Amy's right. It's about what you hear. I had no knowledge of musical theory in 1967, when I was 14, but I knew what I was hearing was different, intriguing and hugely enjoyable.
:) Frank Zappa brought classical elements and the BBC classical ensemble to a rock band ensemble (or vice versa) by 1968! He also took a bit of Holst and a bit of Stravinsky and inserted and played it within 'rock' songs as early as 1966. Frank was also writing avant-garde classical music and having that performed in public as early as 1963. Most people aren't aware of this and certainly not at the time. :)
17 years old in March 1967, in the French countryside. A radio in the afternoon (probably Europe 1) says that it has the tracks from the latest Beatles LP, that it will play them after 1am (usually there was nothing during the night). Very excited, I don't have a record player but I do have a small geloso tape recorder. At 1am the family has deserted the kitchen. I hold the microphone in front of the radio fixed to the wall, the level loud enough so that the radio noise is negligible but not too much, so as not to wake my grandmother in the room next door. Disappointed compared to the thought of Revolver. But my uncomfortable position did not prevent me from being amazed by A Day in the life !! I think the climax in the song woke my grandmother up but I told her it was over.
i like Goodall's comment on Ringo's drumming not laying down the pulse but punctuating it in A Day in Life at @1:05:40. Ringo often plays like a host for the band and listeners, attentive and appreciative, fills smoothly introducing changes without being over-bearing.
That was a real treat, Amy and Vlad. Thank you. Enjoyed the discussion. I feel similarly evangelical about the album to Vlad. I was 10 when it came out but didn't get to appreciate it much at the time!
That was an enjoyable watch with both of you! I'm always amazed how fortuitous it was for the Beatles to have been auditioned by George Martin for EMI. And then George Martin taking them on for the EMI label he was managing, Parlophone. They were naturally inspired musicians and songwriters, but had no formal understanding of classical music or music theory, and couldn't even read music. Martin recognized a musical genius in them. They were able to communicate to him in terms of overall sounds what they wanted for their compositions. He then provided the formal musical vocabulary that could use both classical music and recording technology that fulfilled their vision for their songs.
Lennon and McCartney certainly knew what they didn't want but were usually vague in expressing what they were after. Partly because they were thinking atmospherically and conceptually, and partly through lack of technical language. Hence, instructions like Lennon's "I want to smell the sawdust" as guidance to George Martin. It was then really up to Martin, and even more so his studio engineer Geoff Emerick, to interpret and actually come up with some practical solutions and constantly novel sound production that would spark the band's enthusiasm. The songs were always strokes of genius, but the finished album was categorically a team effort along with the EMI production and supporting musicians. Without Geoff's equally experimental nature and attention to fine detail The Beatles albums from 'Revolver' onwards would likely not have been quite as exciting as they are.
The first Beatles albums I bought were because of the songs I remember hearing growing up, “…64” and “Maxwell’s Silver Hammer.” The tunes and lyrics made an impression on my young mind. Vlad’s story about his father and getting music however he could reminds me of the Russian records that utilized X-ray plates as makeshift vinyl records. “Bone records” they’re called, I think. This happened during the Cold War when Western music was banned.
Excellent! I absolutely loved this! Not only a great documentary, but also great conversation and insights by both of you. I am so glad Amy that you had a documentarian who was also a skilled musician, one who spoke your language and keyed in on the things you often notice in your own reactions. It's good that you got to see how a lot of these sounds were created. Great perspective by you on the creative and inventive processes they used, being a lot like Thomas Edison in his workshop. Maybe the next time you are in the UK you can get a tour of the Abbey Road Studios. That would make a great video. Rick Beato did a similar video, and he got a private tour, but even if it was a public tour (assuming they do these) it would be great.
@@splitimage137. Well I haven't been in the hospital for 5 days, and I certainly haven't been in the need of palliative care since my gall bladder was removed, since I haven't had a lot of pain since the surgery. Now the 2 to 3 days before the surgery were on another level pain, but in that case I think the pain meds were more along the lines of what I needed, since I really couldn't focus on anything else at the time. Amy's Beatles reactions do a lot of things, but so far I was not aware that they miraculously remove pain too.😉
@@splitimage137. Well I haven't been in the hospital for 5 days, and I certainly haven't been in the need of palliative care since my gall bladder was removed, since I haven't had a lot of pain since the surgery. Now the 2 to 3 days before the surgery were on another level pain, but in that case I think the pain medicine was more along the lines of what I needed, since I really couldn't focus on anything else at the time. Amy's Beatles reactions do a lot of things, but so far I was not aware that they miraculously remove pain too.😉
@@LeeKennison Well, I have neuropathic pain that does not respond to medicine. The ONLY thing that can help is if my attention is focused elsewhere, which for me, is palliative.
@@splitimage137. I wouldn't want to even try to compare my short term pain, with longer term conditions like you have, where I'm sure being able to put your attention on something else helps a lot. I have known several people on longer term palliative care, and I certainly wouldn't want to trade places with them. Even if my "short term" pain was very intense.
Did you know that the only work of art created and signed by all four Beatles was made in 1966 while they were in Japan on tour, and forced to stay in lockdown in their hotel room between shows? They were given paints and canvas and other art material to keep them busy, so they divided a canvas into four parts and each worked on a section. After they finished it they all signed it and donated it to be auctioned for charity. It’s been sold and bought by a handful of different people over the years, selling for $150,000 and $190,000 dollars. Earlier this year it was auctioned off at Christies and sold for the equivalent of $1.7 million dollars U.S.m
About classical music composers combining classical music orchestrations with electric rock instruments. Amy was right about mentioning movie soundtracks in that context. Like for example Ennio Morricone. He was not a classical music composer per se but the music that he made for movie soundtracks was very much influenced by classical music earlier than the 20th century and contemporary classical music and he would also implement to orchestra instrumentations, rock music electric instrumentations, electric guitar, bass guitar, drums, keyboards etc. or simply combine classical/contemporary music sounds with rock music sounds or even jazz music sounds to boot🙂
That was so interesting for 2 very good reasons The documentary highlighted the extraordinary exceptional talents of the Beatles for the content to be digested and confronted by a exceptionaly talented Lady and Gent The whole programme gave this talentless 70+ year old a greater insight into the complexities of compositions
I recall another BBC program from not too long ago that also had a classically trained presenter dissecting Beatles music to expose what made it so revolutionary, but this was also nicely done. Vlad raises an interesting question about classical composers using rock instruments as part of the orchestral mix. Examples exist of rock musicians attempting to write classical pieces with their rock instruments in the mix, for example Steve Howe of Yes' "Double Rondo". BTW, 'Sgt Pepper' has recently been dethroned on Rolling Stone's Top 500 albums list by the album that preceded it - 'Revolver'. I'm sure nobody would argue that RS is very fad-focused, and the hipster cognoscenti had sort of gotten tired of all the praise for 'Sgt Pepper'. Suddenly 'Revolver' had a fresher energy and sense of innovation. But I have a feeling over the long haul 'Sgt Pepper' will return to the top of the list. Re: other documentaries, Amy should definitely watch the Anthology when she's done with her discography review.
