DU Album of the Day: Early work by The Beatles

[gratuitous]

On this day in 1964, the Beatles pulled off a never-to-be-duplicated feat, holding the top five places on the pop music charts. Checking over their early discography, the songs appeared on no fewer than four different albums. Nowadays, between the incessant managing by the recording industry, the calculated work of advertising and public relations, the plethora of recording artists, and the groups and artists themselves, it's unlikely a group would have more than two albums in current or near-current release, and having five chart songs - let alone the top five - will never happen again.

I vaguely remember those days of Beatlemania, and thinking as I was growing up just how cool it might be to be one of the Liverpool lads, with cheering throngs following your every move. I don't think that anymore. Looking back at the newsreel clips, it seems quite scary, as you could never tell when a crowd might swarm too much. But if you want to feel really old (and I mean really, really old), consider that when the Beatles broke up around about 1970, the oldest members of the group, John and Ringo, hadn't yet celebrated their 30th birthdays.

1. Can't Buy Me Love (Hard Day's Night Soundtrack)
2. Twist & Shout (Please Please Me Album)
3. She Loves You (The Beatles' Second Album)
4. I Want To Hold Your Hand (Meet the Beatles)
5. Please Please Me (Please Please Me)

[CaliforniaPeggy]

1. I was in my 20's then...

I saw them debut on the Ed Sullivan Show...

It was an amazing time, and I will never forget it.

Thanks for the trip down Memory Lane!

[hifiguy]

2. I was seven when the Beatles appeared on Sullivan

and somehow I knew after seeing them that the world would never be the same.

"She Loves You" was the song that really did it for me. Those major/minor modulations and the incredible close harmony lead vocals by John and Paul pulled me in completely.

If there is one thing that is absolutely safe to say it is that there will never, ever be another Beatles.