The Beatles - Girl (REACTION)

[@fidge54]

At this point, they were beyond the record companies telling them what to do. Can you imagine?

[@CuriousGeorge1111]

"You never give me your money, you only give me your funny paper." Paul McCartney speaking to corrupt Beatles manager Brian Epstein, who mismanaged the band to their demise. Look at the dungeons they recorded in.

[@onsesejoo2605]

If you listen their earlier recordings with Rubber Soul in mind, it is easy to find steps towards this album, songs like "You've Got To Hide Your Love Away".

[@jconradguest]

I don't believe the record company ever told The Beatles what to record.

[@onsesejoo2605]

@@jconradguest They, or rather producer George Martin did. The # 1 hit for Gerry & The Pacemakers "How Do You Do It ?" was originally offered to The Beatles, they insisted "Please Please Me". They did record "How Do..." with cringe. Gerry & used that as a demo to learn the song.

[@jconradguest]

@@onsesejoo2605 Who is "they?" The Beatles, or George Martin and the record company?

[@stuBdoc]

This song sounds very Greek to me. One of my favorites from Rubber Soul.

[@oreopithecus]

It was in fact inspired by a journey to Greece.

[@Big_Al_63]

For me there is just something about John's voice that just sounds so damn good for me.

[@backbeat44]

I've always LOVED this song.

[@stevemd6488]

It was a throwaway song. "Tit tit tit tit tit". Even so it's still a good song

[@JoyceLove-m4z]

A man will break his back to earn his day of leisure - great line ❤

[@luciemurphree1597]

John's voice in this song, turns me into putty. It's hauntingly beautiful!

[@suesebree8670]

Absolutely

[@carolmeindl9508]

And his voice is up front and centre. I am always amazed at how they seemed to sing so effortlessly. Great production decisions to make the backing track so far in the background with John right up front.

[@sirslice7531]

The change was happening and Rubber Soul was the start. In my opinion, one of their best albums.

[@edwardcapobianco2975]

Another masterpiece of an album. Che looked like he was in the zone absorbing it all. Many people consider Rubber Soul and Revolver as part 1 and part 2.. they were released within 8 or 9 months of each other . In 8 years The Beatles released 11 studio albums plus one double album(white album) for a total of 13 records plus an EP extended play(Magical Mystery Tour) and about 30 singles that were released independently of the albums all from 1962 to 1969. For example The White album was released in 1968, the single was Hey Jude side one, Revolution side 2..Hey Jude was not on any album. When Rubber Soul was released in 1965 the single was We can Work it Out on side one, side two was Day Tripper. Neither of those songs appeared on Beatles UK releases. The Beatles felt the public shouldn’t pay for singles 45rpms being taken off of the album. So they made 2 additional songs and put it on the single or 45RPM.. that’s some serious value for your money.

[@BobGeogeo]

Ringo has said the sessions and music felt like part 1 and part 2 for Rubber Soul and Revolver.

[@edwardcapobianco2975]

@@BobGeogeo I knew I had heard someone mention it, thanks for filling me in!! Ringo also made a remark where someone suggested the Beatles should have reduced The White Album from a double album to a single album and consolidate all the best songs to side 1 and 2 and eliminate side 3 and 4.. Ringo said something along the lines of keeping it intact but making it 2 separate records and call it The White Album and The Whiter Album!!! LMFAO!! Only Ringo could come up with such a great, zany remark like that!!! Someone tried to criticize one of the Beatles most popular records and he just hit them with that comeback!! Classic Ringo!

[@gregcable3250]

At this point in their careers--when they were transitioning into mad geniuses--nobody f'd with them, not the record company, not anyone. If they said they were going to make a song that had nothing but animal sounds and Ringo on the drums, well then, by God, they were The Beatles and were going to put that out.

[@BobGeogeo]

Rubber Soul was recorded Oct-Nov, 1965 with a deadline to get it out for Xmas. UK release was Dec 3.

