Is STRAWBERRY FIELDS the Beatles best song? - Blow Up the Song, Ep.8

[@Kermit_T_Frog]

The KZbin algorithm took its sweet time, but I am most grateful that it introduced me to another one of your fine Beatles clips. Will say it again. The BEST Beatles content on KZbin. And I enjoy them all the more with repeated listenings.

[@RobertCassard]

Welcome back, Kermit. I'm glad this came to you in due time!

[@joegrant413]

Most of them, yes! Still have George H and Ringo left.

[@stevebiesiadabada6669]

John Lennon is my favorite forever, Strawberryfields, my number one forever,,thank you for this video, means so much, Steve

[@RobertCassard]

You're very welcome, Steve. Since SFF is your all-time #1, I hope I did it justice!

[@erniericardo8140]

Thank You Mr. Cassard!!!

[@RobertCassard]

Thank YOU, Ernie!! Your contribution is much appreciated!

[@georgephillips1263]

Brilliant as usual. I was 19 when this record was released and I bought it that day. It grabs you in a way you can't explain and worms its way into your mind and never leaves. I could easily put it on repeat for a day after all these years. It never ages. When you analyse it (as many others have) it's as if you haven't heard it before and you can't ever give it justice. It's so frustrating trying to express the brilliance of this masterpiece. Thanks again for sharing your thoughts.

[@RobertCassard]

I know exactly what you mean, George. It seems everyone has analyzed Strawberry Fields, but there’s always more to say!

[@NediSafa]

My favorite song of ALL TIME!

[@RobertCassard]

It's right up there for me, too, Nedi. Lots more Beatles-related content for your enjoyment: What the Beatles Taught Me - Complete Playlist plus bonus videos kzbin.info/aero/PLJUm5NcjSm4h46M-IlNy7xudjxDz8rCZT

[@NediSafa]

@@RobertCassard thanks for the reply and I love your voice!

[@RobertCassard]

@@NediSafa Thank you! You might enjoy my version of John Lennon's song Julia from the White Album: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pZSVYq2deNOhorM I also made a video showing how I arranged and recorded it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rl7UeqtjnNKgitk

[@blackfinjrblackfinjr3555]

They will never ever ever be equaled in my book. It will just never, in today’s musical scene, be able to be done again. Thank you on the VERY well done video!!

[@RobertCassard]

It's hard to deny that, Blackfin. It was an almost spiritually unique and rare confluence of talents and timing. They were the first to attempt this kind of ambitiously adventurous songwriting and production. And it worked so well. I'm glad you enjoyed the video! Lots more Beatles-related content for your enjoyment: What the Beatles Taught Me - Complete Playlist kzbin.info/aero/PLJUm5NcjSm4h46M-IlNy7xudjxDz8rCZT

[@mrsticker2]

What I love about (mostly later) Beatles music is their ability to create a spooky atmosphere. Strawberry Fields Forever is spooky AND beautiful.

[@RobertCassard]

So true, mrsticker. If you like spooky Lennon, check out his Mellotron riff I used as a foundation for a new song: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bIe1f6OIjJx9jKM

[@JonNewquist]

The best part of this episode is seeing your face light up. That was fun!

[@RobertCassard]

Hard to wipe the grin off when you love something this much!

[@romaku1459]

That was one of the most enchanting songs, like many by the Beatles, that amazed and delighted my ear, which was used to classical and folk music at the time. Thanks for the background!

[@RobertCassard]

Glad you enjoyed it! In case you're interested, I did a video series on what I learned from each of The Beatles + their producer, George Martin: What I learned from John: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e52wnGZ9j62lg9k What I learned from George: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jouThaObarR2j7s What I learned from Paul: kzbin.info/www/bejne/h2rbYWyQa7ykqbs What I learned from Ringo: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rGXbe5eIZbutaqs What I learned from George Martin: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iXvRmp2LipeEoLMsi=UPNBlOKrfn-S5pHs Have fun!

[@mr.e8059]

Great job analyzing this and other Beatles songs, Robert! As a long time Beatles fan, from the early days when I Want To Hold Your Hand hit the New York City metropolitan area in 1964, I know these songs by heart. Even so, your detailed examination of the structure of these songs is enlightening and extremely enjoyable. Also, thanks for pointing out how valuable George Martin's contribution to the Beatles legacy was. Without George Martin's skills as an arranger and producer, I don't think the Beatles would have been anywhere near as big as they were, despite their innate talent. Well done!

[@RobertCassard]

I'm happy you like my analyses, and I'm with you, Mr. E. From what I've seen in the comments to this video series, Beatles fans fall into two distinct camps: those who love George Martin's contributions and can't praise him enough, and those who downplay or don't like the classical and orchestral elements and believe he was overrated as a producer. Thankfully, there's no way to separate their combined work. For me, the Beatles-Martin combo was a once-in-a-lifetime synergy.

[@joegrant413]

Love your song “blow ups”. Yes, this is my fav song by Beatles.

[@RobertCassard]

Thanks, Joe! Have you seen my series about what I learned from each of the four...or five...Beatles? What I learned from John: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e52wnGZ9j62lg9k What I learned from George: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jouThaObarR2j7s What I learned from Paul: kzbin.info/www/bejne/h2rbYWyQa7ykqbs What I learned from Ringo: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rGXbe5eIZbutaqs What I learned from George Martin: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iXvRmp2LipeEoLMsi=UPNBlOKrfn-S5pHs

[@javahead8]

Possibly the greatest single release of all time! Thanks for your analysis and enthusiasm. I agree, it's a masterpiece.

[@RobertCassard]

You're so welcome, Javahead. I have lots more Beatles-related content for your enjoyment: What the Beatles Taught Me - Complete Playlist plus bonus videos kzbin.info/aero/PLJUm5NcjSm4h46M-IlNy7xudjxDz8rCZT

[@zyzzyvacation]

A memorial was dedicated to Lennon named "Strawberry Fields" in Manhattan's Central Park opposite the Dakota building where Lennon had resided. The shrine was unveiled by then NYC mayor Ed Koch on what would have been Lennon's 45th birthday (October 9, 1985). You and your wife should pay a visit next time you're in the Big Apple. Keep up your excellent work, Robert 🎸🍎

[@RobertCassard]

Thanks for that info! Surprised I haven't heard about the memorial., I haven't been to NYC recently, but will definitely check it out on my next visit.

[@crisslastname9417]

You forgot to talk about the backwards cymbals! Thanks for the trip down Memory Lane. I still have my 45 of this. This is the period of the Beatles when I became a fan in my own right and my older siblings stopped being Beatles fans because they were no longer the "Mop-Tops."

[@RobertCassard]

You got the better end of that deal! I felt like my mind was expanding along with The Beatles’ music. They were my pacesetters and inspirations.

[@RobertCassard]

And you’re right, can’t believe I didn’t even mention the backwards cymbals!

