Re-Meet the Beatles: PopMatters Salutes the Still Fab Four

20 Beatles Buried Treasures

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[23 November 2009]

A list of the nearest things in the most overexposed catalogue in the history of popular music to “deep tracks”.

By PopMatters Staff

Let’s face it: there’s no such thing as a “buried treasure” in the Beatles catalogue. How could there be? This is the most picked-over band in the history of music. Every single thing they ever released is readily available in the form of an official CD—and, yes, I know there are reams of bootleg materials out there, but for a band that was so focused and deliberate in the studio, such experiments, outtakes, and gestures hardly seem to count. Unlike with, say, Elvis Costello or the Who, or the Rolling Stones—each of whom have both a canon of songs which (ahem) your mother should know and a raft of top-flight material that, while officially released, is often overlooked by casual listeners—the Beatles’ work is pretty much all über-famous. And, while you might be able to make a case for a very limited number of tracks—“You Know My Name (Look Up the Number)” springs to mind—that people at large might not know very well, in the case of the Beatles this is usually because (and again, I’m looking at you “You Know My Name”) they are gawdawful.

So: what’s this list all about? It’s a collection of 20 tracks, as chosen by PopMatters writers and freelance contributors, which you may not hear enough. A list of great stuff by a band that made almost exclusively great stuff, but of material which doesn’t get heavy rotation on the classic rock stations, doesn’t spring to mind when you think of their most famous songs, or which represent the nearest things in the most overexposed catalogue in the history of music to “deep tracks”. Enjoy.

 
1. Tomorrow Never Knows

This isn’t the weirdest song in the Beatles catalogue, but it is certainly the best weird song in the Beatles catalogue. With lyrics cribbed from the Tibetan Book of the Dead (or Tim Leary’s own paraphrases of said same), a droning sitar, seagulls (or something) doing trippy things in un-rhythmic ways, much backward and speed-affected instrumentation, and a dark and pounding breakbeat—the first ever in Western pop music?—pushing this noisy soundscape along, this is the first time the Beatles really sounded like they might have stepped over the edge. (Fittingly, the original title for the track was “The Void”.) But, what treasures they seemed to have found there!

Eschewing melody and structure, relying almost entirely on one lonely chord (C-major), Lennon was aiming for that rarest of things: something entirely new. Indeed, he apparently told George Martin that he wanted the track to “sound like an orange” and that the best way to record his vocals would be to suspend him from the ceiling with ropes and swing him around a microphone. (The former request was, obviously, achieved, but the second was dropped in favour of using a Leslie speaker cabinet (which is the thing that gives Hammond organs their swirling effects) instead.) The soundtrack to countless acid trips, mushroom rides, and semi-conscious staring competitions with stereo speakers, “Tomorrow Never Knows” remains the best psychedelic artefact from the experimental era. It is, in a word, enveloping. Stuart Henderson

 
2. Rain

“Rain”, originally released in 1966 as the b-side of “Paperback Writer”, foreshadows the incredible creativity the Beatles would exhibit in the recording studio in years to come. While Rubber Soul, released the previous year, gave some hint as to the Beatles’ increasing facility in the studio, it gave no indication of the anything-goes experimentation that characterize Revolver and Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. The defining feature of this song is the hazy, dreamlike vibe that the band conjures in their performance. Producer George Martin achieved this effect by recording the band playing the track, then artificially slowing the tape down.

As a result, guitar chords and cymbal hits that would have originally been crisp and defined now spill out slowly like waves crashing on a beach (incidentally, this means that they must have really been rocking when the tape was rolling—Ringo’s drum fills in particular are pretty hot even on the slowed-down version). As if that’s not enough, the song ends with one of the first recorded instances of backwards recording, a quick sample of John’s vocal in the first verse, played in reverse. In addition to being historically significant (and, y’know… cool), it also heightens the sense of weird dislocation running throughout the song.

