Drummer reacts to "Back In The U.S.S.R" & "Dear Prudence" by The Beatles

[@DrStrangelove3891]

Back In The USSR is a fun song, Dear Prudence is a masterpiece.

[@thumbsaloft]

They're both masterpieces!

[@louise_rose]

I remember seeing a Russian band doing a great cover of this on Russian tv in the mid-1990s - yes, around here (in southern Sweden) the local cable TV circuit in the 80s-90s included the Soviet /and later Russian/ satellite channel Horizont. :) Many years later, a friend from over there told me that he band would probably have been called UFO. :) I wonder what the lyrics meant to tjhem at the time, a few years after the diífficult end of the Soviet Union, but also at a really rough time for Russia.

[@cjsm1006]

Back in the USSR is a minor masterpiece. Dear Prudence is a major masterpiece.

[@thumbsaloft]

@@cjsm1006They're both major masterpieces, that's why McCartney gets a fantastic reaction whenever he performs Back In The USSR! The crowds absolutely love it!

[@morpher44]

@@louise_rose UFO is a great band. Check out the songs "Cherry", "Rock Bottom", "Only you can rock me rock me", "Lights Out". The album "Force It" is excellent.

[@johnmavroudis2054]

Dear Prudence is one of the Beatles' greatest songs. Top tier brilliance musically, vocally, lyrically, emotionally.

[@williamstlouis3368]

I a 73 year old male and it is so nice to see a younger generation being turned on by our classics. So many of these songs still bring up strong emotions when I hear them and watch your reaction. Peace out.

[@L33Reacts]

I'm so glad to hear you enjoy the videos, William. Just know I'm gonna keep the flame alive. As long as I can. I'll be screaming this stuff from the rooftops when I'm your age!

[@gonzalofuster6491]

I am 73 too! Man, it was awsome to grow with The Beatles on the radio!

[@BuddyAkin478]

62 here and I got emotional as well, remembering how stunned with it's beauty I was when I first heard it as a teen Beatle maniac in the 70s. I'm still one - thanks for a great reaction!

[@mrnobody3161]

64 year old here. The Beatles often gave me a sense of hope growing up as an only child in a toxic, dysfunctional home.

[@Markrealguy51]

I’m 73 too,but,I must say,these younger people reacting,and they’re so many of them on KZbin,are more philosophical in their reactions than I am

[@P.Galore]

For those too young to know "Flew in from Miami via B O A C" refers to the original name of British Airways, "British Overseas Airways Corp"....

[@kimberlyhonea1466]

Why are they so good? Loving your reactions. I'm 56 and been obsessed since about 12.

[@Kerazen123]

I am loving them too. He is such a breath of fresh air! 😊

[@titusho2]

Me too 🪲🪲🪲🪲🍏🩵🙏

[@WendyDarling1974]

Dear Prudence is one of the loveliest tracks John ever laid down. And among Paul's very best bass lines.

[@taproot381]

He also played the drums as Ringo had walked out and was in Greece staying on Peter Sellars’ yacht

[@mevdinc]

John's voice and singing is so unique and so beautiful. Such a talent and so sad to loose him so early. RIP. 🙏

[@redadamearth]

No band has ever touched them in 60 years. I still see 17-year-old kids on KZbin having their minds blown by them. They weren't just once-in-a-generation - they may have been once-in-forever.

[@billalbritton4972]

Paul paying homage to The Beach Boys.

[@MrDiddyDee]

The potential for The Beatles was always there, but it also needed a very unique set of circumstances for them to develop into the phenomena they became. A bit like the development of life on Earth, it needed that particular mix of elements to exist. They were the right people at the right time. What appealed to us old fans then still weaves fresh magic for future generations to discover. They sit among the worlds' greatest composers, the classical music of the modern world.

[@jnagarya519]

@@billalbritton4972 And they CRUSH "The Beach Boys" -- even in their harmonies. "The Beach Boys" were California-centric chauvinists touting "California Girls" over all other "girls" in the US. "The Beatles" blew that Republican reactionary bigotry out of the water by going INTERNATIONAL WITHOUT the bigotry.

[@jnagarya519]

@@MrDiddyDee "phenomenA" is PLURAL. "The Beatles were a phenomenON.

[@garylee3685]

Paul played drums on Dear Prudence, too.

[@williamaderski9254]

The Beatles music has been rediscovered by every generation and will be for everyone to come till the end of time!

[@petejones879]

The Quality of the music the Beatles were putting out by this period of their career was absolutely phenomenal.. Which is why they are quoted as being the best band that ever was

[@WhatIsLife22]

The Beatles are STILL Unbelievable!!! The Greatest Ever To Do It, Period.

[@VereinPlatzhirschamHirschenpla]

Agree: Dear Prudence is one of their greatest songs!

