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The Beatles’ Studio Revolution of 1962

treadmarkz — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 20:03:56 +0000

Guest post: Treadmarkz is a Human Beatles Encyclopedia and author of the weblog Treadmarkz.wordpress.com

Buddy Holly wrote his own songs. Chuck Berry wrote his own songs. Little Richard wrote his own songs. Paul McCartney and John Lennon, being devoted followers of all three, began writing their own songs early, and often. McCartney wrote rough versions of “I’ll Follow the Sun” and “When I’m Sixty-Four” in about 1957. And many of the originals from the Beatles first album were written by John and Paul around that same time. They knew that it set them apart from the other up-and-coming bands.

But rock n’ roll had changed drastically by 1960. Holly was dead, Berry was in jail, Little Richard had become a preacher, and Elvis, the King of Rock and Roll himself, had become a balladeer, more interested in making movies than creating a movement. Rock n’ Roll was in trouble. Balladeers singing already-proven hit songs were running the charts. Nothing new was happening!

Fast-forward to September 1962. The Beatles had just been brought in to record their first professional single at Abbey Road Studio. In June of that year, during their audition, they had brought in a number of original songs that they intended to show off. After playing them all, producer George Martin did not think any of them were strong enough to be a single. He also did not like their drummer, Pete Best.

When the Beatles came back in September with Ringo Starr on the skins, Martin suggested a song called “How Do You Do It?” written by Mitch Murray, a professional songwriter. So the Beatles came in and recorded the song. But they knew it did not suit them. They insisted on having another go at a song they had submitted in June, “Love Me Do”, and they continued to argue for it until they got their way.

Their first single, “Love Me Do” was their own song, as was it’s b-side “P.S. I Love You”. Gerry and the Pacemakers went on to success of their own with “How Do You Do It?” but not as much success as the Beatles. The Beatles version of the song can be heard on the Beatles Anthology 1 CD, disc one.

The version of “Love Me Do” recorded on Sept. 4 would become the Beatles first single, but another version would be recorded for the Beatles first album, Please Please Me a week later. It seems that Martin did not like Ringo’s drumming either, at this point, and brought in a professional session drummer, Andy White.
Many fans now point out how painfully simple and repetitive “Love Me Do” is. This may be true, but the Beatles had taken creative control from day one, and went on to inspire generations of musicians to sing their own songs, and do your own thing. September 4, 1962 is certainly the day “The Sixties” began, at least for rock n’ roll.

Discover the Best New Cover Songs on Coverville

Corey Koehler — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 03:44:28 +0000

If you’ve listened to my podcasts then you know my fondness for good cover songs. If you share that fondness, then you will be all over this site I found. This site is called Coverville.

They have podcasts and articles focusing exclusively on the lovable music retreads. So far I’ve heard very cool versions of The Cults “She Sells Sanctuary” and Pete Townshend’s “Let My Love Open the Door” on episode 414.

I also read an eye opening – yet not surprising – article shedding some light on some of the shady practices of American Idol.

This is solid Musicgoat reading and listening material. I am already a subscriber and you can bet I will be adding it to my blogroll.

Hmm…all covers, all the time. Damn! Now why didn’t I think of that?

Stop by and check out Coverville today.

A List of the Worst Cover Songs

A List of the Worst Cover Songs

Corey Koehler — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 12:44:26 +0000

Behold, another entertaining find for you in the wonderful world of music. Here’s a site that lists some of what they think are the worst covers song ever. Not sure why “Layla” made the list but Olivia Newton-John doing the Johnny Cash classic “Ring of Fire” certainly belongs. For the record I would like to [...] Related posts:

Music Review Plus: Nick Daugherty Learns A Lesson

Corey Koehler — Mon, 23 Jul 2007 12:24:16 +0000

Do you have dreams? Better yet, do you have the balls to chase those dream? Well a guy Nick Daugherty did and I wanted pass his inspiring story on to you.

While listening to the Musicians Cooler podcast. I heard the host, Dave Jackson talk about this musician that decided it was time to become proactive in making his dream of getting a recording contract a reality. I had to investigate.

What I found was a year long journal of the trials and tribulations of aspiring musician Nick Daugherty. Nick decided, a little over a year ago, that he would begin seeking out a record deal and he gave himself a year to do it. This journal, found at Nick’s Journey, was a brilliant way for Nick to share his experiences with the world and, at the same time, keep himself accountable to his pursuit.

You can follow along with him as his proactive approach, belief in himself and an insatiable willingness to learn help all of the pieces for his dream fall into place. From the bits and pieces I’ve had the time to read, he was able to put together a band and assemble a network of trustworthy individuals to help him out.

Find out what he learned on his journey and whether or not he got his wish then be sure to check out his music.

The first song I checked out entitled “1000 Times Tonight” had me thinking “ladies… lookout!” I bet this song could melt just about any woman. Hell, under the right circumstances like a first date, anniversary, romantic surprise, etc you could really fan the flames with this tune. I just know there are love scenes everywhere just begging for a song like this.

