Pat returns...along with Beatlemania!

Back in the swing of things! Returning from a vacation in Philly (and a minor head injury), I need to share my excitement with 9-9-09 being the return of THE BEATLES! Today, newly remastered versions of all studio albums (individual or box set) and the new THE BEATLES ROCK BAND hit shelves for past, present and future beatles fan to enjoy.

I am not as educated as I would like to be with The Beatles catalog. I won't deny that. However, I am excited to once and for all dive into their music further and become more familiar with arugably one of the greatest (if not the greatest) bands of all time. Is there a good place to start? I guess the best option would be chronologically.

The thing that really boggles my mind... The Beatles wrote/recorded/performed music for only 8 years! 8 YEARS! Just think of what would have happened if they never broke up.

What I love about The Beatles is that forty years after BEATLEMANIA occurred, their music is still relevant. I am excited to discover new favorites through the new BOX SET. Yeah, its $200 bucks, but I am excited to take the journey through those 8 years of music. From the pop hits of the early years to the wacked-out, psychadelicies of the drug-years, there is gold through out. On a flight to Philly last week, I had Martha My Dear on repeat for a solid forty five minutes (the song is like 3 minutes long). This isn't really a post to recommend the box set or even the new rock band game (santa, it is on my list!) but merely an opportunity to give some props to a band that has been more influential than any other band in history.

I hope the younger generation gets hooked on the new remastered albums. Today's music is full of crap artists, their songs penned by record label staffed yuppies hired to crank out another top 20 hit. With technology where its at, its clear that ANYONE can pay enough money to make an album ( COUGH- heidi montag-COUGH). That doesn't discredit the song for being a "catchy", radio hit. But seriously, listen to some of The Beatles songs. As far out as some are (see Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite!, I am the Walrus, and Strawberry Fields Forever), these staples of pop culture are classics for a reason. I honestly believe every single person would find a hand full of songs they enjoy.

Maybe its the William Miller in me (per Almost Famous) but I am 100% transfixed on music from the past. I wish our generation's musical offering had more character and personality than boy bands and pop-stars. Even though I am a huge Justin Timberlake, Coldplay and Kanye West fan- there is nothing to compare to the rock of the 60's and 70's, punk of the 70's and 80's, Disco and you can't forget the hair band power ballads! Even the early 90's had grunge and gangsta rap. I sure hope music comes back around. Until that happens, I guess The Beatles catalog and T-Pain will keep me occupied.