DM's Beatles forums
Beatles forums => Polls => Topic started by: Fool_on_the_Hill on February 17, 2004, 11:16:04 AM
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Since both of these songs are on Magical Mistery Tour and since i like them both, i usually try to choose which one is better. As always i can't make up my mind, so i'm asking you guys!
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i like fields.....but pauls song goes over better with my kids.
i just bought the visit to america dvd.i have not veiwed it yet.i am saving it for the kids to veiw with me.....
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I love Strawberry Fields Forever! For me it is a masterpiece!
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I'd have to go with Strawberry fields too. I like Penny Lane, but I can listen to "SF" more.
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I'd chose Strawberry. I love this song very much, I like psycsedellic sonds, plus, this one is really meaningful and has a lot to say. I love the tune and the lyrics.
I like PennyLane too.
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For me it has to be Strawberry Fields - it was so innovative and original, plus it's a really beautiful song.
Has anyone else heard the VERY early version that John tries to play in the new Beatles US DVD?
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I choose Strawberry Fields. I love the music and the lyrics. I've never really liked Penny Lane.
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The End, yes I've heard it! But I think I already told you that in the other forum :)
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Penny Lane is better (I didn't vote).
I know this is HIGHLY contrary to the fact that SFF is beloved by all Beatle fams, yet to me PL has always been a nearly perfect pop record, perhaps the best ever.
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Strawberry Fields is one of my all time favorites.
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I would pick Strawberry Fields although I like both songs.
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[quote by=The_End link=Blah.pl?b=songs,m=1077016564,s=5 date=1077110536]For me it has to be Strawberry Fields - it was so innovative and original, plus it's a really beautiful song.
Has anyone else heard the VERY early version that John tries to play in the new Beatles US DVD? [/quote]
What DVD is that on? I would like to see/hear it.
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Strawberyy Fields, definitely. It just has a much more interesting, less-pop-like sound than Penny Lane. Don't get me wrong, I love Penny Lane, but not as much as Strawberry Fields.
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wow not a single vote for penny lane! I have to say that i've voted for strawberry fields too. I love the music and the lirycs, especially the part "Leaving is easy with eyes closed/Misunderstanding all you see..."
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[quote by=fab4fan link=Blah.pl?b=songs,m=1077016564,s=11 date=1077133898]
What DVD is that on? I would like to see/hear it.
[/quote]
It's on "The First Visist DVD" - the one that was only released last week. There's a scene in their hotel room where John is playing what looks like a small flute with a tiny keyboard attached. He is working on the opening chords (the part that was later played by Paul on the Mellotron keyboard. I couldn't believe it when I heard that - I mean, that was filmed about 3 years before The Beatles started their studio recording of it!
It's only a short clip though unfortunately!
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Is that so? You're saying that on their first visit to america John already had in mind strawberry fields and he was playing it? This is very hard to believe (but i believe you). Wow at that time they were playing i want to hold your hand and stuff like that and they had strawberyy fields? There's something wrong here!
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[quote by=Fool_on_the_Hill link=Blah.pl?b=songs,m=1077016564,s=15 date=1077178674]Is that so? You're saying that on their first visit to america John already had in mind strawberry fields and he was playing it? This is very hard to believe (but i believe you). Wow at that time they were playing i want to hold your hand and stuff like that and they had strawberyy fields? There's something wrong here![/quote]
I'll try to upload a clip of that track as an MP3 for you if you like. Remember though that John and Paul sometimes had melodies in their heads for years before actually recording them - I'll Follow the Sun, When I'm Sixty Four, One After 909 for example.
In the film clip, you can hear John keep trying to get the chord progression right - mind you, it is rather a strange instument he's playing!
No one has mentioned this before either - on the Let It Be... Naked bonus disc on the "John's Piano Piece" track, you can hear John running through some chords which sound very much like Imagine! John already had the melody of Jealous Guy [Child Of Nature - 1968] so maybe he had a rough version of Imagine in his head too!
So maybe the idea that Strawberry Fields was around as early as February 1964 isn't as far fetched as you might at first think!
