Once again, Peter Jackson proves he can resurrect gods.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Opxhh9Oh3rg

MeisterEckhart wrote on Nov 4^th, 2023 at 12:17pm:

Once again, Peter Jackson proves he can resurrect gods. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Opxhh9Oh3rg

That was brilliant! So amazingly put together!
Thank you for sharing Meister.

….and, the story behind it all…

https://youtu.be/nPlldUnGAgo?si=RYbfDANGGR_Epjqm

Sophia wrote on Nov 4^th, 2023 at 2:05pm:

MeisterEckhart wrote on Nov 4th, 2023 at 12:17pm: Once again, Peter Jackson proves he can resurrect gods. []https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Opxhh9Oh3rg[] That was brilliant! So amazingly put together! Thank you for sharing Meister.

It has that driving rhythm heard on songs like 'I am the Walrus' - the sound that ELO made their own signature.

I thought it was dull, boring and monotonous.

If you heard that being sung by some mob you had never heard of, you would stop listening pretty quickly.

Saw the doco about the making of this the other day.  Brilliant.  Although I haven't yet heard the full song, but what I did hear was very catchy

MeisterEckhart wrote on Nov 4^th, 2023 at 2:31pm:

Sophia wrote on Nov 4th, 2023 at 2:05pm: MeisterEckhart wrote on Nov 4th, 2023 at 12:17pm: Once again, Peter Jackson proves he can resurrect gods. []https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Opxhh9Oh3rg[] That was brilliant! So amazingly put together! Thank you for sharing Meister. It has that driving rhythm heard on songs like 'I am the Walrus' - the sound that ELO made their own signature.

I had thought that Now and Then had minor key signatures compared to an upbeat version of I am the Walrus. I checked out the music sheets and found all similar time signatures of many Beatles songs like Now and Then, I am the Walrus, etc and ELO also use 4/4 time signatures a lot.

The Now and then Song has A minor so it has a more mellow/sadder type sound, whereas Walrus song is mainly in A & E major so it has a more upbeat cheery sound to it.

Aussie wrote on Nov 4^th, 2023 at 2:55pm:

I thought it was dull, boring and monotonous. If you heard that being sung by some mob you had never heard of, you would stop listening pretty quickly.

It is full of sad chords.
What a pity that a more uplifting song was not written instead.

Aussie wrote on Nov 4^th, 2023 at 2:55pm:

I thought it was dull, boring and monotonous. If you heard that being sung by some mob you had never heard of, you would stop listening pretty quickly.

It’s about the passage of time, and reflection, now and then, it actually made me feel a bit teary.
That’s how music is supposed to move us.
The video put together with past and present performances is so very well done. It captivated both past and presence beautifully.

I watched some reaction videos to it.

I felt slightly embarrassed for some of them - watching grown men from their 20s to maybe 60s cry and admit to full-body goosebumps listening to it.

Although one thought there was something creepy about it, like watching videos of dead family members, I guess.

Bobby. wrote on Nov 4^th, 2023 at 3:02pm:

Aussie wrote on Nov 4th, 2023 at 2:55pm: I thought it was dull, boring and monotonous. If you heard that being sung by some mob you had never heard of, you would stop listening pretty quickly. It is full of sad chords. What a pity that a more uplifting song was not written instead.

There is also a version that is transposed into a C major chord with that song done by John Lennon at the time. I think the minor chord sadder sound suits the memories…since 2 Beatles have passed.

Sophia wrote on Nov 4^th, 2023 at 3:04pm:

Aussie wrote on Nov 4th, 2023 at 2:55pm: I thought it was dull, boring and monotonous. If you heard that being sung by some mob you had never heard of, you would stop listening pretty quickly. It’s about the passage of time, and reflection, now and then, it actually made me feel a bit teary. That’s how music is supposed to move us. The video put together with past and present performances is so very well done. It captivated both past and presence beautifully.

If you heard that being sung by some mob you had never heard of, you would stop listening pretty quickly.

