Results For Scoring Beatles Psychedelic Songs |
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- Опубліковано 31 тра 2024
- Matt tallies the results of his Patreon supporters and their scoring of Beatles Psychedelic Songs. Ten songs are chosen and scored based on 7 criteria.
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Thanks for all you do Matt! The BEST 60s site on the internet!!
I appreciate that! Thank you.
Easily.
Will you pet your dog already. He’s begging. Lol.
Psychedelia is defined as self indulgent and colorful. Cheers! 🥨
OK, I know I missed something, Tomorrow Never Knows not included because?
I used Tomorrow Never Knows in my last video. This is merely 10 perceived psychedelic Beatles song to show how the scoring works. If the feedback is positive I may do another set of 10 to be surveyed.
I would have thought Rain would have a higher score, seems to be one of their most psychedelic songs to me.
I've seen an interview with McCartney as well as read his commentary in his book of lyrics that the "hole" was something that appeared to him after he had taken LSD. It's a song both about, and a result of, his psychedelic experience, and it feels like it. He's not rubbing it in our faces but it's a pretty psychedelic song.
Bogie steals the show at 8:13 by sitting on the couch like a human!!
Dear Matt,
I really like this series about the Beatles's psychedelic songs!!!
Your ranking of the songs (and the ranking criteria you decided to use)are absolutely fascinating for me,and the results are "scientifically" on the spot, very well done!! But now I'd like to tell you something about my very first experiences as a listener of the Beatles's psychedelic music.
I used to listen to the Beatles albums already as a kid but,being an italian little guy,I had no idea whatsoever about the meaning of the lyrics...and yet,every time I put on the turntable albums like Revolver or Magical Mystery Tour,I had the impression of not belonging to this world anymore,it was something magic and somehow difficult to explain...I can safely assume that this kind of music sent me every time into a dream-world,there was definitely a sense of "trippiness" to those songs,something that I could actually "catch" ,even if I was totally unaware of drugs,psychedelia,druggy kind of lyrics etc!!!
Could we then say that,perhaps,one of the main qualities of psychedelic music is to convey this strong sense of trippiness just by means of music,even not knowing what the lyrics are about?
Yes, Sergio that is included my #6 Entrancement criteria. Thank you for commenting!
To me who lived through this period, a psychedelic song only refers to the effect on me the listener. Whether or not the person writing or playing was stoned, or even if the lyrics were "stoned" would be secondary, or matter not at all to the ultimate effect. Especially if one were stoned himself. The two most psychedelic songs of the 60s for my money are "Whiter Shade of Pale" and Hendrix version of "All Along the Watchtower. Both are instantly transporting gems. It's in the journey that you're taken sonically.
Thanks for sharing! I love this kind of analysis. Several years ago, I put together a playlist of my favorite Beatles psychedelic songs. When I finished, I realized the list was dominated by John and George. I had to stretch my criteria of what constituted a psychedelic song to make sure Paul was represented on the playlist. When the band moved beyond their pop roots, he seemed to prefer classical and storytelling themes over psychedelia. I look forward to your next video! 😊
I would say Fixing a Hole would def qualify- very dreamy slightly surreal lyrics - and maybe A Day in the Life - obviously not all Paul’s song but his part has a psychy feel eh?
Bogie be like "Who you talkin' to?"
I really must have missed something here. Why isn't 'Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds' on the list?...Too obvious? Wouldn't that get a 17 out of 17?
I didn't choose the 'most perceived psychedelic' Beatles songs, just 10 songs to demonstrate how the criteria works when values are applied to it. I hope to do more if there is interest.
Not the bit interested in this list.
Psychedelic drugs are the ones that cause hallucinations
Thanks for this video!
I appreciate your input on the two criteria you discussed here that also were the ones I had different views on. I can’t think of many other UA-camrs who’d take the time to interact with us viewers like this. ❤
I wanted to be sure my comments that took a different take on those criteria wasn’t seen by you as negative about your work. I think you’re great and I really look forward to your videos.