I'll always put Abbey Road at the top of my list, followed by Rubber Soul. Everyone has their own list and none are necessarily better than others since it's so personal and subjective. I wouldn't be surprised if the White Album eventually deposes all of them, as it's such a deep mine for innovation, musicality and styles. Also, "best" album is different from "most revolutionary" or "most groundbreaking" album, and I think it's hard to not put Sgt. Pepper on top of the latter lists.
Exactly who came to mind straight away when the electric guitar query came up, to my mind Morricone was up there with the Beatles in terms of musical innovation in that era.
I remember being 5 years old in feb. 1967 and sick in bed with the mumps hearing penny lane and strawberry fields on my little general electric fm radio. Please listen to the other landmark album of that year Days of Future Passed by the Moody Blues.
Great video guys, and I look forward to your further exploration of this album. Just a couple of things on British culture, drinking tea from a glass is not something we'd do, preferably it should be a Bone China cup, or less formally a mug. For those who may not know the phrase 'Under the bonnet', it has nothing to do with looking under a hat, for the English it refers to looking in detail at the workings of something, using the metaphor of looking at a cars' engine, in American English it would be 'Looking under the hood'.
Not to undermine the revolutionary aspects of Sgt.Pepper which are unquestionable, but part of it didn’t come out of thin air, especially when it comes to it’s production and the use of the studio recording as an art form or even as an instrument itself. It’s well known how the Beatles, especially McCartney were influenced by „Pet Sounds” by the Beach Boys for the making of Sgt. Pepper. Brian Wilson, who was the main mastermind behind that album, had actually already used the studio recording in the way that I described before, one year before Sgt. Pepper came out to the public. And Brian Wilson did all of that alone, without any external help, since he has not only composed most of „Pet Sounds”’s music, but he also arranged it and produced it to boot, contrary to the Beatles who had to help each other out and needed George Martin’s help for the final result of the album „Sgt. Pepper”. And to accentuate even more the genius of Brian Wilson, he did all of that being deaf in one ear and being only 23 years old. In fact, McCartney praise his genius to no end. The arrangements, sounds, rhythms, melodies, vocal harmonies etc. of „Pet Sounds” were also very colorful, creative, imaginative and unprecedented in the history of pop music. And the concept behind the album (yes, it was a concept album even before Sgt. Pepper🙂) is even more defined and clear than the concept behind "Sgt. Pepper". You could even say that the album tells a story, with a beginning, middle section and an end. I think that Amy would enjoy it, because the way it was composed is a bit similar to how classical music is composed. For example, the rhythms, percussions (which by the way are very varied, creative etc.) are also used as counterpoints more than keeping the beat as in most of rock and roll/rock music🙂
Having grown up with these songs sometimes I feel reluctant to expose myself to original song meanings as I've created my own images and meanings to these songs "in my own mind."
I feel lucky to grow up in a day and age where we could consume music without so much video involved. That being said, my occasional reminiscing doesn't keep me from checking out cool video media.
The main reason for the Beatles to stop touring,that did not affect bands like Queen was the shortcomings of the PA equipment and amplifiers of the early to mid 60's that could not overpower the audience noise, and mainly droves of high-pitched screaming young girls.
There's two songs from the Hard Day's Night film that Amy hasn't heard (Don't Bother Me, I Wanna Be Your Man), but fortunately, they don't really happen at an important plot point.
Hi, Amy! Subscribed after enjoying your other channel. May I suggest a film for future viewing? It’s ‘Stop Making Sense’, a groundbreaking film featuring The Talking Heads, documenting the performance and recording of an album. Thank you for this one, Amy (and Vlad). (I understand a remake or remastering of the film is under way; I’m referring to the original 1984 version).
The current Abbey Road Studios barely compares to the spartan environment of the 1960's and 70's era EMI studios that The Beatles experienced. It is only their music and creativity that brought magic into a space that had no atmosphere or any basic comfortable amenities. They grew to hate the place, and even resent the staff. It has become iconic in retrospect, but the reality, just like the Cavern Club, was it was a pretty bleak environment, and it was only the power of the creative Beatles team's imaginations that brought the colour.
Thank you, this was a fascinating watch. I have seen Goodall's 20th Century Greats series. Absolutely cannot wait for you to hear "Penny Lane". It's my favorite Beatle song. Also, as a side note, Vlad is a doppelganger for one of my Friday night bowling buddies here in Wisconsin. This kind of makes sense, as we've had a whole lot of Germans emigrate here over the years. Bayerisch gemischt mit etwas Schweizer und Baden/Württemberg in meinem Fall.
A fine album, but a little different. The Beatles incorporated classical, avant-garde, and 'world' musical elements but still remained 'pop' with songs that had mass appeal to people of all ages. Plus, they had words, and they were there earlier. And, they have never dated and never lost their appeal. Oldfield, and the whole 'Prog' scene was parse and widely derided within five years.
I can't think of any "hard core" classical composers who were bringing in contemporary instruments in the early 20th century, but writers of stage musicals certainly were. Andrew Lloyd Webber comes instantly to mind as one example.
