January 1965 — “Beatles for Sale” by The Beatles
By the start of 1965 The Beatles were already a household name, with Beatlemania reaching its peak the year before. Their fourth album released in the UK, Beatles for Sale, would continue their prolific work with a turn to more introspective lyrics and a handful of cover songs. The Beatles entire catalog is incredible, and this album contains some of the best examples from their height.
Join us on this brief time machine ride back to the beginning of the rock era.
“I’ll Follow the Sun”
The Beatles were putting out an album every 6 months at this time. This song was a softer, more folk oriented track than many of their upbeat tunes.
“Baby’s in Black”
This track is perhaps a foreshadowing of Eleanor Rigby in its lyrics. Lennon and McCartney's harmonies are always a striking feature of the early to mid-Beatles music catalog, and this song showcases that well.
“Eight Days a Week”
A well-known track. The original title was “Eight Arms to Hold You,” but (thankfully) it was changed before the song came out.
“I’m a Looser”
A low key tune that is more negative, and perhaps emotionally self-reflective. The harmonica work is inspired by Bob Dylan.
“Johnny Quest” - theme
Great instrumental work from this 60's vintage cartoon.
“You Really Got Me” by the Kinks
Their third single would be their first number 1 hit. Rob shares this love song for street kids. They got their fuzzy guitar sound by slicing the amps with a knife.
“Do You Love Me (now that I can dance)” by the Dave Clark Five
Bruce riffs on the second British Invasion group that performed this cover of the Motown hit by the Contours.
“Downtown” by Petula Clark
Tony Hatch was inspired to write this song after visiting Times Square, and took the song to Petula Clark in Paris, as explained by Brian.
“She’s not There” by the Zombies
This debut single for The Zombies is about a girl who left her boyfriend for another guy. Wayne shares that Santana also covered this song successfully in the 70's.
“Hawaii Tattoo” by The Waikikis
This instrumental track from the Aloha State takes us out on this EARLIEST of our "What the Riff" months.
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**NOTE: What the Riff?!? does not own the rights to any of these songs and we neither sell, nor profit from them. We share them so you can learn about them and purchase them for your own collections.