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well what cna i say, but this is so great
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[quote by=The_End link=Blah.pl?b=songs,m=1077016564,s=16 date=1077195945]
I'll try to upload a clip of that track as an MP3 for you if you like. Remember though that John and Paul sometimes had melodies in their heads for years before actually recording them - I'll Follow the Sun, When I'm Sixty Four, One After 909 for example.
In the film clip, you can hear John keep trying to get the chord progression right - mind you, it is rather a strange instument he's playing!
No one has mentioned this before either - on the Let It Be... Naked bonus disc on the "John's Piano Piece" track, you can hear John running through some chords which sound very much like Imagine! John already had the melody of Jealous Guy [Child Of Nature - 1968] so maybe he had a rough version of Imagine in his head too!
So maybe the idea that Strawberry Fields was around as early as February 1964 isn't as far fetched as you might at first think![/quote]
Please let me know if you upload that or let me know what dvd you got it off of so I can go get it,.
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[quote by=fab4fan link=Blah.pl?b=songs,m=1077016564,s=18 date=1077317734]
Please let me know if you upload that or let me know what dvd you got it off of so I can go get it,.
[/quote]
I will upload it I promise :) It's from the new DVD though - check out www.beatles.com
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I'm interested in it, too so please don't forget about me when you put it up somewhere.
Cheers!
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[quote by=Fool_on_the_Hill link=Blah.pl?b=songs,m=1077016564,s=20 date=1077320436]I'm interested in it, too so please don't forget about me when you put it up somewhere.
Cheers![/quote]
Hey, don't worry - I'll post it somewhere that you'll really notice! LOL
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[quote by=Fool_on_the_Hill link=Blah.pl?b=songs,m=1077016564,s=13 date=1077137504]wow not a single vote for penny lane! I have to say that i've voted for strawberry fields too. I love the music and the lirycs, especially the part "Leaving is easy with eyes closed/Misunderstanding all you see..."[/quote]
Hey!@
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that's right you tell us! Penny Lane is a great song, just as great as Strawberry Fields. When i was a kid i used to listen to it non stop
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[quote by=The_End link=Blah.pl?b=songs,m=1077016564,s=14 date=1077148745]
It's on "The First Visist DVD" - the one that was only released last week. There's a scene in their hotel room where John is playing what looks like a small flute with a tiny keyboard attached. He is working on the opening chords (the part that was later played by Paul on the Mellotron keyboard. I couldn't believe it when I heard that - I mean, that was filmed about 3 years before The Beatles started their studio recording of it!
It's only a short clip though unfortunately![/quote]
What? I've seen that part, but which song are you talking about?
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[quote by=Rocky_Raccoon link=Blah.pl?b=songs,m=1077016564,s=24 date=1077379873]
What? I've seen that part, but which song are you talking about?[/quote]
The opening chords of Strawberry Fields.
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Penny Lane is a very good song, capturing the feel of an area of Liverpool well known to the Beatles.
Strawberry Fields is a masterpiece, capturing the mood of Lennon's mind as he looks inward.
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If there were a fight between 'strawberry fields' and 'Penny Lane' Strawberry would win.
But john and paul's songs are not designed to compete with each others. They are here
to make us feel good.
Having said that, 'Strawberry Fields' all the way.
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Definately Penny Lane.
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I also chose Strawbarry Fields. It's much beter. Not only because of the lerics but also the music. plus I really don't like Penny Lane that much anyway. 8)
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[quote by=Fool_on_the_Hill link=Blah.pl?b=songs,m=1077016564,s=13 date=1077137504]wow not a single vote for penny lane! I have to say that i've voted for strawberry fields too. I love the music and the lirycs, especially the part "Leaving is easy with eyes closed/Misunderstanding all you see..."[/quote]
i looooooooove that part.... ;D ;)my vote is for Strawberry Fields Forever :)
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i've just seen that i've made a mistake in my qoute of the song and it is unforgivable...
Here's the right quote :D
"Living is easy with eyes closed/Misunderstanding all you see..."
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Both great, but with a gun to my head I would go with SFF.
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Strawberry Fields is the better song, but I like Penny Lane better. Does that even make sense?