Sophia wrote on Nov 4^th, 2023 at 3:04pm:

Aussie wrote on Nov 4th, 2023 at 2:55pm: I thought it was dull, boring and monotonous. If you heard that being sung by some mob you had never heard of, you would stop listening pretty quickly. It’s about the passage of time, and reflection, now and then, it actually made me feel a bit teary. That’s how music is supposed to move us. The video put together with past and present performances is so very well done. It captivated both past and presence beautifully.

Yes, I think it was the perfect grand grand finale to a 60+ year band career.

Aussie wrote on Nov 4^th, 2023 at 3:06pm:

Sophia wrote on Nov 4th, 2023 at 3:04pm: Aussie wrote on Nov 4th, 2023 at 2:55pm: I thought it was dull, boring and monotonous. If you heard that being sung by some mob you had never heard of, you would stop listening pretty quickly. It’s about the passage of time, and reflection, now and then, it actually made me feel a bit teary. That’s how music is supposed to move us. The video put together with past and present performances is so very well done. It captivated both past and presence beautifully. If you heard that being sung by some mob you had never heard of, you would stop listening pretty quickly.

Point is, these sad sounding reflective songs do hit home with feelings, no matter who sings it, we can’t have all cheery upbeat music all the time.
I must admit I tend to like playing songs on the old goanna in the minor chords.
Just resonates with my soul.
You on the other hand Aussie… 12 bar walking blues types for you…jazzy too.

One thing that stuck with me was a comment McCartney made in the lead-up to the song's release.

Something like, "I'm just so lucky to have had these men in my life".

Men? Oh yeah, I guess they were just men, but they have all long since been transfigured into gods living on their own Olympus, particularly Lennon, that it's hard to imagine them as just men.

Sophia wrote on Nov 4^th, 2023 at 3:00pm:

[ Walrus song is mainly in A & E major so it has a more upbeat cheery sound to it.

Interesting you find it cheery!

I've always found I Am the Walrus to be captivating in a disturbing and haunting way. Like a vision of Vincent Van Gogh in his mad moments put to music.

Sitting on a cornflake, waiting for the van to come...

Yellow matter custard dripping from a dead dog's eye

Semolina Pilchard Climbing up the Eiffel tower


Man, you should have seen them kicking Edgar Allen Poe

MeisterEckhart wrote on Nov 4^th, 2023 at 3:27pm:

Sophia wrote on Nov 4th, 2023 at 3:00pm: [ Walrus song is mainly in A & E major so it has a more upbeat cheery sound to it. Interesting you find it cheery! I've always found I Am the Walrus to be captivating in a disturbing and haunting way. Like a vision of Vincent Van Gogh in his mad moments put to music. Sitting on a cornflake, waiting for the van to come... Yellow matter custard dripping from a dead dog's eye Semolina Pilchard Climbing up the Eiffel tower Man, you should have seen them kicking Edgar Allen Poe

Yes it’s a mad song  ;D

Admittedly there’s this part that winds right down and then…

….lifted by the crescendo of …

I am the egg man
They are the egg men
I am the walrus
Goo goo g'joob

Two of the saddest Beatles songs I always thought were Eleanor Rigby and Yesterday.

There’s a remake with Paul … I will find it…
Love the violins in this!

https://youtu.be/weN-l8SOiFU?si=vilK2hWhHpVGfxel

Sophia wrote on Nov 4^th, 2023 at 3:06pm:

Bobby. wrote on Nov 4th, 2023 at 3:02pm: Aussie wrote on Nov 4th, 2023 at 2:55pm: I thought it was dull, boring and monotonous. If you heard that being sung by some mob you had never heard of, you would stop listening pretty quickly. It is full of sad chords. What a pity that a more uplifting song was not written instead. There is also a version that is transposed into a C major chord with that song done by John Lennon at the time. I think the minor chord sadder sound suits the memories…since 2 Beatles have passed.

Lennon meant it to sound sad - that's why he chose minor chords.

I think he was depressed when he wrote it.