[@winterplayz-robloxmore8478]

amazing video

[@RobertCassard]

Glad you think so! Here's a batch of 5 Beatles-related videos you might also enjoy: What I learned from John: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e52wnGZ9j62lg9k What I learned from George: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jouThaObarR2j7s What I learned from Paul: kzbin.info/www/bejne/h2rbYWyQa7ykqbs What I learned from Ringo: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rGXbe5eIZbutaqs What I learned from George Martin: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iXvRmp2LipeEoLMsi=UPNBlOKrfn-S5pHs

[@stephensmith60]

George Martin must have LOVED working with the Beatles. It gave him an equal share of expressing himself and his talents. Great combination of artists; Never to be repeated (sadly). 😊👏🏻🥂. Great job Robert! 👏🏻👍.

[@RobertCassard]

Thanks so much, Stephen. I agree! Have you seen my George Martin feature video? What I learned from George Martin: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iXvRmp2LipeEoLMsi=UPNBlOKrfn-S5pHs

[@marykolar7319]

Well done sir! Highly accurate info, plus your enthusiasm makes for a great video!

[@RobertCassard]

Glad you liked it, Mary! You might enjoy my 5-part series on What I Learned From (Each Of) The Beatles: What John taught me: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e52wnGZ9j62lg9k What George taught me: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jouThaObarR2j7s What Paul taught me: kzbin.info/www/bejne/h2rbYWyQa7ykqbs What Ringo taught me: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rGXbe5eIZbutaqs What George Martin taught me: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iXvRmp2LipeEoLMsi=UPNBlOKrfn-S5pHs Have fun!

[@syncue5411]

Good point about naming it Strawberry Fields vs Field. This was the Beatles at their best

[@RobertCassard]

I agree! Lots more Beatles-related content for your enjoyment: What the Beatles Taught Me - Complete Playlist plus bonus videos kzbin.info/aero/PLJUm5NcjSm4h46M-IlNy7xudjxDz8rCZT

[@eggman90]

This is a great dissection of my favorite Beatles song, and my favorite song of all time, period. It’s my ringtone. Well done sir.

[@RobertCassard]

Thanks, John. I'm glad you found this video and I'm happy if my dissection met your standards for your favorite song! You night enjoy my Beatles playlist: What the Beatles Taught Me - Complete Playlist plus bonus videos kzbin.info/aero/PLJUm5NcjSm4h46M-IlNy7xudjxDz8rCZT

[@wisamh1976]

What a wonderful channel.Thank you for the high quality content. Also great singing voice and guitar playing

[@RobertCassard]

Glad you enjoy it! If you're interested in George's process of writing and recording Here Comes the Sun with just Paul and Ringo, check it out here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mHWwpZSffZuHiqs

[@deetee5156]

Thanks for all the great information

[@RobertCassard]

Glad you had fun, dee Tee. So did I!

[@johnbowers7864]

You're experience sounds very similar to my own. I was 10, and my family had just gotten a decent console stereo, and the Magical Mystery Tour LP was in our house(My older sister had bought it). And though I was already a Beatles fan, this album took me to a whole different level.

[@RobertCassard]

Same wavelength, John. FYI - Lots more Beatles-related content for your enjoyment: What the Beatles Taught Me - Complete Playlist plus bonus videos kzbin.info/aero/PLJUm5NcjSm4h46M-IlNy7xudjxDz8rCZT

[@TheCyberMatt]

Great video. Thank you!

[@RobertCassard]

Glad you liked it, Matt. Lots more Beatles-related content for your enjoyment: What the Beatles Taught Me - Complete Playlist kzbin.info/aero/PLJUm5NcjSm4h46M-IlNy7xudjxDz8rCZT

[@heshamhesham4893]

Unfortunately,I have just seen your wonderful channel today,many thanks for your efforts that make me how to listen and enjoy to my favorite songs.greetings from Egypt

[@RobertCassard]

I’m happy that you found my KZbin channel, and I hope you’ll find much more to enjoy and learn from here. you may be my first subscriber from Egypt! أنا سعيد لأنك عثرت على قناتي على KZbin، وآمل أن تجد المزيد لتستمتع به وتتعلمه هنا. ممكن تكون أول مشترك لي من مصر!

[@davidhampshire7723]

Thank you for this. I often think, superb that Sgt. Peppers is, what an even more extraordinary album it would have been if Strawberry Fields and Penny Lane had been included. Regards from England.

[@gilleslarose373]

Thank you so much, Robert, for this incredible analysis of the song Strawberry Fields. Your passion and deep understanding add a whole new dimension to the music of the Beatles. I truly appreciate the way you open a new window into their creativity. Keep up the excellent work!

[@RobertCassard]

Glad you enjoyed it, Gilles. I also did a "Blow Up" of Here Comes the Sun: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mHWwpZSffZuHiqs

[@johnclark1000]

Great show I love all the backstory… Blow it up yo!

[@RobertCassard]

Thanks, John. Glad I could "take you down..."

[@raosborn9]

I read about the "two take splice" years ago and it's easy to say it now but as a teen in the early 70's my "ear" knew that something was going on at the splice point. I remember thinking that his voice sound different from the beginning, slowed down.

[@RobertCassard]

I heard that, too. And it felt so dream-like. Beck slows down his vocals on some tracks and it has a similar vibe. Since you're into the Beatles, you might enjoy my "What I Learned From" series, in case you haven't seen them: What I learned from John: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e52wnGZ9j62lg9k What I learned from George: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jouThaObarR2j7s What I learned from Paul: kzbin.info/www/bejne/h2rbYWyQa7ykqbs What I learned from Ringo: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rGXbe5eIZbutaqs What I learned from George Martin: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iXvRmp2LipeEoLMsi=UPNBlOKrfn-S5pHs

[@horowizard]

At 3:39 actually Strawberry Fields Forever and Penny Lane were album cuts for the U.S. release of Magical Mystery Tour, which became so popular that they were importing them into Britain.

[@RobertCassard]

Yes they were. As an American myself, I loved the US version of the Magical Mystery Tour LP, largely because it included Penny Lane and Strawberry Fields. I’m not surprised that some Brits wanted that LP instead of the single and EP.

[@jpducati916]

Great job

[@RobertCassard]

Thank you, Jedi Master! I also did a series about what I learned from each of the Beatles. Have you seen them? What I learned from John: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e52wnGZ9j62lg9k What I learned from George: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jouThaObarR2j7s What I learned from Paul: kzbin.info/www/bejne/h2rbYWyQa7ykqbs What I learned from Ringo: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rGXbe5eIZbutaqs What I learned from George Martin: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iXvRmp2LipeEoLMsi=UPNBlOKrfn-S5pHs

[@magsterz123]

I love this video. It’s like an auditory counterpart to the little essays in “Revolution in the head“ by Ian MacDonald that describes each Beatles track in order of their recording.

[@RobertCassard]

I haven’t read that, but it sounds excellent. I’ll take it as a tip to get reading. Thanks for the comment and compliment!

[@grimtraveller7923]

@@RobertCassard I would go as far as to say that "Revolution in the Head" is required reading for anyone that digs the Beatles' music and is interested in the morés {both social, personal, and technological} that surrounded the band at the time. "A Hard Day's Write" by Steve Turner and "Beatles For Sale" by David Rowley are very similar books that are also, in my opinion, required reading. Interestingly, "Revolution.." and "Hard Day's..." both came out in '94 {I remember buying them together} and "For Sale" was also written then and was due to come out in '94 but it never came out until about 2002. Right now, all three are on Ebay, really cheap. I mean _really_ cheap. Great books to read if you have a long journey coming up {as long as you're not the driver !}.

