What track from Rubber Soul is your personal favorite? Mine would have to be Nowhere Man or Girl.... but they honestly are all top notch Beatles songs, it's hard to pick lol.
It is a tough one for sure. I think the ones that stick out for me most are Girl, In My Life, Michelle, You Won't See Me and Norwegian Wood. Also there always seems to be a lot of hate towards Run For Your Life which I don't really get. I always took this song as tongue and cheek
The Coming-of-Age album of the Fab Four! Let's see... I guess Drive My Car is my go-to off this album, after all...more cowbell is better!! But In My life (message) and Michelle (melody) also ring my bell pretty well. Thanks for keeping the Beatles flame bright, Lee!
Think for yourself was the first time that fuzz tone was used on popular music when Paul put it on his bass. Every time a Beatles song ends the next song intro immediately comes into my head. That is what comes from literally thousands of times I sat on my drum set playing along with them. Allow me an analogy. It is said Hercules got strong by picking up a young bull and carrying it every day as it grew into a full size adult bull. I feel like that is what I did playing and emulating Ringo every day from the age of 13 can continuing thru adulthood. I made me a very strong, not flashy, drummer that put food on the table for my family for over 30 years and allowed me to partially retire on my terms at the age of 50. Thank you Ringo my sensei master.
Until this moment, the Beatles were considered a mass phenomenon, a group that was attractive to young people, especially for their energy, their sense of humour and of course also, although less so, for their music. Many, most, thought that sooner or later they would fall, as often happens. Rubber Soul radically changed that perception. Their songs were no longer aimed at their teenage fans, they spoke of profound things with sublime melodies and rhythms. It was their letter of introduction as first-class musicians. And it was only the beginning...
I WAS a teen ager when Rubber Soul came out. I moved away from the Beatles after their initial landing in America (1964-65) as they became too cutesy and your parents liked them a bit too much. In 1966, RUBBER SOUL BROUGHT ME BACK TO THE BEATLES. I was now 16 and there was plenty of other music competing for our attention. THE BEATLES began to mature and get deeper, more interesting.
What a great record. Even a relatively obscure track like 'You Won't See Me' has a compelling bass line, excellent drum fills, trademark vocal harmonies and dynamics.
Lee, it's my 67th birthday today and I'm asking myself where the last 60 years have gone. I was 7, almost 8 when Rubber Soul came out. The excitement with every new Beatles release was palpable amongt us at school. I absolutely love your analyses of The Beatles. You are spot on with your observations and understanding of the music, the culture and attitudes. Love you! My childhood was fab! My 12th birthday coincided with the rehearsals for the rooftop concert. The end of my childhood and the end of The Beatles. But not really. Their name liveth forever more. xxx
1965: Dylan goes electric and gives us "Like a Rolling Stone", The Byrds release Mr. Tambourine Man and Turn, Turn, Turn pretty much signaling the "folk rock" scene, The Rolling Stones songwriting grows by leaps and bounds giving us (I Can' Get No) Satisfaction, Sonny and Cher hit the charts with I Got You Babe, Mowtown on fire with My Girl, Stop in the Name of Love, The tracks of My Tears, Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch (and more). That's the tip of the iceberg.
God, I love seeing someone discovering The Beatles' greatest masterpieces for the first time, even though you've heard so much already. The depths of their output is just astounding isn't it? This album is just incredible. The variety and quality of songwriting is ridiculous. There will never ever be a band to touch them. Norwegian Wood is genius and just about edges every other song but it's very very close.
1965, 11, pretend i'm sick, play hooky, dance around to rubber soul, bake cupcakes, liptons chicken noodle soup on the teevee tray, watch the honeymooners & million dollar movie. the 60s definitely had it's charms ; ).
There are a couple of videos out there of creators asking the question “was Ringo a good drummer”, and then goes on to demonstrate how difficult it is to drive a song with simple yet exceptional driving beats that NEVER misses, slows, or speed. He is a human metronome
I ❤ watching those videos!Warms my heart seeing drummers trying to keep pace with Ringo for 2-3 minutes straight, and they can’t. They find it incredibly difficult and get frustrated. The validation Ringo immediately receives from these drummers brings me such satisfaction.😊❤
And don't forget, 'Day Tripper' and 'We Can Work It Out' were also recorded during these sessions! The sessions actually went on for about a month, starting on October 12th. 'Wait' (on side 2) was left over from the Help sessions. They needed one more song for the album and decided that, even though it wasn't 'worthy' of being on Help, it could be used here. Way back in the day I always felt like 'Wait' had more of an 'early' Beatles song, and sure enough, it was an 'old' one. You'll love side 2 every bit as much, it's my favorite side. Never been a big fan of 'What Goes On' (I rarely make a statement like that about any Beatles song), but the rest of it is fantastic.