An interesting addendum to this might be ranking more non-Beatles songs too. Here’s some songs I would be intrigued to get your ranking:
-Hurdy Gurdy Man by Donovan
-White Rabbit by Jefferson Airplane
-Eight Miles High by the Byrds
-Careful With That Axe by Pink Floyd
-I Can See For Miles by the Who
-Itchycoo Park by Small Faces
-Time Has Come Today by the Chambers Brothers
-2000 Lightyears From Home by the Rolling Stones
-Shapes of Things by the Yardbirds
-White Room by Cream
-Purple Haze by Jimi Hendrix
-Psychedelic Shack by the Temptations
-Good Vibrations by the Beach Boys
Yes, it is very tempting to apply this to pile of great songs! Thank you for the feedback, Miranda. Much appreciated.
My own experience is that the Beatles psychedelic period started with Revolver “peaking” with the Magical Mystery Tour, which is truly a psychedelic record start to finish. Although Paul’s songs that appear on Magical Mystery Tour did not rank highly psychedelic by your criteria they have a production style and quality, kind of a wondrous, pulsating magic sound that is certainly psychedelic. The Beatles stopped making music with that sound after that record, using a much more stripped down production style. Rain and Because are not psychedelic due to the production style.
Tomorrow Never Knows was pre-psychedelia. Revolver really wasn't there yet although mention of Dr. Robert. It was more studio-play and experimentation, what McCartney would try with Carnival of Light.
Strawberry Fields kicked off the psychedelic spirit and followed it with Lucy and Kite and of course Walrus. George was right there with Within You Without you and The Inner Light. They were the two large LSD users in the band as well - hallucinogens. They were searching for something in the process - something divine! We were ALL tuned in and turned on to Pepper when it came out - like no other album - well, Meet the Beatles, but in a very different way. The Summer of Love was giving way to summer of experimentation through mind altering substances and the Beatles officially were giving permission. So Pepper was the peak. Even the John Cage-ish orchestral climb in A Day in the Life - where John wants nothing more than to "turn you/me/us/we/everyone ON." And so they did! Also credit George Martin and Abbey Road engineering crew.
If production style were your only criteria for Rain and Because you would be correct.
@@allenf.5907 I think I agree with you
Bogey should be a regular on your videos. 😊
Love to see a Beatles psychadelia Pt. 2 !!
Thank you, I will have to work on that 🙂
All great songs. I like your dog!! My dog is currently crowding me in my chair here, too. ❤🐕
John Lennon called 'Tomorrow Never Knows' his "first psychedelic song". Fun fact: all the lyrics of 'The Inner Light' are taken directly from (a translation of) the Daodejing (Tao Te Ching) by Laozi (Lao-tzu).
As interesting as it is, the color palette you've chosen to portray the movement doesn't seem to take into account that, back in the day, some acts weren't the least involved with this mind enhancing environment, but could easily engage such a public anyway. To stick to one of the best examples I can think of, I'd name Ravi Shankar who, to the best of my knowledge, neither was targeting a flower power audience, nor was he into any mind altering substance himself, but nonetheless delivered a soundscape that captured the scene. Likewise, a favorite 3d medium to gaze at then happened to be the household goldfish aquarium---very, very trippy...
Matt, I enjoyed this topic (and Bogie is great!).
think that the idea of trying to ascertain whether or not the composer was "under the influence" when composing is quite misleading.
If we take 1967 as the watershed year for psychedelic music - first albums by Jefferson Airplane, Pink Floyd, Jimi Hendrix, The Doors etc, etc plus Sgt. Pepper`s, we quickly realize that mind expansion was in the air (if not the water) and that many creative musicians were pushing open the doors of perception all of the time. The "influence" was not restricted to specific moments, it was all-pervasive. The experience of psychedellics stays with you, and becomes a part of the fabric of whatever is being created.
No, you missed the criteria, Robert. We are only applying the single point if the composer has admitted to being under the influence. Example: I Am the Walrus, Tomorrow Never Knows, Rain were are at least partially composed while Lennon was on LSD/stoned. That's the only way that point is given.
I understand what you mean Matt.