This album was 4 months and 1 week old when I was born. It is, therefore, the soundtrack of the world I was born into. And as such has shaped the entire musical landscape of my life in some way or other. There is not a single track on the album that I do not love. So nice to see Vlads' perspective in your video on this album. I hope you do a video on Howard Goodalls' other Beatles musical examination. Just type Howard Goodall and Beatles and it will come up. (Please ignore Googles' incorrect red underlining of my use of the personal apostrophe) Thank you both for an enjoyable 80 minutes.
@@dannyhancock9330 Spellcheck/grammar check corrections/suggestions never show up on the final version, once it's posted. They're only there for you, the poster of the comment, to assist while in editing mode. But, anyway... in this case Google is right, all your apostrophes ARE in the wrong place! Or is this some special secret grammar/language of your own, or something? No offence intended, just curious....😀
Glenn Branca wrote symphonies for rock band and/or huge groups of electric guitars. Jonny Greenwood of Radiohead is classically trained and writes film scores, and i would argue brought the classical avant garde sensibility to a lot of Radiohead's "compositions"
William Russo wrote a piece for blues band and orchestra in the early 70s but I always thought the blues band sounded a bit forced and unnatural in that piece. To Vlad’d point, most classical-rock hybrids I am aware of have generally started with rock musicians (like Jon Lord) or a film composer. There had been previous meldings of classical and popular music (Gershwin most readily comes to mind) but that was in a pre-rock era.
There was also a VERY good documentary put out by the BBC on the 50th Anniversary. It was called “Sgt Pepper Forever”, hopefully you can find it, but I think it’s even better.
You both have a speaking quality that I admire. You are very selective of the words you use to express your thoughts. I often see Amy searching for the right adjective or adverb to “hit the nail on the head”, so to speak. Maybe that’s why we have the arts, to fill in the gaps that words struggle with.
A very enjoyable reaction to a very enjoyable documentary of the BBC. I hope that at the end of the Beatles' series, you could react to Howard Goodall's 20th century Greats, The Beatles.
9:55 Louis Andriessen did that in the Netherlands with his composition "De staat" [1976]. 1:19:32 "You could probably make a whole movie out of each song." Indeed. Here's an interview with the harpist of She's Leaving Home, Sheila Bromberg: ua-cam.com/video/vhC4imHiJUM/v-deo.html 1:20:00 There's still not any reason to look down upon "She Loves You". 1:21:09 "In a way they are now a completely different band." Yes. And John Lennon and George Harrison didn't like it. So they went back from being art rockers to being a Rock band. You can hear that on the White Album. (Also, the Summer of Love was over, And John Lennon switched from his wife to Yoko Ono and from LSD to heroin.)
For the discussion around 8 min to 12 min there is another “movie” by the same man about the Beatles that has a different perspective that could be interesting, almost the opposite of both. He sees them more like a “rescue” of “traditions”… it would be interesting if you watch (it is 99% complete on UA-cam)
There's a terrific short video on YT of harpist Sheila Bromberg discussing how she worked with Paul McCartney on She's Leaving Home. It gives some insight into how the Beatles worked with their producer George Martin and the classical musicians he booked for recording sessions. ua-cam.com/video/vhC4imHiJUM/v-deo.htmlsi=fvxO6g8IL1zCHNCX There is a similar short video about the baroque trumpeter, David Mason, who recorded the solo for Penny Lane. ua-cam.com/video/OxO4nODCGD0/v-deo.htmlsi=Ftem_07XcxrNJWAp
The classical analog to what happened in rock and pop music in the 60's doesn't require radically new instrumentation, although I'm sure that that's been done. But weren't what at the time were fairly revolutionary innovations in classical that swept through in the early 20th century be considered more or less that? I mean Schoenberg's atonality, Stravinsky's ballets, Prokofiev, Bartok, Holst, and so on, and of course the post-WWII modernists. The first time I heard most of them I didn't like it, but over time I was converted and now love much of it. The Beatles had much the same effect in the rock and pop world. From Rubber Soul on, every new album threw everyone for a loop and many hated them at first.
I can think of one instance of a classical composer seriously incorporating a band as a central part of a composition. William Russo's Three Pieces for Blues Band and Orchestra, Op. 50 (1968) It was specifically written with the Siegal-Schwall Band in mind. Recorded in 1973 by the San Francisco Symp Orchestra, Conductor Seiji Ozawa DG 2530 309. And its quite an interesting piece! Interesting that it was written in 1968, one year after Sgt Pepper.....
I have seen this film before and loved it. But they didn't cover all the songs. So I am patiently waiting for Amy's take on the ones that weren't discussed. 64...Rita
Sgt pepper was the first record I have a bored it turned me on to music in 67, before that there have been a few things I liked on the radio but including the Beatles hits from about 1965, my preferences had been Billie holiday, Django reinhardt, Bob Dylan, Missa Luba from the movie IF? And The Sidewinder.
The Beach Boys used a theramin on one of their biggest hits in the 60s. Why hasn't Amy heard Penny Lane yet?!? That makes NO sense! Of all the pop-rock classics? C'mon!
Sgt. Pepper's sounds to me like the work of a classical composer who exploited rock-n-roll/folk/blues forms to apply avant-garde principles which theretofore had never acheived much popularity. The music was the solution to a puzzle which by then had stagnated. I wonder if The Beatles themselves really had the chops to pull off such a thing without elaborate support.
Also, although lots of work was being done to improve it at the time that would bear fruit within a year or two, arena sound systems were still fairly primitive in late 1966, when the Beatles intentionally quit touring to focus on recording, because the technology didn't allow them to perform at the level they wanted to perform at, and who could blame them given the quality of their work even by then. But by the time that the technology began to catch up and make possible the large music festivals of the late 60's and the arena rock of the 70's, they were no longer interested in performing for reasons well beyond technology. They really sunk themselves into composition and studio work as few bands of the time did, they were tired of the pressures and stress of touring, they were starting families and settling down, they were growing further apart and feuding, they had all these projects involving Apple Music that took up much of their time, and, of course, Lennon was getting really hard into drugs, and was on another planet. They just weren't in a place where touring was something they wanted to do anymore, despite the massive progress that had been made in sound systems by the late 60's. They were basically the prototypical progressive rock band by then, and performing was the furthest thing from their minds. They didn't need or want to perform anymore, which was a pity, but that's what they wanted.