As a kid who was 16 when this album hit the USA, I realized this was not just some more pop music from Britain. These guys had been gigging at clubs all over Europe for almost 3 years before this came out and they were way past playing covers - each one of the Beatles, including Ringo, were world class rockers, musicians and song writers at this stage of their careers. I've said it before, they changed music forever, just four guys in suits who could get up and perform hundreds of songs with no help, no special effects, no smoke machines, no auto-tune - just some Rickenbackers and microphones. Their vocal harmony was unmatched, even today.
I was 15 when this album was released…I had just been selected to play soccer for the regional team, but I couldn’t wait for the game to finish so I could get back home and I played this album to death for the next month. Cherished memories
@@brenthenderson3983 And I flip between the two depending on my mood. The two albums showed them at their melodic peak mixed with a creative leap forward.
Whenever you get to listening to Revolver, as a companion piece you may want to read “1966” by Steve Turner. Amazon describes it as “The year that changed everything for the Beatles was 1966-the year of their last concert and their first album, Revolver, that was created to be listened to rather than performed.” It’s a good read and presents the year (and Revolver recording sessions) in a diary format as I remember.
George’s sitar on Norwegian Wood was mind blowing at the time. The genre of World Music owes a great debt to The Beatles one of the first rock bands to incorporate influences from other cultures. I saw The Ravi Shankar Orchestra on tour with George Harrison in 1974.
Been waiting to hear you bring up the harmonies! So on point, always. On our little transistor AM only, no FM the sound of the harmonies was really what stood out during early Beatlemania. Once Stereo and FM came out the appreciation blew up even more!
The Beatles absolutely are GOOD MEDICINE!!! Whether you are ailing or not!😁 I was sick a lot growing up, as well as living in chaos and trauma, and I can say with no hyperbole whatsoever, that The Beatles kept me alive for most of my childhood!👼 🎶
Paul mentioned recently how the lyric was originally pretty lame for “Drive My Car” until he showed it to John, and with John’s direction they created a much better lyric; John sings on it too - it’s a John and Paul song - I think we forget how freely they helped each other - it was John that suggested that Paul ‘finish up’ that French thing he used to do at parties- John added the ‘I love you, I love you, I love you’ bit.
There was a plan to combine the songs from Rubber Soul & Revolver, plus the singles, "Day Tripper," "Paperback Writer," "Rain," and "We Can Work It Out" into a double album, but was scratched at the last minute. Could you imagine?
No other band within the last 80 years is even close to the Beatles in music writing and production brilliance. Just the incredible volume of songs in such a short time us unbelievable.
Got into the Beatles when I was about 7 years old. One time in later years, Ringo was asked about playing along to a click track. He shrugged and replied with a poker face, " I am the click. " I admired this. So when I acquired a hunter jumper competition horse that was the most reliable cadence of Canter I had ever experienced, never missed a beat, tall and lanky but a gentle giant, consistent as hell, I called him, "Ringo". He was a great jumper and friend and cleared a 6-foot fence like it was nothing. Such a consistent beat you could set your watch by it. I loved that horse and I love Ringo Starr hugely underrated as a drummer. Hopefully Lee, you'll get the horse reference with your background.
You are a young man and your whole life is ahead of you I didn't start my business till I was 46 years old. And it looks to me like you're on your way doing your thing.
I love your reactions to the Beatles. I gtrw up in the 60s. I was there! I fell in love wit them in February 1964 on the Ed Sullivan Show and continues to this day. You made several comments about Ringo. I read somewhere that when John, Paul , and George wrote music, they never wrote a score for Ringo. They would just say "here's how the song goes" and let him figure it out. And he always did . Keep the reactions coming.
BEATLES IN PERSPECTIVE The Beatles' debut on The Ed Sullivan Show on February 9, 1964, was watched by an estimated 73 million viewers in the United States. This represented about 34% of the U.S. population at the time, making it one of the most-watched television broadcasts in history.
The Beatles wrote, produced and recorded so, so many new songs in such a short amount of time, is why I think they were such a phenomenal group. Along with their good looks, energy, humor and just good natured people. Absolutely no other band became as big and sensational.
Obviously a turning point album for the Beatles, Lennon referred to it as their "pot" album. My favorite song has changed over the years, Norwegian Wood, In My Life, .... lately my favorite is Girl
@@sonnymaupin9267 Yes, you're right. I would say the three of them are interchangeable as Top 3ers. There again, there's also Help! "White" album, Meet the Beatles, Hard Days Night. Ah, man, it's too hard. It's like choosing a favourite child.
I like them all...I'm so glad that I was around when they were first released and listened to them purely as music and not filtered through so many layers of media as so much contemporary music is...
As we listened to this album back in 65, it seemed the Beatles and I were growing up together. That has always been the special thing about them for me. I absolutely loved You Won’t See Me and The Word, and Wait, In My Life and ALL of them. 1965 was the year everything changed and it was incredible. So watching and listening to this with you brings back all those sweet memories. Love seeing you enjoy them!
i think they were listening to a lot of soul at this point. those tambourine touches. L this is generous, that you put this long form reaction video on TH-cam. it's a treat. your enthusiasm jumps out.