[@AlBarzUK]

I agree, along with the other 150 of their greatest songs. 😊

[@paddymeboy]

They're interesting songs to pick for the drumming, because the drummer on both was McCartney, not Ringo who had got the hump about something at the time.

[@normankennith7919]

covered by siouxie & the banshees!

[@L33Reacts]

One of my favorites 🙂❤️

[@sandspurpatch]

Back in the U.S.S.R. totally rocks.

[@cmzeman]

Back in the USSR was a tongue-in-cheek response to the Beach Boys' "California Girls", with the setting changed to the Soviet Union.

[@robertsaul234]

"Let me hear your balalaikas ringing out, come and keep your comrade warm..." Back in the U.S.S.R. has underrated lyrics. The Beatles form of detente had a real effect on much of Russia's youth.

[@Y-two-K]

All these years I thought it was "Let me hear your bell-a like it's ringin' out". Even as a huge Beatles fan I guess I still make some mistakes!

[@jnagarya519]

There's an article somewhere online making the case that "The Beatles" undermined and brought down the U.S.S.R. And there is at least one video of a Russian "Beatles" fan's "Beatles room" -- full of records and memorabilia. And a description of the underground black market in "Beatles" music in the U.S.S.R. They had to be FLOORED by "Back in the U.S.S.R."

[@robertsaul234]

@@jnagarya519 Yes. If you haven't already, you should check out Paul's Live in Red Square. It has a lot of interviews with citizens of Russia who say the same.

[@MsAppassionata]

Paul played there as a solo artist. Must have been a blast!

[@russallert]

Believe it or not, Paul actually played drums on both tracks - this was during the period when Ringo walked out of the band. Like Ringo, Paul is a leftie who plays drums right-handed, so he could duplicate the "funny fills" that Ringo did. Both songs came out of the period when The Beatles studied meditation in India under the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, alongside The Beach Boys, Donovan and Mia Farrow. At one point, John asked Donovan to teach him how to properly finger-pick a guitar folk style, and soon after he wrote Dear Prudence and Julia.

[@lauraallen55]

Paul, George and John actually played drums on Back in the USSR.

[@Annie-hd3jx]

The whole world knew The Beatles. No internet, no KZbin just the greatness of these incredible musicians and all the love of us in the UK. They were the first band to break the USA.

[@jnagarya519]

The first big international connection was the British instrumental single "Telstar," which was a big hit in the US. "Telstar" was the first communications satellite linking the US and Europe

[@P.Galore]

The sound, the minimal production, the lyrics, Paul's bass playing especially,,,,,,the spatial open-ness of "Dear Prudence".PERFECT. Listen to how long they hold the background harmonies!!!!!!!!

[@davidwalsh7128]

Paul on drums for Dear...

[@lauraallen55]

@@davidwalsh7128 Paul, John and George on drums for Back... and probable the other song too. :)

[@Y-two-K]

@@davidwalsh7128 Pretty sure Ringo did the fills at the end. They are very Ringo-esque and I don't think Paul could have done them.

[@davidwalsh7128]

Ringo was frustrated and went on walkabout while recording DP..

[@lauraallen55]

@@davidwalsh7128 He went to Sardinia for the two weeks he 'quit' the band lol! Paul was critical of his playing on Back in the USSR. So, he wasn't on two of the songs (at least) but maybe did the Dear Prudence outro.

[@cyrilmauras4247]

When Paul sang this at his concert in Moscow's Red Square, the crowd went WILD!

[@L33Reacts]

Dude I bet they did! What a killer intro track to an album

[@heartoftherose]

What a moment!

[@dcg4mn]

what YEAR? 😉

[@polytheneprentiss1534]

@@dcg4mn2003 - Paul McCartney in Red Square. Even Putin showed up

[@theo9952]

@@dcg4mn Year 2003. At the time there was no USSR, only Russia. The USSR was disolved in 1991.

[@lauraallen55]

Dear Prudence is inspired by and about (the actress) Mia Farrow's sister. They were both in Rishikesh with the Maharishi and The Beatles in India. Back in the USSR is a take off on a Chuck Berry song, and a parody of The Beach Boys California Girls. Hope I can get up in time for this one! :)

[@johnsilva9139]

Yes, Mia was there with her younger sister Prudence. I believe Mia's short strange marriage to Frank Sinatra had recently ended and she was looking for some spiritual guidance to help get over that and proceed with her life. Of course, I don't know Mia and am only speculating.

[@jnagarya519]

It also references Ray Charles' "Georgia On My Mind".

[@philipberger621]

​@@johnsilva9139donovan was also there and he told the story on The Howard Stern show a few years ago. Prudence was in a deep trance and John was asking the Maharishi to help bring her out of it. Hence, Dear Prudence won''t you come out today.

[@daviddill5405]

Yeah I know that

[@John_Chu]

Paul on drums for both songs. Ringo had “quit” the band for several days and they recorded three tracks without him.