[@NCthorn]

This album kinda grows on ya. Listen to it staight through a few times. Will never get tired of this band. If anybody ever asks what my favorite Beatles album is, I always say it depends on what kinda mood I'm in...

[@tackysum]

One of my favorite John Lennon compositions. They were making the record company so much money, the company didn't dare try and tell them what to do. And those harmonies, damn. A more perfect blend of voices I don't think you can find.

[@scottamichie]

The great Tom Petty cited this song as one of his earliest influences. The lyrics: “When you say she’s looking good she acts as if it’s understood she’s cool.” He said it really whipped his head around when he first heard it.

[@brandonboucher7090]

Taking those nice big hits after “girl” 🌴💨💨

[@JoeandAngie]

Nice big what?

[@clintonsmith5163]

@@JoeandAngie Hit of marijuana, I guess.

[@brandonboucher7090]

@@JoeandAngie passing the blunt? 😎

[@BritIronRebel]

That's the way I have always taken that sound since this LP first came out! Immediately my mind went there...

[@mofosoto]

Exactly. John admitted that it’s the sound he was going for

[@kimberly3131]

This song always reminds me of a big group dancing in a circle in costume. Maybe in Greece? I think it's the guitar. Anyone else feel it,? Everyone one starts clapping to the beat.

[@davidmarrazzo774]

I’m new to Airplay Beats. Starting to see you gentlemen have great taste. Time for a Radiohead deep dive…

[@chaosandcreation4118]

They made their own songs, but George Martin as producer suggested arrangements with strings or horns, which opened things up for them to imagine and play around with effects from Revolver on.

[@frankpentangeli7945]

Such a beautiful melody! Always brings thoughts of longing, melancholy and some sadness ... like looking out the window at gently falling rain. Sweet and intoxicating.

[@kickflipperland12]

Gotta love Lennon

[@RigoMuniz]

One of the finest Beatles’ album. My favorite indeed. I love every song in it. In this album the Beatles were transictioning to a new sound.

[@stevemarkwardt7252]

They were being inspired by Dylan while inspiring Dylan

[@papercup2517]

@@stevemarkwardt7252 And by Miss Mary Jane, I believe. Thus the exaggerated intake of breath/ smoke...

[@grahamharley4895]

You got it... little things.

[@aprilstewart5929]

By the time Rubber Soul came out, the Beatles had a lot more power than they had, previously, and it shows: a lot of the songs on RS were *not* specifically aimed at AM radio. "Girl" is a great example....and yeah, I remember the impact of that sound on me. The whole song conveys helpless, tragic love without having to say that much, lyrically- and it's beautifully sung, too.

[@CANEsPappa]

Brilliant. Apparently John’s response to Dylan’s “Just Like a Woman”.

[@STAMPER-DESIGN]

The Beatles, even at their average, are better than most. Harmonies that will stand the test of time - feel blessed to have been able to hear them. Great review, as always gentlemen, thanks!

[@mr.snicker-doodles7081]

Love the "Fiddler on the Roof" inspired ending on this one! Also Love the contrast between Paul's "Michele" & John's "Girl" such dramatically different writing styles, both amazing!

[@danmayberry1185]

Yes, wonder if their early days "on the continent" expanded their soundscape, even by osmosis.

[@mr.snicker-doodles7081]

@@danmayberry1185 I think that is probably true! I think they were literally walking sponges, in a good way haa. Great insight..

[@NancyMoran-r3b]

That sound that they make is someone sighing. It’s like they’re thinking back on her and feeling different feelings, like regret, sadness, longing etc. So many feelings that she evokes in them.

[@ianmarshall9144]

No i dont think so , its a breath drawn in through the mouth with the teeth together , in England it tends to to be done just before you say i'm not sure

[@cletushouse906]

Holy moly, I haven’t heard this in about a zillion years.

[@stephentierney9266]

The majority of the Hard Days Night album,George playing acoustic.

