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How to listen to the Beatles re-releases?

There have been some stupid questions asked on these forums over the years, and several of those stupid questions have come from me. Perhaps here's another one for the ages...

I'm 38 and have never really listened to the Beatles catalog. I own "Peppers", "Rubber Soul" and "Abby Road" on vinyl, plus "Love", but wouldn't say I'm as familiar with their body of work as I am with, say, R.E.M (they were "my" band during my high-school and college years).

However, I've pre-ordered both the stereo and mono Beatles re-releases. What's the best way to re-introduce myself to the genius of the "fab four"?

Should I sit down and work my way through their collection chronologically? Is there a good companion book to read through while I listen? Should I listen to an album over-and-over until I really "get it" before moving on to the next? Both mono and stereo?

There are albums that I pick up and think "Wow...It would have been awesome to listen to this the first day it was released." Fleetwood Mac's "Rumors". CCR's "Willy...". Rush's "Moving Pictures". Etc. The excitement of the release. The cultural and musical context. The significance. I'll never be able to experience that with the Beatles, and I'd like to put myself in a place (mentally) to really listen to the Beatles for the first time (again).

Does this make sense? Blast away. I figure I couple of people will understand what I'm asking and have some thoughtful suggestions.
128x128nrenter
byegolly
140 posts
 
"they were good....but they were not THAT good." "
"..It is still just catchy pop music for the kids"

Ah, I think many will disagree.

"The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan" - if I suggested it was just co-opted bits and pieces of ideas from other songs, poems, and books held together with amateurish guitar and harmonic playing I'd never hear the end of it. Yeah, I know - you didn't say that. Whew!
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,465 posts
 
I never realized fully just how good the Beatles catalog is until I had kids and discovered dozens of Beatles tunes (some covers) that were great songs to sing them to sleep with.

Both my kids love the Beatles. Their output is far more than just a collection of very good rock tunes. Many BEatles tunes hit upon themes which are timeless better than most anyone else.

That's a big part of what will make their music timeless.

Of course all the innovation and talent that went into recording and producing those tunes won't hurt either.
chashmal
605 posts
 
OK. You guys love the Beatles and will argue their importance until the end of time. I appreciate your love for this band. However SO much great music gets cast by the wayside that Beatle worship just seems silly and wasteful to me.
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,465 posts
 
"However SO much great music gets cast by the wayside that Beatle worship just seems silly and wasteful to me. "

I'd say admiration rather than worship, then its OK.

Not silly and wasteful. I chose "The Beatles" as the most practical tool available to help my kids develop appreciation for musical excellence at a young age. That seed has been planted....we'll see where it goes.

I agree that much music is under appreciated, but that is certainly not "The Beatles" fault.

It is what it is....
chashmal
605 posts
 
Mapman: the fact that your kids love the Beatles is quite an accomplishment. I think we would all be horrified by what some of their friends probably like!
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