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Penny Lane. :)
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They are both great songs, but i had to go with strawberry fields
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"its gettin hard to be sumone but it all works out, it doesnt matter much to me" these lyrics go thru my head daily
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whooa nice lyrics bud
PENNY LANE SON
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I'm going with Strawberry. I really like Penny Lane, but it tends to wear thin on me after awhile. Strawberry always captivates me because of its beautiful strangeness (get what I mean by that?) and unbelievably brilliant lyrics. I also like the atmosphere and production of the song, though the demos and other versions I have heard are magnificent. I just like that it's heavy and the words are so "out there". I love this song. I consider it one of the highest ever achievements the Beatles made- and that's saying a lot.
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Both tracks make my Top Ten....both are probably in my Top Five even, but I'd give the slight edge to Strawberry Fields Forever as it's a bit more whimsical.
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Strawberry Fields-I mean,look at my screen name!
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I like penny Lane Better.
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Penny Fields.
No, wait!
Strawberry Lane.
No...arg! I cannae decide!
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Given the resultes of this poll where SFF beats PL hands down, how come PL made number one in the States and not SFF?
I'll tell you why.It's because the disc jockies decided why people bought the single and gave PL more airplay.
And that's why it's not on ONE. ::)
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Strawberry Fields definitely!!! I think it is one of John's best songs...
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Strawberry fields forever. My second fav. beatles song.
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There both great songs but the simplicity of Penny Lane allows it to fall short of Strawberry Fields! Strawberry Fields is a big number with blended vocals and rich guitar riffs! It's just got more body than Penny Lane! I think of Penny Lane like For The Benefit Of Mr. Kite it's just rhymed off in a matter of fact way that simplifys the song!
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Strawberry Fields Forever ;-D
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SFF is also winnng here :-)
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Hmmm...I usually keep changing my mind with these two depending on my mood...and today I'm feeling very Strawberry-ish.
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Strawberry Fields Forever.
Er ... lookin' at my user-name, you can tell i'm partial to this song. The lyrics are so complex but...not headachely so. Penny Lane is a good song, more...commercial-like, though. I just can't relate. I've never seen a nurse selling puppies poppies from a tray. =o Strawberry Fields has to be one of John's greatest with the Beatles. <3 Fantastignificent.
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Whoooo... my brain hurts bad... I can't imagine what fans thought when the double-A side 45 came out in 67 - Penny Lane b/w Strawberry Fields. Then the U.S. plopped them both - and others - onto the manufactured "Magical Mystery Tour" soundtrack. But I guess where else would they go in AOR land?!
The decision would more aggravating if we were talking about the alternate take of Penny Lane with the extra piccolo trumpet lines (it adds something though it's less radio friendly), but Strawberry Fields has to win as the better overall song.
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Strawberry Fields
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Strawberry Fields Forever was winening ...
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They're both delightful songs. I picked Strawberry Fields because it's so classically Beatles from that time, but Paul's tune is certainly fun to hum along to.
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I had to pick strawberry fields! I love the surealness of it! haha
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Penny Lane, and once again my Paul bias shines through. A week ago I would have said Strawberry Fields Forever but just the other day I listened to Penny Lane (multiple times) and it just sticks with my taste.
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I voted Penny Lane. However I cannot say I like it better, they're just different. I don't know why but it always seems a very sad song to me. I just love the lyrics - words after words, simple and usually not used together (summertime and November poppies, blue suburban skies and rain) that creates constantly changing and at the same time everlasting picture in my mind. There's something fresh, something cozy and something nostalgic (I suppose because of Paul's voice). Add to it the bass rhythm that is sooo serious yet jumping, the melodic piano, filling the atmosphere with sounds, and the tiny insertion of the piccolo trumpet.
Very strange.
;)
Just now Strawberry fields for me is a song that makes you sit in a corner and tells you truths about life, universe and everything else with John's voice saying "down" - so grave :X
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Great post, nousha: I agree with your analisys, which is clever, sensitive and concise!!! An applause!!! :)
I'm just here reading and enjoying it once a-gain! Thanks!!! ;D
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Thank you, raxo, I haven't expected such words,
now I'm melting like the snow outside :B
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Thank you, raxo, I haven't expected such words,
now I'm melting like the snow outside :B
I thought (still think) that were well-deserved words, nousha, so you've got nothing to thank me for ;) ... or I'll be the one "melting like the snow outside", OK?! 8) ;D
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strawberry fields forever! an amazingly composed song. but i like penny lane very much too..
some beatles songs are just perfect.