My point is that it doesn`t matter whether there is documenatation or admission from the composer that they were high. It`s like asking if impressionism was influenced by the painters using opium (which many did).
My point is simple: it matters not if Lennon said he was stoned when he composed I Am the Walrus; he was stoned all the time. It was in the air. Being high just became another tool in the paintbox.
@@popgoesthe60s52
Don’t think you mentioned or anyone else in the comments the amazing song Across the Universe, it’s a very psychedelic song especially the lyrics and John definitely wrote it around the end of 1967, first started recording it in February 1968 and the only instrumental the Beatles ever did Flying is worth a mention too, there’s an alternate mix that’s nearly 8 mins long a very dreamy psychedelic track! I think both these tracks are worthy of your grading list 😊. Oh and where’s A Day in the Life? Regarded at the time as the most significant and important song on Sgt Pepper and banned on the BBC for many years after. The first psychedelic songs for me are Mr Tambourine Man The Byrds and For Your Love the Yardbirds from early 1965 and later See My Friends The Kinks!
Hi Roy, I may do another round of grading with my Patreon supporters. This exercise was more to display how the criteria works when values are applied to them, so there are plenty more songs to rate. 🙂
I’ve always felt the Beatles psychedelic masterpiece was I Am The Walrus. I’m sure Bogey agrees… 😊
I'm surprised Because did not rank higher. I would have placed Glass Onion on the list, too.
I'm curious to know what everyone believes would be considered the first psychedelic song. My vote would be "The Big Hurt" by Toni Fisher. It may not get a high score using your criteria, but it sure bends my mind when I listen to it. Same effect when listening to any of my favorites from the 60s.
That’s a cool song, thanks for mentioning it. I definitely wouldn’t have expected a song from 1959 to have phasing/flanging on it. However, flanging does not a psychedelic song make. I think to fit that criteria it has to be linked to a certain cultural movement. So I think early psychedelia would be much closer to 1965-ish.
Probably something from 1000s of years ago.
i would go with Eight Miles High.
@rchaeologist - That's the subjective aspect to defining psychedelia. For me, it isn't so much attached to an era, or a product of specific criteria. But instead, the impact on the brain. If listening to a song can stimulate the brain to simulate the effects of being on a hallucinogenic, then it passes the test. I agree the phasing/flanging effect does not by itself make a song psychedelic. But there is something about the Toni Fisher song that is really twisted, but in a good way for those who like experimenting with mind-altering music.
Yeah, that effect is exactly what was used the in psych period 1967-69.
I think this is interesting. Please do another set of songs
There must be other criteria. Perhaps most importantly, "Is the listener under the influence of psychedelics while rating the song?" Then, a "yes" list, and a "no" list. Lastly, discard the "no" list.
The most psychedelic song of all time is "Gomper" by The Rolling Stones off of the Satanic Majesties album in 1967. I'm not even sure how it could be debated otherwise.
We’ll Buzz, it CAN’T be debated without applying criteria.
Interesting, as always.
Interesting video, next time maybe Stones and Bob Dylan ranked the same?
I always try to keep in mind that celebrities often lie to interviewers just for the fun of it. My experience suggests that not a lot gets accomplished while under the influence of your choice, though a hangover can certainly alter your point of view.
Good point. Every interviewee brings a bias to the conversation so that must be taken into account.
Hi Bogey!
Can't argue with the top choice. I'd have Fool on the Hill much higher and The Inner Light lower. To me it's a song about meditation not pyschedelics and I don't associate Indian instrumentation with pyschedelia necessarily. Interesting idea Matt. By the way does Bogey react to the dog noise at the end of Pepper ?
Laurel & Hardy, Abbot & Costello, Martín & Lewis Cheech & Chong, Bogey & Matt ... or Matt & Bogey 😆 Anyways Matt enjoyed the topic 👍
Love this Matt. One thing I'd be curious about is the demographic of the people taking the survey and their life experience. As one who first heard many of these songs as a teenager and also a fan of orange sunshine, that context never leaves your consciousness and if I hadn't missed the survey I'm sure I would have scored them with a somewhat skewed bias. :)
You just never know what interior processes are going on when people rate things, especially music like this. at least you made an excellent video that should have conveyed ways to look at them, but after that. you never know. I vote to keep this going for a while, maybe doing a non-Beatles psychedelic era version.