53:10 The verse melody of “She’s Leaving Home” is absolutely NOT in the Aeolian mode! It arguably shifts between Mixolydian and Dorian, but there’s nothing about it that could possibly be construed as aeolian. This is a bizarre and glaring error which, astonishingly, suggests Goodall either doesn’t actually understand what modes are, or perhaps meant to say “Dorian” but misspoke, and that nobody at the BBC bothered to fact-check him. Even if it WERE in the aeolian mode, describing something in the aeolian mode as “modal” would be bizarre, as is the suggestion that there is anything even remotely remarkable about its usage in a pop song. I mean, yeah, strictly speaking a piece of music that uses the bog-standard natural minor scale (which is all “aeolian” means) IS in a mode, but only in the sense that every piece of tonal music ever composed is in one mode or another, of one scale or another. Aeolian is otherwise known as regular old, garden variety “natural minor”, hardly anything worth writing home about. Describing a piece of music as “modal” is usually understood to suggest it’s in a mode other than the two most commonplace modes in western music, Ionian (AKA “major”) and aeolian. Ironically, he’s correct to suggest that the verses of “She’s leaving home” are modal, but that is precisely because they are NOT in the Aeolian mode.
About Queen. If Bohemian Rhapsody wasnt development and pushing the boundaries them I'm not sure what was. Not sure about the Beatles influence on Led Zepplin who were probably better performers. There is no doubt of the technical brilliance of the Beatles and their influence. But not everyone enjoyed the musical gymnastics.
I always enjoy it when Amy starts getting more technical about the music. Great show, guys! If you like listening to the Beatles talking in the recording studio, I put together this: The Beatles - Beatles Banter in the Recording Studio (isolated tracks) ua-cam.com/video/VweIV7TqDq0/v-deo.html
...... added to that .. they lacked emotion generally. IMO their best are songs like Let It Be and Long and Winding Rd. Its often the most simple and heart felt that hits you in the gut. It wasnt generally a feature of their music. They were too busy trying to be clever.
Amy looks so uncomfortable and out of her depth, she's thinking to herself...I don't like or approve of any of this music..I want to go home! lol. Traditional classical composers were usually from upper class backgrounds but were trapped by their formal training/education, they ran along Tram lines (a bit like Amy) and just followed what their tutor taught them or what they read in music sheets or what was accepted or traditional. Classical composers...Bach, Beethoven etc; were amazing, but usually they were "One Dimensional" eg: only played piano, or Violin, Cello. Because The Beatles were not formally trained musicians it allowed them to explore music instead of creating a version which was similar to what everyone was doing at that time. The Beatles had beautiful harmonies, lyrics, personality, multi-instrumentalist's, a constantly changing image, they made films, their songs were sometimes very sad and touching and sometimes nonsensical and other times Rock and Roll. Classical musicians just sit by their piano, they all look the same and all have the same demeanour and same style....sorry, but they were/are boring!
Beatle fanatics want to claim the Beatles invented everything .they we're popular enough to bring attention to bands and art they ripped off. Diversity of styles is their greatest strength (apart from George Martin writing music)
The harpist, Sheila Bromberg, exp[ains how she was invited to play on She's Leaving Home and how they got that sound. ua-cam.com/video/vhC4imHiJUM/v-deo.html
Perhaps ‘Rite of Spring’ would count as a classical piece which defied conventions. Ok, so it can be placed amongst the neoclassical movement, but it is most unrelenting and forceful.
Enjoyed this. You might like this other documentary of The Beatles by Howard Goodall where he deconstructs their music ua-cam.com/video/ZQS91wVdvYc/v-deo.htmlsi=wYwedWZf47qJzfNL
If you are doing documentaries I would love to see Amy watch this 3 part series about movie soundtracks called. Sound of Cinema, The Music That Made the Movies by Neil Brand. I think it would be a great combination of music and film
Vlad, I only wish you would not talk about Amy in the third person during the introduction(s) --- even if she doesn't mind it, it comes across (to me) a little bit odd/stilted. It would be so lovely to see you simply talk to her conversationally while covering the same points. My one and only nitpick. Great stuff you both do!
Amy's right. It's about what you hear. I had no knowledge of musical theory in 1967, when I was 14, but I knew what I was hearing was different, intriguing and hugely enjoyable.
I always love Howard Goodall's passion and his wonderful explanations of why this music is so special. His music documentaries are always enjoyable.
This is the best video I have seen on Beatle recordings throughout the years. Really insightful.
Lots of Howard Goodalls documentaries are worth watching.
The Beatles were innovators and the true originators of rock music as art.
What a nice experience!. Thank you very much.
Regards from Argentina.
:) Frank Zappa brought classical elements and the BBC classical ensemble to a rock band ensemble (or vice versa) by 1968! He also took a bit of Holst and a bit of Stravinsky and inserted and played it within 'rock' songs as early as 1966. Frank was also writing avant-garde classical music and having that performed in public as early as 1963. Most people aren't aware of this and certainly not at the time.
:)
Hot Rats is the best !!! Just not as catchy as those bloomin Beatles though!!!
I was singing the words to bow tie daddy the other day though in work!
Really enjoyed watching you, watching him, talk about them. That was fun!!
17 years old in March 1967, in the French countryside. A radio in the afternoon (probably Europe 1) says that it has the tracks from the latest Beatles LP, that it will play them after 1am (usually there was nothing during the night). Very excited, I don't have a record player but I do have a small geloso tape recorder. At 1am the family has deserted the kitchen. I hold the microphone in front of the radio fixed to the wall, the level loud enough so that the radio noise is negligible but not too much, so as not to wake my grandmother in the room next door. Disappointed compared to the thought of Revolver. But my uncomfortable position did not prevent me from being amazed by A Day in the life !! I think the climax in the song woke my grandmother up but I told her it was over.
i like Goodall's comment on Ringo's drumming not laying down the pulse but punctuating it in A Day in Life at @1:05:40. Ringo often plays like a host for the band and listeners, attentive and appreciative, fills smoothly introducing changes without being over-bearing.
