B9. A Beatles Musical History Tour - From Liverpool to Abbey Road, Part 2

We explore the history and music of The Beatles in a multi part series which incorporates lecture, audio, and video. In Part 2, the Beatles open their third U.S. tour before a world record crowd at NYC’s Shea Stadium in August 1965. That Fall they release Rubber Soul. 1966’s Revolver, released just before their final tour, showed even greater studio experimentation, sophisticated songwriting, and an expanded repertoire of musical styles:  “Love You Too” (all Indian instruments), “Eleanor Rigby” (strings), and “Tomorrow Never Knows” (tape loops). These songs were never publicly performed. Part 2 concludes with “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band”. 

Participation is encouraged with discussions, polls, etc. There are suggested readings for enrichment and playlists accompanying each session.

Optional Reading: Long and Winding Roads: The Evolving Artistry of the Beatles, Revised Edition, Publisher: Bloomsbury Academic (Kindle or Paperback)