Worksheet 22: Beatles 1965-1970
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The move from craftsmen to artists
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The Beatles’ sound changes dramatically between 1965 and 1966. It becomes more
abstract, creative, introspective, and with more diverse influences.
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The Beatles began to leave behind the pursuit of teenage audiences to become
more artistically ambitious and conceptual with their music.
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This shift in mentality followed a larger trend in rock and roll music.
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The move is initially spurred by Bob Dylan
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Dylan was pioneering a more serious approach to popular music. He had a
number two hit with “Like a Rolling Stone,” which mixed the lyrical
seriousness of folk music with a rock band.
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When the band first met Dylan in 1965, Dylan introduced them to marijuana
and challenged them to be more serious about the content of their songs.
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Rubber Soul (1965)
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Had a more mature sound that reflected the hippie aesthetic and Dylan’s influence.
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Unlike previous records, The Beatles devoted an extended period of time to
recording and refining the album.
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It was critically praised for its artistic merit, which almost no rock and roll albums
had done previously.
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Revolver (1966)
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The album pushed the boundaries for rock and roll even further.
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Used innovative studio techniques for new sounds
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Hit songs include “Eleanor Rigby” and “Yellow Submarine”
Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (1967)
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Many consider this to be the first concept album
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First rock and roll record to win a Grammy for Album of the Year
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The Beatles presented themselves as a different band, to allow themselves more
freedom to experiment
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Brian Epstein committed suicide in 1967.
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Many say this is the beginning of the end for the Beatles.
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The loss of Epstein devastated the band emotionally.
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McCartney tried to fill the leadership void left by Epstein’s absence, but there is
contention about this in the band.
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The Beatles released more albums, all to critical and commercial success:
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Magical Mystery Tour (1967)
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Was also a movie, which is regarded as an artistic failure.
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The White Album (1968)
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Abbey Road (1969)
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Hey Jude (1970)
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Let It Be (1970)
The Beatles disbanded in 1970.