I'm a big Beatles fan, but don't particularly like Lennon's solo stuff.  Was never a big fan of Lennon as a person either.

This song is a Lennon song (i.e. written by John), and it's not that great in my personal opinion (I like the chord progression, but Lennon's voice is just awful).

Like Rick (below) though, I'm glad it's out there.

If it makes people happy, then I'm all for it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7PAkVIFUZPQ

Ah! Two songs with a bit of controversy to them!

McCarthey was sure he made up the name 'Eleanor Rigby' despite there being an Eleanor Rigby buried (not along with her name as it turned out!) at St Peter's Graveyard in Woolton, where Lennon and Mccartney would walk through.

Then there's 'Yesterday' and the spat between Lennon and McCartney, with Lennon insisting it was his song. In retrospect, it sounds nothing like a Lennon song of the era.

And whilst I’m madly you-tubing enjoying randomness of songs past…

This by George Harrison… and I’m in a bit of shock… he passed in 2001? But… but… it only feels like …
… not that long ago!   :o
Anyway… I love the photos in this clip…George had a good looking ruggedness about him as he aged.

https://youtu.be/AR4lpQWcT5g?si=Pkq6lHv2IgklHkyW

Anyone see Paul McCartney while he was here?

I saw him with Wings at the Opera House many years ago back when the acoustics were pretty bad so that was disappointing.

I listened to a few YouTube clips of his current Australian performances this time around and I honestly thought he should be retired and not touring.

I saw Paul live in concert right before COVID hit - it was a brilliant show.

I didn't go to see him this time around though because I think he's past it now.

The same goes for Springsteen and the Stones - I've seen them both live many, many times but I wouldn't go again as I believe their best work is behind them now.

Black Orchid wrote on Nov 4^th, 2023 at 4:43pm:

Anyone see Paul McCartney while he was here? I saw him with Wings at the Opera House many years ago back when the acoustics were pretty bad so that was disappointing. I listened to a few YouTube clips of his current Australian performances this time around and I honestly thought he should be retired and not touring.

It's the same for most live concerts -

you can never get that perfect studio sound.

Bobby. wrote on Nov 4^th, 2023 at 4:51pm:

Black Orchid wrote on Nov 4th, 2023 at 4:43pm: Anyone see Paul McCartney while he was here? I saw him with Wings at the Opera House many years ago back when the acoustics were pretty bad so that was disappointing. I listened to a few YouTube clips of his current Australian performances this time around and I honestly thought he should be retired and not touring. It's the same for most live concerts - you can never get that perfect studio sound.

I've been to many many concerts that were awesome.  I'm certainly not expecting a studio sound.

He's 81 though and his voice is weak.

MeisterEckhart wrote on Nov 4^th, 2023 at 4:35pm:

Then there's 'Yesterday' and the spat between Lennon and McCartney, with Lennon insisting it was his song. In retrospect, it sounds nothing like a Lennon song of the era.

Then there's the story about McCartney, having been arrested in Japan for Marijuana possession, and the cops playing 'Yesterday' over and over again in his cell - with McCartney certain it had been organised by Lennon through Yoko Ono to take the piss out of McCartney while he was stuck in lock-up.

Black Orchid wrote on Nov 4^th, 2023 at 4:54pm:

Bobby. wrote on Nov 4th, 2023 at 4:51pm: Black Orchid wrote on Nov 4th, 2023 at 4:43pm: Anyone see Paul McCartney while he was here? I saw him with Wings at the Opera House many years ago back when the acoustics were pretty bad so that was disappointing. I listened to a few YouTube clips of his current Australian performances this time around and I honestly thought he should be retired and not touring. It's the same for most live concerts - you can never get that perfect studio sound. I've been to many many concerts that were awesome.  I'm certainly not expecting a studio sound. He's 81 though and his voice is weak.

The best concerts are where they don't even try to copy the studio sound -
they ad lib and do their own thing -
every time it's different.