That was very very interesting.
That was a real treat, Amy and Vlad. Thank you. Enjoyed the discussion. I feel similarly evangelical about the album to Vlad. I was 10 when it came out but didn't get to appreciate it much at the time!
That was an enjoyable watch with both of you! I'm always amazed how fortuitous it was for the Beatles to have been auditioned by George Martin for EMI. And then George Martin taking them on for the EMI label he was managing, Parlophone. They were naturally inspired musicians and songwriters, but had no formal understanding of classical music or music theory, and couldn't even read music. Martin recognized a musical genius in them. They were able to communicate to him in terms of overall sounds what they wanted for their compositions. He then provided the formal musical vocabulary that could use both classical music and recording technology that fulfilled their vision for their songs.
Lennon and McCartney certainly knew what they didn't want but were usually vague in expressing what they were after. Partly because they were thinking atmospherically and conceptually, and partly through lack of technical language. Hence, instructions like Lennon's "I want to smell the sawdust" as guidance to George Martin. It was then really up to Martin, and even more so his studio engineer Geoff Emerick, to interpret and actually come up with some practical solutions and constantly novel sound production that would spark the band's enthusiasm. The songs were always strokes of genius, but the finished album was categorically a team effort along with the EMI production and supporting musicians. Without Geoff's equally experimental nature and attention to fine detail The Beatles albums from 'Revolver' onwards would likely not have been quite as exciting as they are.
The first Beatles albums I bought were because of the songs I remember hearing growing up, “…64” and “Maxwell’s Silver Hammer.” The tunes and lyrics made an impression on my young mind.
Vlad’s story about his father and getting music however he could reminds me of the Russian records that utilized X-ray plates as makeshift vinyl records. “Bone records” they’re called, I think. This happened during the Cold War when Western music was banned.
That was fascinating - thank you!
This has been so much fun. Afterwards, when you are done with the music and the Beatles films, you should watch the Rutles!!
Amy should listen to Penny Lane NOW !
And then return to the rest of the Sgt Pepper !
As a Brit, it’s a film I’m very familiar with. Love your comments and chat.
Don't sleep on the beach boys the Beatles were inspired by their harmonies and studio work!!!🎉
Excellent! I absolutely loved this! Not only a great documentary, but also great conversation and insights by both of you. I am so glad Amy that you had a documentarian who was also a skilled musician, one who spoke your language and keyed in on the things you often notice in your own reactions. It's good that you got to see how a lot of these sounds were created. Great perspective by you on the creative and inventive processes they used, being a lot like Thomas Edison in his workshop. Maybe the next time you are in the UK you can get a tour of the Abbey Road Studios. That would make a great video. Rick Beato did a similar video, and he got a private tour, but even if it was a public tour (assuming they do these) it would be great.
The Beatles and Virgin Rock together make for a great palliative for a hospital stay.
@@splitimage137. Well I haven't been in the hospital for 5 days, and I certainly haven't been in the need of palliative care since my gall bladder was removed, since I haven't had a lot of pain since the surgery. Now the 2 to 3 days before the surgery were on another level pain, but in that case I think the pain meds were more along the lines of what I needed, since I really couldn't focus on anything else at the time. Amy's Beatles reactions do a lot of things, but so far I was not aware that they miraculously remove pain too.😉
@@splitimage137. Well I haven't been in the hospital for 5 days, and I certainly haven't been in the need of palliative care since my gall bladder was removed, since I haven't had a lot of pain since the surgery. Now the 2 to 3 days before the surgery were on another level pain, but in that case I think the pain medicine was more along the lines of what I needed, since I really couldn't focus on anything else at the time. Amy's Beatles reactions do a lot of things, but so far I was not aware that they miraculously remove pain too.😉
@@LeeKennison Well, I have neuropathic pain that does not respond to medicine. The ONLY thing that can help is if my attention is focused elsewhere, which for me, is palliative.
@@splitimage137. I wouldn't want to even try to compare my short term pain, with longer term conditions like you have, where I'm sure being able to put your attention on something else helps a lot. I have known several people on longer term palliative care, and I certainly wouldn't want to trade places with them. Even if my "short term" pain was very intense.
Did you know that the only work of art created and signed by all four Beatles was made in 1966 while they were in Japan on tour, and forced to stay in lockdown in their hotel room between shows? They were given paints and canvas and other art material to keep them busy, so they divided a canvas into four parts and each worked on a section. After they finished it they all signed it and donated it to be auctioned for charity. It’s been sold and bought by a handful of different people over the years, selling for $150,000 and $190,000 dollars.
Earlier this year it was auctioned off at Christies and sold for the equivalent of $1.7 million dollars U.S.m
About classical music composers combining classical music orchestrations with electric rock instruments. Amy was right about mentioning movie soundtracks in that context. Like for example Ennio Morricone. He was not a classical music composer per se but the music that he made for movie soundtracks was very much influenced by classical music earlier than the 20th century and contemporary classical music and he would also implement to orchestra instrumentations, rock music electric instrumentations, electric guitar, bass guitar, drums, keyboards etc. or simply combine classical/contemporary music sounds with rock music sounds or even jazz music sounds to boot🙂
That was so interesting for 2 very good reasons
The documentary highlighted the extraordinary exceptional talents of the Beatles for the content to be digested and confronted by a exceptionaly talented Lady and Gent
The whole programme gave this talentless 70+ year old a greater insight into the complexities of compositions
I always enjoy your unique and educated reactions.
I recall another BBC program from not too long ago that also had a classically trained presenter dissecting Beatles music to expose what made it so revolutionary, but this was also nicely done. Vlad raises an interesting question about classical composers using rock instruments as part of the orchestral mix. Examples exist of rock musicians attempting to write classical pieces with their rock instruments in the mix, for example Steve Howe of Yes' "Double Rondo". BTW, 'Sgt Pepper' has recently been dethroned on Rolling Stone's Top 500 albums list by the album that preceded it - 'Revolver'. I'm sure nobody would argue that RS is very fad-focused, and the hipster cognoscenti had sort of gotten tired of all the praise for 'Sgt Pepper'. Suddenly 'Revolver' had a fresher energy and sense of innovation. But I have a feeling over the long haul 'Sgt Pepper' will return to the top of the list. Re: other documentaries, Amy should definitely watch the Anthology when she's done with her discography review.