[@RobertCassard]

@@grimtraveller7923 thanks for these tips. I've read Mark Lewisohn's Recording Sessions book, George Martin's All You Need is Ears, Geoff Emerick's memoir, A Hard Day's Write, and a number of Beatles bios. Sounds like I have more fun ahead!

[@benabeast6450]

the orchestra at 14:51 is insane! would love to hear the full thing

[@RobertCassard]

So cool, right?! You can hear it if you want. I have the full cello and brass track from the Back-Track bootleg. As I explain in detail at 21:40, I share those tracks with my Patreon supporters.

[@cbrend22]

Excellent insight

[@RobertCassard]

Glad you enjoyed it. Lots more Beatles-related content for your enjoyment: What the Beatles Taught Me - Complete Playlist plus bonus videos kzbin.info/aero/PLJUm5NcjSm4h46M-IlNy7xudjxDz8rCZT

[@erniericardo8140]

Greetings Robert ✌️ Thoroghly enjoyed this episode on Strawberry Fields Forever👍- is it The Beatles best??? I think Its their Greatest song!!! right alongside A Day In The Life. -My first memory of Strawberry Fields is my dad having the Blue album on 8 Track tape back in 1973-74, I must have been 3 or 4 years old and remembering that he would always play that song in the car by repeatedly going back to program 1 on the tape which would be the first song on the tape. It immediatley left this haunting dream like song embedded in my mind for the rest of my life.- Also love that Beatles lore about John telling George Martín about fixing the two different takes of Strawberry Fields, There's a similiar story that I heard from Ringo saying that John came up to him to tell him about wanting a drum sound from an R&B song he had heard and Ringo telling John- "That has two drummers playing" and John responds- "I know Richie" " You'll figure it out" - Ringo just chuckles when he tells this story.

[@RobertCassard]

Cool stories and memories, Ernie. Thanks for digging deep on my channel. I'm happy you're enjoying it!

[@grimtraveller7923]

I once played "Strawberry Fields Forever" backwards and made the startling discovery that "strawberry" said backwards sounds like "Irreblos" !

[@RobertCassard]

I used to have a 2-track reel-to-reel and at the height of the "Paul is dead" craze, I was recording and playing every Beatles LP backwards to finds "clues." LOL

[@2424rocket]

Strawberry Field is my third favorite Beatles song… Number one is Hey Jude… Number two is penny Lane… Followed by strawberry Field. Tough to pick your favorite child.

[@RobertCassard]

Tough to pick your favorite child, but you've done it, @2424rocket! I'm glad that a song I chose to Blow Up is in your Top 3.

[@DAODEA]

As always, I loved this video. I think we’re about the same age, and the Beatles grabbed my attention at an unusually young age, also. My obsession with music in general - and its visceral, emotional impact on me, younger than the age of 5, was a significant source of worry for my mother. I’ve always been sad that she never lived long enough to see me make a living doing it. I have those same bootleg CDs. I will never part with them. I find John’s demos of this song incredibly moving. As you noted in so many places, the arrangement of this incredible song is otherworldly. But the music stands on its own with just guitar, melody and lyric. And it’s so odd that you drew the same comparison I did many years ago to the Bernie Taupin Your Song lyric. It almost “breaks down the fourth wall” in the writing process. Almost conversational. Truly staggering. I enjoyed every moment of the video. I might’ve mentioned was the backwards drumming, but I fully understand you couldn’t include everything about this track, as the video would take hours, lol.

[@RobertCassard]

Love your comments, as always. Yeah, the demos are powerful. And that backwards drumming. I really found it mesmerizing as a kid!

[@allancerf9038]

Robert: Another winning video. Regarding Paul's mellotron intro I can't paste a link but go to BEATLES John Lennon Strawberry Fields Forever intro and you'll hear A. John playing most of the intro which Paul amazingly "filed away" and improved. John is playing it in 1964!

[@RobertCassard]

Thank you! I found the video and will share it here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qpTSkoKOg7Bng6csi=2DozosDhAjlFbkIL Such a cool bit of history... I always thought that descending minor line had John written all over it.

[@grimtraveller7923]

I remember that Thursday night, around May 4th 1976 when I decided to put on a cassette that I'd borrowed that day from my friend's Dad {the Dad had actually banned me from their house, but he relented on this occasion because I desperately needed to use the toilet}, while I did my physics homework. An early postscript to the story is that I woefully failed the homework {I got a terrible result. I remember it, it was about leverage and I'd enjoyed the lesson}. I was actually quite good at physics {it was the last year I was !} so the result was a bit disappointing to me. But I just couldn't concentrate on leverage. Why ? Because I was listening to that cassette, {it was "Beatles 1967-70" - I've never been able to call it the Blue album} and I was being blown away by song after song after song ! And it began with Strawberry Fields Forever. I actually remember listening to it and I had to rewind the tape because I had never heard music like that before. I was 13 and growing up in England, we had the best music around from every part of the world. It wasn't unusual for a Black kid to be into White artists {it started to get unusual at 15-16} and I loved pop, soul, easy listening, classical, rock.....but this was something else. Strawberry Fields was such a weird song. I can't even describe how it made me feel. Just a couple of months earlier, there had been a Beatles revival where EMI had re-released all their singles and more that hadn't been singles the first time round in England, like "Yesterday." I actually recorded “Yesterday” and “Hey Jude” from the radio in April as part of the Top 20 singles show that the BBC did each week. But neither song registered with me particularly and the name “The Beatles” was just one of those things I’d been hearing since the 60s when I was born. It didn’t carry any weight or meaning or importance to me. All of that changed when I heard the first side of “67-70” and that that process began with Strawberry Fields Forever. That was the start of a love affair that has been with me for 48 years. I’ve done so much listening, reading, informing, learning, persuading, arguing and considering about the band subsequently. I’ve come across well-informed Beatle lovers, badly informed Beatle lovers, Beatle haters and a whole lot more. But I’ve never stopped loving this song. I never get bored with it. Every so often, I hear something in it that I don’t recall hearing before. It’s by no means my favourite, if I even had such a thing {I am the Walrus would be it if a gun was put to my head}, but I definitely count it as part of the upper echelon of Beatle songs. My favourite words about the song come from Ian MacDonald in his priceless tome, “Revolution in the Head.” Among numerous gems is this: “Though par excellence a Lennon Song, Strawberry Fields Forever drew sharp contributions from all involved. Apart from Starr’s indispensable foundation work, the main features of the texture were supplied by a mellotron played by McCartney and a sort of Indian zither called a svarmandal used by Harrison for the descending raga scale which pans across the stereo spectrum….Picking up on this Indian inflection, George Martin wove his cellos exotically around McCartney’s sitar-like guitar fills in the fade, his one-note brass fanfare {probably based on scatting by Lennon, McCartney and Harrison in the original version}emerging as the most exciting feature of a superbly climactic arrangement.” The Beatles at their best were always a unit, even if specific members did not appear on all of the songs. If the band had been “Long John and the Silver Beetles” “Strawberry Fields Forever” wouldn’t have sounded like it did. It’s great because it was written great, the band members contributed great, John greatly allowed, looked for, their contribution to his song and the production team engineered and produced great.