[@lauraallen55]

Paul, George, and John on drums as they all played in different overdub sessions. Took all three to make one Ringo!

[@ednieto05]

@@lauraallen55 I also read that Ringo added parts to the second half of Dear Prudence when he returned to the band.

[@lauraallen55]

@@ednieto05 I heard that too! Seems like it was him who did the ending, too, possibly.

[@ednieto05]

@@lauraallen55 Yes! Ringo used that style of drumming in other songs as well. It totally sounds like something he would play.

[@lauraallen55]

@@ednieto05 I always thought it sounded like him there. Funny how we get to know little things about how they play.

[@finngirl1313]

Mikhail Gorbachev, who was the President of the Soviet Union when it collapsed in 1991, was quoted as saying that the Soviet apparatus lost two generations of citizens because of the Beatles and their influence. Right on.

[@heartoftherose]

Lee - there's a lot more Beatles to hear, but Dear Prudence will always be in your Top 10.

[@L33Reacts]

The second that nasty hihat came in... I knew it. Easy top beatles song for me. That riff? Paul's bass? Just ridiculous. Lennon is a genius.

[@markwade2530]

Dear Prudence is arguably my favourite song of all time.

[@L33Reacts]

I can see why, my friend. That is one of my favorite beatles tracks just off of a couple listens lol

[@alrivers2297]

The Beatles greatness doesn't end no matter what album you choose. Dear Prudence is one of their best songs

[@jnagarya519]

Check out John's "Because" on "Abbey Road". Or go back to his "This Boy". The guy could write BALLADS as good as any written by Paul.

[@morpher44]

and "I want you (she's so heavy)" with white nose @ the end and abrupt dial-down.

[@aaronsroom1]

I'm 20 and I still haven't heard anyone or anything that comes close to the Beatles I mean how the hell did they do this in 1968?.... freaking amazing

[@jnagarya519]

It goes back to one of the first interviews during their first visit to the US. Asked if they'd ever break up, the answer was -- "When it stops being fun." They loved what they were doing, and their enthusiasm and humor are still infectious. It's all right there in the performance and the sly cheekiness.

[@user-gu7kk5zk2b]

Cause they had George Martin AND what about the genius of ELO Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin? Not so unique IMHO

[@jnagarya519]

@@user-gu7kk5zk2b At the beginning, George Martin was their "teacher"; at the ed he was trying to keep up. Otherwise, are you qualified to identify "genius"? Or is that a word you throw at stuff by which you are impressed without realizing that "The Beatles" kicked the door down and made possible all that followed? And: Jeff Beck CRUSHES weenie Jimmy Page.

[@allengator1914]

@@user-gu7kk5zk2b They also had Alan Parsons, who engineered Pink Floyd's "Dark Side of the Moon" mixing their "Abbey Road" and "Let It Be" albums.

[@benporter9363]

@@user-gu7kk5zk2b Yeah but all those bands followed them and all praised them. Their styles are so various and their influence is vast.

[@unclephil7650]

The Beatles were a gift from the Universal Powers that be.

[@jeffreythaw3333]

The Beatles were a special gift from those who wrote the simulation in which we live! ;)

[@hopeklemann1]

​@@jeffreythaw3333touche'....

[@L33Reacts]

Thank whatever it was for the Beatles…. We needed them! lol

[@brianemmanuelgrey9276]

Everyone loves BITUSSR, me especially, but Dear Prudence threaded my beads so way back. My uncle has the White Vinyl album.

[@ozmaile7938]

"It not fair how good they were " 3 great great song writers 3 great vocalist and the best song drummer ever ...and in George Martin and you have the Beatles

[@fineasfogg1461]

That’s what The Beach Boys said too back in the US of A 😂

[@jonmcdevitt]

Paul plays drums on Back.

[@ozmaile7938]

@@jonmcdevitt Yes I know I was speaking in general about other songs

[@matthew6427]

Brian had a very important role too

[@colindebourg9012]

You're right it's important not to forget George Martin, the fifth Beatle.

[@jnagarya519]

The local FM station played all four sides of this LP straight through, without commercials, with the DJ only announcing change of sides, for two weeks every night before it was in the stores. "The Beatles" were the world's soundtrack from at latest 1964 through to 1970.

[@pgrigg]

I'm 70 years old, and I remember the shock of Back in the USSR. They were talking like a businessman returning from a trip as if they were in the US, but saying USSR, "You don't know how lucky you are, boys." We had grown up in the Cold War and NEVER thought about people in the USSR thinking and talking like us. Then the Beach Boy-type refrain: "Well the Ukraine girls really knock me out..." It was absolutely mind-bending to think of folks in the USSR being just like us. Great song!

[@jnagarya519]

The song is also a tribute to Chuck Berry -- he recorded a song titled "Back in the USA". And a tribute to Ray Charles -- "Georgia's On My Mind". And their harmonies CRUSH "The Beach Boys". Those guys knew how to rock. But that wasn't the only thing they knew how to do.

