Throwback Tune- The Beatles “Please Please Me”

Do you ever want to escape? You know, forget all your troubles, the woes of the world, and the dark clouds in your mind keeping you from feeling balanced? As much as I love exploring new music, I recognize there are so many songs from the past which form a strong foundation to the innovative songs of today. Over and over, I speak with successful new bands and strong musicians who grew up listening to their parents and grandparents albums. They often reference classic rock albums from the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s as being the reason they began playing an instrument or writing their own music.

Each Thursday, I hope to explore a rock tune from the past.

Join me and take a moment out of your hectic day to close your eyes, listen carefully, and reminisce with a golden oldie. We can all probably benefit from a few minutes away from the wild world we live in. I will choose some of the most essential rock songs that I think you should hear. There are so so many! In fact, I may have a difficult time deciding. For now, I think I will lean into my mood and hopscotch across the decades. Enjoy.

Today, I must start with The Beatles. The four man band from Liverpool, England is essential listening when exploring the most influential rock songs of all time.

“Please Please Me” was one of the first hit songs by The Beatles and was one of the first songs written by both Lennon and McCartney where they collaborated almost equally on the music and the lyrics. Released in 1963 (56 years ago), the song set in motion the wild trajectory of The Beatles to rock and roll celebrity status. Screaming fans immediately loved “Please Please Me”, but the fast tempo of the song was originally written as a ballad (more like Roy Orbison’s “Only The Lonely”). Fortunately during recording, George Martin intervened and suggested they create a more upbeat pop style while continuing to lean heavily on their rhythm and blues roots. Golden advice.

Keith Richards of The Rolling Stones confessed to Jimmy Fallon that “Please Please Me” is one of his favorite Beatles’ songs.

“I’ve always told McCartney, ‘Please Please Me.’ I just love the chimes, and I was there at the time and it was beautiful. Mind you, there’s plenty of others, but if I’ve got to pick one, ‘Please Please Me’ … oh, yeah!”

The Beatles-Please Please Me

“Please Please Me” is a winner of a song and stands the true test of time. It brings me immense joy to listen to tunes from the past and especially this one. I hope you will enjoy traveling back with me and exploring important music.

What are your thoughts about this song? What song or songs do you think I should feature? I have started a pretty extensive list, but I can always add yours.

Your feedback is always welcome! Until next Thursday!