May 29, 2013

THE BEATLES ...

Dear readers, this week, B is for *B*eatles’ Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Band – 
and other iconic records that have proved definitive/major turning points for other music stars. So, in their own words (and apologies: you’ll have to improvise the musical accompaniment!), here they are:

Brian Wilson (The Beach Boys) - 'Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Band' (above):
“‘Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band’ from the Beatles’ album – to this day I am still very jealous of the Beatles and the whole Sgt Pepper album. When I wrote the songs for Pet Sounds I was trying to emulate what they had done on that ‘Sgt Pepper’ track. After I heard it I was jealous of their fame, John and Paul’s singing  and their group harmonies. I don’t think what I did was anywhere near as good as ‘Sgt Pepper’. Maybe other people consider me a genius but I don’t, not on their level.”

Ozzy Osbourne - Procol Harum’s 'A Whiter Shade of Pale':
“‘A Whiter Shade of Pale’ by Procol Harum. It taught me when a song is perfect, not to attempt a poor copy.  It’s been covered by so many people and I was tempted – but it’s been over-covered, so I decided not to. And I’ve learnt I was so right. It’s difficult with covers, even doing one of your own material.”

Brian May of Queen Buddy Holly’s 'That’ll be the Day':
“Ah the sound; the sound of those guitars and the wonderful harmonies... Yeah, I think a good part of Queen was born right there.”

Labrinth Shirley Bassey’s 'Goldfinger' (James Bond)
“The James Bond soundtracks;  all of them are amazing, every single one of those changed my life. I am talking about the old-school, I’m talking about Shirley Bassey, I’m talking about ‘Goldfinger’, man, of course. I was listening to them the other day and I was just, like, totally going out of my head. I just think the way they used to create music back in the day, it was magical, it was a special thing.”

Suggs - Peggy Lee’s Is that all there is?
“ ‘Is that all there is – because is that all there is?’ It sounds like a sad song because it’s about a girl and her house burning down and stuff. She keeps saying ‘Is that all there is?’ – but basically it’s a song of keeping going through hard times.  I think it’s a really great song.”
  
Lemar - Al Green’s ‘Let’s Stay Together’
“Al Green’s ‘Let’s Stay Together’ – that made a big difference to me. You know, for many years I was listening to music and – I don’t know – something about his voice really, really, resonated with me and as a result I learnt the song inside out and I found similarities between his voice and mine, so maybe that was the thing.”

ANY RECORDS THAT RECALL OLD FRIENDS/FORMER COLLEAGUES?

And, finally, thank you to all my dear readers who visited or commented.
Enjoy!
XOXO NORA & LOLA:)


17 comments:

Anonymous said...

What a fun post for the letter B!

Unknown said...

I am knew many of these. I wasn't sure I would.

Betty said...

What I miss is the "Oldies" radio station. They played hits from the 50's and 60's, but are no more. I guess their following was getting too old, senile, or gone. I know I'm dating myself, but I miss all those old songs. I rarely hear them now.

Rocky Mountain Woman said...

Anything Motown takes me back and makes me happy - esp. Marvin Gaye!

Annesphamily said...

A fun post! A song from my teen years, long ago, "Don't Let The Sun Catch You Crying" by Gerry and the Pacemakers reminds me of being 16 and dancing on the patio of my girlfriends folks house in Colorado Springs. I was dancing with her brother Doug to this song and it was raining. He was just a sweet boy and I love this memory. I have so many songs that remind me of special people and places. Thanks for the memory! Hugs Anne

Pondside said...

You always make me smile! That was a fun one!

Tatiana said...

love the Beatles! I didn't know too many of the others though- a different time period than mine, I suppose.

SarahBeth said...

These are all great songs -- I was able to sing every one as I read through your list!

aspiritofsimplicity said...

that was the first Beatles record I ever bought. In fact it was the first record I ever bought.

fredamans said...

My hubby is a HUGE Beatles fan!

Pam Beers. said...

Love the Beatles! Buddy Holley is another favorite. Thanks for the memories.

bichonpawz said...

Awesome post Nora!! Brings back so many great memories...Love the Beatles...and the oldies...music today just is NOT the same at all!! Hugs to both you and Lola! xo Jeanne, Chloe and LadyBug

Liz said...

Love the beatles! Have a fabulous week!

Liz (mlc)

Ralph said...

As a kid, Christmas 1967 was when the kids received our first record player - parents also gave gifts of Sgt. Pepper and Rubber Soul. I was familiar what Beatles on the radio, but hearing more on the albums was a treat in grade 7...Lovely Rita and In My Life were and still are favorite songs of mine to this day. Obviously my tastes have evolved over the years from the rock of my youth to Sinatra these days - I like what I like then and now!

VBR said...

So much fun to go down memory lane with all these great songs and bands.

Jenny said...

She loves you...yeah, yeah, yeah.

And I loved this bountiful post of beautiful B's!

A+

Liz said...

Visiting again for Ruby Tuesday.

hand-painted fan