CD(s) of the Week – Rubber Soul and Revolver- The Beatles
George Harrison once said, “I don’t see too much difference between Revolver and Rubber Soul… they could be Volume 1 and 2.”
I first wanted to disagree. Rubber Soul is a superb work – one of their best. Revolver is usually regarded as The Beatles‘ second best album - Rubber Soul being third. Then again, I think these kinds of album ranking lists are written by learning-disabled monkeys.
But after having listened to the two CD’s back to back yesterday, Harrison’s words ring true – the two records share a great deal. Rubber Soul, The Beatles’ sixth album from 1965, marked a turning point in their career. This is the point where The Beatles started to transform from the Merseybeat pop group into the eclectic, sophisticated group that would record “The White Album”. Revolver, released less than a year later, completed this transformation with a similar but slightly harder-edged sound than the more folk-inspired Rubber Soul.
Of course any Beatles album will have great songs on it – the songs we all know so well - “Norwegian Wood” and “Drive My Car” on Rubber Soul, “Taxman” and “Eleanor Rigby” on Revolver. But what’s so interesting about these records is the excellence of the lesser known songs. There are some great “deep cuts” on these two like “What Goes On” from Rubber Soul – a great country tune sung by Ringo Starr and “Doctor Robert” from Revolver.
Rubber Soul is also interesting in its inspiration and influence. Supposedly the Beatles drew inspiration for this album from the folk-rock music of Bob Dylan and The Byrds. Brian Wilson of The Beach Boys was in turn so inspired by Rubber Soul that he created Pet Sounds. Not realizing this, the Beatles then used Pet Sounds as an inspiration for Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Heart’s Club Band.
Sgt. Pepper’s of course, is sometimes listed as the greatest recording ever made. But you know what I think of those lists…
I don’t care what the monkeys say, Rubber Soul is better.
Y’know, I was pretty young when the Beatles first became popular (young enough that I don’t remember it), and I never was attracted to their music. Still don’t care for it. Imagine that. So, I’ll just take your word for it here.
Another excellent selection, babe! I love “What’s Goes On”, but you neglected “Yellow Submarine”. Like you said, it doesn’t matter which Beatles album you listen to, there are great songs on all of them!
Like Vicki, I did n’t care for the Beatles when I was young. I remember watching them on TV and wondering what all the hoopla was about. But as tastes change, so did my opinion of the Beatles. I still don’t care for some of their stuff, but over all I can see why they sold so many records. I have plenty of Beatles cd’s in my collection.
I have to say that I wasn’t even around when the Beatles became popular
however they are one of my favorite bands. My mother-in-law and I argue over who’s better the Monkeys or the Beatles. Personally I prefer the White Album on almost all accounts. Out of the two you have listed my vote is for Revolver. If I remember right, Revolver was the first album I listened to in its entirety, I was on a bus going to a track meet in high school. Past Masters Volume 1 was the first “album” I bought…actually it was the first secular cd I bought.
Hey Art. I like the Beatles too. I grew up listening to it because of my older siblings. Thanks for the prayers, I’m better now.
Vicki, just let me say that I was negative 2 years old when Rubber Soul was released
Stacie, I neglected to mention “Yellow Submarine” on purpose
I’m sort of the same David, I’ve come to appreciate them more than I once did.
Wes, I still prefer Rubber Soul but I agree that the White Album is better than either. Maybe that’ll be a future CDOTW.
Glad to hear it Nadine – thanks for stopping by…
Beatles are the evergreen hot favourites everywhere! I think everybody loves beatles!
did you listen too much of yellow submarine to get it on stacie’s nerves?
Art, in your land, it might sound a bit strange, running away to get married. But in our land, where the only norm is arranged marriages [ by the parents of the boy or girl, some of them have neither seen the girl they marry, till after they marry & vice versa] it is not so strange
Having been a loyal Beatles fan since they first appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show. I never understood the teenage girl hysteria back then, but in retrospect I understand – Elvis had a simular reaction on young girls – maybe it was the hip gyrations as much as the singing? As a musician, I still love the Beatles music, and playing along with all my faves, which includes most of their songs – they didn’t publish too many bad songs! I often confused songs on Revolver and Rubber Soul, just as I did with the later “Magical Mystery Tour” and “Sgt. Pepper albums.”, which both had that Summer of Love vibe… Paul is still making great music, with the help of an excellent band, including my old mate Brian Ray, In the early 1970’s, Brian would come over to my room in a house on the hill above the Ray’s residence. Brian was friends with the house owner where I lived, so I got to know him, and eventually we became friends. I was awed by his musicianship and guitar playing – I even told him that some day he would be famous! Check Brian’s website – he is doing his own thing now too, and I’m hoping he’ll do more instrumental music in the future, because his strength is his guitar playing, especially in an R&B format – blues and slide… He ROCKS!!!