Mal Evans played just one note on the Hammond organ for You Won't See Me, a sustained high drone over the last verse and the final chorus. It's very simple but adds an extra layer of "feel" to the song.
The Beatles, Paul and John especially, were fond at embracing and then borrowing from the avant garde to make a new sound in the pop world. They were open to anything, as you've heard from other albums.
I'm 1965 there was various styles of music in the popular sphere. Today they talk of "genres" back then we recognized genres but not so consciously. Since the songs were short, there was more opportunity to hear different artists and styles. You could hear Rock, Folk, Jazz, Country, Pop, Instrumentals in a single hour depending on the station and DJ.
For context, there were a couple of years when everything totally exploded. In the winter of '65 (Rubber Soul released) I was in my 1st semester of high school, and had seen the Beatles live the year before (Milwaukee '64. Side note: Same year the Animals' House of the Rising Sun blows up super hard! ). Everything was about London and the "Mods". Then 3 mo. later, in March of '66, the Stones came out w. High Tide and Green Grass; this hit very different, w. 19th Nervous Breakdown, Satifaction (can't get no), etc. Thus the question was always "Beatles or Stones?" Light and dark, good boys and bad boys... Well, next comes the British Invasion (Zombies,Kinks, etc.) and their imitators. Motown bopping along concurrently, btw. A year later- all bets are off. May '67 here comes Jimi w. Are You Experienced? debut album. (As well as Sgt. Pepper-same month, lol.) Summer of Love follows, and I'm outta here!!
This is my favorite of all of their albums. I was 7 years old when my Mother bought this for me. I played this vinyl over and over and still remember all the lyrics. Such nostalgia listening to the album from beginning to end. Revolver is my second fav. Enjoy this whirlwind!
In my opinion, this is the GREATEST album of all time! EVERY song is a musical treasure! I was born in 1965, grew up on this, still play my sister's beat up original album (US version) and have UK on CD and vinyl❤
Also, we listen to all kinds of music with our dogs around without any reaction, but our little Sheltie goes NUTS to 4 songs on this album and goes up to the speaker wagging his tail and howls along to the songs. He doesn't do this to any other music but Rubber Soul!
Great review! Two years previous to this they record I Want to Hold Your Hand. One year previous to this they record Eight Days a Week. They were not only the most popular band but one of the best rock bands now off their second world tour. Riding high they break new ground on this album.
One time in Houston I was walking through a Sears or something and nestled in between the perfume bottles was Ravi Shankar himself. Can you believe it there he was playing his sitar. My extra Beatles friend was star struck. Passersby didn't have a clue.
I'm a Gen Xer and I bought this album on cassette as a teenager. It resonated so much with me I played the album 3 times in a row, which means I flipped the tape 5 times!
I just turned 14 and playing drums in a neighborhood band and this album blew me away! Our band learned It's Only Love (Capitol version) and we had a gas playing and singing. Rubber Soul is my favorite Beatles LP.
This is the best Beatles album in my opinion. This is my go to album for memory lane of relationships long gone. You'll understand what I am saying later in life when nostalgia is grand lol
In a way, Rubber Soul catches them at their tightest. Other albums later saw experimentation and lack of touring keep them a bit less tight and a bit more rusty when heading into the studio. The fact they also rarely played rhythm tracks together all at once after 1967 was also noticeable. So while Rubber Soul wasn't at the crazy sophisticated level of later works, it does find them maybe in their most cohesive form as a studio act. Further emphasized by the fact they rushed it out in time for the Christmas market alongside the non-LP "Day Tripper/We Can Work It Out" single and all in a matter of weeks as they took a break following touring the US in the summer of '65 then tossed this masterpiece off between October-November of '65. Finally weren't fitting in album sessions between shows and radio appearances too. After the whirlwind of the prior 3 years, they finally got time to focus solely on their recorded work. Unreal :D
I love every song on this album. I gravitate to John's songs first. but "Drive My Car" and "Think for Yourself " are great, too. "Norwegian Wood" is very special, nearing my all time favorite song. No group will ever compare to the Beatles, they were in a class by themselves. Glad I caught this today, as holidays got in the way of listening to this on patreon. Thanks for loving the Beatles like we do, L33, they were the very essence of my teenage years. Blessings all
Hammond Organ was definitely in there and it was a perfectly used texture. Definitely listen to all these songs multiple times now that you've reacted to them. I guarantee you they will stick in your head for the absolute rest of your life. And they are still such a pleasure to listen to even now. It's like they're so good that they can never get old. I really enjoyed your reaction, lee. It's nice to slow down and listen to these very closely and then to see you noticing different things about it. I think I even got goosebumps once during a moment of Discovery on your part. And I like the way you described the early to mid 60s, because I was very young then and while I did not understand adult issues like the Vietnam War or the multiple oil crises or race riots and so forth, I distinctly recall there being such an energy and tension in the air. It felt both very alive and wondrous but also kind of dangerous. Uncertainty. And of course I loved the whole moon mission stuff, and I got to see Neil Armstrong take the first step on the moon and to see Earth from the moon the very first time. I was so elated. And I absolutely loved the music! It was changing so rapidly, it was so creative, it was so tied in with culture, and some of it got heavily used for political messaging to draw awareness and raise support. The so-called "Summer of Love" was in 1967, for reference.