[@jmelio1]

one of my all time favorites. Love the music and LOVE John.

[@pookiemartinez1745]

after the success of Hard Days Night they got more freedom in the studio. John, delivering the goods.

[@johnathanstruble1064]

Harmonies that come once in a lifetime. ❤

[@gregpusczek4473]

brilliant

[@stlmopoet]

They are always brilliant.

[@wbl5649]

of all the many Beatle songs this is my favorite

[@Bassman2353]

George Martin asked then "You're singing 'Dit, dit, dit, right?" Of course, they were singing "Tit, tit, tit..." The boys had fun in the studio.

[@JamieBuckingham369]

they re-recorded over the "tit" with do do do demanded by the record company. Actually they were supposed to remove it, but instead just layered over top of it and it was too late to change it at that time.

[@curtisduncanmusic7645]

I'm just curious; did you happen to notice that there was a very subtle juxtaposition of rhythmic "feels" in the bridge. The band and the lead vocal were doing the swing thing, but the "dit-dit-dit-dits" of the harmonies were delivered straight. Same thing with the guitar solo. The lead was straight, but the rest of the track was swinging, giving it a sort of polyrhythmic feel. Chuck Berry did the same things in Johnny B Goode. Little Richard did it too. That's where the Beatles learned it.

[@joewicker8599]

Good that you give time and respect to The Beatles. As I was born in 1961 and they were broken up by 70, it is hard to impress upon the young how influential and important they were. I was not quite old enough to know the true impact. If you watch the Movie American Graffiti (one of the most important American movies every made so says Steven Spielberg) and know that it was set in 1962, (perhaps the first soundtrack movie). Now place the Beatles next to it and then you can see how fresh and new the sound of popular music changed seemingly overnight.

[@dianegardner7210]

I have always loved this song

[@JamieBuckingham369]

It's important to keep in mind fella's. "Albums" weren't the big thing in the early to mid 60's, it was about the singles (45's) to spin on the radio, that is where the money was - although by '65/66 there was more importance put on albums. The Beatles, were on a schedule to make so many albums per year (and this was one of them), they were forced into the studio to get it done for the "Christmas rush" - it wasn't like they had some key songs written, booked the time and took their time making the album. They had 4 weeks! Just off making a film and record to go with it, promoting the film and album, touring the album, they released early that year, they are contracted back into the studio, without time to write songs, and have four weeks get them written, worked out, recorded and produced for years end - they were treated like a product. Imagine if bands from the 1970's and on, had those restrictions and what their albums would sound like? It's insane when you think about it!

[@pauljohnstone180]

What makes great reactors is when you think a song is "ok" but you still recognize the skill and musicality of the artists. You get it Bro! ☺✌, PJ

[@kentclark6420]

This is probably my favorite John Lennon song, outside of A Day in the Life. Or Norwegian Wood. I would put this one in between.

[@edtekk]

Always look forward to your reactions.

[@WinstonWolfe21]

Phenomenal song

[@eltonjah5669]

Did you know on the backups on one of the bridges they are singing "TIT TIT TIT TIT..." true story

[@petervandervlies6427]

Never thought of that. Brilliant 😂👍

[@pookiemartinez1745]

known that for quite awhile

[@BobGeogeo]

Rubber Soul was recorded Oct-Nov, 1965 with a deadline to get it out for Xmas. UK release was Dec 3.

[@mumbles215]

That’s the sound of having a toke. John said it was that and deliberate

[@scottbaker5998]

A song which John later admitted brought him a sense of embarrassment. Very nice peaceful song which evokes a feeling of the comfort a relationship can offer, while all the while you wonder what more happiness you might experience if you were to move on.

[@stephanieo2509]

In his 1980 interview, he said he liked it--and that he thought that "Woman" was the "grown up" version of it.

[@TeresaMount-t9o]

A great song , I remember it very well, thanks guys.

[@stevedahlberg8680]

Love this so much.

