 Playing the Beatles Backwards: Songs 184 to 180By
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To most Beatles fans, choosing between the songs of the Fab 4 is a bit like choosing between children. But, on the JamsBio exclusive, Playing The Beatles Backward, one intrepid fan dares to rank the original songs of The Beatles and give his reasons why in a worst-to-first countdown. Check back each day for the next five songs on the list, prepare to hit the message boards to defend your favorites, and follow the countdown all the way to Number 1.
184. “Revolution 9”
Shortly after recording “Revolution 9”, John Lennon allegedly went around telling friends that his new song was the music of the future. Well, here we are, 40 years later, and I don’t see the pop charts filled with experimental song collages featuring recording engineers, chanting football crowds, mangled orchestras, and bizarre non-sequiturs.
Most Beatles fans will defend “Revolution 9” as the group pushing the boundaries of rock music. But they had already proven countless times that they could do just that without inducing headaches in the process. I mean, really, is there anyone out there who can honestly say that they listen to “Revolution 9” and actually enjoy it? If you’re looking for a Japanese horror-movie vibe, maybe, but, as music that is pleasing to the ear, no way, no how. Lennon also believed that “Revolution 9” was the bee’s knees because it was the type of music that anyone could make. But here’s the thing: The Beatles were great because no one made music like they did. In a million years, I could never reproduce anything that’s even in the ballpark of songs like “Hey Jude” or “In My Life.” But, if you locked me in a room with a bunch of reel-to-reel machines and mikes, some generic classical recordings, a few cans of Jolt cola, and a chainsaw, I believe I could give a pretty decent approximation of “Revolution 9.” To novice Beatles fans, I warn you not to believe the hype about “Revolution 9.” I’ve listened to it many times over the years, waiting for the light in my head to switch on so I could unlock its mysteries. All I’ve ever gotten out of it is the vague feeling that immediately after listening to it, something is going to rise out from under my bed and butcher me in my sleep. And so, as John spookily says in the song (and I use that term loosely), “Take this brother, may it serve you well.” In fact, feel free to take it, because I just don’t get it and I never will.
183. “Honey Pie”
If we could imagine The White Album as a poker game, then “Honey Pie” was Paul McCartney’s re-raise to John Lennon’s “Revolution 9.” As in, “I’ll see your unlistenable, aggressively off-putting, avant-garde nonsense and raise you a piece of faux-vaudeville drivel so corny that Lawrence Welk turned it down for not being edgy enough.” What The White Album lacked was any sort of pruning process. The Beatles basically threw everything at the wall and kept it all in whether it stuck or not. Whether it was the frayed relationships of the band at the time, the absence of Brian Epstein, or just plain indifference, no one was ready to stand up and say that any particular song did not meet the band’s standard of excellence. And that’s why misfires like “Honey Pie” snuck by. If you listen real closely to “Honey Pie,” you can actually hear the other three Beatles rolling their eyes as Paul sings. For what it’s trying to do, “Honey Pie” isn’t terrible. It’s just that it doesn’t belong. When Paul went down this old-timey avenue before with “When I’m Sixty-Four,” it worked just fine because it was a better song and because it seamlessly fit Sgt. Pepper’s all-encompassing approach to pop music. But, despite its reputation as a progressive piece of music, The White Album, with a few notable exceptions, is split pretty evenly between hard-rockers and gentle folk songs. When “Honey Pie” enters that mix, with its Prohibition horns and Paul hamming it up with embarrassing scatting and loopy falsetto, it’s jarring in the worst possible way. Much has been made about hidden messages on The White Album, and I’ve got one for you that you may not know about. If you listen real closely to “Honey Pie,” you can actually hear the other three Beatles rolling their eyes as Paul sings. Short of that, there’s not much to recommend this one.
182. “I Want You (She’s So Heavy)”
“Heavy” is the operative word here, isn’t it? “Heavy” as in “Heavy Metal,” the musical genre that was, in 1969, just beginning to emerge from the primordial ooze in the form of Jimmy Page’s thunder-god guitar and Robert Plant’s banshee wails. “Heavy” as in “weighty” or “lumbering,” because this song moves along like the proverbial beer truck underwater. And “heavy” as in “Wow, man that’s heavy,” a dated slang term meaning “profound” or “deep.”