[@AK-fz2vo]

We name our dachshunds after The Beatles songs. We had to say goodbye to Maxwell Edison 1 year ago and Dear Prudence a month ago. JoJo came into our family in February. We are looking for either Rita ot Loretta to be his partner. Thank you so much for doing this reaction. I will be 60 in 2 weeks. Back in high school in 79, I was called Beatles King.

[@JaniceChampion]

My dogs names were Abbey and Sexy Sadie

[@patriciahunt9818]

I love Dear Prudence. John's voice is awesome. He was my favourite member

[@stevegirard-voiceaudiopodcasts]

The Beatles was a miracle rising - with 4 hard-scrabble kids who had a great work ethic, inspired by US blues & rock, coming up in a time (air travel became more mundane, and communication was easier for people to cross-pollinate their culture and ideas -TV/radio & phones) that was much like a mini-version of what happened with the recent advent of instant communication and info via the web and phones. They got so rich (1st band to form their own record label), and so powerful that there was no longer the pressure to go along with the norms… they became the leaders of music in the world, and did what they wanted, & tried everything… while keeping their work ethic. Add to the mix a producer with an uncanny ability to translate & support their musical experimentation, using all his classical music chops, and the result is: “The Best Ever”, “Visionary”, “Most Influential”… and maybe the biggest thing is that they are still viable today, against better musicians, 60 years of technical advancements, and in a world so different from it was back then. They may be an eternal touchstone. So glad you’re listening to them!

[@yvonnesurette]

That has always been my explanation for how...good doesn't even being to cover it...but anyway, how good they were...they were a miracle.

[@edgarsnake2857]

Loved your reaction. Trust me, the shine was always there. Re-mastering is great, but if there were ever records that DID NOT need remastering, It's Beatles records. Going back and 'touching up' Beatles records is unfair to all other bands. The sonic quality of Beatles records is astounding. It's like watching high def big screen TV.

[@redadamearth]

Many other bands at the time were extremely jealous of the sound the Beatles got in the studio.

[@CraigCholar]

Based on what I have in my collection, The Kinks records from the 60s have awful production quality. Their songs are extremely muddy and flat. They needed a George Martin and/or Geoff Emerick in the studio.

[@TrudyTrew]

Must admit I don't like any of these Orwellian "remasterings". Something always gets messed up or left out.

[@robertsaul234]

They went to India to meditate and came back with a ton of songs.

[@cynthiaschultheis1660]

I'M 70...BORN IN MOTOWN, RAISED ON ROCK 'N' ROLL!!😎😎😎😎❤❤❤✌✌✌👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@keef7224]

Dear Prudence just builds and builds into that incredible climax in the last verse and chorus, perfectly executed 🎸💥

[@cynthiaschultheis1660]

Had a game when young, asks my something he "IF YOU WERE STRANDED ANYWHERE, WHO'S MUSIC WOULD WANT, ONLY ONE CHOICE" BEATLES ALWAYS AS THEIR SONGBOOK IS HUGE!!! AND BOTH NUS🔥🔥🔥🔥NO TWO SONGS SOUND ALIKE!!!❤❤❤❤❤❤😎😎😎😎😎👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@Turtledove2009]

As you are finding out, great music blossomed in the 60's led by the Beatles, which blossomed in the 70's. Thank you for keeping it alive.

[@buddyneher9359]

I'm another boomer here and I appreciate your admiration for Ringo's drumming. I wasn't really tuned into 90's music and "Dear Prudence" was never a favourite of mine, but you've given me a new perspective on it, so thanks!

[@sortehuse]

I also admire Ringo's drumming, but it's Paul on drums on these two songs and he did it so well that Ringo didn't have to overdub it later.

[@brianvernon249]

Dear Prudence & Sexy Sadie are the 2 white album tracks that I grew to adore more as I got older. John songs.

[@normj8026]

I was 11. Got this album for Christmas 1968, my Uncle hated this song so we played it over and over.

[@MrJoelyms]

Mate! The best adjective you used to describe the Beatles is "memorable". So many of their melodies, hooks and guitar riffs are just that - memorable. Paul once said, "You've got 12 notes. Let's see what you can do with them". Think about it; if you sing "Yes-ter-day", that phrase uses two notes. Everyone in the world can sing the next line. THAT'S memorable. Well done, Lee.

[@davidhanson8681]

Dear Prudence is a good example of how the Beatles could make a song with a slow tempo rock as hard as any of their faster rockers.

[@RobertRich-y6d]

John on lead vocal Dear Prudence

[@lynnfowler1784]

Best reaction channel for our awesome retro music!! You're great, thanks Lee!❤❤

[@L33Reacts]

Well shucks thank you for that… I appreciate it! I try my best 😎

[@lynnfowler1784]

@L33Reacts You're doing great, I love watching you! I feel badly about the other channel I liked but you are just so much more mature and prolific about these decades. I'm reliving the 70s and 80s vicariously through you.