[@RobertCassard]

Cool story, @grimtraveller7923. So much of what made The Beatles music so memorable and lasting was they all the participants and parts "clicked," often as a result of true collaboration rather than competition. Everyone working at the peak of their powers but not getting in each others' way.

[@hw343434]

Lennon is the master of chord progressions; he laid the blueprint for original, unique inventive chord sequences within rock/pop music. Strawberry Fields, I am the Walrus, Lucy in the Sky….

[@RobertCassard]

Totally. His progressions were full of surprises but always sounded "right." That's a musical feat. Of course, Paul and George also had their radically innovative moments. Have you already seen my videos about Paul and George? Here's Paul: kzbin.info/www/bejne/h2rbYWyQa7ykqbs and here's George: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jouThaObarR2j7s

[@JJJJJVVVVVLLLLL]

exquisite breakdown

[@RobertCassard]

Thank you! I've been on a Beatles jag for awhile and have amassed quite a playlist: kzbin.info/aero/PLJUm5NcjSm4h46M-IlNy7xudjxDz8rCZT

[@JJJJJVVVVVLLLLL]

@@RobertCassard Ya yr Beatles stuff is primo 👍🏻 👍🏻 👍🏻 100% agree re George Martin btw. 5th indeed

[@RobertCassard]

@@JJJJJVVVVVLLLLL TY

[@johnfrewin7717]

Great content thanks 👍🎸

[@RobertCassard]

Glad you enjoyed it, John! I often think of you when doing these blow ups...

[@matcoffidis1135]

It really makes sense why it often takes a lot of time to complete an album, heck even just one song. John's songs did have a different flavor than Paul's. Especially his later songs.

[@RobertCassard]

The Beatles (and their team, including George Martin) really took Rock recording to a radically more sophisticated level. Almost every recording musician owes them a debt of gratitude. Did you already watch this?kzbin.info/www/bejne/mHWwpZSffZuHiqs

[@eldiablo8580]

Thank you Robert for an incredibly illuminating and wonderfully honest video. I am humbled to discover that there are other Beatle Nuts out there that adore this unbelievably unique and extremely personal piece of music. I've never been able to explain to people why this is one of my favourite all time pieces of popular music. It just is. I'm glad you feel the same way. Now as your video shows, you know a huge amount about John Lennon, The Beatles and this song, as I know you have done your research over the years (as have I). I wondered whether you were aware of this piece of unverified conjecture which relates to this song? Were you aware that John's Aunt Mimi reported her own sister and John's mother, Julia Stanley to the department of Social Services on not one but two occasions? It is well known that Mimi reported her sister Julia to Child Protection Services which resulted in Julia handing over custody of John to Mimi when John was about 5. What is less well known is that a year before that Mimi had spoken to Social Services regarding Julia in relation to adopting out Julia's expected unborn child in 1944? That child was a daughter that Julia had named Victoria. Victoria had been conceived while her husband had been away at sea during WW2. Julia had a sexual encounter with a Welsh soldier at a dance hall in 1943 and had become pregnant, causing a huge scandal within the Stanley family, let alone with her unknowing husband. There was no way that Alfred Lennon would accept another man's baby as his own and Julia's family decided the best course of action would be for Julia to give up her daughter for adoption. This was duly done and Victoria was adopted by a Norwegian Salvation Army Captain and his wife (Victoria's adopted name was Ingrid Pedersen). Now John had no knowledge of this as a child, so he thought, but he could never explain why he felt such an affinity with the Salvation Army home that adjoined his suburb Woolton named Strawberry Field. Strawberry Field was, at the time of John's childhood, an orphanage for girls. John loved attending the summer fetes there and also sneaking over the high wall and playing in the overgrown garden that was relatively close to his own home. It was a place of sanctuary for John, a place where he could live out his fantasies and express his innermost feelings and feel safe and pretend he was everything that he knew the outside world would not let him be. He loved that place. Now John was only made aware his mother had borne him a younger sister Victoria when one of his Aunts informed him of it some time in 1964, when John was 23 and already a husband and father himself. John was beside himself when he was told becoming completely overwhelmed with emotion and many tears. It was after this that John became aware, while experimenting in LSD, that he subconsciously must have known this "No one I think is in my tree, I mean it must be high or low" he must either be an idiot or a genius kind of feeling. He realised that he always knew about his sister, hence why he was infatuated with Strawberry Field, and this caused him to search for his sister for the rest of his life, and it was a particularly major influence on him at the time he wrote the song Strawberry Fields Forever. Part of it was his unconscious search for his soul mate, his sister Victoria, who he yearned for all his life. Interesting story isn't it? If you weren't aware of that please, I suggest you do a Wikipedia search on Julia Stanley, John Lennon's mother and you shall discover a fascinating and relatively unknown storyline that explains a lot about John Lennon's psyche. Thanks again. I'll subscribe 👍

[@RobertCassard]

That is an incredible story, Diablo. I wish I'd known this when I made the video...it does feel like an important missing piece, and could have been a major factor inspiring the aching sense of loss this song has. Thanks so much for watching and sharing. I trust you've seen my Here Comes the Sun blow-up, but if not, here's a link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mHWwpZSffZuHiqs I want to do more Blow Up videos, but they are very labor-intensive and my KZbin channel is a hobby, not a money-maker. I have master tracks from a bunch of Beatles songs that I really want to share!

[@eldiablo8580]

@Robert Cassard thanks for the prompt reply Robert. I must apologise for not seeing any of your videos prior to today. I must say I was extremely impressed by your Strawberry Fields Forever video and exhilarated by it at the same time. I have never seen your channel before. Tbh, I was searching for any videos reviewing Strawberry Fields Forever/ Penny Lane single and that's how I came across your channel. I am a proud subscriber now and thanks for the link I shall endeavour to devour all your videos. Thanks again, and may you keep on being inspired to make brilliant content 👍👏

[@RobertCassard]

@@eldiablo8580 No need for an apology given the OCEAN of content out there. I'm just glad you found my channel and I hope you find much to enjoy there. Cheers!

[@eldiablo8580]

@Robert Cassard yes, I am glad that I found your channel. Your videos are intelligent and informative on subject matter that is dear to my heart. The technical aspects of the song breakdowns track by track are first-rate. And finally, your guitar playing and singing voice are both exquisite. I cannot recommend your videos highly enough!

[@RobertCassard]

@@eldiablo8580 Thanks so much! Your recommendations and sharing with other music lovers are truly appreciated!

[@yrulooknatme]

thanks.

