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Beatles forums => Albums => Topic started by: apple sauce on October 16, 2006, 10:38:06 PM

Title: Was The White Album Too Long?
Post by: apple sauce on October 16, 2006, 10:38:06 PM
I personally think the Beatles should have brought out 2 single Lps that when purchased the fans would have gotten the #9 song on a 45 single? There are so many songs on this double Lp that some often get overlooked! Two single Lps would have broken up the huge amount of songs and allowed more time to reflect upon them? :o
Title: Re: Was The White Album Too Long?
Post by: ma_tt2 on October 17, 2006, 12:46:55 AM
I like how it is, I also like how many underrated songs are on the album. It makes it a nice surprise to listen to.
Title: Re: Was The White Album Too Long?
Post by: ringo rules on October 17, 2006, 09:20:02 AM
Yeah Im quite happy with the 2 disks. It is my favourite album from them and I also agree with what Matt said above.
Title: Re: Was The White Album Too Long?
Post by: Kevin on October 17, 2006, 09:42:26 AM
I think most double albums suffer from a lack of brevity. But The White albums' sprawl is its charm. I never listen to all four sides in one hit, but choose the one that suits my mood. Unfortunately side 4 rarely gets a listen because of Rev 9, which is a shame, cos I love the slow Revolution.
Title: Re: Was The White Album Too Long?
Post by: on October 17, 2006, 09:12:02 PM
It was made for the intellectuals!
Title: Re: Was The White Album Too Long?
Post by: tkitna on October 17, 2006, 11:09:33 PM
Yeah, it was to long. It would be perfect without Revolution #9.
Title: Re: Was The White Album Too Long?
Post by: apple sauce on October 18, 2006, 12:07:52 AM
So prehaps a "45" of Rev#9 would have been a good idea then. Yes there's a certain charm in the collection of songs on this double album, but as stated it never really gets played all the way through. I think some of the quality songs get lost due to it's length.
Title: Re: Was The White Album Too Long?
Post by: Wayne L. on October 20, 2006, 05:04:09 PM
I don't think the White Album is too long at all, it's a helluva rock & roll trip from beginning to end & it would have been great as a triple album.
Title: Re: Was The White Album Too Long?
Post by: Hello Goodbye on October 28, 2006, 04:50:36 AM
Quote from: 185
Unfortunately side 4 rarely gets a listen because of Rev 9, which is a shame, cos I love the slow Revolution.

Side 4 on vinyl would quickly become a mess from playing Revolution #9 backwards and forwards at different speeds.

Title: Re: Was The White Album Too Long?
Post by: Kevin on October 28, 2006, 10:29:03 AM
Quote from: 59

Side 4 on vinyl would quickly become a mess from playing Revolution #9 backwards and forwards at different speeds.


 :) When I was young I did such things. Now - who cares.
Title: Re: Was The White Album Too Long?
Post by: ringo rules on October 28, 2006, 02:30:25 PM
I do not think there is a Beatles album that is too long, the longer the better I say (does that sound wrong or is that my dirty mind?)  :P
Title: Re: Was The White Album Too Long?
Post by: GreenApple on October 28, 2006, 03:02:02 PM
Two seperate albums without larking around (Rocky Raccoon, Birthday, etc.) would have been better.
Title: Re: Was The White Album Too Long?
Post by: Hello Goodbye on October 28, 2006, 07:08:32 PM
Quote from: 185

 :) When I was young I did such things. Now - who cares.


Same here, now, but then we were "looking for clues".  It's a shame what happened to that album.  I bought it the first day it was released.  It had a serial # stamped on the cover.
Title: Re: Was The White Album Too Long?
Post by: Kevin on October 30, 2006, 10:18:48 AM
Quote from: 59


Same here, now, but then we were "looking for clues".  It's a shame what happened to that album.  I bought it the first day it was released.  It had a serial # stamped on the cover.

I cringe when I think of how I desecrated albums. I had a zipper Sticky fingers and a round Odgens Nut Gone Flake. All ended up on my wall. But a day of release numbered White Album? How do you sleep??  :)
Title: Re: Was The White Album Too Long?
Post by: BlueMeanie on November 11, 2006, 07:58:28 AM
After all these years I still maintain that with the correct selection of songs this would have made a truly great single album. Don't get me wrong, I love the 'sprawling' nature of the double, the diversity of sounds, and the humour (strange considering the tension in the group at the time).

Revolution 9 belongs on a John & Yoko album. Good Night and Savoy Truffle are tripe and don't deserve the Beatles name.

