Week 5, Unit 5
1/31/96
Chapter five of the Complete Beatles was interesting as it gave some further insight into the creation and production of The Beatles as well as the tracks that were released as singles around the same time of the album's release. Hey Jude and its B-side companion Revolution have to be the best 45 released from the Beatles next to Day Tripper and We Can Work It Out. I love the dichotomy of the long, tender ballad opposite the distorted chord rocker single.
Of course, it was George Martin's idea to release this version of Revolution, at least in part. John wanted to put Revolution on The Beatles, but Martin felt it was a bit too political for the record. So a compromise was struck that put the slower version, Revolution #1 on the album and Revolution as a single. I'm not sure I agree with this decision on Martin's part, but it seemed to turn out for the best. Given the phenomenal change of times occurring during 1968, I don't really think it would have been so radical to put the track on the album.
What I think should have been given MUCH MORE protest was the release of Revolution #9. I realize that this song has some popularity with Beatles enthusiasts, but I feel it is the worst song the Beatles ever put out. However, I think from a commercial standpoint, that the placement of each of the "Revolutions" was done the best it could be done. When Revolution was released as a single,, it boosted the sales of The Beatles (and the singles) even further because both songs reached high chart levels. The Beatles had scored another coup with chart-topping strategy.
I think it is just a shame that Revolution #9 made the final cut, however. It is not even all that artistically creative neither by 1960's standards and certainly not by today's standards. I think this is one downside to Martin losing his power of veto as the Beatles' career progressed. In the early days, Martin would have put his foot down, said no, and that would basically have been it. Martin really had a pulse for what was good for "the boys." He knew when a track was good and when it should be worked on. His power of influence being dwindled is particularly noted after Sgt. Pepper. None of the albums after "Pepper" (except Abbey Road) held that same "Beatles seal of approval" as their earlier works. This is largely because Martin knew what he was talking about. He was musically trained and knew how to make a record commercially and artistically viable. John should not have been so hard-headed and listened to Martin (and the other Beatles). However, this argument is moot. The song was released and there it is. I just needed to vent a little because I know the Beatles can do much better than this and it is a little embarrassing whenever I hear this song on The Beatles.