I really like this analysis, Kevin. It really rings true for me. "Joyous" vs "self-conscious" seems to fit the early Beatles very well. They didn't yet know they were a lasting phenomenon, they just wanted to have a laugh and play some tunes while people were still interested!
Damn the dentist.
Kevin, I started writing a diatribe on this, but decided to start a new thread instead. Thanks!
But "Rubber Soul " for me is faultless from beging to end and after listening to it now for 30 odd years , i just think it get's better with age .
What a happy note to end on. Cheers, DaveRam!