The 200 MOST ESSENTIAL SONGS
of
The Beatles
Together & Apart
Two simultaneous countdowns related to the Fab Four. The group’s
100 most essential songs as well as the 100 best recordings from the members’
solo careers. Priority was given to original compositions, but some cover
versions demanded inclusion. Songs are ranked in terms of sales, musical
impact, influence and sustained quality.
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9
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STRAWBERRY FIELDS FOREVER
 John penned "Strawberry Fields Forever" while on the set of the film 'How I Won The War'. He was acting in the movie and on location in Almeria, Spain at the time. George Martin's skills as a producer came to the fore on this track when The Beatles recorded it in 1966. The group had cut 2 versions. John liked the start of 1 and the end of the other. Martin joined the 2, despite the takes being at different keys and tempos. This explains John's lead vocal at the beginning. The use of backward tape loops made this an extraordinary recording. It was included on the 'Magical Mystery Tour' album and charted as a single. |
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HAPPY XMAS (WAR IS OVER)
John Lennon & Yoko Ono / Plastic Ono Band
 One of the best seasonal tunes ever recorded, "Happy Xmas" is vibrant enough to resonate all year long. Without being cheesy as most Christmas recordings can be, Lennon delivers a song that is inclusive: for believers and non-believers alike. It has an uplifting universality that again demonstrates his ability to create anthems. The track features the Harlem Community Choir. It was released as a single in 1971 in the US and a year later in Britain. Since then, it has been re-issued several times; peaking at #2 in 1980 in the UK after Lennon's assassination. |
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