Actually, maybe the word “dated” best describes “I Want You (She’s So Heavy).” Whereas most of The Beatles songbook is timeless and sounds as fresh today as it did 40 years ago, this Abbey Road track is still stuck in some clichéd version of the 1960’s. Cue the footage of JFK, dancing hippies and Neil Armstrong, and you can begin The Wonder Years episode any time. What got The Beatles in trouble late in their career was that they occasionally forgot what they did best. In a misguided attempt to recapture their early days before big productions and theme albums and the like, they tried to make it happen by simply sitting down together in a room and playing. But this just led to noodling and jamming, the terms used by mediocre bands worldwide that lack great songs. You can debate whether or not John Lennon’s simplistic lyrics here are powerful or painful (I think he nailed the to-the-point approach much better a year later on John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band). But it’s hard to deny that this song goes on interminably, and the feeling I get when that sudden ending comes up can best be described as relief. Just too heavy for me, man.
181. “Yer Blues”
Boy, it really feels like I’m picking on Sides Three and Four of The White Album, doesn’t it? Let’s just say that I share in George Martin’s contention that The Beatles should have separated the wheat from the chaff and come up with one really killer, hit-packed LP. Just think of all the unreleased stuff that could have been in the vaults for Anthology 4! I think John Lennon got stuck between ideas here. Deep in his heart, I believe he wanted to expose some of the torment that he was enduring, the stuff that he always buried inside bouncy pop songs like “Help,” but he just wasn’t quite ready to go all the way. Hence, you get astrological references and winking shout-outs to Dylan in the lyrics. The psychological revelations would have to wait until therapy and his solo career. …the music is as serious as a heart attack, and about as much fun too. Meanwhile the music is as serious as a heart attack, and about as much fun too. The Beatles assimilated many forms of American music effortlessly, from country to Motown to, obviously, rock and roll. But the blues never quite fit into their wheelhouse. It feels like they’re trying way too hard here, and all that strain drains most of the emotion from the song. At one point in the instrumental part, they kick free for a little bit and rock out, and it’s a nice break. But then it’s right back into that sludgy main riff. Lennon’s guide vocal can be heard in the distance in the final verse, straining to be heard over the pounding guitars and drums. That unintentional isolation spoke a lot more powerfully about John’s state of mind at the time than anything else this song clumsily attempted to reveal.
180. “Good Day Sunshine”
Do you know those relentlessly cheerful people who mean well but really need a slap? We all have worked with one of these people at one time or another, the kind who ask how you’re doing and then are disappointed when you say you’re just fine, not super. They whistle while they pee, and make small talk for no reason whatsoever other than to incite latent homicidal impulses deep within your soul.
Well, those people would probably have “Good Day Sunshine” ranked much better than I do. After all, their mantra is right there in the first line: “I need to laugh.” Nobody can possibly derive this much joy from the weather, can they? Paul McCartney sings the title refrain about 20 times in the song, which is barely more than 2 minutes long. That’s happiness overload. Many Beatles songs evoke joy; this one shoves joy down your gullet until you beg for mercy. It sounds more like an advertising jingle than a rock song. That said, I suppose there might come a day when I win the lottery, or the Vikings win the Super Bowl, or that annoying co-worker falls down the steps, when I’ll step out into the radiant afternoon and belt out “Good Day Sunshine” at the top of my lungs. Nah, it’ll still be annoying.