Next up was “Can’t Say I Love You Anymore.” If you are going through a breakup, Nick offers up a remedy and some hope. I have been there myself, so trust me when I tell you it will ease your pain.

Finally, “Out Of My League” is as sincere as they come. A humble admission in the presence of complete admiration.

Overall, every song is offers up great lyrics, crisp acoustic guitar and haunting, heartfelt vocals! You’ll love his voice.

You can find these songs on Nick’s music page.

Whether you are a musician, music fan, entrepreneur or human being you will appreciate Nick Daugherty’s story. He is a musician who decided it was time to be proactive in the search for his dream. His story is inspiring and a great life lesson for us all. He reminds us all that dreams are not something that come looking for us but something we must actively seek out. Now go and see if he got that record deal.

The Everyday Weekender Has More of What You Need

Corey Koehler — Mon, 23 Jul 2007 03:08:00 +0000

You and I both know that great music goes great with weekends. Today I wanted to tell you about a site that celebrates the weekend everyday (A mindset which I am sure you could get used to).

Besides having a great name and a very cool image (when you get there look to the top left of your browser next to the page title) Everyday Weekender has an original theme and it is filled with great content. There are great articles about the goods and activities you might want to enjoy along with some of that great music you hear about on the Musicgoat. Things like good beer, poker, horseshoes and great food. There is also a nice helping of sports and finance stuff.

For those of you who have a a website, blog or any type of link to promote he will help you spread the love by increasing your page rank and exposure if you review his blog.

Stop by and check it out.

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It’s Official…Metalheads Are Smart.

Corey Koehler — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 13:02:30 +0000

Something you probably knew all along. Those long haired dudes back in high school weren’t really puffing something wacky in the back stairwell, hell they were discussing quantum physics.

Well… maybe not, but it isn’t out of the question according to this new study outlined in the Metal Hammer news article, “Newspaper Says Metal Isn’t for Dummies.”

Not sure I get this quote though;

“Perhaps the pressure associated with being gifted and talented can be temporarily forgotten with the aid of music,” he said.

We all now things can be temporarily forgotten, or at least relieved, when listening to some good tunes. Things like a rough day, getting dumped or being treated like a bee-ach by some overbearing #@$%. I just never realized being gifted and talented was such a burden.

Introducing the Official #Musicgoat Hashtag

See How “Ironic” by Alanis Morissette May Have Pulled the Wool Over Your Eyes?

Corey Koehler — Fri, 25 May 2007 12:33:21 +0000

I was sifting through my feed reader today and found a post that I know a fellow music junky like you would enjoy. One of my favorite blogs, Copyblogger, breaks down the whole issue of whether the events outlined in the Alanis Morissette song “Ironic” are in fact ironic.

You may or may not have an opinion on the issue but you need to check the post out. It is an entertaining read and it is a great example of how a crafty artist can get a ton of extra mileage out of a piece of work. Go read “Did Alanis Morissette Get Irony Right?” now.

Are Downloads Killing The Music Business?

Corey Koehler — Thu, 17 May 2007 14:45:04 +0000

Yesterday in my post about Amazon.com offering DRM free downloads I barely touched on the issues surrounding DRM. Today I want to give you a more in-depth look at how complex and polarizing this issue is.

A few months ago, before starting the Musicgoat, I tripped over a great post on a blog entitled “The Mighty Dacs.” This post posed the question which would you rather steal: music or computers?. The author of the blog, Dacs, shared a post from Charlie Gillingham from the Counting Crows. He made his statements on CountingCrows.com and he provides an in depth look at the issues concerning DRM and the music industry, from a professional musicians perspective. Good read and very enlightening.

If you didn’t catch it, my thoughts are summed up pretty well in the statement I made in the comments that day (I am ckay44);

Great post. Being a huge music fan since the 80′s I’ve watched this whole thing develop over the years.

As a fan (consumer) I think it’s great the way things are working. Since this wide array music became readily available, I have been able to enjoy many types of music I may never have listened to if I had to spend $15. That enriches my life, helps the artist gain another fan and pretty much keeps it real all around.

As an artist it seems to me that we live in a time where, with a little know-how, it is easier than ever to get your music into the hands of millions of people. The people decide, not some record exec or consumer budget.

Everything will be fine. We are all better off. Stay positive!

I must have been feelin’ it that day because I can’t say it any better than that today.

Thanks to Dacs for sharing and inspiring.

Have You Seen The Loudest, Most Indestructible Boombox Ever?

Corey Koehler — Sun, 13 May 2007 21:07:05 +0000

Being a child of the 80′s, I remember when everyone had a boombox. They were everywhere and pumping out everything from Run DMC to Slayer. I figured they were a thing of the past.

But then, the other day I stumbled across this state-of-the-art beauty and had to share. Check it out – TDK Life on Record 77000015360 3-Speaker Boombox Audio System(affiliate link).

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