Black Orchid wrote on Nov 4^th, 2023 at 4:43pm:

Anyone see Paul McCartney while he was here? I saw him with Wings at the Opera House many years ago back when the acoustics were pretty bad so that was disappointing. I listened to a few YouTube clips of his current Australian performances this time around and I honestly thought he should be retired and not touring.

a customer saw him in Newcastle last week. Said it was great

Just another thing you got wrong :D

Well, having seen the thrashing this song has got in just 2 days, I'd have to say the song's ultimate effect is creepy.

Here's why.

1. The song was almost certainly written and composed by Lennon for Yoko Ono while he was in a state of deep depression.

2. Images of him towards the end of the '70s show him completely emaciated - likely caused by his anxiety about abandonment which had plagued him all his life, and was now sapping his life energy.

3. The meaning of, and the impetus to, write the song was reimagined by McCartney to be about missing his Beatles band members - not what Lennon likely had in mind for the song - if he even expected it to ever be released to the public.

4. The video features a Lennon 'resurrected' from the dead with images that contradict the song's mood and adds the creepy element of anachronism - Lennon's image is of a man in his 20s to early 30s (and acting like a teenager) with Starr and McCartney nearly 3 times that age. Imagine if the same was done to a long-dead friend or sibling... What would you still have in common with someone who's resurrected after more years of being dead than ever being alive?

5. The video unashamedly capitalises on Lennon's youthful charisma to emotionally manipulate those who are susceptible to sentimentality and nostalgia - which, in the case of the Beatles, can be counted in the hundreds of millions.

There's a reason why many cultures seek to obliterate the memory of the dead: to prevent their spirit from haunting the living.

Creepy.

MeisterEckhart wrote on Nov 4^th, 2023 at 3:27pm:

Sophia wrote on Nov 4th, 2023 at 3:00pm: [ Walrus song is mainly in A & E major so it has a more upbeat cheery sound to it. Interesting you find it cheery!

Meant to add… it’s not a cheery song in its own, but more cheery than Now and Then.
For some reason, I could never make up my mind if I liked the walrus song or not, in fact it was never a song I purposely ever chose to play or listen to.

Sophia wrote on Nov 4^th, 2023 at 4:42pm:

And whilst I’m madly you-tubing enjoying randomness of songs past… This by George Harrison… and I’m in a bit of shock… he passed in 2001? But… but… it only feels like … … not that long ago!   :o Anyway… I love the photos in this clip…George had a good looking ruggedness about him as he aged. https://youtu.be/AR4lpQWcT5g?si=Pkq6lHv2IgklHkyW

He was my fav too.

Sophia wrote on Nov 5^th, 2023 at 8:12am:

Meant to add… it’s not a cheery song in its own, but more cheery than Now and Then. For some reason, I could never make up my mind if I liked the walrus song or not, in fact it was never a song I purposely ever chose to play or listen to.

One song which for me crystalises the genius and originality of the entire Lennon-McCartney anthology is 'A Day in the Life'.

By the time it was written and composed, both of them had distinct styles and this song was a conjoining of two separate ideas for two separate songs which each of them couldn't finish.

It begins with Lennonesque dreamy, hallucinogenic imagery which gives a sense that the narrator has just woken up from a dream state and is half-conscious as he tells us, in hypnotic stream-of-thought, about events currently in his mind.

Then comes McCartney's urban, homely complacency where the narrator is simply starting an ordinary workday. This narrator then 'went into a dream' when 'somebody spoke'.

Then it's back to Lennon's half-dreaming narrator to close.

Each part is stitched together with the anxiety-raising orchestral glissando.

It seems McCartney never quite got over the originality of this collaboration, as its style reappears in some of his most famous and successful solo and Wings songs, such as 'Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey', 'Band on the Run' and even 'Live and Let Die'.

