Outtakes

Every now and then I make cards for people. These are a lot of times post cards that I've amended for the specific special occasion. Christmas cards, birthday cards, Valentines, etc. These are fun and incredibly liberating to make, an exercise in letting go. It's also very fun and nice to know that between my mailbox and the recipient's hands, who knows how many eyes have been lain upon these little pieces of art.

It is a free traveling art show.

Here is an idea that never felt like following through...

I don't even remember who this was intended for.

New Ears: The Beatles

The Beatles.

I know it’s an easy choice. They’re so many people’s favorite. They cover nearly every genre of the aural spectrum. They’re so adorable.

Why is that so?

This answer makes them perfect for New Ears.

In the spirit of things, and after an entirely coincidental weekly trip to the pub, I thumbed the iPod into shuffle. This is essential to New Ears. Without the shuffle, New Ears is hardly possible. On this certain occasion all it took was a simple move to All Albums, first album, first song. This song happened to be “Come Together,” the first track to side A, Abbey Road.

Now, whether the ensuing words be as a result of the preceding trip to a night at the pub or a well researched, yet quickly arranged diatribe on one of the best groups of all time we’ll never know. Regardless, “Come Together” is an incredible recording.

Imagine starting off the final chapter in a saga so epic that it has drawn together what is nearly the entirety of the world. What might seem like a daunting task to most, “Come Together” accomplishes in the blink of 4:21. It perfectly starts off what will be the end of a group with a description of not just who they are, but what they represent to such a wide range of people, asking, nay, pleading with the listener, whoever they may be, to join in on the last moments of a dying act; the last moments of a group of minds that revolutionized an art form. I Like The Beatles.

Compositionally the song is absolutely heart/brain/body-meltingly pretty. Paul McCartney, in one of his more unselfish moments, smoothly ushers the rest of the band through the entirety of the track as Ringo adds footholds along the way. And Lennon’s exasperated yet somehow pitch perfect voice mingled with his and George Harrison’s fuzz, cuts through this all like a knife. At the risk of sounding too fan boy/conspiracy theory nut about this, it sounds like an out and out jab at the whole of the group.

It’s no secret that The Beatles ended in turmoil. Hell, it’s been well documented on film and recording that there were squabbles in the last few years, to the extent that major players walked out midway through recording. John hated/envied Paul, Paul hated/envied John. George hated/envied John and Paul. Ringo wanted Peace. That was the story for every album from The White Album on. This, however, isn’t why they are as interesting as they are. Actually, maybe it is, because despite the conflict and stress, despite the despise, despite the environment of the times, The Beatles still got together and made Abbey Road. In fact, they didn’t just record Abbey Road, they recorded Abbey Road and Let It Be.

A fun fact about the two albums is that even though Let It Be was released last it was Abbey Road that was recorded last. This is only deceiving to those interested in chronological accounts though, because if you listen to both albums together they sound like sisters. I beg you, play “Don’t Let Me Down” just after “Come Together.” You don’t have an accepted homogony between albums like that anymore. Nowadays a band sounds the same from album to album, they are crucified for redundancy. The Beatles did it in the early 70’s and managed to put out at least one of the technically and commercially great albums ever.

At the mention of redundancy: I feel like I’m slowly straying from the point (again, pub night).

Point: “Come Together” is capable of reigniting love. It may not be love for another (we’ll leave that more to track two from Abbey Road), but it is definitely love for The Beatles that lay buried under the surface of my skin. But isn’t this why The Beatles are who they are? Their span across the vast landscape of everything Music is such that this feeling is possible. They will always be there, no matter the circumstance. This New Ears could’ve happened (and probably will again) at any moment because these words could essentially be written about any song from the short lived-yet well-filled catalog from these scousers. I could have fallen again from “When I Get Home” or “Fixing A Hole” (which I’m libel to do, just wait). It could have been any song. This time though, it was “Come Together.”

Give it a shot with New Ears:

The Beatles – Come Together – mp3

isn't music fun?

I've Got Nothing To Say But It's O.K.

Today is marks a heartbreaking day in music history. 38 years ago today The Beatles officially announced their break up. Sure each had their own successes with solo careers (personally I think George did it best), but no one ever quite reached that fevered success that all four collectively did in their mere ten years of existence.

The Beatles are a lot of things to a lot of people. I wasn't alive during their time, but they were what got me into music. I taught myself how to play guitar from their songs, I met the first person I ever loved while on a Beatles pilgrimage, and I've reconnected with people I was once friends with and made whole new friends through their beautiful melodies. They are my favorite band of all time, and I've spent many a day trying to learn exactly what they did every hour of every day they were together, hoping to somehow channel that into my own life. They've guided my creativity for years. Thank you Ringo, George, Paul & John.

I can't remember what book it was in, I think it was High Fidelity, that stated most clearly what The Beatles are to a lot of people. They are a constant, and despite the individuality and ownership within the band, the fans now own them. No matter what happens, you can always go home and be with The Beatles. No matter what anyone takes away from me, they'll never take The Beatles, they are mine. And they're yours, too. So take the time today to give at least one full album a listen. And remember to Smile. Wait, that would be The Beach Boys... how about - And remember to Love? Why don't you just Smile AND Love.

Happy Christmas

Well I must further apologize for not setting up any new playlists, but 'tis the Holiday Season and you're not allowed to feel anything negative (despite what I've seen just about every day on the highways). I would like to do a couple things today though, before the big day and before the week really. First off, here's a Christmas track from my favorite band of all time, The Beatles. You've probably heard it before, which is a great thing, because it's wonderful. Happy, joyful, all the rest. It's called Christmas Time (Is Here Again). You should enjoy it.

The other thing I'd like to do for you is give you a chance at a few Christmas cards I've made this year. I started doing this last year for a select few friends, and they really seemed to like them, so I did it again this year. Here's the only three I remembered to scan before I sent them out, and I'd like to share them with you and perhaps, if you'd like, you can share them with someone you know for Christmas. Take your pic...

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I'll be wishing you and yours a happy one as I go through my annual Xmas Eve routine of slipping into my PJ's, sprawling out on the couch with a blanket and a cup of hot chocolate, watching Die Hard (the greatest Christmas Movie of ALL TIME) until I pass out. Happy Christmas.

Kyle.