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Thank you, raxo, I haven't expected such words,
now I'm melting like the snow outside :B
My God Rax, tell me your secret! ;)
SFF btw. It's so much of that period. Love them both though.
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Sing along now:
Raxo and Nousha, sitting in a tree..... :)
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That's a full tree that raxo's sitting in.
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That's a full tree that raxo's sitting in.
Noone, I think, is in my tree. :(
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This tree seems to gOOna break soon! ::) But we need more people! ;D so ...
Welcome to the forums, british_rain ... hope you enjoy them! :)
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Welcome from me too, british_rain. Love the lemon (avatar).
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Strawberry Fields Forever!
i can relate to the lyrics and no-one writes songs like this anymore!
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I like forever better, I used to like lane, because it told a nice story of a day on penny lane, but now I am more into the thoughts of forever.
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can listen too SFF whenever, but need to be in the mood for penny lane.
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^^ EXACTLY, well put.
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Penny Lane. I like the piccolo trumpet and the lyric..."'Four of fish and finger pie." Sly, Paul!
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Penny Lane. I like the piccolo trumpet and the lyric..."'Four of fish and finger pie." Sly, Paul!
I suppose you do know what that means? ;)
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I suppose "Strawberry Fields Forever;" but I have a hard time thinking of one without the other, or even "Strawberry Fields" apart from it's own alternate and constituent takes.
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STRAWBERRY FIELDS FOREVER!!! really forever!!!
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I suppose you do know what that means? ;)
Oh yeah! ;)
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paul ne'er had a pop......
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i like penny lane personaly. its just that i know all the words, so i can sing to it.
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As much as I love Penny Lane, I'll have to go with SFF...
Definitely John and Paul at their best in these two songs, though.
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SFF is better.
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SFF is better.
Agreed
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They are just very different types of songs. I still have to go with Penny Lane. It's just more my deal.
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How can you compare these two songs. They are complete opposites of each other! Penny Lane used to be my favorite song as a kid. I know this because I wrote it in my sixth grade autograph book! Now I can take it or leave it. I used to HATE Strawberry Fields. Mainly because of the way they slowed it down. It always sounded like it was on the wrong speed or something. But now I think it's beautiful. But I do like the alternate version better. Or versions. Whichever one doesn't mess with his voice. Anyway, they're both great songs and both pretty groundbreaking.
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These are two great songs but SFF has some salt and pepper in it. Lennon`s touch. It`s more interesting, it`s like reading an interesting book. One gets intrigued. Not just a love story, a melodrama, where the end is predictable, but something that has unexpected turns in its plot.
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These are two great songs but SFF has some salt and pepper in it.
i like your language Jane! ;)
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Thank you! I appreciate it very much!
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Penny Lane.
I don't know why people always compare these two songs. It's like apples and oranges to me. I find PL to be in the top 10% of the era, but SFF to be in the bottom 20%.
Neither Penny Lane nor Strawberry Fields is a "solo" song. John helped with the lyrics on PL and Paul added his musical touch to SFF. George Martin arranged both of them.
I like the lyrics and structure of PL, and the arrangement (especially the horns) blows me away. But SFF, sounds slow and draggy to me, and I don't care for the lyrics. John is usually the one who is the most cohesive, but I find this song to be composed of unrelated lyrical and musical phrases. To be honest, structurally the lyrics to SFF remind me more of solo Paul more than Beatle John.
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Strawberry Fields.........hands down. Love it!!! I love how John's voice is slowed down in the studio on the vocals. It makes John sound a little like Paul.........
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Ohhhh toughie,
Penny Lane appeals to the musician side of me as there is so much going on in it, it has a lot of clever changes in tone throughout the song and a lot of the times i listen to it for the individual sounds/instruments and as a few have mentioned it is almost pop perfection, but i can't listen to it too often and is'nt really a song for all moods, i don't tend to listen to it unless its a really nice day and im feeling chirpy.