[@RobertCassard]

You're welcome

[@johndrowe5281]

Brilliant. This was my initiation to your channel… so my mind as well as this song is blown. I think we are about the same age, so we found out about the Beatles a bit ex post facto. There are so many things going through my head that want to come out this missive, even though my loquacity usually wins, I will bridle it for this initial meeting. I have so many books on, and about the Beatles, one could have a hard task, saying that I have about as many books on Christianity and the Bible - and I do. (My Christianity has never wavered, sometimes in spite of the Beatles, but neither has my love of the Beatles and their influence on my life… I am simply more “rational” than they were “famous”😊). I will truncate this meandering, but very limited trip through my equally limited brain by saying that Sir George Martin was definitely the “fifth musical Beatle” [imvho] and, whist I envy you your incredible bootleg, Korean LP, I have a very good DVD of Sir Martin walking us down through the (enormous) steps taken in 1966-67 to realise John’s “fix”. It may have been a bootleg, but I recall it being very accessible. Tremendous fan of Norman Smith, Geoff Emerick and Sir Martin, probably in reverse order, and of Mark Lewisohn for kick-starting [imvho] the deep dives into the previously locked vaults. If your gifted Team (your clothes/guitar strap never tangle 🤷🏼‍♂️) can take it, you will certainly hear from me again. Thank you for your obvious dedication to the truth and putting out the best product achievable with your team. God bless you and dive/rock on 😊. 🎸👨🏼‍⚕️🎸. 🫶✌️♾️. 🥶😶‍🌫️🇬🇧🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇺🇸🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@RobertCassard]

I appreciate you watching, and you're ALWAYS welcome to comment, John. I'm glad you find my videos interesting and (occasionally) mind-blowing. As for my "team," I only wish! At least for now, it's me and me alone!

[@johndrowe5281]

@@RobertCassard Uhm, … Wow!😮 Gobsmacked … 🎸👨🏼‍⚕️

[@grimtraveller7923]

OK, here;s a really crazy addition to this comments section. This morning, I made an omlette/scrambled egg type thing and in it I included pineapples and strawberries ! I've never eaten a strawberry before. I've eaten loads of strawberry candy down the years, but never an actual strawberry. It tasted really great. Part of the reason is definitely this video, plus a cooking club I help out with in the school I work in {we're currently working in the club with 8-9-year-olds}. The video has just had me thinking of strawberries. Mad, eh ?

[@RobertCassard]

I feel honored, vindicated, even thrilled, grim. You were inspired to eat your FIRST strawberry? Today? At what age? I can officially expand the impact statement of the channel to include culinary discoveries. Cheers to new adventures and bold flavors.

[@grimtraveller7923]

@@RobertCassard I know ! Yes it's true, my first strawberry at 61 ! I've always thought they looked unique but for some reason, I've always avoided them. I just never felt motivated to try one, even having loved the song "Strawberry Fields Forever" all these years and been intrigued by the band Strawberry Alarm Clock. I was a fussy eater as a youngster. I think I'm getting a little more adventurous in my middle age ! When I told the kids at the school I work in of my culinary experiments, they looked at me as though they thought I'd lost my mind ! But after, they began considering it...... By the way, have you ever heard the version of Strawberry Fields by Tomorrow, the band that Steve Howe of Yes played guitar in {in his pre-Yes incarnation} ? It is nowhere close to being the creative juggernaut the Beatle's version is. In fact, there are aspects of it that I've long found quite irritating. Despite that however, I like it.

[@RobertCassard]

​@@grimtraveller7923 Yes, I've heard the Tomorrow version of Strawberry... The vocals are kind of cool/interesting, filtered and EQ'ed the way they are. Overall, I think Tomorrow's version suffers from being too similar in tempo and approach to the Beatles version, and simply not as good. The recording is kind of dry, so it lacks the space and ambiance that made Yes music so epic. The way Steve plays the guitars is a little odd, too. Quite often, he clips the chords short, so it has a bit too much "bounciness" for my tastes. I say this with affection, knowing that I would become a MAJOR Howe and Yes fan just a few shirt years later.

[@rawsunnata829]

To me it made different meaning of the song because I know one strawberry field near my aunts house in suburban area of Moscow😁 It was an area of the war battle between Russian army and army of Napoleon in 1812 where lots of French soldiers died. Couple of centuries later we still walk through the light forest area there and find lots of the strawberries which taste somehow different then usual wild strawberries. And there are LOTS of them in there, really fields! And you can go down there too, because of the interesting landscape of that place with some ravines. It is real and unreal at the same time, but those strawberry fields forever. Just one of those lessons which foreigners did not want to learn planning new wars against Russia which may end up turning them into new strawberry fields on Russian territory…

[@RobertCassard]

Thanks for sharing that important story! So powerful to hear that the Russian Strawberry Fields have such a poignant meaning.

[@kevinbowyer4639]

I think you got there but the Lennon experience is ultimately his ability to take you where you found you wanted to go 😉

[@RobertCassard]

Thanks, Kevin. Or you could say, his ability to take you to places you didn't even know you wanted to go, but were so glad you did (or something like that!)

[@grimtraveller7923]

I want to make a point about George Martin. He was fantastic for the Beatles. It is highly significant that when he left EMI in ‘65 and set up privately {in my opinion, EMI were stupid not to give him a pay rise ~ it ended up costing them so much more money long term, both in what they paid him and other producers that went “rogue”, haha, solo} the Beatles chose to keep him as their producer. He helped open up their minds in the direction of new instruments which helped them in terms of arrangements, a much-overlooked part of the creation of a record. Would George and John have thought of introducing the sitar into pop/rock in 1965 if the string 1/4et and flute hadn’t appeared on the “Help !” album ? Doubtful. John said some really significant words about George Martin. He called him a translator. That’s crucial. Even Paul had some coruscating words to say about George M. He said: “When Sgt Pepper came out, the reviews said ‘George Martin’s finest album’ and ‘Svengali-like GM’ and we went ‘What ? What !’ It was a piss-off for us because we’d put our heart and soul into it, all this work, and not to detract from George, but it was not good enough that he should get the credit. I mean, this was not George’s direction.. However much George helped, and he was massive on that album, it was our direction. So I think there’s been a slight resentment, certainly on Ringo’s part, certainly on George’s part, on my part and certainly a very voiciferous one on John’s part, which was: Hey, GM was great. He’s a lovely guy and we all loved him, but don’t get the idea for one minute that he did it. OK, he was the producer, fine, and you have to give the producer credit, but he couldn’t have made this album with Gerry and the Pacemakers, so it’s not just George Martin. He knew those technical things, he was a great help, and we learned a lot of tricks from him: knowing to slow something down to half speed when it was too difficult to play, then play it down an octave and it would be absolutely perfect when it comes back up. And he did arrangements and could play the piano. The main point was that George was the grown-up, not on drugs, and behind the glass window and we were the kids, on drugs, in the studio. He was somebody completely different, an alien force really, performing his wartime role as the Fleet Air Arm observer from behind the glass window.” It needs to be said once and for all. George Martin was not the 5th Beatle. There was no 5th Beatle. Well, not after Stuart Sutcliffe left, before he died. It wasn’t George Martin, it wasn’t Neil Aspinall, it wasn’t Geoff Emerick, it wasn’t Allen Klein and it wasn’t my Mum. Even on Strawberry Fields, Dave Harries, whom only Mark Lewisohn notes, helped with some of the recording of stuff that ended up on the final version. And as the Beatles became more independent, George Martin had less impact. He himself, in Hunter Davies’ biography, noted that he was clinging onto the last vestiges of power, having held it all in 1962. During the Pepper sessions, when George wasn’t available to score “She’s leaving home” Paul just went to Mike Leander. During the White album and Let it be, George M wasn’t even involved in quite a bit of the recording and when he fostered his opinion that they should junk half the album and “make one super good album”, all 4 said “*^%£ off, George !” I loved and respected George Martin. But he was not the 5th Beatle. Many of his scores and ideas were him translating what the Beatles gave him in the first place. Lennon said it ¬> he was a translator.