I'll always put Abbey Road at the top of my list, followed by Rubber Soul. Everyone has their own list and none are necessarily better than others since it's so personal and subjective. I wouldn't be surprised if the White Album eventually deposes all of them, as it's such a deep mine for innovation, musicality and styles.
Also, "best" album is different from "most revolutionary" or "most groundbreaking" album, and I think it's hard to not put Sgt. Pepper on top of the latter lists.
Ennio Marricone put electric guitar and electric bass into his movie scores ... for example in *The Good, the Bad and the Ugly*.
Exactly who came to mind straight away when the electric guitar query came up, to my mind Morricone was up there with the Beatles in terms of musical innovation in that era.
I remember being 5 years old in feb. 1967 and sick in bed with the mumps hearing penny lane and strawberry fields on my little general electric fm radio. Please listen to the other landmark album of that year Days of Future Passed by the Moody Blues.
Great video guys, and I look forward to your further exploration of this album. Just a couple of things on British culture, drinking tea from a glass is not something we'd do, preferably it should be a Bone China cup, or less formally a mug. For those who may not know the phrase 'Under the bonnet', it has nothing to do with looking under a hat, for the English it refers to looking in detail at the workings of something, using the metaphor of looking at a cars' engine, in American English it would be 'Looking under the hood'.
Strawinsky, The Rite of Spring was a piece that marked a transition point to classical music.
Exactly what I was going to say as well. Maybe "3.33" or something by Stockhausen as well?
Not to undermine the revolutionary aspects of Sgt.Pepper which are unquestionable, but part of it didn’t come out of thin air, especially when it comes to it’s production and the use of the studio recording as an art form or even as an instrument itself. It’s well known how the Beatles, especially McCartney were influenced by „Pet Sounds” by the Beach Boys for the making of Sgt. Pepper. Brian Wilson, who was the main mastermind behind that album, had actually already used the studio recording in the way that I described before, one year before Sgt. Pepper came out to the public. And Brian Wilson did all of that alone, without any external help, since he has not only composed most of „Pet Sounds”’s music, but he also arranged it and produced it to boot, contrary to the Beatles who had to help each other out and needed George Martin’s help for the final result of the album „Sgt. Pepper”. And to accentuate even more the genius of Brian Wilson, he did all of that being deaf in one ear and being only 23 years old. In fact, McCartney praise his genius to no end. The arrangements, sounds, rhythms, melodies, vocal harmonies etc. of „Pet Sounds” were also very colorful, creative, imaginative and unprecedented in the history of pop music. And the concept behind the album (yes, it was a concept album even before Sgt. Pepper🙂) is even more defined and clear than the concept behind "Sgt. Pepper". You could even say that the album tells a story, with a beginning, middle section and an end. I think that Amy would enjoy it, because the way it was composed is a bit similar to how classical music is composed. For example, the rhythms, percussions (which by the way are very varied, creative etc.) are also used as counterpoints more than keeping the beat as in most of rock and roll/rock music🙂
I very much enjoyed this, your reactions and commentaries. Thank you both.
Having grown up with these songs sometimes I feel reluctant to expose myself to original song meanings as I've created my own images and meanings to these songs "in my own mind."
I feel lucky to grow up in a day and age where we could consume music without so much video involved.
That being said, my occasional reminiscing doesn't keep me from checking out cool video media.
Ennico Morricone uses rock instruments with a classical orchestra.
You guys should also watch the newer Get Back documentary. Amazing footage
The main reason for the Beatles to stop touring,that did not affect bands like Queen was the shortcomings of the PA equipment and amplifiers of the early to mid 60's that could not overpower the audience noise, and mainly droves of high-pitched screaming young girls.
I remember hearing on the radio that the Beatles were going to stop touring, and I assumed that meant their musical career was more or less finished!
There's two songs from the Hard Day's Night film that Amy hasn't heard (Don't Bother Me, I Wanna Be Your Man), but fortunately, they don't really happen at an important plot point.
Hi, Amy! Subscribed after enjoying your other channel. May I suggest a film for future viewing? It’s ‘Stop Making Sense’, a groundbreaking film featuring The Talking Heads, documenting the performance and recording of an album. Thank you for this one, Amy (and Vlad). (I understand a remake or remastering of the film is under way; I’m referring to the original 1984 version).
Thank you!
Rick Beato's tour of the Abbey Road Studio gives some interesting perspective on the technology of the time.
The current Abbey Road Studios barely compares to the spartan environment of the 1960's and 70's era EMI studios that The Beatles experienced. It is only their music and creativity that brought magic into a space that had no atmosphere or any basic comfortable amenities. They grew to hate the place, and even resent the staff. It has become iconic in retrospect, but the reality, just like the Cavern Club, was it was a pretty bleak environment, and it was only the power of the creative Beatles team's imaginations that brought the colour.
@@MrDiddyDee It was specifically the period equipment that Beato was shown and was interested in.
Thank you, this was a fascinating watch. I have seen Goodall's 20th Century Greats series.
Absolutely cannot wait for you to hear "Penny Lane". It's my favorite Beatle song.
Also, as a side note, Vlad is a doppelganger for one of my Friday night bowling buddies here in Wisconsin. This kind of makes sense, as we've had a whole lot of Germans emigrate here over the years.
Bayerisch gemischt mit etwas Schweizer und Baden/Württemberg in meinem Fall.
This is Brilliant! Can you get any higher.
Tubular Bells - is the best example I can think of, of modern instrument melded with classical to create 'new music'.
A fine album, but a little different. The Beatles incorporated classical, avant-garde, and 'world' musical elements but still remained 'pop' with songs that had mass appeal to people of all ages. Plus, they had words, and they were there earlier. And, they have never dated and never lost their appeal. Oldfield, and the whole 'Prog' scene was parse and widely derided within five years.