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COMMENTS (28)
[...] 184. “Revolution 9” [...] Carey said:
Revolution #9, no problem. Definitely the worst. I would replace all four of the other choices on the ‘intrepid fan’ list with songs which are clearly worse than these. ‘Only a Northern Song’ comes to mind. It is custom-designed to stink because of the subject matter of the song, and it succeeds consummately. ‘Don’t Pass Me By’, while loved by many as the cute first song by Ringo, is a big dud. It has no lift to the rhythm, especially for being written by a drummer. The lyrics and melody sound made up in 5 minutes by a child. ‘Goodnight’ is terrible(written by John I believe). It’s completely uninteresting and sappy and the over-orchestration is almost creepy, like a 50’s horror movie. Well, those are the songs which I really don’t like by the Beatles. Now it gets harder. To replace the 4th of 5 bad songs, I’ll have to choose ‘Flying’, even though I like how it sounds and it brings very fond memories of discovering the psychedelic era Beatles. But there’s no ingenuity and it seems to have very little thought put into it. This isn’t true of #183 through 180 of the intrepid fan’s list. I would not want to even attempt to rank the remaining 179 Beatles songs! Diego21 said:
Great list man. I wouldn’t put myself to this task, it is clear you’re going to receive a lot of complains. Starting by me obviously. I couldn’t agree more with the last two (revolution 9, Honey-pie) but the other I seem to like, specially I Want You, which even fits in my top 10, but I kinda get what you mean. I like the version of “Yer BLues” played by the -(was it dirty?)- Mac on the Rock N Roll Circus. Stacey Allen said:
Kudos JBev! I cannot for the life of me imagine taking this project on but you have and you’re off to a great start… disagreements and all. I think there’s few amongst us that would disagree with your No. 184. Try and try and try… no matter how many times I’ve listened to it, I just don’t “get” it. Honey Pie… maybe. The other three I would put up higher myself and in at least one of their places would add “She’s Leaving Home.” Everything in me knows it is a good song, but there’s something in it that has always turned me off. I look forward to reading the rest of the list! [...] 181. “Yer Blues” [...] AuroraSkye said:
I so agree with the ones you are picking altho like the comments above– I would add “Don’t pass me by”, “Goodnight” and “She’s leaving Home.” I would also add “Here there and Everywhere” !!!! Ick == it is so sacharine sweet it gives me diabetes. I will definitely be coming back here to read your additional songs in the count-down. Richard Forman said:
Wow….I enjoyed reading it and look forward to the rest, but don’t agree at all with any of your first five picks, especially I Want You which I consider a stone classic. As for Revolution 9, I think to appreciate it you have to wrap your head around the concept that with some art and music, the goal of the artist is not to have you “enjoy it.” You say it evokes in you a feeling that “something is going to rise out from under my bed and butcher me in my sleep,” I think that’s probably a lot closer to what John wanted to do to you with this piece, than to just give you something catchy and pleasant as per usual; and it sounds like the track still succeeds at that even after all these years. The roller-coaster ride of emotions that Revolution 9 takes you on, from brief false lulls of peace to terror and confusion, is unlike anything else the Beatles or anyone else I’d say have ever achieved on an album track. It’s really the heart of the White Album in some ways. My “worst” list would also have several selections from White, including Don’t Pass Me By and Rocky Raccoon. richforman Barb said:
Your list is interesting; although I have to disagree with a lot(not a lot; but, all). I agree with Richard Forman about Revolution #9. I also disagree with Honey Pie and Yer Blues. The white album is appropriately entitled “The Beatles” because it is a mix of all the styles and concepts that made the Beatles great. What other group could take us from the 30’s sound of “Honey Pie” to Revolution #9? Actually, I don’t agree with your other choices either. “Good Day Sunshine”? What’s wrong with a good dose of happiness every now and then? I think each song is worthy of discussion and analysis; however, I believe that each song in the entire catalogue of Beatle music is a masterpiece; and; therefore not able to be categorized as “worst-to-first” [...] Mark Lanegan Sunday At Devil Dirt 11 | 10The Beatles Played Backwards – The Master Countdown 11 | 10Songs 184 to 18011 | 09Fandemonium: 12+ Classic Rock Websites11 | 08Celebrating Arthur Russell: 5 Essential Cuts11 | [...] Marie said:
May not agree, but this is fun to read. Thanks. JoeyJoeJoeShabadoo said:
I just need to comment on “I Want You (She’s So Heavy)”, because it would probably be in the top ten in my list, not the bottom ten. This song, without a doubt, showcases the Beatles’ technical prowess on each of their respective instruments better than any other song they ever recorded, and that’s a big deal. It’s not uncommon to hear someone say the Beatles were fantastic songwriters, but had no chops as musicians. Whenever I hear this, “I Want You” is the song I point them to. It has John Lennon and George Harrison performing some exceptionally fantastic, exceptionally smooth guitar interplay (listen to John nail that solo), Paul McCartney playing one of the grooviest, most difficult bass lines he’s ever put on record(listen to all the improvised embellishments on the second half), and it even has Ringo finally going nuts on the drums, especially during the ending. For all the songs you could claim prove the genius songwriting of the Beatles, “I Want You (She’s So Heavy)” stands out as the one song that definitively proves the Beatles were also exceptional musicians. mo said:
have to agree with carey about Goodnight and Flying.But,come on.Only a Northern Song is great.Because it didnt make Pepper,does not make this a bad song.I love it.It shouldve replaced Within You,Without You. Malasdair said:
None of the worst five are Ringo songs? And She’s So Heavy, one of the five best Beatles songs, on the bottom five? Thanks for playing, but you don’t even get the consolation prize. Lalom said:
I like to listen to revolution 9 when i’m sporting or doing homework, so there is someone who listens to it and likes it. Mario said:
“honey pie” in #183? You were supposed to be doing a song by song list, not saying that “honey pie” is better than “when I’m sixty-four” just because it is in a different album. milan said:
Hi. If you want to talk about a song that lasts… When I was sixteen (i´m 25 now) the one song from Beatles that we play over and over was I Want You (She´s so heavy). That song has a teen spirit, but isn´t shallow since i like it very much today. (And not just because of good memories from high school). I also like Yer Blues, because of the John´s voice it has some energy that I can relate too. Fjodor said:
Revolution no. 9 is the single most important song about the band itself. It is a statement about historical moment and about how they see themselves to fit in. Revolution no. 9 also changed history of comprehending what shoud or should not be presented by the respeced artists. “…vague feeling that immediately after listening to it, something is going to rise out from under my bed and butcher me in my sleep.” That something is called censorship. Actually any ranking of art is in a way censorship. J-Beezie said:
I appreciate what you are trying to do here. You will inevitably piss a lot of people off, of course. The brilliance of the Beatles is their huge diversity of styles. They were one pop band that could go from Welk saccharin to Zeppelin Heavy on a dime… and still manage to hit the top of the pop charts everytime out. Somehow, old farts who cringed at even the mellowest Black Sabbath tracks could stomach Helter Skelter. People who find Zappa too weird just smile when that zanny loop after A Day In The Life jumps out at you. [at least on CD it ends without you having to go to the turntable and pick up the needle] However, my friend… from your comments about the songs and your choices, one thing is obvious: You are not a tripper. The acid test for the Beatles… is acid. If you’ve enjoyed some lysergic excursions at some point in your history, you WILL get Revolution #9, you will LOVE I Want You [especially the lumbering She's So Heavy part], and even the cheesy Honey Pie will probably make you smile and feel cozily reassured. These things make sense in the context of a trip. In much the same way that coming out of a dark forest at 3am and raiding the pantry stocked with grandma cookies is a revelation at a certain stage of a psychedelic journey. It seems you are not a big fan of the 60’s. Your comments about cueing the newsreel footage of dancing hippies et al shows your disdain. You also have homicidal tendencies towards people who are happy. Instead of being happy for your pronoia exhibiting, euphoric colleague you choose to feel as if their happiness is an attack on you. Thus you are either jealous and vengeful or somewhat evil. No offense, but perhaps you should try whistling while YOU pee. So, I have to wonder why you chose to immerse yourself in the Beatles of all groups. Wouldn’t you be a better critic for something more angst ridden and darkly modern? The Beatles are the archetypal 60’s band. From mod to deliriously happy rockers to flower power and revolution, they run the gamut. You do realize that this is the band that made Yellow Submarine, and tended to smile and laugh to the point that their early movies were like slapstick vaudeville? If all you like about the Beatles is their pop craftsmanship and effortless hook spinning… and perhaps their influence on other pop songwriters… maybe you are not really a true fan? Anyway… have fun. EBO said:
I agree somewhat with J-Beezie. Youve got to get stoned (sometimes out of ur mind) to enoy a couple of Beatles songs. “Because” sounds much better, as does “Good Day Sunshine” and of course “revolution 9″ BOJAN MARSETICH said:
Let’s say something about the Beatles. The worked hard to be who the were. they played all nights without pausing 6 H per night for some time. So, if someone thinks that today musician are close or that competent as them is F. wrong! Yeah, of course, they had BIGGGGGGG inspiration and TALLLLENT, but the way they played (don’t listen to SHE STADIUM – The barely heard themselves), YOU LISTEN BAD BOY or something from 63-64, You can hear that genuine ROCK AND ROLL sound and THATS IT – ABOUT PLAYING! Did’t mean to attack anyone, just a few word of mine. TAKE A MAGICAL MISTERY TOUR ON YOUR GUITAR! Dre said:
Well, I don’t know; I’m not one of the happiest people around and I understand your sentiments about what we in Holland call “blije eikels” (happy pricks), but I get more out of this song than just sheer happiness. Somewhere deeper, there’s some sadness as well, it feels more like a manic episode to me than just Paul being gay (no pun intended). I find that in other seemingly happy songs. Take ‘don’t stop thinking about tomorrow’ by Fleetwood Mac, which is actually born out of gloom (like most real positivity). Or the perfectly polished repertoire of ABBA, which, when you listen more closely, is about heartache most of the time. J.B. Dazen said:
I’m actually one of those people who enjoys Revolution 9. When I was a kid, I was genuinely afraid of it. But now I love it for all the sounds. You can listen to it for ages and still find new sounds. You’ll probably need some growing up if it still scares you Lynda said:
Interesting site, J! Keep up the good work. I wonder, really, how their music can be completely treasured unless you happened to be there—in that particular time. I can remember coming home from school and putting an album on the turntable, or better yet, go to a friend’s house that just happened to be a “music geek” and listen to the latest Beatles album fresh from the music store. We created long lasting, rich, and unique memories with this music. Also, J don’t forget the drugs back then, especially acid. Revolution 9 is probably best listed to (and writing) while taking acid, but don’t go there. I think we were all a tad strange back then, but society expected us to be nothing less. The Beatles were a perfect fit. Steve said:
Wow, pretty decent job so far, but you missed some bad songs that deserve to go before these ones. Ever heard A Taste of Honey, Within you Without you, Here there and everywhere, Why Don’t We do it in the Road?, or Run For Your Life?, casue these are all definitely worse than what you have so far 70's Vin said:
I agree with Revolution #9 being a low ranker, but I don’t see Drive My Car on the bottom of the barrel? That’s about the only Beatles song I truly despise! Some are better than others, true, but Drive My Car just grates my nerves in a way I can’t explain. Between that, and Revolution #9, they are just about the only 2 I skip when they come up on random……well maybe some of the Sitar Harrison songs too. BGK90@aol.com said:
Well can’t say I’m suprised by the choice as “worst Beatle song.” On the contrary, it’s one of my favorite Beatle tracks, if not my favorite (thats Hey Jude.) I don’t think people realise how intricatly the track is put togehter (indeed Lennon took more time on this, than any other song on the White Album.) Music of the future? 100% Think about it. What other time was the world exposed to avantgarde music, and at such an early time in it’s development to where it is now. Sure they weren’t the first to make music like this, but they were one of the first. This song has sampling, fragmented sound, anything you could imagine. Thank God this paved the way for the likes of Negativland and the Tape-Beatles. Sure it was a throwaway track, an experiment, and it’s certainly not for everyone. But for such a popular band to release such an edgy track is truly gutsy, and I’m glad they did it. BGK90@aol.com said:
and another thing. I’m pretty sure Yer Blues is a joke, or meant to be humorous and perhaps satirical. And you can’t tell me the live version at Rolling Stones Rock n Roll Circus with the supergroup didn’t kick ass. stephen barnes said:
As a rabid Beatle fan , I appreciate the fact so much thought and time were taken in making your opinions clear . It certainly makes for interesting reading . But perhaps a little less stress …..Seriously …You seem somewhat sressed. |
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. The rest of your reviews physically hurt me. Not getting Revolution 9 is tolerable, but writing down those four classic beauties is beyond me. If I had to make this list, I’d probably end up with a 100 number 1s, and lots of 2s and 3s 
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