[@RobertCassard]

Ultimately, labels like "5th Beatle" don't matter. But as a lifelong musician who's collaborated in a wide variety of ensembles and bands, I think it's a little too easy to downplay the role of a core collaborator like GM when, in fact, he made essential contributions without which, the outcomes would have been radically different. "Essential contributions" to whom, you might ask? That's where opinion takes over. For me, George Martin made core contributions to Beatles productions and arrangements that piqued and sustained my interest in their music. Even as a young man, prior to musical training, I MISSED George Martin's influence whenever he was excluded from Beatles music. "She's Leaving Home" is a perfect example. That orchestral arrangement is overly sugary to my ear. It doesn't hold a candle to GM's arrangements for "Strawberry Fields" and "I Am the Walrus." At the time it was released, The White Album was cool, but it was still a disappointment to ME, largely because it didn't embody the richness that the more consistent and obvious use of GM's arrangements had contributed to the LPs immediately preceding it. That goes triple for Let It Be, with the Phil Spector-commissioned string arrangements that rivaled tree sap IMHO. So for me, GM is the one guy without whom The Beatles were noticeably diminished as a band and recording unit. Their songwriting was still brilliant, but the production and arrangements weren't up to the standard of the masterpieces they created whenever GM was a full participant. Abbey Road is a vindication, too. The moment GM was invited back to participate fully, even the song snippets of the Side 2 medley contain an aura of genius.

[@grimtraveller7923]

@@RobertCassard “Ultimately, labels like ‘5th Beatle’ don't matter” In the ultimate analysis of reality, you’re right, they don’t. There were 4 Beatles. So it’s as ridiculous to speak of a 5th Beatle {outside of Stuart Sutcliffe} as it is to speak of a 6th or 7th or 112th Beatle. And yet, for over half a century, people have been talking about “the 5th Beatle” {it’s usually ascribed to Neil Aspinall or George Martin} so it obviously does matter to someone. What I tend to do as a person is look beyond mere words and look at what the words that one uses may be really pointing at. Why do people feel inclined to use that label ? There’s an old concept that if one repeats something often enough, it becomes accepted as truth. History is littered with proof of that and it interests me. Generally, I’m all about the tension of balance ¬> and the story of the Beatles is a good example where that is all out of whack. Some over-emphasize John and Paul at the cost of George and Ringo {George Martin and John Lennon are great examples of doing this}, some over-emphasize The Beatles in the studio at the cost of George Martin, Norman Smith and Geoff Emerick {and other part-members of the team over the years like Dave Harries, Ken Scott, Phil McDonald and Richard Lush and others}, some over-emphasize the Beatles originality at the cost of so many of the other things that were going on at the time that they cribbed from {David Rowley’s “Beatles for Sale” is a criminally underrated book in this regard - it should have been a superbly rated companion piece to “Revolution in the Head” and “A Hard day’s Write” - they were all written in the same year but Rowley’s wasn’t published until 8 years later}, you get where I’m going with this…...For me, rather like with a soccer team that has several exceptional players, an entire unit of players and backroom staff are needed for the magic to happen. Yes, without George Martin, there is much that wouldn’t have happened in the same way. But that is true of Brian Epstein. It is true of Neil Aspinall and Mal Evans. It’s true of George Harrison’s mum. It’s true of Pete Best in a funny way. It’s true of Jane Asher, Patty Boyd and Yoko Ono. And if one believes the autobiographies of Norman Smith {“John Lennon called me ‘Normal’”} and Geoff Emerick {“Here, there & everywhere”}, they never got much of the musical and technical credit they should have got, credit that went to George Martin. From the moment an idea is in someone’s head to the consumer listening to the song on their stereo/phone/CD player/tape/ipod or whatever, it takes a team to get it into shape, all contributing different parts. One quick, final observation. After the first couple of years in the studio, it was always the Beatles that said “Let’s do it again. I’m not happy with it.” George Martin contributed massively to Strawberry Fields Forever {only a deaf person or the world’s leading contrarian would deny that} but the fact is, he would have been happy with it as a song on an acoustic guitar and he’s said that himself. Lennon pushed him and his creativity to areas he himself would never have gone without the Beatles.

[@grimtraveller7923]

@@RobertCassard “That's where opinion takes over” And that’s why I really enjoy these kinds of conversation, especially with someone that thinks deeply on the subject and allies that with their passion the way you do. Facts are important and shouldn’t be dismissed, but opinions, informed opinions, are what make for interesting discussions. “For me, George Martin made core contributions to Beatles productions and arrangements that piqued and sustained my interest in their music” That’s an interesting one. I’m almost the same. I recognize however, the nuance in all of this. I accept the Beatles’ recordings as they are, warts, glory and all and I love them to bits. There’s only 3 of their songs I don’t like {“Thank you girl,” “This Boy” and “Revolution 9”}. The majority of their output I love and those that I don’t love, I still like although a few of the songs on “Please Please Me” are ‘meh’ in my opinion. You made some interesting observations about the quality of some tracks verses others. I really like “She’s Leaving Home.” I adore the White album and Let it be. I’ve never ever made a distinction between the Martin contributed songs and the non-Martin ones. For me, they’re the Beatles. And one of the things that I quickly grew to love with the band very early on, was their penchant for taking in {and on} the rough with the smooth. I don’t know if I come across as a critic of George Martin. I hope I don’t. I think his musical contribution to the Beatles’ work was absolutely fantastic and I generally enjoy hearing his recollections. But in all honesty, what Phil Spector did was just as brilliant on songs like “Across the Universe” {especially if you compare it with George’s original 1968 recording}, “I, me, mine” and yes, “The Long and Winding Road” {for years, my little brother thought it was called “The Long And” because the way the cassette label was written, he didn’t read where the title continued onto the next line !}. Hey, I could talk about this stuff all day ! 🥰 Funny thing is, I have never liked 👎all the remixes and remasters that have come out in the last 3 or so decades. I tend to be someone that, once a song has insinuated itself into my consciousness, it’ll take something so exceptional to 🤜dislodge it. If I heard a live version of a song first, and loved it, the studio version nearly always pales in comparison and vice versa. I don’t think I could count on two hands the number of songs that I’ve liked having heard an alternate version first. And so for me, Giles Martin will never be able to improve on George Martin’s work. Which is a whole other topic……..