[@L33Reacts]

@@lynnfowler1784 well shucks again, comments like that might go to a guys head! lol. Jokes aside, I appreciate the support. You rock 🪨

[@Kerazen123]

I agree so much! I love his channel so much! ❤

[@Turtledove2009]

Lee has a big heart, and it shows.

[@johnpbh]

I want out and bought this album in 1968 when I was 15.... There had been a big break in between Albums compared to Beatles release standards. And our last Album had been the game changing Sgt Pepper. Imagine how I felt when these 2 tracks started what was to be 30 track marathon. They had done it AGAIN.... changed the musical landscape. And I love the comment about indie rock.... We do keep saying how they started everything. They were getting back to their roots but still innovating. So glad to hear Beatles back on Sunday on youtube..... Keep on Rocking young sir...

[@36karpatoruski]

Greetings fellow 1953 person!

[@johnpbh]

@@36karpatoruski And many greetings in return.... Love it. Aren't e having fun re-living our wonder through Lee's ears and eyes,. The thing that we will never be able to explain to anyone is that when we picked it up we kew it would be good and we knew it would take us to amazinf places

[@marascusbomm]

Well there was my favourite album Magical Mystery Tour released in between Pepper & The White Album. But I get your point as they did make fans wait for nearly a year - which was indeed a record gap between albums for the highly prolific Beatles. Then again they did give us not a single but a double album of music, so all things considered well worth the wait!

[@johnpbh]

@@marascusbomm Oh that's very true.... But in the UK we got an EP rsther than an LP that was released in the states.

[@marascusbomm]

@@johnpbh Ah yes - the double EP! Too much music for an EP & not quite enough for an LP. What a concept. Either way still a long time between albums, as you say

[@shellihouge938]

I Love watching you react to the Beatles for a few reasons. 1. You get it, not everyone does. 2. I have been listening to them for 60 years and you bring a different perspective. I love hearing your interpretation, and appreciation for Ringo! 3. I get to relive the "first time listen" and that is priceless. You are keeping the joy alive for the next generation. ✌️❤️

[@gillwaugh7212]

Couldn’t have put it better. 👍🏼

[@pyms2787]

You reminds me discovering The Beatles 45 years before, when I was 10 : Same lightening strike, same apocalypse, same enthousiasm... Thank's for the journey to my childhood ;)

[@L33Reacts]

I’m glad you enjoy, my friend! I dived head first into their catalog lol it’s been such a treasure for me

[@Kerazen123]

Me too! It's wonderful to watch him fall in love, like I did! ❤

[@capt.k6554]

Dear Prudence is such a beauty. A song a dad can sing to his daughter to introduce her to the Beatles!

[@L33Reacts]

That's so weird you said that. I was singing it to my daughter this morning. She liked it more then me yelling "back in the u s s r!" 😂😂

[@L33Reacts]

Deaaaaar prudence....

[@blitztim6416]

Dear Prudence is an amazing song. Definitely one of their best. In USSR, the part you felt sounded like old Beatles was actually an ode to The Beach Boys. The sound of jet engines links the two songs.

[@richardfrancis701]

'The Beach Boy and the Beatle were billeted in adjoining rooms, and the Liverpudlian was sketching songs for what was to become the White Album. “Paul came down to the breakfast table one morning playing Back in the USSR [on his guitar] and I (Mike Love) told him, ‘In the middle part you’ve got to talk about all the girls around Russia’. Which he did,” Love is explaining. “So I was the first person other than perhaps his girlfriend at the time, Jane Asher, to hear Back in the USSR.” '

[@lauraallen55]

@@richardfrancis701 One thing Mike Love didn't ruin lol!

[@jnagarya519]

It CRUSHES "The Beach Boys" by doing "Beach Boys" better than "The Beach Boys" could. And it doesn't have the cramped closed-mindedness of "The Beach Boys".

[@hudahekizzy8402]

Sadly, no Ringo here. He had unfortunately temporarily quit during these two brilliant songs. Paul played drums, thanks for the reaction. BTW... Dear Prudence is unofficially my favourite song... overall.

[@jessicalee7119]

Ah, yes ~ the magic, the wonder and the Power of The Beatles ! I'm so excited for you ~ Enjoy the Trip!

[@gwil53]

Even if you can’t broadcast it, for your own amazement please check out ‘the Esher tapes’, which were their ‘demos’ recorded at George’s studio before they got back into Abbey Road. John’s Dear Prudence - him and his acoustic guitar - is stellar! His voice and guitar work really shines.

[@bradjenkins1475]

I'm really glad you mentioned. George Martin, because all of us from back in the time knew who he was knew what he was about and knew what a stud he was and he was an integral part of The Beatles.