Strawberry Fields is quite a a simple song and i never get sick of listening to it, and i can listen to it no matter what mood im in, but i don't find myself listening to all the seperate parts as theyre isnt anything that interesting going on, but put all together it creates something interesting and also some good lyrics.
Gonna go with Penny Lane just.....
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I chose Strawberry Fields.
Penny Lane's a good song, but Strawberry Fields has always been my favorite of the two 8).
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Ugh, I can't decide!! >:( I suppose Penny Lane is
funner more fun to sing along to, it's got more of a melody, but Strawberry Fields is a whole lot deeper in its lyrics. They're both fairly surreal. I don't know. Aw, what the heck, I'll go with Penny Lane.
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I vote for Penny Lane. Ironically, I used to HATE Penny Lane, but I've gotten a real appreciation for how beautiful it is. I do love the lyrics of Strawberry Fields: "Always know sometimes think it's me but you know I know when it's a dream. I think I know I mean, ah yes but it's all wrong. That is I think I disagree..."
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Almost impossible to choose but together they comprised the best single ever released - a real double-A side! When I first bought the record in 1967, Penny Lane was the most accessible but gradually - and countless plays flipping the disc over and over again - the beauty of Strawberry Fields Forever took hold. Today - more than 40 years on - I love them both. Penny Lane is always uplifting and joyous while Strawberry Fields Forever shows Lennon's absolute genius. If I could only take one to a desert island, it would probably be SFF but I'm sure that I'd still be singing Penny Lane on the beach!
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I find myself listening to Penny Lane more often. It's happy and yet sort of melancholy at the same time. As tk said, SFF is a better song in terms of composition, but Penny Lane is the one that I enjoy more.
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I guess it would have to be Penny Lane for me.
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I vote for Penny Lane
I can't stop listen to this pretty song ;)
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Ooooh tough question! If John was alive I might offend any of them if I would pick one of the songs.
John offended selection of Penny Lane.
Paul offended choice of strawberry fields.
But I still prefer the Penny Lane - but there is a section at the end of the song strawberry fields where Harrison gives the sound a little Indian with his guitar and it's really nice ..
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Which hero or unit do you like or look forward to getting your hands on the most from the newly released Battle of Pelennor Fields supplement?
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Both are masterpieces. Sometimes I more listen John's song, sometimes Paul's.
Strawberry Fields - melancholic. Lyrics are "philosophical", John "speaks his mind". Mental images.
(He said in the interview: I took the name Strawberry Fields as an IMAGE...)
Penny Lane - "happy", narrative song with beautiful (visual) images (suburban skies)
where Paul takes you on a stroll through the street...
Now, for those who like one better than another, or dislikes one and likes only other song...
there could be 10,000 reasons for that - do you like, in general, more John's or Paul's songs;
and what sounds better in your ear:
lead guitar, harpsichord
bass guitar, piano, bongos, flute
lead guitar, timpani
drums
tambourine
alto trumpet
two cellos, two horns
(that's what Strawberry Fields is consist of) :)
or
piano,
bass guitar, Arco string bass, flute
conga drum, firebell
drums
piano
piccolo trumpet
trumpet
(Penny Lane) :-*
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I kind of like SFF better. It's very complex and different to me, it sort of changes my perspective of things around me just a little bit.
And with Penny Lane, I think it's a pretty interesting song. And I think the fact that when the song was released, people kept stealing the 'penny lane' street sign. ha2ha
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My vote?
*points to screen name*
I love both PL and SFF, though.
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Strawberry Fields
But I love both songs.
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I love both songs also. Both have great melodies, instruments not really common in rock music and some interesting textures. "Penny Lane" has the piano being recorded through the Vox amp actually causing feedback at the end of the track and a piccolo trumpet solo. "Strawberry Fields Forever"is a dense psychedelic texture of backward cymbals, mellotron, Indian instruments, and various strings and horns. Then it ends then it fades back in with some reverse freakout. You could call "Strawberry Fields Forever" avant-pop, psychedelic, progressive or experimental but along with "Good Vibrations" helped change the sound of pop music.