[@emilymartinez6961]

Good morning Brothers, still watching you two and enjoying every reaction. Have a great day, see you tomorrow ✌️🥰🎶

[@AirplayBeats]

Hey Emily!!

[@hungfao]

That this album was even made and ended up as good as it is is a testimonial to how talented these guys were. They were still touring and basically had a couple of weeks to write some new songs and record them before returning to touring. Incredible!! This was also about the same time the studios began relaxing with what new things the Beatles could try. It starts to show up here and is definitely present on the next album 'Revolver'.

[@mevdinc]

Wonderful singing by my favourite Beatle, what a unique and beautiful voice. RIP John Lennon. 🙏

[@dougsusie2319]

Remember guy's, just a year earlier in 64 John was singing "A Hard Days Night", " Eight Days A Week" and "I Feel Fine". Incredible growth when you look at it in that light. I love this song. This one, "Nowhere Man" and "In My Life" are for me, the best tracks on this incredible Lp. This was 1965, only dude writing tracks like this at that time was Dylan. It's simple but has a grown up complexity about it. Listen again, it will grow on you, it's great and John's guitar work on it is great. George Martin said that when they were a week into recording this Lp, he hated it. He thought they had completely lost their minds and questioned just how much weed they were smoking, and by the way, a ton. John stated that during this period no one could communicate with them, it was all red eyes and giggling. They had insulated themselves from the insanity of Beatlemania. They could only communicate amongst themselves. Martin stated that which cracks me up. John was singing "Was she told when she was young that pain would lead to pleasure" think about that line. He said he wondered what had happened to his boys from 63 and 64. He then states that by time they finished the record after two weeks and he began mixing it that he fell in love with it and realized his boys were growing up very quickly. This Lp ended up in his Top 3 Beatles Lp's that he ever recorded with the band. These are Martin's thoughts, I'm not injecting my feelings into his narrative. My only thoughts were mine of what I feel are the best 3 songs on the album. I know I've brought this up a few times, so again. Before you move on from this album to the next, their single "Day Tripper"/"We Can Work It Out" is a must listen. This single was released as a double A-side on December 2, 1965 the same day as "Rubber Soul". Both songs quickly climbed to #1 in both the UK and the US. They can be found on the "Past Masters" CD or better yet the 2023 remixes from The Beatles 1962-1996 CD set, sounds great. One more thing, check out the single released between "Rubber Soul" and "Revolver" "Paperback Writer"/" Rain". The 2022 remixes from the bonus disc on the "Revolver" remix. Sounds incredible and "Rain" was the first Beatles release after John and George started taking LSD. A great track and Ringo kills the drums, one of his best if not best drumming on a Beatles record and Paul's bass playing is next level. If you skip these two singles, you're cheating yourselves, they're that damn special. Peace ❤❤

[@MichaelBrown-x1q]

Simple, and so brilliant. Even the breathing in part of the vocals.

[@Michael-Philip]

👍Beatles💥

[@Vidlook]

According to Paul, that inhale after "Girl" is actually John inhaling a joint.

[@jeffwatts1126]

You asked about their freedom in the studio, and was there a record Exec pushing them earlier. Well, when they made their first album, they didnt wield such power, and in fact the execs even fought them about them recording songs that they wrote, wanting them to only record covers. Anyway, that first album consisted of 12 songs or so, this was in 1963, and they recorded all 12 songs in one day. And it's a classic album. Most notable, if you like John's raspy voice, is Twist and Shout. A cover from Motown, but the Beatle version is the most notable version. In fact, singing Twist and Shout took Johns voice out for a couple weeks. You should check out the Beatles Twist and Shout

[@urbangardener66]

Hey guys, always a fair reaction. You have to keep in mind that when you did Revolver, then did Rubber Soul you went backwards. You can see the evolutionary wheels at work on this album. This is a really good song, and it grows on you with each hearing. They were also staring to play with notion of how all the songs fit together on each side of the record. Cheers guys!