[@jonathanroberts8981]

Martin & the Beatles working together is a magic thing that we probably don’t deserve - and yet we got it. Sometimes the Universe smiles.

[@Mikeluvdrums]

Learning the Beatles catalogue and their amazing history is a collage course you'll enjoy !

[@andrewcole3736]

Ringo got pissed off and didn’t show up so Paul is playing drums on Back in the USSR.

[@johnsilva9139]

I believe John Lennon once said that Ringo wasn't even the best drummer in the band when asked if he was the best drummer in rock.

[@petersilktube]

@@johnsilva9139 Never happened, it's some comedians joke. Actually John got grumpy with some drummers after the Beatles and said 'why can't you play it like ringo'

[@SomOsog]

@@johnsilva9139 No, John never said that. That quote has been misattributed to him and spread all over the internet.

[@SomOsog]

George also played drums on an overdub session, and John played a snare drum on another overdub session. So it was a composite drum track with inputs from Paul, George, and John.

[@StevenMichals0812]

@@SomOsog It takes 3 Beatles to do the work of one Ringo.

[@bassioelmucho]

Paul is playing drums

[@lauraallen55]

Paul, George, and John played in various overdub sessions! so, it's a composite of the three of them on drums.

[@BigSky1]

@@lauraallen55Only on Back In The USSR

[@lauraallen55]

@@BigSky1 yes, 'only' lol Ringo wasn't around in large part because Paul criticized his drumming. Then, it took three of them to make one Ringo. :d

[@ewest14]

@@lauraallen55Except Paul did Dear Prudence himself which is better than Back in the USSR’s drumming

[@johnpbh]

YAAAY Lee... It's Beatles Sunday on KZbin.... Woooo

[@yankeeboyno7]

Well, I'm kind of partial to Back In The USSR as my girlfriend is Ukranian and she definitely knocks me out!! Paul and George are credited for the drums of Back in the USSR and Paul is credited with the drums on Dear Prudence

[@theeloquentbaby]

Does she leave the West behind?

[@yankeeboyno7]

@@theeloquentbaby - Most definitely!!

[@theeloquentbaby]

@@yankeeboyno7 😀

[@charleswagner2984]

​@@yankeeboyno7The most beautiful girl in the world was a student exchange student from Ukraine back in 2008. I never saw a more perfectly beautiful young lady in all my life. She lived in Sevastopol. I hope she is alright since the Russian takeover of the Crimea.

[@yankeeboyno7]

My girlfriend’s mother lost her home to the russians and my girlfriend lost her apartment. They were forced to move to Western Ukraine to escape the bloodshed.

[@Richard2003]

Dear Prudence my fav of the Beatles all time!

[@charleswagner2984]

My favorite Beatles song too. Great song!

[@theeloquentbaby]

Thank you, Lee! Back In The USSR sets it ALL in motion!! You rock ✨!! ❤️

[@ramonarellano4988]

That was John's killer arpeggio, the vocal harmonies in the chorus are so beautiful.

[@HiddenSymmetry]

A Beatles fan since 1964, I remember Ringo getting slammed about his playing when drummers like Ginger Baker & bands like ELP, Yes came into play ( & today I still hear those comments) also I love John's minor /melancholy writing style starting when I heard Not A Second Time off Meet The Beatles for the first time.. you're discovering the most influential band in history..

[@lauraallen55]

Love love love John's minor/melancholy writing style, not to mention chord changes.

[@yvonnesurette]

Oh my, Not a Second time is soooooo amazing. I remember listening to it on the old mono record player and being blown away. And even in those early days knowing (and I"m not alone in this) something cataclysmic had just happened to me. I've still not recovered.

[@lauraallen55]

@@yvonnesurette One of my (many) favorites of theirs.

[@hoppers13]

Gods, I’ve played these songs so many times live and they never fail to hit the crowd right in their Beatles gland. I wore out three copies of The White Album on vinyl. So glad I was born in the fifties.

[@yvonnesurette]

Beatles gland! What a perfect way to describe what we've all been blessed with.

[@1953jazzman]

Dear Prudence has enchanted me EVERY time I hear it for well over 50 years!

[@mariaportengen2959]

The White Album, again a masterpiece. Enjoy it. Greetings from the Netherlands. 🎶🎶🎶🙋‍♀️

[@goonbelly5841]

The sheer variety of musical styles on this album makes it, IMO, the Beatles greatest album. It's the only Beatles album that I never tire of listening to.

[@charleswagner2984]

I thumbs up your comment because the white album was my favorite of theirs from 1976 to 2003 when I realized that Abbey Road is a crazy concept album. When I noticed what the concept is, Abbey Road became my favorite Beatles album. The white album is still a phenomenal album.

[@lauraallen55]

I never tire of listening to any of theirs!

[@2407paul]

Lots and more lots to come!! This Album has been my musical education, and the best thing about it is that it will never disappear and future music fans can enjoy it.