[@grimtraveller7923]

@@RobertCassard "So for me, GM is the one guy without whom The Beatles were noticeably diminished as a band and recording unit. Their songwriting was still brilliant, but the production and arrangements weren't up to the standard of the masterpieces they created whenever GM was a full participant." Interesting view. I don't personally agree, but that's the beauty of viewpoints and I think it's better to trade viewpoints than to argue over whose viewpoint is morally correct as so often happens in online {and other} "conversations". If anyone could really lay claim to the title of the 5th Beatle, it would have to be someone that the Beatles themselves {or at least some of them} wanted as a Beatle. John mooted Eric Clapton, but that was only because George had quit the band. And he soon came back. Significantly, when Ringo quit the band, rather than look for a replacement, the band had Paul {Dear Prudence}, then a combo of John, Paul and George {Back in the USSR}, doing the drumming. But whenever George Martin wasn't available it didn't stop great work from happening. Personally, I don't think the production work of Chris Thomas, Glyn Johns and Phil Spector is in any way inferior to what came before, during and after. I love all those songs {except Rev 9 {!} and George Martin hated it as well }. But Billy Preston actually did function as a pseudo-member of the band during the "Let it Be" sessions {and he plays on "I want you - she's so heavy"}. And in 1970, John said that he and George {and using the Klein axis situation as a makeweight in the argument, presumably Ringo could have been persuaded} would have liked to have brought in Billy as a member but Paul vetoed it. But even __he's_ not the 5th Beatle ! 😂

[@RobertCassard]

@@grimtraveller7923 I really appreciate the insight and depth of your responses, grim! You're more of a Beatles scholar than I am (many people are). That's why I try to preface my opinions about things like "the 5th Beatle" with phrases like "for me" and "to my ear." It's just my opinion. I agree that every person you mentioned had an important impact and that, in a sense, nothing would have been the same if you removed ANY of those influencers. The reason I tend to emphasize GM's role is that I can hear his direct musical and auditory contributions on a large number of Beatles songs, and I happen to feel that those contributions elevated the songs and recordings to a higher level. I agree that The Beatles ultimately pushed GM as much as he pushed them.

[@evertschut]

I owned maybe 2 or 3 singles by the time Sgt Pepper came out (CCR and Simon & Garfunkel I think). My grandparents wanted to give my 3 brothers and I a present (together: yes these were other times) and my older brother came up with the idea of buying Sgt. Peppers. I liked the Beatles so I agreed, but I must admit it sounded very strange to me as a 10 year old. Luckily I persevered and it became one of my all-time favourite albums. After that I never bought singles again. The consequence: I sort of missed Strawberry fields as an early influence. Of course I knew the song as I know almost all Beatles songs, but not until recent years have I become aware of how amazing this song is. Thanks for this excellent analysis. In particular because you seem to know your musicology, but approach it from the point of view of the Beatles who did all this from their innate musicality and evolution as musicians. I wonder: can an analytical musicologist also be a creative composer? I somehow doubt that 😉. I like the way you show how this was at first nothing but a couple of chords played on Johns guitar. Granted, these were chords that you usually don’t hear together in a song, but I love how you show the way this turned into this amazing composition.

[@RobertCassard]

Did you grow up in the UK or US, Evert? As an American, I got exposed to Strawberry Fields through the US release of the Magical Mystery Tour LP, which included both Penny Lane and Strawberry.

[@evertschut]

@@RobertCassard hah, there are more countries on this planet ;). I was born in the Netherlands, but moved around quite a loet. By mid 60’s I was living in Australia. I think Australia at the time was still a faithful follower of the British commonwealth.

[@RobertCassard]

@@evertschut Indeed there are! You probably received British pressings or Aussie pressings that contained the same tracks. In the US, Beatles content had been butchered and reassembled up until Sgt. Pepper. Then came the extended US version of Magical Mystery Tour. For my money, it's a far richer album than the British EP. I loved having Strawberry Fields and Penny Lane on that LP!

[@mikeciresi3697]

What software did you use to isolate the tracks? I've been wanting to do that with a cd that I released. This song has always intrigued me, the way the song was produced and engineered this song was beyond amazing. Once again it took people with a willingness to think outside the box and a strong belief in The Beatles; everything about them was a team effort. Most people really don't understand how creative they had to be with a minimal amount of technology compared to this day...even five years after 1967. I think this video is important for young kids or any musician for that matter,

[@RobertCassard]

Thank you, Mike. I agree that the level of creativity was very high on many Beatles records…and you’re so right about the team. Regarding the tracks, I get them from other producers and music contacts. I don’t ever try to extract individual tracks or stems from a final mix.

[@DAODEA]

I’ve got some stems and tracks from Abbey Road and Sgt Pepper. It’s fun to try to mix them and make them sound as close to the masters as I can. It’s also fun to mess around and make them different. Regarding extracting stems or tracks from a mix: With the new software Peter Jackson used … One wonders if that technology will be available on the iPhone one day. Lol. I began working in the industry at the tail end of 24-track, 2-inch. If someone had told me you could do this kind of thing 30 years ago, I never would’ve believed it. Nor would I have thought I could have an almost unlimited number of audio tracks, no limit to “outboard gear” and processing, and full automation to absolutely every detail - in a small computer in a home studio.… even after staying up to date with new technology the past 30+ years I m still amazed. I’m rambling here - but that makes me admire George Martin, Geoff Emerick, and the Beatles all the more. They worked so quickly with none of our technology.

[@robm2491]

Wonder if Robert feels any current musical group captures the talent of the beatles

[@RobertCassard]

Hi Rob. I'm happy to answer you myself! The Beatles seem untouchable for a number of reasons, including both their musical diversity and cultural impact. One band of four guys (+ producer George Martin and a team of creative recording engineers) covered a MASSIVE amount of musical ground, by exploring and often exploding genre boundaries (rockabilly, blues, rock, folk, classical, easy listening, acoustic, country, old-time, novelty, Indian, psychedelic, crooner, proto-metal, punk, and the list goes on). In quite a few cases, The Beatles were the first to take a genre and break down its walls, thereby expanding it or creating a new, adjacent genre. Also, the music scene in the 60s was far more homogeneous than our wildly fragmented scene today. More people were tuned into way fewer music outlets. For this reason, The Beatles influenced a far greater percentage of the youth population that any artist or band is able to today. (Although Taylor Swift is doing an admirable job of challenging this concept!) I love many newer bands, and there are likely to be quite a few who have levels of talent and creativity that compare favorably to The Beatles. But no matter how talented they are, it seems impossible to me that any current band could rival The Beatles in both musical and cultural impact. For a lot more on this topic, have you seen my series on What I Learned From (each of) The Beatles? If not, here you go: What I learned from John: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e52wnGZ9j62lg9k What I learned from George: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jouThaObarR2j7s What I learned from Paul: kzbin.info/www/bejne/h2rbYWyQa7ykqbs What I learned from Ringo: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rGXbe5eIZbutaqs What I learned from George Martin: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iXvRmp2LipeEoLMsi=UPNBlOKrfn-S5pHs Enjoy!

