One After 909

Album: Let It Be

Year: 1958? (written) / 1969 (recorded) / 1970 (released)

Written by: Lennon & McCartney

No one is really sure exactly when One After 909 was first written, but John claimed he was 17 or 18 when he composed this rocker, so the best guess is about 1958. The Beatles recorded the song several times – on at least two demo records in 1960 and as a possible b-side to one of their singles in 1963. They also performed it live in 1962 when they were the main attraction at Liverpool's Cavern Club, and a recording of the band rehearsing the song was made at that time. John was never satisfied with the lyrics, though, and the band was never happy about any of the recordings, so the song was shelved until 1969.

In early 1969, with the band members drifting apart from each other, they began filming a movie. The idea was to show the band rehearsing songs in preparation for a concert. After weeks of not being able to decide where to hold the show, The Beatles finally agreed to perform live on the roof of their newly-formed company, Apple Records. On a cold day in January, 1969, the four Beatles and some friends climbed up to a London rooftop and blew away the neighborhood with their loud rock music. It was their final live performance as a band. One After 909 was the fifth song they played that day on the roof.

John sings a great live vocal, with Paul joining him in harmony. Billy Preston, a young keyboard player who played with one of the Beatles' idols, Little Richard, and who the boys had met when they were in Hamburg, Germany, plays the electric piano.

Things We Said Today

** A TOP TEN FAVORITE **

Album: A Hard Day's Night

Year: 1964

Written by: Lennon & McCartney

This fantastic little song, which is about Paul's relationship with his girlfriend Jane Asher, was written while The Beatles were "on holiday" after their first visit to America and before they started filming their first movie, A Hard Day's Night.

It's amazing, but this song was recorded in just three takes at Abbey Road Studios, two days before the boys (as they were often called) were leaving for a world tour, which would include Europe, Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand, and then later, the United States. Once again, it's a tribute to their artistic genius that such a beautiful song could come together so quickly.

Paul sings a lovely double-tracked lead vocal, while John's great rhythm guitar drives the song (he probably used his Gibson Jumbo). Even though they were just 22 and 23 years-old, John's and Paul's songwriting reflected a growing maturity on the A Hard Day's Night album, and Things We Said Today is a shining example... which is why it is one of my Top Ten Favorites.

I Need You

Album: Help!

Year: 1965

Written by: George Harrison

This sweet love song by George was included in The Beatles' second film, Help! The video clip from the movie shows the boys on Salisbury Plain, near the prehistoric monument called Stonehenge. George sings a double-tracked lead vocal, and he also plays lead guitar. John, who plays rhythm guitar, and Paul, who plays his usual bass, sing harmony. In an unusual turn, John also plays the snare drum. There's not much else to say about this song, except that I just love it. So, enjoy!

Back in the USSR

Album: The Beatles (aka The White Album)

Year: 1968

Written by: Lennon & McCartney

Like the previous post, this upbeat song was written while The Beatles were studying Transcendental Meditation (TM) in Rishikesh, India at the beginning of 1968. Inspired by Chuck Berry's Back in the USA and the Beach Boys' California Girls, Paul wanted the song to "sound" like the USSR.

The country that we now know as Russia was once part of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (the USSR), a nation that existed from 1922 until 1991. Unfortunately, it was not a very free country, so Paul's intent was to add a little fun for the Beatles' fans in the USSR.

Paul sings a double-tracked lead vocal, with John and George joining him on the very Beach Boys-sounding backing vocals. Back in the USSR is one of the very few Beatles songs in which Ringo does not play drums. He had become angry during one of the recording sessions and walked out, leaving Paul, John, and George to share the drumming duties.