[@AnicetChvt]

Very great album. But I really don't like Revolution 9.

[@spreet65]

As a Beatles nut, I'm loving your comments. I can still listen to these songs having listened to them 100 times & still go... WOW!

[@Russ-gy7tx]

Again L33, Great Reaction and Review, You’re Tops! “Back in The USSR” was a homage to The Beach Boys songs “Surfing USA” and “California Girls”

[@Richard_Ashton]

Also 'Georgia on my mind' , albeit about a different Georgia. I like the Ray Charles version.

[@Russ-gy7tx]

@@Richard_Ashton Wow, Thanks Richard, all these years I've never tied into that.

[@lauraallen55]

@@Richard_Ashton Also Chuck Berry song Back in the USA

[@lauraallen55]

Chuck Berry song Back in the USA too.

[@jameskelly8586]

People today might not appreciate how clever "Back in the U.S.S.R." is. At the time, everyone in the "free world" viewed the U.S.S.R. as a dark depressing place. It was Mordor. It was some place you never wanted to visit. But the song is upbeat and Beach Boys -esque, like something you'd hear sung about the U.S.A. I wish they all could be California Girls. Macca's sardonic humour is cutting deep in this song. Every bit as rude and biting as Winston O'Boogie could be.

[@mrnobody3161]

Now ruZZia is everything that was said about them, only far, far worse.

[@tamifaulkner4103]

I agree. Way underrated!

[@sueprator9314]

Totally - thats it! I am almost 75 and never thought about the whys till now..lol.

[@MrDiddyDee]

@@sueprator9314 In 1968 Beach Boy Mike Love was on the same mediation course in India as The Beatles, and over breakfast he said "Wouldn't it be fun to do a Soviet version of 'Back in the USA'?"

[@polytheneprentiss1534]

@@MrDiddyDeefor real?! Now that I did not know. Hilarious!

[@bryanschuler7158]

Love, both of those tunes! Dear prudence has such a trippy vibe! I could sit and talk music shop talk with you all day long . you are 30 years old And you are gaining so much knowledge about the music of the 60s, 70s. Great review, Lee.

[@splitimage137.]

I was 6 years old in 1968 and my dad had this album, which I listened to a LOT back then... and I STILL feel like I'm still 6 years old with John asking me to play (along with Prudence)... which is... PRICELESS!

[@jenniferfoster1692]

That part you said sounded like the old Beatles is actually a direct reference to The Beach Boys. The Beatles were huge fans and inspired by their album 'Pet Sounds'. But the old Beach Boys before Pet Sounds. That section isn't a direct sample but almost exactly like an old BB song. Apparently Paul is using Jerry Lee Lewis for his piano and singing inspiration, too. Very fun song. Totally agree with you that Dear Prudence could've been made in the 90s!! I'd never noticed it before.

[@yvonnesurette]

Yes.

[@primalengland]

The thing about Ringo is that he was metronomic. He could throw in fills, but every band needs a metronome, and Ringo was so unbelievably on point. I’m an ex drummer who played with people who became massive, but even in practice I tried to use Ringo as a role model.

[@michaelzzzzzzzzzzzz]

Dear Prudence is way ahead of its time... its just a song that gets into my very bones

[@smffeb58]

Flew in from Miami Beach, BOAC !!!! Only Paul could fit the name of an airline in his lyrics.

[@lauraallen55]

I think it's 'flew' :)

[@jnagarya519]

There's a lot of humor in the piano in "Back in the U.S.S.R." And it crushes "The Beach Boys". And is a tribute to Chuck Berry -- "Back in the USA" -- and Ray Charles -- "Georgia On My Mind". And there is enormous humor in the performance of "Ob-La-Di Ob-La-Da".

[@Pokenoz940]

Just had 73rd last week! Can't believe it sometimes especially when I hear this music again.

[@jnagarya519]

@@Pokenoz940 I hit 76 last month. Oh, to be 20 again, with this LP new on the radio!

[@forwardpeace]

The girls girls girls part of USSR is a parody of the Beach Boys. Just another element of all the great qualities you've described in these 2 absolutely great songs. Satire!

[@gsparkman]

I would call Back in the USSR a tongue-in-cheek homage to the Beach Boys’ California Girls. @L33reacts really should react to that one while this still fresh in his mind. Hit it Lee!

[@robertsaul234]

The song's origin was Paul singing Happy Birthday (Spiritual Regeneration) to Mike Love when they were all doing their transcendental meditation thing in India.

[@forwardpeace]

Also, the idea "Back in the USSR" is a parody of Chuck Berry's "Back in the USA," and "Georgia On My Mind" is a Hoagy Carmichael song famously recorded by Ray Charles.