MeisterEckhart wrote on Nov 5^th, 2023 at 9:37am:

Sophia wrote on Nov 5th, 2023 at 8:12am: Meant to add… it’s not a cheery song in its own, but more cheery than Now and Then. For some reason, I could never make up my mind if I liked the walrus song or not, in fact it was never a song I purposely ever chose to play or listen to. One song which for me crystalises the genius and originality of the entire Lennon-McCartney anthology is 'A Day in the Life'. By the time it was written and composed, both of them had distinct styles and this song was a conjoining of two separate ideas for two separate songs which each of them couldn't finish. It begins with Lennonesque dreamy, hallucinogenic imagery which gives a sense that the narrator has just woken up from a dream state and is half-conscious as he tells us, in hypnotic stream-of-thought, about events currently in his mind. Then comes McCartney's urban, homely complacency where the narrator is simply starting an ordinary workday. This narrator then 'went into a dream' when 'somebody spoke'. Then it's back to Lennon's half-dreaming narrator to close. Each part is stitched together with the anxiety-raising orchestral glissando. It seems McCartney never quite got over the originality of this collaboration, as its style reappears in some of his most famous and successful solo and Wings songs, such as 'Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey', 'Band on the Run' and even 'Live and Let Die'.

I enjoyed reading your narrative.
It is quite a contrast between John and Paul. Two driving forces in the group bringing variation.
It must’ve been a struggle at times with their opposite personas.
Dreamy Vs Down to Earth.
But anything hippy/weirdly/LSD mixed up at those times which didn’t make sense to the silent gen was readily accepted by the new boomer gen… music did go through a huge revolutionary change. I wonder sometimes if the frequency hz change may have had an influence into that direction.
Even fashion took a huge leap. I’m glad I grew up during the 60s and 70s era. And… you know what? The 70s fashion is back in again! My daughter goes into the chain of young fashion shops and takes photos of the clothes saying “Mum! Remember you wore this? Look, it’s back in fashion again …70s all over again  :)!”
Music too get rehashed.

Sophia wrote on Nov 5^th, 2023 at 11:02am:

It must’ve been a struggle at times with their opposite personas. Dreamy Vs Down to Earth.

If Lennon's famous interviews of the '70s and McCartney's of the '80s are anything to go by, their clashes were titanic.

It's hard to keep in mind, now that they've been deified and presumed to have had the wisdom of gods, that they were barely out of their teens when it started and not even 30 when it ended.

Lennon's and Harrison's resurrection in 'Now and Then', at maybe 26 and 24 respectively, next to McCartney and Starr at 80+, (old enough to be their grandfathers), how frozen in time Lennon and Harrison will always be and how frozen in time Starr and McCartney will also one day be.

The stuff that 'gods' are made of - hypnotising, compelling, charismatic, timeless, ageless... forever young.

With Lennon, ironically, maybe bigger than Jesus, as he 'foretold'!

If you want to watch some Beatles nostalgia, then watch "A Hard Days Night" on SBS on demand.  Starring the original fab four and Wilfred Bramble. [smiley=thumbsup.gif]

Aussie wrote on Nov 4^th, 2023 at 2:55pm:

I thought it was dull, boring and monotonous. If you heard that being sung by some mob you had never heard of, you would stop listening pretty quickly.

I have to agree.  It's only been raved about because of
one thing—extremely competent marketing and
cross-promotion by corporate interests.   

Milk the cow = big dollars.

In actuality, it's merely typical of Lennon's "standard",
mournful, whining rock ballads—now fifty years out of
date, and ultimately... well... boring.

The poorly montaged, clunky green-screened clips are
the sort of stuff so-called rock historians have been
screening for decades, so, nothing new there. 

It's almost as bad as an old "Countdown" show from
1978 LOL.

If you wanna listen to some genuine period music, then
listen to the Stones "Love You Live" from 1977 instead.

The last words John Lennon ever spoke to Paul McCartney were "Think of me now and then, old friend".

This was a love song to Paul that the remaining Beatles have fulfilled beautifully.

What a magnificent swan song.

Aussie wrote on Nov 4^th, 2023 at 2:55pm:

I thought it was dull, boring and monotonous. If you heard that being sung by some mob you had never heard of, you would stop listening pretty quickly.