[@CrystalMannequins]

Love the sports arena shirt man! lol

[@mikejohnson2127]

A karaoke favorite of mine. With the inhales, of course

[@teej0813]

There are many things I love about this song, but the thing that always jumps out to me is that somehow they blended a straight-eighth harmony part (dit dit dit) with a swing-eighth melody (she's the kind of girl) during the bridge. Who does that? It's complicated as heck to actually keep the two parts in time, but somehow they pull it off. Genius.

[@We_Are_they]

Hey guys don’t forget about paperback writer and rain. Recorded during revolver sessions

[@Jules-um4yy]

Love this song. Each Beatle tune is so different which is why they are the best, diverse band. Thanks so much guys for this reaction🧡

[@janster3000]

I absolutely love this song. I was 10 when Rubber Soul was released and I always imagined that John was singing this to me. One of my favorite Beatles songs.

[@NancyMoran-r3b]

Such wisdom from such young guys from Liverpool!😊❤

[@petervandervlies6427]

This is the only Beatles song I learned on the guitar. Love this one. It's about a girl, and I love girls. Thanks guys, for playing the GIRL song. 👍😅❤️

[@JustVinnyMusic]

Thanks for playing thid album. Most folks overlook it.

[@psychedelicpucho]

Girl is a top ten Beatle song on a good week. It’s never lower than top 20 though. It’s genius. It might require a few more listens to fully appreciate it.

[@JessicaGraham-is-wildwestjess]

Love this!

[@TIZWAS]

The iron steam release as a kid made this song stand out for me in 1977 aged 6

[@markburnham7512]

Great song, great album. I don't care for the panning choices, never have.

[@Friend_Of_The_Muse]

Rubber Soul (remember you heard Revolver first but this one came out first) was the first album were they didnt worry about playing live because they quit playing live do to being unable to hear themselves over the screaming girls. This is when they began to really experiment (also a little puff puff started to have its influence) and yes they were so big they did what they wanted with guidance from Producer George Martin. In fact they use to sneak up on the roof of the studio to have a little puff without George knowing it. This song sticks out to me because of the Bouzoukis which are interesting instruments often used in Irish and Greek music. As far as the writing...when they still wrote together they would often ask the other one (Paul and John) to come up with a middle 8 bar section of a song the other wrote. Initially Lennon and McCartney had plans to become Pro Songwriters for other people together for a living because they didnt think the band thing would last long. LOL

[@fidge54]

Love it when you do Lennon's solo stuff

[@joannfowler8407]

My first Beatles album in 7th grade

[@runningsuperska]

Amazing lyrics.

[@billadkins5150]

Being from a Greek family. It’s Greek alright!

[@Jude_196]

TOLDJA: NO BAD SONGS!!! Rubber Soul: BANGER ALBUM!! But, then: EVERY ONE of theirs WAS!! HUGS, GUYS!!

[@Sp33gan]

By this point in their careers they had free reign in the studio and this was generally encouraged by their producer, George Martin. No matter what, every album was going to sell millions of copies. For this album, they didn't even put their name on the cover. Didn't need to.

[@JamieBuckingham369]

Yes sir! By '65 (Help! and Rubber Soul) they went heavy on the acoustic. Their choice! "The Beatles always bring the chord changes that bring you home" luv it! Also, love this song - a hidden gem IMhO - its slick, smooth, jazzy, layered in R&B soul...laidback!!! ..that "swwwwwho" part is them mimicking smoking a J. Those double acoustic playing off one another at the end is golden. And Macca's bass holds it all together. I appreciate this song. The Beatles had to re-do the back ground harmonies on one part where they say "Tit" over and over again, the record company told them to change it - they didn't, instead they sang over it with "do-do-do" but you can hear the "tit" as well.

[@McQ109]

Chee for a second I thought you were wearing a Celtic cap I put my glasses on and noticed Magic looking over your shoulder. Rock On man thanks for what you do for all of us.