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I like Penny Lane more.I've never really liked Strawberry Fields too much.
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I dont get the big deal about Penny Lane, it's one of my least favorite on the album...
Strawberry Fields Forever is one of my favorites...
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Strawberry Fields Forever is probably my favourite Beatles song of the lot, so you know how I feel about this. Though, John and Paul were the best at what each did/what angle they took.
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I like them both equally I think, but for different reasons. I did name my first Boston Terrier Penny Lane though. :) I will remember my little buddy everytime I hear the song.
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Strawberry Fields Forever has always been one of my top favorites -- Penny Lane, not so much. But like many have said, they are both great songs.
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Strawberry Fields Forever has always been one of my top favorites -- Penny Lane, not so much. But like many have said, they are both great songs.
Good to see you again Kathy!
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Thanks, Kelley! :)
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love em both but SFF wins for me :)
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SFF is my fav song. PL is great also.
I dled that Strawberry Lane disc 1 with all those takes and demos for SFF, and also Its not too bad ( pre SFF demo, there are some on youtube) demos :)
there are some great videos on YT how SFF is made !
here's short one (intro)
John Lennon - Strawberry Fields Forever Begining? (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-v2gfElEVYU#)
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Since both of these songs are on Magical Mistery Tour and since i like them both, i usually try to choose which one is better. As always i can't make up my mind, so i'm asking you guys!
Penny lane is my fav. song evah. I think Strawberry fields is a bit over-rated it just seems a bit forced for a classic tune...doesn't really have that je ne se qua but saying thta it's as close to having that je ne se qua is is possible without actually having it. My fav. bit about it is the mellotrone intro. I don't like some of the lyrics either.
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I think a lot of what I prefer about SFF is at the time of release it was like something completely magically weird and wonderful, Id never heard anything quite like it whereas PL was pretty and melodic but didnt smash any musical doors in.
It must be hard for younger Beatle fans to appreciate just how great SFF was when it was released, it had everybody talking. Listening to it now it just sounds like yer average bit of 60's psyche but back them it was just brilliant, I will never forget how great it made me feel when I first played it.
Ive always wished it had ended up on Pepper instead of one of the weaker tracks, it belongs on Pepper IMO
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I think a lot of what I prefer about SFF is at the time of release it was like something completely magically weird and wonderful, Id never heard anything quite like it whereas PL was pretty and melodic but didnt smash any musical doors in.
It must be hard for younger Beatle fans to appreciate just how great SFF was when it was released, it had everybody talking. Listening to it now it just sounds like yer average bit of 60's psyche but back them it was just brilliant, I will never forget how great it made me feel when I first played it.
Ive always wished it had ended up on Pepper instead of one of the weaker tracks, it belongs on Pepper IMO
I've tried to make a playlist of the Pepper era tracks to see how it & PL could have fitted on and I just can't see SFF on Pepper. Pepper's songs seem to have a glossy sheen to them that gives them a bright lively feeling while SFF just feels as though it just wouldn't fit in. I'm glad it's a stand alone song but saying that if it had have appeard on Pepper no doubt it would have seemed part of the furniture. Maybe if George only had IOANS for those sessions then there'd have been space to put them on Pepper but I love it as it is so...
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Look at my user name.
What do you think?
Hell, it's my absolute favorite Beatles song too...
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No contest here guys , I mean, NO CONTEST , this is a high scoring draw . THE best single (Double "A" side remember !!) ever released , barre none !! Perfection at 45 RPM. Paul,s lyrics paint a living breathing picture of Penny Lane that you feel you could just step off the side walk/ pavement and become apart of . His bringing the story as it were full circle with the Banker sitting waiting for a trim and the fireman rushing in from the pouring rain, connects the charactors and the whole scenario together , no loose ends, a "Groundhog Day" experience in audio , a painting, a veritable Picasso by means of the written word , Genius!!
Strawberry Fields , well only John could have penned this one , boyhood remenicences embroiderd and embellished with the articulations of a man caught up in a moment of self reflection and the realisation that he is indeed, at times, a walking contradiction of himself, uncertain perhaps, indecisive even. John , my favourite ,closely followed by our Georgie !