You are so right about the change in music from 1960 to 1970. I was born in 54. When this album came out I was11. I didn't have a record player but my cousin did. I remember being at her house and listening to this album. It's all I wanted to do! I would listen to it and had the same reactions as you. I wanted to just play it over and over. All girls wanted to go to England and marry Paul. Loved the song Michelle! Yeh before the Beatles there was a different era of music...... the Beatles music was so modern and so good! And everything that came after was really good.
I was 7 years old when me and my older brothers sat down on the floor of our room to first listen to the American album that contained “Drive my car”. I was stunned. I thought the song was just plain stupid, the lyrics were imbecillic; “beep beep beep yeah!” He’s asking a girl to drive his car? I had thought The Beatles were indestructible, they just werent capable of producing a bad song. As far as “Rubber Soul” goes, it’s a good example of why The Beatles are the greatest band ever. But at the age of 7, I thought it was depressing. I wanted to hear “yeah yeah yeah!”
The growth in mind blowing change between McCartney’s face on a hard days night and on this record is mind blowing! The soul/Stax/Motown influences are on the sleeve, but wonderful!
And this is why The Beatles amaze me. Like no other, their output is phenomenal. Everything different and sometimes crazy, inspired, thoughtful... just how did they do it, with the rubbish technology back in the 60s as well.
What track from Rubber Soul is your personal favorite? Mine would have to be Nowhere Man or Girl.... but they honestly are all top notch Beatles songs, it's hard to pick lol.
It is a tough one for sure. I think the ones that stick out for me most are Girl, In My Life, Michelle, You Won't See Me and Norwegian Wood. Also there always seems to be a lot of hate towards Run For Your Life which I don't really get. I always took this song as tongue and cheek
The Coming-of-Age album of the Fab Four! Let's see... I guess Drive My Car is my go-to off this album, after all...more cowbell is better!! But In My life (message) and Michelle (melody) also ring my bell pretty well. Thanks for keeping the Beatles flame bright, Lee!
Norwegian Wood is one of the greatest songs ever recorded.
Norwegian Wood, Girl, In My Life and Nowhere Man.
Great album, so many amazing songs. If I gotta pick; In My Life, Michelle and Norwegian Wood, isn't it good.
What's amazing is they released Help, Rubber Soul and revolver in one calender year.
revolver is 1966
@@1967PONTIACGTO one calendar year
I think this is the phase you're not only admiring the Beatles but fall in love with them. 😀
Think for yourself was the first time that fuzz tone was used on popular music when Paul put it on his bass. Every time a Beatles song ends the next song intro immediately comes into my head. That is what comes from literally thousands of times I sat on my drum set playing along with them. Allow me an analogy. It is said Hercules got strong by picking up a young bull and carrying it every day as it grew into a full size adult bull. I feel like that is what I did playing and emulating Ringo every day from the age of 13 can continuing thru adulthood. I made me a very strong, not flashy, drummer that put food on the table for my family for over 30 years and allowed me to partially retire on my terms at the age of 50. Thank you Ringo my sensei master.
Until this moment, the Beatles were considered a mass phenomenon, a group that was attractive to young people, especially for their energy, their sense of humour and of course also, although less so, for their music. Many, most, thought that sooner or later they would fall, as often happens. Rubber Soul radically changed that perception. Their songs were no longer aimed at their teenage fans, they spoke of profound things with sublime melodies and rhythms. It was their letter of introduction as first-class musicians. And it was only the beginning...
It’s hard to believe that at the time they were running neck and neck with bands like Herman’s Hermits. Rubber Soul changed that.
I WAS a teen ager when Rubber Soul came out. I moved away from the Beatles after their initial landing in America (1964-65) as they became too cutesy and your parents liked them a bit too much. In 1966, RUBBER SOUL BROUGHT ME BACK TO THE BEATLES. I was now 16 and there was plenty of other music competing for our attention. THE BEATLES began to mature and get deeper, more interesting.
Nailed it !! Love the Beatles!! to this day at 66 1/2!
I've been listening to this amazing album for almost 60 years 😲and it's still one of my favourites.
What a great record. Even a relatively obscure track like 'You Won't See Me' has a compelling bass line, excellent drum fills, trademark vocal harmonies and dynamics.
...and the producing quality is amazing for that time.
Lee, it's my 67th birthday today and I'm asking myself where the last 60 years have gone. I was 7, almost 8 when Rubber Soul came out. The excitement with every new Beatles release was palpable amongt us at school.
I absolutely love your analyses of The Beatles. You are spot on with your observations and understanding of the music, the culture and attitudes. Love you!
My childhood was fab! My 12th birthday coincided with the rehearsals for the rooftop concert. The end of my childhood and the end of The Beatles. But not really. Their name liveth forever more. xxx
Happy Birthday, from another member of the 67 club 🎉
@AceAnnie1-7 Thank you! xx
You and Jimmy Page! Happy Birthday!