[@dougdoesall]

As a Beatles fan since their first Ed Sullivan (Yes, I'm an old boomer), I found the song incredibly interesting, but as a simple song without the fluff, it isn't one of Lennon's best melodies. The psychedelic/orchestral creativity is what makes it classic and mind blowing. George Martin has everything to do with this. I thought that and the Walrus to be sort of bookend songs....of the same genre and listening pleasure. Walrus is the better of the two, to me. That doesn't take away from Strawberry at all. I would never skip it while listening to Magical Mystery Tour. Never. And I thoroughly enjoy it. Of all the basic Beatles themselves contributions, it's Ringo's drumming that impresses me.

[@RobertCassard]

Thanks, Doug. The fully orchestrated version of Strawberry qualifies as the Beatles' first "tone poem" - at least that's how George Martin described it. I hope someday to do a song blow up of Walrus. It's my favorite GM arrangement. The orchestral score alone is a masterpiece. Not sure how many of my Beatles videos you've already seen, but here's the playlist: kzbin.info/aero/PLJUm5NcjSm4h46M-IlNy7xudjxDz8rCZT

[@dougdoesall]

@@RobertCassard I just discovered your Beatles stuff, and have been watching. Thanks for the link

[@RobertCassard]

@@dougdoesall thanks! Please share with fellow Beatles fans (and skeptics)!

[@slaphead8835]

If I had to choose, “Strawberry Fields Forever” and “Penny Lane” are my 2 favorite Beatle songs and without a doubt, George Martin is the 5th. Who else contributed more to The Fab Four?

[@RobertCassard]

Certainly no one else I can think of...

[@allancerf9038]

Not to be pedantic but in the UK Strawberry/Penny double-A side outsold Release Me by Engelbert Humperdinck but the rules were and are, you can only count a single song.

[@RobertCassard]

Ah...so not being a chart-topper was a technicality in the UK. In the US, neither song made it to number one. Interesting strategic choice to release a double-A...

[@matsfrommusic]

Great song, great recording. Dear Prudence is maybe a better song which btw is one of their less great recordings IMO.

[@RobertCassard]

Thanks for watching, Mats. Have you seen my blow up of Here Comes the Sun? kzbin.info/www/bejne/mHWwpZSffZuHiqs

[@anonymusum]

There´s no such thing like "the best" or nr.1 - we are dealing with music, not with athletics or sports in general. That aside - my fav tune is "Penny Lane" as its the opposite of an nostalgic song. In fact it was the first crossover song in rock history as it comprises a Bach-inspired trumpet solo accompanied by compatible vocals. Apart from this it has a strong melody and an interesting chord progression. All in all it feels more like a complete, finished song to me whereas Lennon´s songs from this era feel more like incomplete ideas or experiments to me. But ok, I admit it, I´m a Macca fan, so to speak.

[@RobertCassard]

I generally agree that it's pointless to rank songs. I know my own taste changes constantly. It was John Lennon who called Strawberry Fields his finest song with The Beatles.

[@walt777]

1st 👍

[@RobertCassard]

Thanks for watching, Walt

[@KatharineShaw-z8u]

'Strawberry fields' has never attracted the sort of cover versions other Beatles classics like 'Yesterday' Lucy in the sky', 'Little help from my friends', 'Something' etc, have done. Maybe its too complex to cover. It's a great song but not my favourite.

[@RobertCassard]

Interesting point, Katherine. I think Strawberry Fields is too personal a song for many artists to want to cover. Also the Beatles' final released version, with all of its dreaminess, propulsive rhythm track and orchestral touches, would hard to compete with.

[@RobertCassard]

Lots more Beatles-related content for your enjoyment: What the Beatles Taught Me - Complete Playlist plus bonus videos kzbin.info/aero/PLJUm5NcjSm4h46M-IlNy7xudjxDz8rCZT

[@KatharineShaw-z8u]

@@RobertCassard Agree

[@KatharineShaw-z8u]

@@RobertCassard thanks

[@tbeau6663]

Putting the SFF and Penny Lane tracks, alongside the A and B sides from The Beatles other 1967 singles, on top of the tracks from the official MMT double EP set, made the Capitol Records release a compilation...... the only exclusive Capitol album I like because it's such a good listening experience. George Martin and The Beatles hated it, as they did evey Capitol compilation release from 'Meet The Beatles' to 'Yesterday......and Today'. 🙄 Although not a compilation, ''Revolver' comprised of only 11 of the 14 tracks that the UK Parlophone album had.......it's just not Revolver without I'm Only Sleeping, And Your Bird Can Sing and Doctor Robert - all John Lennon songs, leaving the album totally unbalanced, Paul McCartney heavy plus three from George Harrison and only two by John. 😵‍💫

[@RobertCassard]

Good observations, tbeau. For me, the two American releases that work bet than the UK versions are Rubber Soul (the US version is an acoustic, playing-in-the-living-room masterpiece for me) and MMT, as you point out. Totally agree about the US Revolver being out of balance between Lennon and McCartney.

[@tbeau6663]

@@RobertCassard Hmmmm. I disagree about Rubber Soul, because it isn't authentic without Nowhere Man, Drive My Car and If I Needed Someone. Putting leftover tracks on the Capitol version from the UK Help! album recorded a good six months before (It's Only Love, and I've Just Seen A Face) doesn't fit. The beauty of each official Beatles release is that you can appreciate their musical development from album to album. Help! is very different to Rubber Soul, which itself is nothing like Revolver. Mixing up the tracks into compilations and ripping off US fans to the tune of extra albums with fewer tracks is appalling. I know the band and George Martin hated what Dave Dexter at Capitol did with their recordings. Lennon once commented on the dreadful track sequencing and I'm with him on that. There was no thought given to them at all.

[@RobertCassard]

@@tbeau6663 I totally understand where you’re coming from. I remember when I first encountered the UK versions, it was revealing to experience the correct sequencing of their songwriting evolution. Capitol were butchers no doubt and most of the early Beatles LPs suffered greatly and yes, fans were systematically robbed. But I was 5 when the US version of Rubber Soul came out. Nostalgia is a powerful force, and I’ve Just Seen a Face felt like a perfect album opener to me. And like I said, there was a consistently acoustic vibe to that album I will always have a soft spot for.

[@tbeau6663]

@@RobertCassard ....if I have a pet Beatles hate, it's those Capitol albums!!

[@RobertCassard]

@@tbeau6663 I get it!

[@rawsunnata829]

That is not Indian but Russian gusli .

[@RobertCassard]

All box zithers are related in some way. You're correct that the Russian Gusli came first!

[@DrGerard66]

Not even close. But saying it is makes you sound cool.

[@RobertCassard]

LOL. So… what IS their best song?

[@DrGerard66]

​@@RobertCassard Depends, and you'll never get universal agreement. I can concede that Strawberry Fields is "better" in terms of musical merit than many songs I like more (for example I like "Polythene Pam" more. But is it "better" than Strawberry Fields? That's a stretch. ) But even using the most obstuse compositional metrics you possibly can, Strawberry Fields doesn't for me, come even close to being their best work.

[@carsonfran]

For engagement!

[@RobertCassard]

I don't know exactly what you mean, but it seems positive... so thank you!