I can't think of any "hard core" classical composers who were bringing in contemporary instruments in the early 20th century, but writers of stage musicals certainly were. Andrew Lloyd Webber comes instantly to mind as one example.
Good idea!
This album was 4 months and 1 week old when I was born. It is, therefore, the soundtrack of the world I was born into. And as such has shaped the entire musical landscape of my life in some way or other. There is not a single track on the album that I do not love. So nice to see Vlads' perspective in your video on this album. I hope you do a video on Howard Goodalls' other Beatles musical examination. Just type Howard Goodall and Beatles and it will come up. (Please ignore Googles' incorrect red underlining of my use of the personal apostrophe) Thank you both for an enjoyable 80 minutes.
just noticed the red underline was removed! lol
@@dannyhancock9330 Spellcheck/grammar check corrections/suggestions never show up on the final version, once it's posted. They're only there for you, the poster of the comment, to assist while in editing mode.
But, anyway... in this case Google is right, all your apostrophes ARE in the wrong place! Or is this some special secret grammar/language of your own, or something? No offence intended, just curious....😀
Glenn Branca wrote symphonies for rock band and/or huge groups of electric guitars. Jonny Greenwood of Radiohead is classically trained and writes film scores, and i would argue brought the classical avant garde sensibility to a lot of Radiohead's "compositions"
William Russo wrote a piece for blues band and orchestra in the early 70s but I always thought the blues band sounded a bit forced and unnatural in that piece. To Vlad’d point, most classical-rock hybrids I am aware of have generally started with rock musicians (like Jon Lord) or a film composer. There had been previous meldings of classical and popular music (Gershwin most readily comes to mind) but that was in a pre-rock era.
Time span between she loves you and sgt.pepper…four years.
even less
There was also a VERY good documentary put out by the BBC on the 50th Anniversary. It was called “Sgt Pepper Forever”, hopefully you can find it, but I think it’s even better.
Fabulous 😊
You both have a speaking quality that I admire. You are very selective of the words you use to express your thoughts. I often see Amy searching for the right adjective or adverb to “hit the nail on the head”, so to speak. Maybe that’s why we have the arts, to fill in the gaps that words struggle with.
She could watch Spinal Tap
A very enjoyable reaction to a very enjoyable documentary of the BBC.
I hope that at the end of the Beatles' series, you could react to Howard Goodall's 20th century Greats, The Beatles.
9:55 Louis Andriessen did that in the Netherlands with his composition "De staat" [1976].
1:19:32 "You could probably make a whole movie out of each song."
Indeed. Here's an interview with the harpist of She's Leaving Home, Sheila Bromberg: ua-cam.com/video/vhC4imHiJUM/v-deo.html
1:20:00 There's still not any reason to look down upon "She Loves You".
1:21:09 "In a way they are now a completely different band."
Yes. And John Lennon and George Harrison didn't like it. So they went back from being art rockers to being a Rock band. You can hear that on the White Album. (Also, the Summer of Love was over, And John Lennon switched from his wife to Yoko Ono and from LSD to heroin.)
For the discussion around 8 min to 12 min there is another “movie” by the same man about the Beatles that has a different perspective that could be interesting, almost the opposite of both. He sees them more like a “rescue” of “traditions”… it would be interesting if you watch (it is 99% complete on UA-cam)
There's a terrific short video on YT of harpist Sheila Bromberg discussing how she worked with Paul McCartney on She's Leaving Home. It gives some insight into how the Beatles worked with their producer George Martin and the classical musicians he booked for recording sessions.
ua-cam.com/video/vhC4imHiJUM/v-deo.htmlsi=fvxO6g8IL1zCHNCX
There is a similar short video about the baroque trumpeter, David Mason, who recorded the solo for Penny Lane.
ua-cam.com/video/OxO4nODCGD0/v-deo.htmlsi=Ftem_07XcxrNJWAp
That's a good movie by the BBC, and an interesting take on Amy's channel.
The classical analog to what happened in rock and pop music in the 60's doesn't require radically new instrumentation, although I'm sure that that's been done. But weren't what at the time were fairly revolutionary innovations in classical that swept through in the early 20th century be considered more or less that? I mean Schoenberg's atonality, Stravinsky's ballets, Prokofiev, Bartok, Holst, and so on, and of course the post-WWII modernists. The first time I heard most of them I didn't like it, but over time I was converted and now love much of it. The Beatles had much the same effect in the rock and pop world. From Rubber Soul on, every new album threw everyone for a loop and many hated them at first.
A parallel in classical to the Beatles, including all styles in his works, perhaps Aaron Copland's compositions.
I can think of one instance of a classical composer seriously incorporating a band as a central part of a composition.
William Russo's Three Pieces for Blues Band and Orchestra, Op. 50 (1968) It was specifically written with the Siegal-Schwall Band in mind. Recorded in 1973 by the San Francisco Symp Orchestra, Conductor Seiji Ozawa DG 2530 309. And its quite an interesting piece! Interesting that it was written in 1968, one year after Sgt Pepper.....
I have seen this film before and loved it. But they didn't cover all the songs. So I am patiently waiting for Amy's take on the ones that weren't discussed. 64...Rita
Sgt pepper was the first record I have a bored it turned me on to music in 67, before that there have been a few things I liked on the radio but including the Beatles hits from about 1965, my preferences had been Billie holiday, Django reinhardt, Bob Dylan, Missa Luba from the movie IF? And The Sidewinder.
I'm enjoying a day off here in Pueblo CO.
Perhaps you should listen to Paul McCartney’s 1997 classical album Standing stone , Paul worked with a classical composer
The Beach Boys used a theramin on one of their biggest hits in the 60s. Why hasn't Amy heard Penny Lane yet?!? That makes NO sense! Of all the pop-rock classics? C'mon!
Sgt. Pepper's sounds to me like the work of a classical composer who exploited rock-n-roll/folk/blues forms to apply avant-garde principles which theretofore had never acheived much popularity. The music was the solution to a puzzle which by then had stagnated.
I wonder if The Beatles themselves really had the chops to pull off such a thing without elaborate support.