@@JoeandAngie Yes, the great Jimmy Page and the sublime Scott Walker. Elvis, Bowie, Bassey yesterday. We Capricorns are something else, ha! ha!
Me 67 too. Same memories! Spooky 😂
One of their finest efforts. Every single track is a new sound.
'I've just seen a face' awaits. Talk about under appreciated songs.
1965: Dylan goes electric and gives us "Like a Rolling Stone", The Byrds release Mr. Tambourine Man and Turn, Turn, Turn pretty much signaling the "folk rock" scene, The Rolling Stones songwriting grows by leaps and bounds giving us (I Can' Get No) Satisfaction, Sonny and Cher hit the charts with I Got You Babe, Mowtown on fire with My Girl, Stop in the Name of Love, The tracks of My Tears, Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch (and more). That's the tip of the iceberg.
And "The Batles continued to lead the pack, showing everyone else how to do it.
The Animals 1964 " House Of The Rising Sun " signalled Folk Rock.
@@Karl-t4u It was BLUES, not "folk rock" -- which Dylan himself disparaged as a label. See Nina Simone for earlier source.
No one song ever sounded alike - that's why there were the best and cannot be compared!
All killer, no filler. That's the standard for a great album.
I absolutely LOVE watching you discover the Beatles. It's a trip, Lee.
"Think For Yourself" introduced the Fuzzy Tone. The Rolling Stones used in in "Satisfaction"
God, I love seeing someone discovering The Beatles' greatest masterpieces for the first time, even though you've heard so much already. The depths of their output is just astounding isn't it? This album is just incredible. The variety and quality of songwriting is ridiculous. There will never ever be a band to touch them. Norwegian Wood is genius and just about edges every other song but it's very very close.
1965, 11, pretend i'm sick, play hooky, dance around to rubber soul, bake cupcakes, liptons chicken noodle soup on the teevee tray, watch the honeymooners & million dollar movie. the 60s definitely had it's charms ; ).
There are a couple of videos out there of creators asking the question “was Ringo a good drummer”, and then goes on to demonstrate how difficult it is to drive a song with simple yet exceptional driving beats that NEVER misses, slows, or speed. He is a human metronome
I ❤ watching those videos!Warms my heart seeing drummers trying to keep pace with Ringo for 2-3 minutes straight, and they can’t. They find it incredibly difficult and get frustrated. The validation Ringo immediately receives from these drummers brings me such satisfaction.😊❤
Brian wilson's favourite album
And don't forget, 'Day Tripper' and 'We Can Work It Out' were also recorded during these sessions! The sessions actually went on for about a month, starting on October 12th. 'Wait' (on side 2) was left over from the Help sessions. They needed one more song for the album and decided that, even though it wasn't 'worthy' of being on Help, it could be used here. Way back in the day I always felt like 'Wait' had more of an 'early' Beatles song, and sure enough, it was an 'old' one. You'll love side 2 every bit as much, it's my favorite side. Never been a big fan of 'What Goes On' (I rarely make a statement like that about any Beatles song), but the rest of it is fantastic.
My favorite track from Rubber Soul is whichever one I’m listening to at the moment. Thanks, Lee.
As a kid who was 16 when this album hit the USA, I realized this was not just some more pop music from Britain.
These guys had been gigging at clubs all over Europe for almost 3 years before this came out and they were way past
playing covers - each one of the Beatles, including Ringo, were world class rockers, musicians and song writers at this stage of their careers. I've said it before, they changed music forever, just four guys in suits who could get up and perform hundreds of songs with no help, no special effects, no smoke machines, no auto-tune - just some Rickenbackers and microphones. Their vocal harmony was unmatched, even today.
I was 15 when this album was released…I had just been selected to play soccer for the regional team, but I couldn’t wait for the game to finish so I could get back home and I played this album to death for the next month. Cherished memories
Paul's really high descant harmony at the end is just so perfect for an ending. What a stacked chord. And their voices sound so good together.❤
ONE THOUSAND PERCENT!!! And The Beatles have SO MANY moments like that, that are just SO THEM!!!! Nobody does it better!!🥰❤🔥🔥
My favourite Beatles album - Revolver is a very close second.
Exactly opposite for me.. Two great albums.
@@brenthenderson3983 And I flip between the two depending on my mood. The two albums showed them at their melodic peak mixed with a creative leap forward.
Never has a drummer done what was needed for a song like Ringo, letting the song sing.
Whenever you get to listening to Revolver, as a companion piece you may want to read “1966” by Steve Turner. Amazon describes it as “The year that changed everything for the Beatles was 1966-the year of their last concert and their first album, Revolver, that was created to be listened to rather than performed.” It’s a good read and presents the year (and Revolver recording sessions) in a diary format as I remember.