“I’m Only Sleeping” may be the closest lyrical analogue to “Rain”. Both songs find John singing about what would seem to be a mundane, everyday occurrence—sleeping in, grousing about the weather—but through a combination of his delivery and the songs’ narcotic atmosphere, such ordinary subject matter is elevated to something strange, vaguely ominous, and inspired. David Gassmann

 
3. Hey Bulldog

Beatles engineer Geoff Emerick has said that “Hey Bulldog” was the last track on which all four Fabs worked amicably, and esprit de corps fairly leaps out of the grooves of this mid-tempo Lennon rocker, an early example of the genre of riff-based heavy metal that would come to dominate early to mid-‘70s popular music. The song is based on a portentous riff played in unison by bass and guitars across three octaves and includes most notably Paul’s trademark bumblebee bass pattern, an obbligato that lasts for the duration of the song. Paul is a virtuoso in this mode (which can also be heard on such later songs as “Everybody’s Got Something to Hide Except Me and My Monkey” and “Something”) and in this song the effect is electrifying.

Another highlight is the scorching yet cheery guitar solo, one of the fieriest in the entire Beatles oeuvre. The lyric itself is likewise upbeat, even reassuring (“you can talk to me”), yet scathing (“you think you know me but you haven’t got a clue”). During the vamp leading to the outro, Paul, according to studio lore, spontaneously began barking like a dog, leading to his and John’s impromptu spoken exchange prior to the fade-out, the upshot of which was a change in the song’s title. “Hey Bulldog” is apparently the only Beatles’ song the recording of which was filmed, affording us our sole glimpse of the band in action as they recorded what was to be their final carefree tune. Steve Leftridge

 
4. She’s Leaving Home

Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band occupies a unique place in rock and roll history. For many, it is viewed as popular music’s Citizen Kaneand has been generally accepted as rock’s defining masterpiece of artistry and innovation. However, one of its most emotionally powerful songs is also one of its least innovative compositions, and that fact itself is rather innovative. The heartbreakingly beautiful “She’s Leaving Home”, easily one of the group’s most undervalued compositions, is a rare gift of music, a quiet piece of controlled perfection that showcases how powerful a unit the Beatles really was.

At a time when the Beatles were using every single instrument and trick they possibly could to produce records, they also recorded this staggeringly simple ballad that does nothing more than tell the rather commonplace story of why a young girl leaves her parents’ home and how the parents react to her leaving. Compared to the rest of Sgt. Pepper’s the song is quite spare. It is just a meager arrangement of strings and two incredible voices: one to narrate the actions of the girl who leaves to find her life’s first excitement, and the other to tell us the thoughts of the parents, who struggle to understand why she’s left. The song is simply written, simply performed, simply stunning and simple proof that when all is said and done, no amount of innovation (and the Beatles were the authors of more than their share) can take the place of a beautiful melody and a story well told. Gregg Lipkin

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Re-Meet the Beatles: PopMatters Salutes the Still Fab Four

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Comments

Sigh. Too many Lennon songs listed here. As usual. I’m only Sleeping AND I’m so tired? Was it really necessary to list two songs about getting some shut eye? And on what planet is Tomorrow Never Knows a buried treasure?

Plus you focused on all the late-career Beatles stuff, which is all VERY well know these days. This list should have focused on some of the terrific early songs that are much lesser known: I’ll Follow the Sun (one of George Martin’s favorites). Every Little Thing. What You’re Doing. Even The Night Before, a nifty little pop gem. But those are all Paul songs, so I suppose you couldn’t feature them.

Comment by Dee — November 23, 2009 @ 8:30 am

“She’s Leaving Home” has always been one of my favorite pieces. Nice analysis, Gregg, and one I can completely agree with. My brother and I play this one all the time on The Beatles Rock Band.

Comment by Cats — November 23, 2009 @ 8:36 am

Thanks for your input, Dee.
  It’s true, there are fewer early tracks here than I would have liked, but the list was compiled by a voting system (like the “classic songs” list of last week) and this is what shook out. Unfortunately, messy ole democracy doesn’t always come out right. (Example: remember when most voting Americans pulled the lever for George W. Bush in the 2004 election? Oopsies.)
  Anyway, thanks for reading.
Your editor,
s

Comment by stu henderson from Toronto — November 23, 2009 @ 9:53 am

Far too top heavy with Lennon I agree….funny in the mid seventies John was being overlooked & Paul hailed as the “True Genius”....

as John sang on “Walls and Bridges”:

“Everybody Loves you when your Six feet in the Ground…”

How true !