What a fantastic video have a good weekend ❤❤❤❤❤❤😊😊😊😊😊😊 Matt
I'm surprised A Day In The Life isn't in there.
That's a trippy song.
I didn't choose the 'most perceived psychedelic' Beatles songs, just 10 songs to demonstrate how the criteria works when values are applied to it. I hope to do more if there is interest.
@@popgoesthe60s52 that sounds cool!
There are so many Psychedelic songs out there.
I wonder where Lucy in the sky would rank 🤔
One of the BIG Beatle psychedelic songs.
Another good video Matt. Out of the songs on your patreon list, I just don't feel how Penny Lane would have been considered, Paul was just writing about the places he knew when he was younger and the music is Pauls melodic normal. Because, is a song with great harmonies by all of them so I rule that out. The others I believe were influenced in some way ,shape or form . Definitely Georges were.
Any song can be considered. That's the point. You apply the criteria and see what is applicable, and score according to the criteria.
@@popgoesthe60s52 It was just my opinion.
I can't think of a single psychedelic McCartney song. I can think of at least 10 by Lennon, and a few of Harrison's are undeniably trippy. McCartney was more into the arch and arty.
You mentioned your video on Dylan's "Visions of Johanna." I'd be very very interested in seeing that one but I cannot seem to find it when I look at your channel list. Could you post it or provide a link? Thanks Matt!
Thank you for asking. You'll find it here: ua-cam.com/video/vEaSR7DYqEA/v-deo.html
To me, Fixing a Hole has always been a strong psychedelic song……
Disagree. He bought the farm in Scotland, which was run-down, and this was really about fixing up a house - that rain gets in. He's also painting it - in a colorful way. Paul was hanging out with the Avante Garde in London - including Frasier and thus Yoko. He was studying and listening to John Cage. But John and George were the true psychedelic guys in the band. John both naturally and via his drug intake and George with the religion and eastern mysticism.
I agree that if the musician was under the influence should count to a small degree. In addition to Dylan, as you mentioned, Brian Wilson also benefits from this criteria. While lots of The Beach Boys’ hits don’t scream psychedelic, lots of somewhat deeper cuts do.
Agreed, the Beach Boys to me have quite a bit of mind-altering music!
Interesting video. I'd like to see more on the topic. Not all drugs have the same effect. Psychedelics are associated with altered states of consciousness or mind expansion, with visions and severely distorted reality. Other drugs like like alcohol, heroin, cocaine, pot, uppers and downers affect mood or consciousness, they produce a high or a low, but seldom hallucinations, except in extreme cases of addiction.
I think the two most important criteria you have are production and lyrics. The others are almost irrelevant in defining psychedelia. Dylan is an interesting example. I can't think of any of his recordings in which the production was psychedelic--no phasing, flanging, droning percussion, chanting backing vocals, moog/synthesizers, etc. Lyrically, I think songs like Visions of Johanna (one of my favorite Dylan songs) are more influenced by the poetry of Arthur Rimbaud and the Beats than any psychedelic drug experience. As Bob says in his introduction to Visions of Johanna on "Live at Royal Albert Hall", "I don't write druuuuuuug songs."
I would like to do at least another round of Beatles tracks if there is interest. Thanks for weighing in!
Mandrakes, conscious alternating.
I love those psychedelic songs one particular piece that is very psychedelic as I think the Beatles Revolution nine sentences in Overgaard piece of music and there’s some great production value in it and what’s interesting is that way before computers were even used back in 1968 they used tape loops just like they did on tomorrow never knows I think it’s one of the greatest psychedelic songs ever along with I’m only sleeping is another one which has that dream light quality to it and the lyrics are about sleeping anyway and I love the backwards guitar in it I think probably the first psychedelics song was used as the song rain which has the awesome backwards vocal at the end which I love.
Yes, those are good examples that I may put to the test.
