Categories
James Poole reflection

The only band that really counts

Ed Sullivan

It was 50 years ago today. The world changed. Just as Kubrick represented the evolution of man in 2001: A Space Odyssey, I can only assume that a black monolith was present in Liverpool at the dawn of our new musical age, with four lads caressing its veneer; four lads who would change simply everything. I swear, we probably even brush our teeth differently now as a result of The Beatles.

Some perspective: 50 years ago, John, Paul George and Ringo performed on The Ed Sullivan Show. At the half way point between then and now (we’re a week off from it being 25 years ago to the day), New Order released ‘Technique’ – a glorious blast of acid-tinged wonder. Consider how much music has moved on. Before the Beatles, pop music was pretty much the equivalent of a monkey hitting a rock against a tree. Fast forward 25 years to ‘Technique’, and you’ve had, Kraftwerk, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin and Prince. You’ve had punk, you’ve had stone-cold soul classics from Detroit. You’ve had the high points of folk, reggae and disco, you’ve had the creation of hip-hop, and of electronica. There’s a lifetime of musical innovation that took place after The Beatles.

And, in the last 25 years? We’ve not really moved on a hell of a lot. ‘Technique’ could be released tomorrow and sound fresh.

So, I know it’s kind of stating the obvious, but I couldn’t let today pass without tipping a hat in the direction of The Beatles. I bloody love that band. It’s impossible to listen to too much of them. I truly find it just obtuse for anyone to say that they ‘don’t like The Beatles’.

The best band ever? More than that: they’re the only band that really counts.