David Bedford - Mike Oldfield
Also, although lots of work was being done to improve it at the time that would bear fruit within a year or two, arena sound systems were still fairly primitive in late 1966, when the Beatles intentionally quit touring to focus on recording, because the technology didn't allow them to perform at the level they wanted to perform at, and who could blame them given the quality of their work even by then.
But by the time that the technology began to catch up and make possible the large music festivals of the late 60's and the arena rock of the 70's, they were no longer interested in performing for reasons well beyond technology. They really sunk themselves into composition and studio work as few bands of the time did, they were tired of the pressures and stress of touring, they were starting families and settling down, they were growing further apart and feuding, they had all these projects involving Apple Music that took up much of their time, and, of course, Lennon was getting really hard into drugs, and was on another planet. They just weren't in a place where touring was something they wanted to do anymore, despite the massive progress that had been made in sound systems by the late 60's.
They were basically the prototypical progressive rock band by then, and performing was the furthest thing from their minds. They didn't need or want to perform anymore, which was a pity, but that's what they wanted.
❤🎉❤🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
53:10 The verse melody of “She’s Leaving Home” is absolutely NOT in the Aeolian mode! It arguably shifts between Mixolydian and Dorian, but there’s nothing about it that could possibly be construed as aeolian. This is a bizarre and glaring error which, astonishingly, suggests Goodall either doesn’t actually understand what modes are, or perhaps meant to say “Dorian” but misspoke, and that nobody at the BBC bothered to fact-check him.
Even if it WERE in the aeolian mode, describing something in the aeolian mode as “modal” would be bizarre, as is the suggestion that there is anything even remotely remarkable about its usage in a pop song. I mean, yeah, strictly speaking a piece of music that uses the bog-standard natural minor scale (which is all “aeolian” means) IS in a mode, but only in the sense that every piece of tonal music ever composed is in one mode or another, of one scale or another.
Aeolian is otherwise known as regular old, garden variety “natural minor”, hardly anything worth writing home about. Describing a piece of music as “modal” is usually understood to suggest it’s in a mode other than the two most commonplace modes in western music, Ionian (AKA “major”) and aeolian.
Ironically, he’s correct to suggest that the verses of “She’s leaving home” are modal, but that is precisely because they are NOT in the Aeolian mode.
About Queen. If Bohemian Rhapsody wasnt development and pushing the boundaries them I'm not sure what was. Not sure about the Beatles influence on Led Zepplin who were probably better performers. There is no doubt of the technical brilliance of the Beatles and their influence. But not everyone enjoyed the musical gymnastics.
I always enjoy it when Amy starts getting more technical about the music. Great show, guys!
If you like listening to the Beatles talking in the recording studio, I put together this: The Beatles - Beatles Banter in the Recording Studio (isolated tracks) ua-cam.com/video/VweIV7TqDq0/v-deo.html
...... added to that .. they lacked emotion generally. IMO their best are songs like Let It Be and Long and Winding Rd. Its often the most simple and heart felt that hits you in the gut. It wasnt generally a feature of their music. They were too busy trying to be clever.
Amy
Howard Goodall is a composer. This is an orchestral take on a TV theme tune by him: ua-cam.com/video/Kjt8pjrvdh4/v-deo.html
what about Mozart, surely they know about him and new sounds
I've not watched it yet.
I think both Strawberry Fields and Penny Lane are better than anything on the Seargent Pepper album with the exception of "A Day in the Life."
It looks like you may have to dip your toe into musical film 💜🙏
I prefer Abbey Road LP
Amy looks so uncomfortable and out of her depth, she's thinking to herself...I don't like or approve of any of this music..I want to go home! lol.
Traditional classical composers were usually from upper class backgrounds but were trapped by their formal training/education, they ran along Tram lines (a bit like Amy) and just followed what their tutor taught them or what they read in music sheets or what was accepted or traditional.
Classical composers...Bach, Beethoven etc; were amazing, but usually they were "One Dimensional" eg: only played piano, or Violin, Cello.
Because The Beatles were not formally trained musicians it allowed them to explore music instead of creating a version which was similar to what everyone was doing at that time.
The Beatles had beautiful harmonies, lyrics, personality, multi-instrumentalist's, a constantly changing image, they made films, their songs were sometimes very sad and touching and sometimes nonsensical and other times Rock and Roll.
Classical musicians just sit by their piano, they all look the same and all have the same demeanour and same style....sorry, but they were/are boring!
Another great one!
A short and interesting presentation of the layers in the 'solo' of Mr. Kite: ua-cam.com/video/JAr7M3bMq38/v-deo.html
Beatle fanatics want to claim the Beatles invented everything .they we're popular enough to bring attention to bands and art they ripped off. Diversity of styles is their greatest strength (apart from George Martin writing music)
The harpist, Sheila Bromberg, exp[ains how she was invited to play on She's Leaving Home and how they got that sound. ua-cam.com/video/vhC4imHiJUM/v-deo.html
Everything is fair game stylistically…….in the classical world the great German/Russian composer ALFRED SCHNITTKE…Polystylism
Perhaps ‘Rite of Spring’ would count as a classical piece which defied conventions.
Ok, so it can be placed amongst the neoclassical movement, but it is most unrelenting and forceful.
Enjoyed this. You might like this other documentary of The Beatles by Howard Goodall where he deconstructs their music ua-cam.com/video/ZQS91wVdvYc/v-deo.htmlsi=wYwedWZf47qJzfNL
If you are doing documentaries I would love to see Amy watch this 3 part series about movie soundtracks called. Sound of Cinema, The Music That Made the Movies by Neil Brand. I think it would be a great combination of music and film
Sorry to said..the sound is not good when you are speaking perhaps the microphone have problems ..for me at least
Vlad, I only wish you would not talk about Amy in the third person during the introduction(s) --- even if she doesn't mind it, it comes across (to me) a little bit odd/stilted. It would be so lovely to see you simply talk to her conversationally while covering the same points. My one and only nitpick. Great stuff you both do!
Tbf.....if he's talking to the camera ...... I don't think he's being disrespectful at all.....quite the opposite......
Aren't classical composers classical because they write for classical instruments? I don't know about these things, which is why I'm asking......
I would say it is a composer who writes music which fits under the classical umbrella.