The Beatles - “Chains”
“Chains” marks the first time on Please Please Me where the Beatles sound indifferent to the material they’re playing. Their version of the Gerry Goffin and Carole King-penned R&B ditty is flat, repetitious (seemingly more so than the original, somehow), and musically underdressed. The harmonies are rather staid and none of the Beatles seem to find anything inventive to try instrumentally (though the harmonica-led intro is notable as it would reappear, often memorably, in a considerable amount of their songs).
To hear the earlier, Cookies-performed rendition is to realize that “Chains” is an R&B number through and through and perhaps not ideally suited to the Fab Four’s abilities. In translating it to rock ‘n roll, the Beatles opted to shed the original’s sax drop-ins and handclaps (but why), thereby losing much of its color and looseness. It just doesn’t take flight on the strength alone of their guitar-bass-percussion interplay. And John and Paul’s vocals come off almost stodgy when compared to the bright, lively chirp of the Cookies. The Beatles, it seems, simply didn’t know where to take the song.
The structure of “Chains”, which remains constant between the two versions, does contain a feature worthy of mention. It’s how the chorus introduces the song and then essentially continues through the space where you’d expect there to be a proper, set-apart verse (several bridge-like, modified verses do arrive later). The chorus and standard verse seem, more or less, merged into one, which facilitates a smooth flow but can also be repetitious.
It’s only a detail of minor interest and doesn’t have any bearing on how effective “Chains” is in the hands of either band. The Cookies’ version really is a blithe confection while the Beatles’ uninspired interpretation serves as a reminder (among others to come) that the future greatest-ever pop band didn’t immediately achieve artistic eminence. They first had to test their evolving skills against the vast and newfangled possibilities of rock ’n’ roll.
Comments
I think maybe you should listen to it again and you will find its not John or Paul vocals it`s George`s that sound stodgy and is the main singer on this song.Would be great if you`re are going to post something that you do your homeowrk first. I also thing Solder of love would`ve been a better song for them to put on there 1st lp..But you can`t change the past..you can just enjoy it..
Comment by Henry from usa — September 28, 2008 @ 6:21 pm
Thanks for pointing that out, Henry. I really don’t know how I missed it.
Comment by Barry — September 28, 2008 @ 8:51 pm
I have loved this song more than most of their songs in the past few years. I don’t hear or see what you are talking about. I think the speed of the recording is a little slow. It’s a great cover! It’s the only version of the song I have heard and it’s the best as far as I can tell. Everytime it comes up on my ipod, I am inspired!
Comment by Jay from Canada — September 28, 2008 @ 11:51 pm
Hey, to my opinion Chains is one fo the freshest moments on the record!
And George’s Liverpool phrasing makes it even fresher.
-Delta Dave.
Comment by Delta Dave from Finland — September 29, 2008 @ 12:18 am
I can’t help but think that the glorification of the Beatles as sophisticated musicians is very limiting. Obviously they enjoyed this material or they wouldn’t have played it. The song isn’t exactly Strawberry Fields, but it’s easy to overlook the influence of these sorts of R&B songs on the Beatles career in favor of “more musically mature” covers.
A large part of the Beatles’ catalog is made up of songs like Yer Blues and Polytheme Pam that are not at all complicated and are relatively repetitive. There, you can hear the influence of Chains.
Comment by Mark Elliot Cullen from Pittsburgh — September 29, 2008 @ 2:17 am
First of all, you completely miss the point of the harmonies on this song. To me, they don’t sound “staid” at all. They’re witty and fun and they sound more like the Andrews Sisters than any contemporary girl group. Even in 1962 the Beatles had a grasp of musical history that was playful, ironic, and could be conjured up at a moment’s notice. Also, as several other people have pointed out, “Chains” is George’s vocal. In all respect, it’s great that you are taking the time to write about a fairly obscure Beatles track, but your post shows very little sensitivity to what is happening on the recording. Next time, listen more carefully and do some research.
Comment by Erik from New York — September 29, 2008 @ 5:31 am
Folks,
I appreciate the well-meaning criticism. In all honesty, I rushed this post a bit because I hadn’t put one up as quickly as I would’ve liked. As a result, I expressed myself unartfully and made an obvious oversight (I think I just sounded like Joe Biden right there, explaining a gaffe or two).
Some clarifications:
- It wasn’t the Beatles that sounded “indifferent” on the song so much as the fact that I reacted indifferently to it. I still think the song is pretty much a bore, especially in how it lacks a swelling point that really stands out. But the Beatles do seem to have enjoyed it more than I gave them credit for.
- To those who took issue with my criticism of the harmonies as “staid”, that word was an overstatement. The harmonies are nicely buoyant. I think I kept hearing the Cookies in my head and used the thought of their superior vocals to overly harp on the Beatles’.
-Finally, bricking on the lead vocal was an embarrasing flub. I hope, in the future, I can avoid any comparable ones.
But I’m glad most of us seem to care passionately about the Beatles.
Peace,
Barry
Comment by Barry — September 29, 2008 @ 9:57 am
Hi Barry. Despite the small flub I think it`s great that you`re doing this.Its great to look back at one the finest bands to every come around. I mean how many bands have the double barrel talents of Lennon/Mccartney as there front men ?? To go back to where it all started ,when George was still in his teens and John & Paul still discovering where there band was going.Great WORK BARRY..
Comment by Jeri — September 29, 2008 @ 10:52 am
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Amazed to find such a great discussion about such an elemental tune by two of the greats, Carole and Gerry. Carole did a ‘cover’ of her own tune on PEARLS back in the 80’s and she continues to play snippets of it on stage these days. I often wonder how she must have felt when she first discoverd that The Beatles wanted one of ther tunes for thier own.
Comment by Scott from Seattle — October 4, 2008 @ 7:02 pm
oh yes. george. he has an interesting voice. i like when he sing. Do you want to know a secret and I’m happy just to dance with you are really beautiful songs too (:
Comment by zuzqaa from slovakia — October 27, 2008 @ 4:27 pm