Abbey Road was my first Beatles album and is also my favourite. It is a true masterpiece, a work of which I never tire. I first bought my own copy up in January 1998, and I regret not having one for the nineteen years of my life that preceded it. Since I was a late Beatles developer, I was determined to catch up and I’m very glad that I did. I have become convinced that there are certain sounds that benefit the soul, certain melodies that, once heard are unforgettable, once remembered it is difficult to think of life before hearing such a that tune. Call me sentimental if you will, but I believe that Abbey Road falls into this category, once you hear it, you will not forget a single note.
Furthermore, the album cover itself is a classic. It is one of the most recognisable images in modern history. I challenge anybody with a sense of humour to go to Abbey Road and not walk across that Zebra Crossing. It’s just impossible! Or perhaps it’s just me.
Another interesting part of the Abbey Road album is the ‘Paul is Dead’ Imagery that it hints at. By 1969, it had long been a rumour that Paul McCartney had died and the covers of the Beatles Albums from ‘Sergeant Pepper’ onwards, courted this myth. Abbey Road offers conspiracy theorists several clues. The Beatle in the background of the cover image has a registration number: LWW 28IF, which enthusiasts took to be an abbreviated message: Linda would weep, Paul would be 28 IF he was alive today. Furthermore, the Beatles procession on the image reinforces the myth by echoing funeral imagery. John, dressed in white is seen as a priest, Ringo in black is the undertaker, and George, in jeans, assumes the role of the gravedigger. Paul himself is barefoot a sign, in the imagery of many cultures, of death.
Well onto the music and, as I’m far from a music critic and few who were would do it justice, I’ll be brief and just give you my highlights.
Come Together: A Lennon classic, funky riff powerful chorus, this little baby does the business.
Something: This is probably my favourite song, a true classic, with George Harrison cooking up a masterpiece whilst George Martin built up a beautiful orchestration. Furthermore, there is a truly excellent bass line from Paul that is at once effortlessly smooth and refreshingly bouncy. There is often mention of this being Frank Sinatra’s favourite Beatles song – he did his own cover of it which became a Sinatra classic. What is less well known is that Ol’ Blue Eyes used to introduce it as his favourite Lennon/McCartney song, an unfortunate kick in the teeth for George.
Here Comes The Sun: The ultimate feel-good pop song: simple, beautiful and very catchy.
Because: A breathtaking example of the Beatles ability to harmonise. This song offers us a delicate three-part harmonisation that it is hard to find a comparison for anywhere else in the pop world.
The Whole Second Side of this album: The second half of Abbey Road is quite simply the reason that music was made. Catchy little songs that are effortlessly linked together. Just listen – ask no more questions.
In truth every single track is a classic. This is quite simply an excellent album. What makes it all the more remarkable is that the Beatles were coming apart at the seams while the songs were being recorded. When they found themselves in times of trouble, the god of good music shined upon the group, leaving this album as an unstoppable afterthought.
After all the music that I have listened to in my life, this album is still one of my most memorable, one that I come back to time and again. It endures.
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2007 Beatles 64p value on specially designed 'Abbey Road' design envelope. Bears the 64p ... more
'Abbey Road' stamp and a special 'Abbey Road' guitar shaped postmark for the first day of issue. Limited edition of just 1000 pieces worldwide, nice Beatles commem...
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Advantages: One of my favourite Beatles albums, full of life, soul and fantastic vocals Disadvantages: There isn't a big McCartney love song (we do get the next best thing though) and Ringo sings!
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