The Beatles Diverse Songwriting and Wild Album Art

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    We are still talking about them! Admittedly, I didn't get them when I was younger. Why they were and are still so great. As I get older and look back, especially in stark contrast to today's music industry and artists, I am starting to understand their musical and cultural importance. I was an early Aerosmith (first 5 albums) and Led Zeppelin fan. My musical taste was influenced by my older brothers. A wide range from James Montgomery, J. Geils, ELP, The Jackson Five, The Commodores, Earth Wind and Fire, and Jethro Tull. Then a bit later, Yes, Styx, and on and on. One of my brothers was a big Beatles fan. Then, he followed Paul McCartney and Wings. I love PM with Wings. 

    Only now am I starting to listen back and digest what happened way back then? No one was writing the way the Beatles were. Vastly different songwriting and genres on their albums (starting with Rubber Soul) and Sgt. Pepper. Even the Album Art was ahead of its time. It's an exciting and engaging work of art. I miss the album days. Checking out the artwork, and this album art was so fun. I tried to figure out who was who in the crowd. The outfits were something else, too. 

Album Art by Peter Blake and Jann Haworth, with Photography by Michael Cooper.

Who is on the cover? Check out this great Who's Who by Jason Draper.

    I was never a Beach Boys fan and still am not. Just because I haven't listened to them. I have to check out Pet Sounds as I keep reading about and hearing what a genius Brian Wilson is. Pet Sounds was said to influence the Beatles. It's one of the only albums that kept up with the Beatles regarding production, instrumentation, and arrangements. Anyway, back to the Beatles. So why were the Beatles so influential? They blended classical, Elenor Rigby (thanks to George Martin) hard rock, (Helter Skelter) acoustic, and (Blackbird). Not to mention the incredible command of songwriting. In the music industry today, no one can get away with any of this type of musical flexibility. It's all sadly formulaic. 

    I am so happy I was a teenager in the 1970s. The Beatles were still on top even after they broke up. I listen to them today with new ears. Again, I am talking about the later Beatles, 1966 to 70. What are your thoughts?

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