George’s sitar on Norwegian Wood was mind blowing at the time. The genre of World Music owes a great debt to The Beatles one of the first rock bands to incorporate influences from other cultures. I saw The Ravi Shankar Orchestra on tour with George Harrison in 1974.
Been waiting to hear you bring up the harmonies! So on point, always. On our little transistor AM only, no FM the sound of the harmonies was really what stood out during early Beatlemania. Once Stereo and FM came out the appreciation blew up even more!
You get them, Lee. You needed this. I can just tell.
The Beatles absolutely are GOOD MEDICINE!!! Whether you are ailing or not!😁
I was sick a lot growing up, as well as living in chaos and trauma, and I can say with no hyperbole whatsoever, that The Beatles kept me alive for most of my childhood!👼 🎶
Paul mentioned recently how the lyric was originally pretty lame for “Drive My Car” until he showed it to John, and with John’s direction they created a much better lyric; John sings on it too - it’s a John and Paul
song - I think we forget how freely they helped each other
- it was John that suggested that Paul ‘finish up’ that French thing he used to do at parties- John added the ‘I love you, I love you, I love you’ bit.
Nowhere Man is unbelievably good!
Somewhat inspired by Dylan's influence, it was one of the first times that anyone in the Beatles wrote a "non-love" song. So good.
One of John’s Best!
Psychedelic was not a widely known word in 1965, it gradually emerged in 1966 and became full blown in 1967, the "Summer of Love"
I was born in 57, by the time my ears were fully operational all these guys started, your right it was for a music lover a great time to grow up!!
Me too! 57 was a vintage year ❤
Me three! Peak year of the Baby Boom, I imprinted on The Beatles.
Me four 👍🏼
I often play Rubber Soul and Revolver back to back as if they were one double album. The two albums together form a beautiful musical arc.
There was a plan to combine the songs from Rubber Soul & Revolver, plus the singles, "Day Tripper," "Paperback Writer," "Rain," and "We Can Work It Out" into a double album, but was scratched at the last minute. Could you imagine?
No other band within the last 80 years is even close to the Beatles in music writing and production brilliance. Just the incredible volume of songs in such a short time us unbelievable.
Yes!!! This and Revolver are their 2 very best albums... IMHO
Influence beyond measure on the rest of popular music 🎶🎶🎵🎶🔥💯✌️☮️🕊️
You Won't See Me is a great, fun song to sing hamonies on
Got into the Beatles when I was about 7 years old. One time in later years, Ringo was asked about playing along to a click track. He shrugged and replied with a poker face, " I am the click. " I admired this. So when I acquired a hunter jumper competition horse that was the most reliable cadence of Canter I had ever experienced, never missed a beat, tall and lanky but a gentle giant, consistent as hell, I called him, "Ringo". He was a great jumper and friend and cleared a 6-foot fence like it was nothing. Such a consistent beat you could set your watch by it. I loved that horse and I love Ringo Starr hugely underrated as a drummer. Hopefully Lee, you'll get the horse reference with your background.
❤❤ Lee your visual and spiritual thoughts here are spot on like always, how far you've come! Awesome reaction!! 👏
You are a young man and your whole life is ahead of you I didn't start my business till I was 46 years old. And it looks to me like you're on your way doing your thing.
I love your reactions to the Beatles. I gtrw up in the 60s. I was there! I fell in love wit them in February 1964 on the Ed Sullivan Show and continues to this day. You made several comments about Ringo. I read somewhere that when John, Paul , and George wrote music, they never wrote a score for Ringo. They would just say "here's how the song goes" and let him figure it out. And he always did
. Keep the reactions coming.
BEATLES IN PERSPECTIVE
The Beatles' debut on The Ed Sullivan Show on February 9, 1964, was watched by an estimated 73 million viewers in the United States. This represented about 34% of the U.S. population at the time, making it one of the most-watched television broadcasts in history.
The Beatles wrote, produced and recorded so, so many new songs in such a short amount of time, is why I think they were such a phenomenal group. Along with their good looks, energy, humor and just good natured people. Absolutely no other band became as big and sensational.
Obviously a turning point album for the Beatles, Lennon referred to it as their "pot" album. My favorite song has changed over the years, Norwegian Wood, In My Life, .... lately my favorite is Girl
my fave was always 'it's only love' which was on the og US version of rubber soul but now is on revolver...corny love song but i love it.
. It's actually on Help! now.
Everyone touts Sgt. Peppers and deservedly so but this is the album where the music revolution started
For me: Rubber Soul, Revolver and Abbey Road. I love Pepper (as I do all of their albums/singles), but it's never been my fave.
@@angie1243 My top three also tho I think Id slide Abby Road to number one. The guitar and bass work on that album is unmatched
@@sonnymaupin9267 Yes, you're right. I would say the three of them are interchangeable as Top 3ers. There again, there's also Help! "White" album, Meet the Beatles, Hard Days Night. Ah, man, it's too hard. It's like choosing a favourite child.
Don't overlook "Beatles for Sale" -- in it one can hear "Rubber Soul".
I like them all...I'm so glad that I was around when they were first released and listened to them purely as music and not filtered through so many layers of media as so much contemporary music is...