Whilst i think your critique overharsh, i agree that it's not a stand-alone great song. But why would you listen to it in isolation of it's context? It's the context that gives it is gravitas.

My son who is barely 17 stayed up to hear it's release. He's a massive Beatle's nerd. Owns everything he can and is forever playing strange studio outtakes at us. I recommend "Commonwealth", available on youtube or alternatively to be found in Peter Jackson's magnificent labour of love "Get Back"..

But this song, it's no.1 even though it's not fabulous. This is the legacy that endures that Beatles have left us with.

mothra wrote on Nov 6^th, 2023 at 3:43am:

The last words John Lennon ever spoke to Paul McCartney were "Think of me now and then, old friend". This was a love song to Paul that the remaining Beatles have fulfilled beautifully. What a magnificent swan song.

Another all nighter?

mothra wrote on Nov 6^th, 2023 at 3:58am:

But this song, it's no.1 even though it's not fabulous. This is the legacy that endures that Beatles have left us with.

That's true.

It's not even near their greatest, was written by Lennon very likely in a state of severe depression, its intent has been reimagined by McCartney, but it's a Beatles song.

From the online reactions, and from Beatles fans, it's almost like a 'Jesus moment' as in 'the second coming'.

I guess Lennon's memory really is bigger than Jesus... or at least just as big.

Sophia wrote on Nov 4^th, 2023 at 3:04pm:

Aussie wrote on Nov 4th, 2023 at 2:55pm: I thought it was dull, boring and monotonous. If you heard that being sung by some mob you had never heard of, you would stop listening pretty quickly. It’s about the passage of time, and reflection, now and then, it actually made me feel a bit teary. That’s how music is supposed to move us. The video put together with past and present performances is so very well done. It captivated both past and presence beautifully.

Aussie (clearly) has no idea about stuff like this.

I bet Aussie doesn’t even listen to music.

Zero interest.....pretty much.

Aussie wrote on Nov 6^th, 2023 at 11:16am:

Zero interest.....pretty much.

OMG! I was right!

Aussie - what do you listen to when driving? What do you listen to when washing the car or when gardening? Everyone listens to MUSIC!

Then there’s BBQ’s, parties, get togethers...again 👉 MUSIC.

You can’t possibly be THIS boring ... can you?

I bet you can’t dance either 😳

A brilliant - as usual - review from Justin:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iQyKV9TOxXU

Well, that didn't take long!!!

Now and Then covers!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AK5Ei0lGqrg

MeisterEckhart wrote on Nov 6^th, 2023 at 4:47pm:

Well, that didn't take long!!! Now and Then covers!! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AK5Ei0lGqrg

On Sunday 4th June 1967, guitarist Jimi Hendrix paid the ultimate compliment to The Beatles by performing the title track from their ‘Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band’ album live just three days after its release.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hPqtleRxFSw

The more I listen to this, the more it sounds like a fusion of the Beatles and 80s- early 90s Pink Floyd.

Sophia wrote on Nov 4^th, 2023 at 2:05pm:

MeisterEckhart wrote on Nov 4th, 2023 at 12:17pm: Once again, Peter Jackson proves he can resurrect gods. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Opxhh9Oh3rg That was brilliant! So amazingly put together! Thank you for sharing Meister.

I can’t get enough of this song. I’ve been playing it all bloody day. Some of the covers are just as awesome. I was singing the damn song tonight while I was cleaning up after dinner 😂🤣😆

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_YPUNB-PQH4CwQo0JLMQhQPeZiKH6igfcYtR-O01IVRZiVW0lVESH2yGD0EYSwMpy8DVXuqXVNXLiE7MckBD2SCO4aBwEPR_hnVlmHlLZ4EBO8U0cDKtmNYNoxdM7wo_S3YJ6irwmZy6Lsw2FBetEVbxb_AdpSU8UZ18bjVBnfk9SUxHrVF4LErySvzk/s640/waters-plant.jpeg