[@jeffreythaw3333]

Every track is essential...and there are many, many miniature masterpieces. All of their work consists of aural festivals that, at least on the scale of the Beatles, you simply do not find with any other artists. Yes, there are many wonderful recordings from the likes of the Beach Boys, the Stones, Dylan, CSN, Bee Gees, Pink Floyd, Cream, Hendrix, and on and on...but you just don't find track after track and record after record combining so many startlingly magical sounds. The Beatles were masters at musical innovation, recording engineering (with the help of George Martin), symphonic visions, and so much more that we now take for granted. They set the bar at the height of Everest!

[@maremaid15]

Dear prudence is one of my top favorite songs of the Beatles. I’m glad to see younger musicians getting into them. You don’t know what you’re missing. The backing vocals of USSR was the Beatles imitating The Beach Boys. You have to read the background of dear prudence. This was written in India by Lennon, and was written to Mia Farrow sister, who was on the trip with them named prudence, and she wouldn’t come out of her room because she was meditating and staying in her room, Lennon wrote this about that.

[@betsyab121]

I love the way the instruments slowly layer on top of each other in Dear Prudence. It adds such depth to the song. This song was written while they were in India studying with the Maharishna. The song was about Mia Farrow's sister Prudence, who refused to come out of her room because she was so into the transcendental meditation. John wrote it to coax her to come out and play!😊

[@alexkasper5029]

“Back in the USSR” came about because Paul wanted to write a Beach Boys song. That context just makes the song so much better not just bc it’s hilarious how he chose to use the usual Beach Boys tropes, but bc it’s also manages to be on par with the best Beach Boys songs (IMO). That is how good they were!! And then you have “Dear Prudence” which is a masterpiece and one of the most underrated Beatles songs purely bc they wrote so many amazing songs that some of them aren’t as well known. With any other band “Dear Prudence” would have been a massive song, that is a testament to how great they were. It is such a joy actually diving into The Beatles albums bc there are so many gems that aren’t as well known to non-fans. These two songs are great examples of their incredible skill and how they approached their songs with humor (bc the origin of “Dear Prudence” was that it was written for Mia Farrow’s sister who was having a bad trip when they were in India and wouldn’t come out of a closet so they were trying to get her to come out and play :) )

[@kweile4339]

Love Dear Prudence! Looking forward to Rocky! Happy Sunday!

[@rickenbackerboy4123]

Love watching your reaction because it mirrors our reaction every time the first notes of the latest Beatle release would pour out of the radio. "And Your Bird Can Sing" ... ""Ticket To Ride" ... "Eleanor Rigby" ... "It's All Too Much" ... on and on. Our reaction was always "Omg what'll these guys do NEXT!!" ❤

[@barbarjinx3802]

Dear Prudence is one of my favorites. If I had a daughter I was leaning towards Prudence.

[@dcg4mn]

[I always thought the nickname Pru was really cool too]😏

[@kathykaye272]

Back in the USSR is one of my favourite Beatles songs,....love the lyrics. Thanks for playing it.

[@junkersish]

Do some early Beatles...A Hard Days Night has attitude and had tremendous impact at the time

[@dizzypilots2639]

Yep, Beatles. As a huge Ringo fan, both tracks are actually Paul on drums. This was the short period where Ringo had quit briefly, took a vacation and then came back.

[@stlmopoet]

Always fun to hear/see you enjoy music.

[@theeloquentbaby]

Lee, the melancholy and joy together do hit hard… John and Beatles encouragement to come out and live… John’s guitar is LOVE ❤️

[@theeloquentbaby]

Paul’s bass is kind of like an up and down…. And his piano is so joyous

[@Paul-vu9vo]

Its so true of the last comment by Louis. Great to see a generation of today appreciate the Beatles. For me also who was bought up on the Beatles as a 9 year old, it is somewhat emotional to hear it again.

[@joshuadeshaies7266]

Dear Prudence is such a powerful song!! Beautiful song from these icons. Rest in Peace John and George

[@edwardhubschman3610]

L33, from your very first Beatles reaction we old fogies told you that you were starting a dive down the rabbit hole of the best band ever. You may have thought we were being hyperbolic then, but by this point you seem to be a true believer. I hope you have as many years enjoying their brilliance as I’ve had, and if so you’ll live a very long life. Thanks for the thoroughly enjoyable reaction!

[@L33Reacts]

Y’all weren’t kidding in the slightest. My favorite rabbit hole ever on this channel ❤️they are incredible. I’m so glad I took the dive. I appreciate the kind words, my friend. Thank you for watching 🙏

[@SnoopySnoops1]

Prudence is so good...

[@flickwtchr]

Dear Prudence has always been one of my favorites, among so many. Really great reaction, good communication.

[@Jude_196]

The Beatles: PRICELESS TREASURE!!! Hugs, Lee! THANKS for the REACTIONS!!

[@Kerazen123]

I love that youre doing the whole album on Patreon. Glad to be a member of your wonderful community!

[@benjablonsky1676]

I think BACK in the USSR was an ode at The Beach Boys with the background harmonies