The Greatest Album Ever! Abbey Road

On 09/09/09, The Beatles Rock Band game will be released, with the goal of introducing a whole new generation of video-playing kids to the greatest musical act in history. On the same day, the entire Beatles catalogue will be released in remastered CD format. with the goal of re-introducing the group's music in the digital age. The band has already graced the latest cover of Rolling Stone magazine and its starting to look like Beatlemania all over again.

The calendar date I'm looking forward to is Oct. 1st. That's the 40th anniversary of the US release of the greatest album of all time: Abbey Road. This is a record that has everything: hit singles, various musical styles, and an ambitious song cycle. There's even a mystery tune, "Her Majesty" not listed on the original credits. Its like the Beatles knew their career together was coming to an end so they held nothing back during the sessions. Starting with what turned out to be one of the most famous album covers ever!

Not only did the cover inspire numerous imitations, but it was also the flash point for the "Paul Is Dead" rumors which began immediately after the album's release. The great thing about the crosswalk setting is that its an actual place where fans like myself can have their photo taken!
Abbey Road opens with two #1 hits: "Come Together" and "Something." The latter was George Harrison's first composition to reach the top of the charts. A beautiful love song, it features the exquisite bass playing of Paul McCartney which comes through quite clearly on the remastered version. Its followed by two McCartney compositions: the whimsical "Maxwell's Silver Hammer" and the R&B flavored "Oh Darling," one of Paul's greatest vocal performances. However the best McCartney tunes are found on side 2 which make up the heart of the closing medley.

What I love about Abbey Road is that all four Beatles get a share of the spotlight. Ringo Starr contributes the delightful "Octopus's Garden" but also one of the most distinctive drum solos in rock at the end of the record. John Lennon's "I Want You (She's So Heavy)" is a rare blues song for the Beatles, with a killer guitar riff that sounds like it came straight from their nights playing the Hamburg clubs in the early sixties.

Those are six great songs which give the listener NO IDEA of what's in store for the remainder of the album. The new remastered version should require that Abbey Road is actually flipped over like a vinyl record. Side One is great but Side Two is a completely different musical universe. You could start with Harrison's "Here Comes The Sun" and stop right there. This song captures everything The Beatles were all about: lyrical hope and optimism plus musical ingenuity. Everyone in the world seems to know this song but it was never released as a single! Not only does Abbey Road contain two of Harrison's greatest compositions but two of the most beloved tunes in pop music.

If you are fortunate to have seen The Beatles LOVE show in Las Vegas, you know the acapella version of John Lennon's "Because" is stunningly beautiful. The original found on Abbey Road is equally breathtaking. This is where The Beatles show off their three-part vocal harmonies and get you ready for the sixteen minute medley which closes the album. It features three of McCartney's most memorable compositions: "You Never Give Me Your Money,""She Came In Through The Bathroom Window" and "Golden Slumbers." Throughout the years I've discovered that "Money" is my favorite song on Abbey Road. When I hear Paul sing "Oh that magic feeling, nowhere to go," I know exactly what he means.

In later years Paul would say that the song "Carry That Weight" was a metaphor for the break-up the Beatles, that their legacy would be a tough load to bear. Yet the very last song on the very last Beatles album (remember "Let It Be" was recorded before but released after "Abbey Road") features the band in a joyous climax. Starting with Ringo's drum solo and then an instrumental with Paul, George and John wailing away on their guitars, the Beatles sound like a rock and roll band at the top of their game. That finale is called "The End" and concludes with one of the most quoted lyrics in musical history:

"And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make."

No one has said it better, no one has played it better, no one has made a better album than Abbey Road.