I’d look to 1963-1966 for most of my gems…when They were more united as a group….John & Paulwrote either together or more for each other’s critical appraisal then say yoko’s or linda’s etc….and it was a healthier competition…

What about songs like:

Not A Second Time
Hold Me Tight
I’ll Be Back
Things we said Today
I’ll Cry Instead
I’ll Follow The Sun
Every Little Thing
I Need You
I’ve just Seen A Face
It’s Only Love
Tell Me What You See
I’m Down
Wait
If I Needed Someone
I’m Looking Through You
Yes it is
Dr.Robert
Got To get You into My Life
Taxman
She Said she Said


That’s a fair mix of lesser Lennon & McCartney, Lennon, McCartney and Harrison songs from the period when they were most “United” as a real Band…

Comment by Boz from London — November 23, 2009 @ 11:22 am

I’d like to second “Things We Said Today”, “Every Little Thing”, “I’ll Cry Instead” (“I got a chip on my shoulder that’s bigger than my feet”), and “What You’re Doing” as well as others mentioned. How about “I Want to Tell You”, “Golden Slumbers”, “Cry Baby Cry”? I also love “Fixing a Hole”.  Also,a couple of covers, “Leave My Kitten Alone” and “Soldier of Love”. The remasters have made me remember again that I love the “early/mid” Beatles as much as later day. “A Hard Day’s Night” forever!

Comment by Christine — November 23, 2009 @ 12:26 pm

If the topic is “hidden treasures,” I’d include the entire “BBC” album.  Many, many gems there that are not available on any studio album.  Tops—“Soldier of Love” (another Lennon number), but also Paul’s “Clarabella” and George’s “Youngblood.”

Comment by JM Dempsey from Texas — November 23, 2009 @ 3:07 pm

I feel that a very overlooked track that is never mentioned is the rocker Bad Boy! Everybody knows the now junior behave yourself line, plus the guitar intro is smoking hot and its very well sung and played. Am i the only Beatles fan that loves this song?

Comment by Douglas McGirt from pensacola florida — November 23, 2009 @ 4:02 pm

She’s Leaving Home is a personal favorite.  If not for that song, I would not have picked up a guitar.

Comment by Sharon from Texas — November 23, 2009 @ 4:40 pm

One of my very favorites although I don’t think the greater nimbers appreciate it. Once again thanks for the insight to yet another great!

Comment by Pearl — November 23, 2009 @ 8:47 pm

Thank you for placing “Tell Me Why” on this list. It is overlooked—it was the only of the seven movie songs that Capitol did not put on a 45 in America. I find it an exhilarating ride, especially that middle eight.

Comment by Baby Sneaks from Portland, Oregon USA — November 23, 2009 @ 8:50 pm

I’d add ‘There’s A Place’ - remarkably deep lyrically for 1963 and their very first album.

Also, I’m not sure where you got the idea that McCartney doesn’t play on ‘She Said, She Said’ but he absolutely did. The basic track was drums, bass, and two guitars, so unless Bill Wyman dropped by . . .

Finally, ‘You Know My Name (Look Up the Number)’ is great. A display of their Goon’s style humor - the closest released thing to their Christmas records - and a fantastic example of how they could take the same melody and chord progression and shape it so many different ways.

Comment by Jim Boggia from Philadelphia, PA — November 23, 2009 @ 9:40 pm

I love the songs that Boz from London listed. And funny, I know every word and note, but how many people do? I don’t think there are too many Lennon songs. Maybe he had more “buried treasures” because they weren’t main stream for the day. They were all phenomenal talents. Poets for sure. And the melodies are all different and memorable. How can someone say there are 20 buried treasures out of 300+ songs? There are many many more.

Comment by Deborah Clark from Sherman Oaks, Los Angeles, CA — November 24, 2009 @ 2:29 am

Where’s “Not Guilty”?

And finally, no, we absolutely can not agree that “Within You Without You”, “Love You To”, “The Inner Light”, and “Only a Northern Song” are ‘kind of boring.’ They are innovative and sublime. Please get your head checked.

Comment by Andrew Blackie — November 24, 2009 @ 3:18 am

Actually, Jim Boggia, by his own admission, Paul does not play on “She Said She Said.” There’d been a fight in the studio - Macca left, and George did the honors. See page 288 of Many Years From Now and page 209 of Fab Four FAQ.

Comment by Robert Rodriguez from Chicago — November 24, 2009 @ 7:35 am

Hi all,

Loving the discussion! Just as an FYI, a number of the songs you wished we’d included on this list were actually written up as part of our 25 Classics list, including: I’ve just Seen A Face, I’m Looking Through You, Taxman and She Said She Said….