Great album ... nice reaction .. thank you
I love the slightly dissonant harmonies in 'Drive My Car.' Similar interval to a car horn.
They used the same trick on You Won't See Me
Ringo's intro drum fill 'turning the engine over' is a delight...his syncopated fills feel like engine knocks too. Rock-steady Ringo!
your observations are very astute for someone who wasn't around then. good job.
You made an old lady very happy today. Thanks kid. You're the best ✌️
As we listened to this album back in 65, it seemed the Beatles and I were growing up together. That has always been the special thing about them for me. I absolutely loved You Won’t See Me and The Word, and Wait, In My Life and ALL of them. 1965 was the year everything changed and it was incredible. So watching and listening to this with you brings back all those sweet memories. Love seeing you enjoy them!
This was revolutionary! I bought this album when it came out. I just turned 70 this week. The day before Elvis’s birthday.
Best group of all time on the best TH-cam channel of all time. Thanks!
When Dylan heard "Norwegian Wood" he wrote "4th Time Around"." Commentators often interpret it as a parody of "Norwegian Wood".
I was 13 in 1965. Yea, it was a mind fucker. We wore that vinyl out
i think they were listening to a lot of soul at this point. those tambourine touches. L
this is generous, that you put this long form reaction video on TH-cam. it's a treat. your enthusiasm jumps out.
This is epic. Thank you
Mal Evans played just one note on the Hammond organ for You Won't See Me, a sustained high drone over the last verse and the final chorus. It's very simple but adds an extra layer of "feel" to the song.
🎼Get ready. Don your headsets. If you’re like me, you’ll be following Paul McCartney’s bass lines and Ringo Star’s percussion work.🎼☮️
The Beatles, Paul and John especially, were fond at embracing and then borrowing from the avant garde to make a new sound in the pop world. They were open to anything, as you've heard from other albums.
I'm 1965 there was various styles of music in the popular sphere. Today they talk of "genres" back then we recognized genres but not so consciously.
Since the songs were short, there was more opportunity to hear different artists and styles. You could hear Rock, Folk, Jazz, Country, Pop, Instrumentals in a single hour depending on the station and DJ.
For context, there were a couple of years when everything totally exploded. In the winter of '65 (Rubber Soul released) I was in my 1st semester of high school, and had seen the Beatles live the year before (Milwaukee '64. Side note: Same year the Animals' House of the Rising Sun blows up super hard! ). Everything was about London and the "Mods". Then 3 mo. later, in March of '66, the Stones came out w. High Tide and Green Grass; this hit very different, w. 19th Nervous Breakdown, Satifaction (can't get no), etc. Thus the question was always "Beatles or Stones?" Light and dark, good boys and bad boys... Well, next comes the British Invasion (Zombies,Kinks, etc.) and their imitators. Motown bopping along concurrently, btw. A year later- all bets are off. May '67 here comes Jimi w. Are You Experienced? debut album. (As well as Sgt. Pepper-same month, lol.) Summer of Love follows, and I'm outta here!!
Ringo's drumming in The Word is phenomenal, man! Thanks for this review.
I relish listening to The Beatles with you. Another awesome reaction Lee.
I was 15 when I got this record in 1965, and it is still my favorite Beatles Album.
The backing vocals on "Michelle" by the three of them is beautiful.
This is my favorite of all of their albums. I was 7 years old when my Mother bought this for me. I played this vinyl over and over and still remember all the lyrics. Such nostalgia listening to the album from beginning to end. Revolver is my second fav. Enjoy this whirlwind!
Pretty sure Drive My Car was a collaboration of John and Paul
Yes, Paul's initial effort, then improved together.
In my opinion, this is the GREATEST album of all time! EVERY song is a musical treasure! I was born in 1965, grew up on this, still play my sister's beat up original album (US version) and have UK on CD and vinyl❤
Also, we listen to all kinds of music with our dogs around without any reaction, but our little Sheltie goes NUTS to 4 songs on this album and goes up to the speaker wagging his tail and howls along to the songs. He doesn't do this to any other music but Rubber Soul!
Great review! Two years previous to this they record I Want to Hold Your Hand. One year previous to this they record Eight Days a Week. They were not only the most popular band but one of the best rock bands now off their second world tour. Riding high they break new ground on this album.
The Beatles were like Pythagoras, they didn't invent fire but they brought it to the masses
Think you mean Prometheus. 😊👍
PS - Love your love for Ringo!!
Great pick! This--and Hightway 61 Revisited--made 1965 a milestone in rock history
One time in Houston I was walking through a Sears or something and nestled in between the perfume bottles was Ravi Shankar himself. Can you believe it there he was playing his sitar. My extra Beatles friend was star struck. Passersby didn't have a clue.
Sears has it all!
Terrific reaction Lee, one of your best. Onwards to side two! 👏👏👏👏👏
I'm a Gen Xer and I bought this album on cassette as a teenager. It resonated so much with me I played the album 3 times in a row, which means I flipped the tape 5 times!