[@WilliamWarlick]

I've heard some say that inhaling sound was John taking a toke. Just what I heard. That was what it represented. I sure don't know.

[@themadcow71]

Loving the Beatles reactions! Hoping for more RADIOHEAD!

[@melissaford717]

Me too 👋

[@willblood7082]

Great reaction as always! This was one of John Lennon's favorite Beatles songs. He revealed in the January 1971 edition of Rolling Stone, that in this song he was, "in a way, trying to say something or other about Christianity" which he was "opposed to at the time." He explained: "I was just talking about Christianity in that - a thing like you have to be tortured to attain heaven. I'm only saying that I was talking about 'pain will lead to pleasure' in 'Girl' and that was sort of the Catholic Christian concept - be tortured and then it'll be alright, which seems to be a bit true but not in their concept of it. But I didn't believe in that, that you have to be tortured to attain anything, it just so happens that you were." Fun fact: As a joke, George Harrison and Paul McCartney repeated "tit" on the backing vocals. Most people don't notice it or think they are singing something more innocent.

[@scottmathiasen5981]

The sharp inhale was supposed to mimic smoking a joint.

[@johnfirth6541]

you NEED to go from their first to last album, just like you are doing with LZ. Of course they have lots of acoustic, but this album was a major musical shift away from their first 4 albums. To see where they came from, how the grew snd developed, and how and when and why they influenced almost all subsequent bands and a majority of their contemporaries. Please don't just flit around on their music - start from the beginning. You will not be disappointed!

[@christianmarler2253]

Perfect reaction and review.

[@dgator3599]

This song is awesome! The inhale through the teeth omg, such a guy thing :) ...this entire album is fire!!

[@steveayres49]

One of my faves

[@donlawson3330]

Did you notice what they were singing in rhe background during the bridge?

[@ajmackin]

Rolling Stones - Emotional Rescue

[@DavidJacobsvo]

You want an off the wall but great song? Hey Bulldog. Trust me.

[@davidwilkins5932]

An easy second from me.

[@WilliamWarlick]

I love the video, a classic, and about my favorite!

[@edwardcapobianco2975]

@@DavidJacobsvo David you are right on the money.. a great Johnny Johnson piano type lick( the genius behind Chuck Berry music) all Chuck Berry guitar riffs are piano based riffs and Johnny Johnson was a prodigy at 4 yrs old. He was in Chucks band and Berry stole all his music and gave him nothing. Johnson was the genius , the machine who made it run. John Lennon was inspired by Johnny Johnson riff and wrote Hey Bulldog. Originally it was titled ,you can talk to me!!

[@Bud-k6c]

One of my favorite Beatles tunes. That riff!

[@Fulcrum_28]

Please do

[@timkeough2695]

I would think that Girl is much more than just an okay song

[@DJ-bj8ku]

You can draw a straight line from Girl to Lennon’s Woman.

[@ML-un1oi]

Beautiful song!!Excellent reaction, fellas 👏

[@ed2kou1]

The Beatles are rapping lol. They did in the I am the walrus too! Beatles just phenomenal and so ahead of their time. Today no one has caught up to them and NO one ever will.

[@zunbake3]

When I really want to practice on my Guitar, I breakout the Beatles' Progressions.

[@christinemorgen4441]

❤

[@sigil5772]

Swung against straight rhythms... gets a little bit Greek dance at the end! But if you listen to John's vocal, he's playing both sides of that equation, very subtly, almost Frank Sinatra-level instincts

[@davidmarrazzo774]

Helter Skelter would be a great song to react to. Screaming John Lennon. Fantastic song

[@madamzajj980]

Helter Skelter is Paul's song.

[@AP-gb3eh]

Great album ☮️

[@MikeOstrowski-iq8wf]

…..you all need to do double shots,tracks are really short ! ❤️

[@AirplayBeats]

@@MikeOstrowski-iq8wf we tried but the next song was blocked. It’s a pain uploading Beatles videos.

[@bobdelp2023]

❤😊