(Also, Mr. Blackie, I followed your advice and had my head checked, and it turns out that I still think those mid-period George numbers are kind of boring. But, a boring Beatles song is often better than the best work by anyone else…)
—your editor, s

Comment by stu henderson from Toronto — November 24, 2009 @ 7:56 am

— PopMatters sponsor —

What about songs like- there’s a place, for no one,tell me what you see, i forgot to remember to forget,three kool kats, infact most of the songs on “live at the BBC are a gem, also free as a bird and real love. I haven’t heard rain on the radio in 30 years! Oh how i wish George W. Bush was still president!!

Comment by juan aulet from springhill, florida — November 24, 2009 @ 9:05 am

Great list and comments from everyone here. For me, whether it was musically, historically, influentially or hurmorously,  everything the Beatles did was great.

Comment by Sean Schoenke from Los Angeles CA USA — November 24, 2009 @ 2:27 pm

Very interesting article.  Actually, I do love “She’s Leaving Home” and have thought it was very simple and yet beautiful.

Comment by Alisa from Las Vegas — November 24, 2009 @ 10:42 pm

Excellent list. I do have a problem with any song that is on 62-66 & 67-70 being on the list since those 2 albums are considered the best of the Beatles, therefore not buried. And actually, Tomorrow Nevers Knows and Taxman are huge in Beatle lore, but those 2 might be a little nitpicking. I have a few that I feel should have been on this list:

I’ve Got A Feeling

Everybody’s Got Something To Hide Except For Me & My Monkey

Oh! Darling

Savoy Truffle

Lovely Rita

For No One

I’m Down

All I’ve Got To Do

It Won’t Be Long

Things We Said Today

I’ll Be Back

I know, nitpicky and it would be hard to argue with anyone Beatles list. Love yours, thanks.

Comment by Daleco from Atlanta, GA — November 25, 2009 @ 11:13 am

The claim that “I’m a Loser” inspired “Tracks of My Tears” and “Tears of a Clown” is specious.

It’s much more likely that Smokey Robinson based these songs on the sad clown archetype and Leoncavallo’s opera “I pagliacci”.

In fact, Robinson name-checks the opera in both “Clown” and the lyrics he wrote for Carolyn Crawford’s earlier “My Smile is Just a Frown (Turned Upside Down)” - which was itself released in before “I’m a Loser.”

It makes as much sense to say Robinson was inspired by “Mister Sandman.”

Comment by Aaron — November 27, 2009 @ 8:06 am

love hearing “lists”, and then the debates afterwards.  Three songs I always enjoyed and thought could have been added, were;  Ask me why,  I’m down,  and Sexy Sadie.  Ask me why, brings back that nostalgic feeling, and reminds me of the early Hamburg days. I’m Down, is probably Paul at his best, with great backup vocals. And Sexy Sadie, just caught my ear and I loved it.

Comment by joe clow from ottawa, Canada — November 28, 2009 @ 4:49 pm

i’d add flying. one o my favs.

Comment by andy scenic from bc — November 28, 2009 @ 5:36 pm

I liked Yes It is, on the anthology album Lennon sings the very begining without music and then it kinda slides into the version every one knows awsome..

Comment by janet from usa — November 29, 2009 @ 1:12 am

So, essentially, Revolver is full of songs that don’t get enough play time.  Sure, Pepper is considered to be a reply to Pet Sounds, but Revolver came out after that album and not only has better material but it also flows together better than Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.

Comment by joel from Tn — November 29, 2009 @ 3:47 am

I think revolver was pretty good and you’re right those songs don’t get a lot of play time. I also think that Beatles 65 doesn’t get a whole lot of time either. No reply, I’m a loser ,be back again are all really good songs too.

Comment by janet from manchester,nh — November 29, 2009 @ 11:36 pm

What a splendid piece!  Thank you for creating this ‘buried treasures’ list.  I like 2 songs not mentioned - 1) For No One, 2) Shot of Rhythmn and Blues.  Also, I recently came across a great article that ranks 185 Beatles penned songs.  If you get a chance check this out.  Here is link:
http://magazine.jamsbio.com/2009/01/05/playing-the-beatles-backwards-the-ultimate-countdown/
Peace and Love to you all!

Comment by toneloc from Detroit, MI — December 4, 2009 @ 2:13 pm

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