There’s very little middle ground when it comes to rock drummers–they’re either highly regarded (Nirvana’s Dave Grohl, Led Zeppelin’s John “Bonzo” Bonham, Rush’s Neil Peart) or unjustly ridiculed (pretty much every other drummer on the planet). The running joke is that it’s every band’s worst fear when their happy-go-lucky drummer, once so content to pound on the tom-toms however he was instructed to and occasionally perform a drum solo during a concert when the rest of the group needed a bathroom break, writes a song for the next album.

Ringo Starr–or rather, Richard Starkey–has just two individual writing credits to his name with the Beatles. That’s a grand total of Continue reading “#139: Don’t Pass Me By” →

There are two kinds of people in the world: those who prefer the fast, distorted version of “Revolution” that served as the b-side to “Hey Jude,” and those–John Lennon among them–who favor the gentler, bouncy “Revolution 1” you’ll find on the White Album. However, there are no people in the world who would opt for what is oh-so-diplomatically referred to as a “sound collage,” “Revolution 9.”

In fairness, if I didn’t have both renditions to choose from, I’d certainly give “Revolution 1” more love, but it’s Continue reading “#142: Revolution 1” →

It’s quite fitting that “Good Morning, Good Morning” is followed on the ranking by my response any time someone says that to me…”I’m So Tired.” This is one of those songs that really displays why the White Album is the Beatles’ best album while being pound-for-pound their worst. Individually, I’d consider “I’m So Tired” solid, maybe even intriguing, but not outstanding. In the context of the controlled chaos that is the White Album, though, it works perfectly.

John’s cool, hazy vocal delivery perfectly suits his hesitant lyrics during the verses, but like any bout of restlessness, the chorus packs a passionate punch. The song is probably best known for directly dissing Continue reading “#143: I’m So Tired” →