatles stuff and real good on screams. The guitar solo is another masterpiece of George's understated stylings.
Rating: 4 Apples
Track 7. Here Comes The Sun
The one everybody'll sing along to. The "Sun, Sun, Sun, Here it comes" part always makes me want to join in. And you can probably only live in northern Britain or Syracuse, New york to really appreciate the sun coming out.
Rating: 5 Apples
Track 8. Because
Alright, I've been really nice so far. That ends now. I don't know why getting turned on and getting high have to sound so dreary, and the harpsichord at the beginning sounds kinda like a dying goose to me. The melody to the chorus is pretty nice. So I won't just give it a 1.
Rating: 2 Apples
Track 9. You Never Give me Your Money
This always feel like you've read a whole book after the 4 minutes of the song is done. And I really like that we can have a happy song about being broke. Helps you think about the setbacks in life with a smile.
Rating 5 Apples
Track 10. Sun King
A really cool, chill tune, but kinda boring. Admittedly, if any contemporary band came up with a song like sun king, I'd probably 5apple it in a snap. But in the context of all these fast grooves with fun lyrics, this track comes off as the buzzkill of the Abbey Road party.
Rating: 3 Apples
Track 11. Mean Mr. Mustard
The best 1 minute song I could ever imagine.
Rating: 5 Apples
Track 12. Polythene Pam
The 2nd best 1 minute song I could ever imagine.
Rating: 5 Apples
Track 13: She Came In Through The Bathroom Window
This continues to groove and the medley continues to be awesome.
Rating: 5 Apples
Track 14: Golden Slumbers
A really pretty melody. And those opening lines are killers. "Once there was a way to get back homeward". It sounds like it's a reprise of some other song, though. And isn't quite as smile-inducing as the rest of the album.
Rating: 4 Apples
Track 15: Carry That Weight
I'm surprised more people don't chant this at football games.
Rating: 5 Apples
Track 16. The End
Doesn't really have a melody, or exceptionally good lyrics. It's a killer way to end the album if you're listening to it the whole way through. But as a single track? I think I'll bury it below the best-rated songs.
Rating: 3 Apples
Track 17. Her Majesty
Hitting on the queen of england is such a rascally thing to do. And some great folky strumming to go with it.
Rating: 5 Apples
Next up: The Absolute Best of Leadbelly