Id be interested to see the rating of She Said She Said, its an instance where we know John was tripping at its inspiration
@Pop, have you listened to Dhani Harrison's new album "Innerstanding?" I sense Beatles' psychedelic influences in some of the tracks; even some of the vocals sound like John Lennon. Of course, I could be talking out of left field. I like the album, though.
Haven't heard that one. I'll check it out - thanks!
You've got some competition..
"The MORE one TRAVELS, the LESS one KNOWS." George Harrison
is Bogey into Humphrey??
A very interesting topic here, Matt. Not an easy one to tackle for sure, but fun to entertain nonetheless! I’m surprised at some of the rankings.
Sorry if you explained it but why is the ultimate psychedelic song Tomorrow Never Knows not there?
Lucy In The Sky - the imagery is the most psychedelic of just about any song of the era.
True@@centuryman7375 , how could I forget this one? Tomorrow and Lucy should have replaced Penny Lane and The fool on the hill which don't have much to do with psychedelism.
Yeah & let’s not forget Lucy. Interesting exercise but yeah I would think the list would include all the songs that have the most blatant psych sounds. ‘Because’ wouldn’t ever be on my list of psychedelic Beatles songs - just never occurred to me that it might be. Peace & Love everyone!!
I did explain it. I used Tomorrow Never Knows in the prior video. These were just 10 random perceived psychedelic Beatles songs. If response to this video is positive, I will more.
Matt. You had me at mescaline. Lmao. I should’ve been a rock star. Lol whom i kidding I’d probably be in the 27 club. Lol
No "Only A Northern Song?"
This is not a video on "the Beatles most psychedelic songs" but on how applying the criteria works. The different songs chosen were to show variety when values are applied to the criteria. If people seem interested enough, I will rate more songs.
...😮
Wow how did Blue Jay Way only get 12.3???
A zero on lyrics.
@@popgoesthe60s52 I get that but I also don't. I think there can easily be an alternate interpretation. Of course George did live on Blue Jay Way (correct?) and was probably impatient, self-absorbed in those days, but there's a Lewis Caroll-ness to the lyrics in my opinion that are more pronounced by the music itself. How George is pleading the listener to not be long or get lost, the eery fog, etc. gives it this metaphysical, psychedelic, dreamlike quality too. I like how it can easily be interpreted both ways.
@@pauldavis7318 No, Blue Jay Way was in L.A. where George was visiting in the summer of 1967. I think you have a point regarding the Lewis Carrol component. Looking at the surveys, only one person rated the lyrics of this song at "3", which is the highest end in a range of 0-3. There were three scoring it at "0" and six scores at "1". So I think perhaps people were taking the lyrics more literally. But you make a good argument.
Very interesting scores - The Inner Light is higher than I expected, not sure it's more psychedelic than Rain, but otherwise a ranking that makes sense.
Dogs are so smart..."If I sit right here next to him when he talks to that thing he can't help but rub me...!"
I must strongly disagree with this list. Penny Lane is more of a song you would hear in a musical. Fool on the Hill? Another ditty for the theater. I am The Walrus and Strawberry Fields Forever not on the list? George's Lon Long Long is soft and eerie and goes full psychedelic at then.
Drew, this was not a list of "the most psychedelic songs by the Beatles," but merely a list to show the criteria and how it works when values are applied to it. The purpose of using different songs was to show variety and that they also qualify based on the criteria. I may do more based on the response to the topic.
@@popgoesthe60s52That makes sense to me. Thanks for explaining. Your channel is much more informed than many other pop music channels and you've taught me a lot, even though we're probably the same age.
@@drewgeraci8434 I appreciate that Drew. Thank you for commenting.
Alcohol is NEVER taken into account in song-writing, even through its effect is 100 times more noticeable than marijuana.
We never talk about the Beatles drinking whiskey and coke ....
For example Paul wrote McCartney while being drunk ... he recorded it sober, but he wrote the songs when he was drunk.
There is a British term "piss artist" which addresses only being able to write while intoxicated. Thanks for the comment.
Hi Bogey!