I just turned 14 and playing drums in a neighborhood band and this album blew me away! Our band learned It's Only Love (Capitol version) and we had a gas playing and singing. Rubber Soul is my favorite Beatles LP.
John's cover picture melts my love of beauty 😍
❤
This is the best Beatles album in my opinion. This is my go to album for memory lane of relationships long gone. You'll understand what I am saying later in life when nostalgia is grand lol
In a way, Rubber Soul catches them at their tightest. Other albums later saw experimentation and lack of touring keep them a bit less tight and a bit more rusty when heading into the studio. The fact they also rarely played rhythm tracks together all at once after 1967 was also noticeable. So while Rubber Soul wasn't at the crazy sophisticated level of later works, it does find them maybe in their most cohesive form as a studio act. Further emphasized by the fact they rushed it out in time for the Christmas market alongside the non-LP "Day Tripper/We Can Work It Out" single and all in a matter of weeks as they took a break following touring the US in the summer of '65 then tossed this masterpiece off between October-November of '65. Finally weren't fitting in album sessions between shows and radio appearances too. After the whirlwind of the prior 3 years, they finally got time to focus solely on their recorded work. Unreal :D
My favorite Beatle album!
mine too with abbey road a close second
I love every song on this album. I gravitate to John's songs first. but "Drive My Car" and "Think for Yourself " are great, too. "Norwegian Wood" is very special, nearing my all time favorite song. No group will ever compare to the Beatles, they were in a class by themselves. Glad I caught this today, as holidays got in the way of listening to this on patreon. Thanks for loving the Beatles like we do, L33, they were the very essence of my teenage years. Blessings all
I will never forget the impact this album had on me just leading up to the Christmas season in '65/ Magical and still so moving and memorable to me.
You Won't See Me...years later singer Anne Murray covered this and got a big hit out of it.
This album changed everything. They met Dylan, had a puff and their writing changed and the music evolved very fast.
❤❤❤ love them so much
This is such an amazing album. Every song is great!! Girl is my fav too. ❤ I used to sing You Won't See Me at gigs.
Beep beep
These guys were the real deal! There was nothing like the Beatles.
Remember my brother coming home with this album when it came out and I still have the album. My favorite Beatles album.
Hammond Organ was definitely in there and it was a perfectly used texture. Definitely listen to all these songs multiple times now that you've reacted to them. I guarantee you they will stick in your head for the absolute rest of your life. And they are still such a pleasure to listen to even now. It's like they're so good that they can never get old.
I really enjoyed your reaction, lee. It's nice to slow down and listen to these very closely and then to see you noticing different things about it. I think I even got goosebumps once during a moment of Discovery on your part.
And I like the way you described the early to mid 60s, because I was very young then and while I did not understand adult issues like the Vietnam War or the multiple oil crises or race riots and so forth, I distinctly recall there being such an energy and tension in the air. It felt both very alive and wondrous but also kind of dangerous. Uncertainty. And of course I loved the whole moon mission stuff, and I got to see Neil Armstrong take the first step on the moon and to see Earth from the moon the very first time. I was so elated.
And I absolutely loved the music! It was changing so rapidly, it was so creative, it was so tied in with culture, and some of it got heavily used for political messaging to draw awareness and raise support. The so-called "Summer of Love" was in 1967, for reference.
I can’t even describe how much I loved this album when it came out.
You are so right about the change in music from 1960 to 1970. I was born in 54. When this album came out I was11. I didn't have a record player but my cousin did. I remember being at her house and listening to this album. It's all I wanted to do! I would listen to it and had the same reactions as you. I wanted to just play it over and over. All girls wanted to go to England and marry Paul. Loved the song Michelle! Yeh before the Beatles there was a different era of music...... the Beatles music was so modern and so good! And everything that came after was really good.
I remember the Christmas when I received this album (which I asked for). I think it was my favorite gift.
I was 13 when this came out , I couldn’t stop playing it
Still got the album in my loft
I was 7 years old when me and my older brothers sat down on the floor of our room to first listen to the American album that contained “Drive my car”. I was stunned. I thought the song was just plain stupid, the lyrics were imbecillic; “beep beep beep yeah!” He’s asking a girl to drive his car? I had thought The Beatles were indestructible, they just werent capable of producing a bad song. As far as “Rubber Soul” goes, it’s a good example of why The Beatles are the greatest band ever. But at the age of 7, I thought it was depressing. I wanted to hear “yeah yeah yeah!”
I read that Michelle started as a ditty that Paul used to sing at parties to impress girls that he could speak French
His French is really bad 😂
Norwegian Wood my fav
My favorite Beatle album for sure
The growth in mind blowing change between McCartney’s face on a hard days night and on this record is mind blowing! The soul/Stax/Motown influences are on the sleeve, but wonderful!
And this is why The Beatles amaze me. Like no other, their output is phenomenal. Everything different and sometimes crazy, inspired, thoughtful... just how did they do it, with the rubbish technology back in the 60s as well.