A single album and maybe an EP would have done the trick.
Title: Re: Was The White Album Too Long?
Post by: GreenApple on November 11, 2006, 05:54:57 PM
I really like Savoy Truffle. Based on a box of chocolates. (Can any other Britlanders remember Good News chocolates?). And, a 'hidden' spiritual message? 'We all know ob-la-di-bla-da, but can you show me where you are?'
Title: Re: Was The White Album Too Long?
Post by: Hello Goodbye on November 12, 2006, 06:00:55 AM
Quote from: 185

I cringe when I think of how I desecrated albums. I had a zipper Sticky fingers and a round Odgens Nut Gone Flake. All ended up on my wall. But a day of release numbered White Album? How do you sleep??  :)

Kevin, my sister still has her zipper Sticky Fingers, in pretty decent shape too.  As for my serial number White Album, I gave it to a girlfriend at the time.  When I bought another a year later, it had no serial number.  Who knew what it all meant in those days.

I'm content with my vinyl Beatles collection.  All were bought within a week or two of release (eg. "The Beatles Again") and survived the years.

Title: Re: Was The White Album Too Long?
Post by: BlueMeanie on November 12, 2006, 08:08:46 AM
Quote from: 139
I really like Savoy Truffle. Based on a box of chocolates. (Can any other Britlanders remember Good News chocolates?). And, a 'hidden' spiritual message? 'We all know ob-la-di-bla-da, but can you show me where you are?'

I remember them. Claptons favourite chocolates, were't they? Still don't like the song though. Or the chocolates!!!

P.S. Where did you get the word: Britlanders?

Title: Re: Was The White Album Too Long?
Post by: GreenApple on November 12, 2006, 01:09:50 PM
Quote from: 483

I remember them. Claptons favourite chocolates, were't they? Still don't like the song though. Or the chocolates!!!

P.S. Where did you get the word: Britlanders?


Yes, A Hard Day's Write says that Clapton loved chocolate and George told him that one more soft-centred chocolate would mean he would have to have his teeth pulled out. I think it was Raxo who invented 'Britlander'. I took to it because I'm a 'British first' Welshman.  :) And it just sounds good anyway.
Title: Re: Was The White Album Too Long?
Post by: raxo on November 12, 2006, 02:11:41 PM
Quote from: 483
I remember them. Claptons favourite chocolates, were't they? Still don't like the song though. Or the chocolates!!!

P.S. Where did you get the word: Britlanders?

Quote from: 139
Yes, A Hard Day's Write says that Clapton loved chocolate and George told him that one more soft-centred chocolate would mean he would have to have his teeth pulled out. I think it was Raxo who invented 'Britlander'. I took to it because I'm a 'British first' Welshman.  :) And it just sounds good anyway.


Well, this subject was discussed here  ::) ...
http://www.dmbeatles.com/forums/b-books/m-1133866563/s-all/  (reply 12)

Title: Re: Was The White Album Too Long?
Post by: BlueMeanie on November 12, 2006, 04:44:59 PM
Quote from: 139

Yes, A Hard Day's Write says that Clapton loved chocolate and George told him that one more soft-centred chocolate would mean he would have to have his teeth pulled out. I think it was Raxo who invented 'Britlander'. I took to it because I'm a 'British first' Welshman.  :) And it just sounds good anyway.

Never heard it before. Sounds good though, yes.
Title: Re: Was The White Album Too Long?
Post by: GreenApple on November 12, 2006, 04:49:45 PM
It all comes back to me as I read. Thanks to PC31.  :)
Title: Re: Was The White Album Too Long?
Post by: BlueMeanie on November 12, 2006, 04:57:57 PM
I see poor PC had a bit of a crises back then. I do hope he managed to repair himself.

Still, he obviously has his alter ego to fall back on.   ;)
Title: Re: Was The White Album Too Long?
Post by: Tatterdemalion on November 14, 2006, 09:56:52 PM
I don't think White Album was too long at all, the only complaint I have is that it's too much of a mish-mash. There are no flow in the tracks except side 1 from Back In The U.S.S.R. to Happiness Is A Warm Gun.
Title: Re: Was The White Album Too Long?
Post by: Kevin on November 15, 2006, 09:08:14 AM
Quote from: 475
, the only complaint I have is that it's too much of a mish-mash. There are no flow in the tracks except side 1 from Back In The U.S.S.R. to Happiness Is A Warm Gun.

You made me think about that. Revolver certainly doesn't flow and Pepper can be a bit bumpy at times (the switch from Indian raga to music hall can be a bit harsh.) And they're supposed to be the best.
I guess everything up to Rubber Soul and a good hunk of Abbey Road flows. MMT (the EP) too.
Title: Re: Was The White Album Too Long?
Post by: GreenApple on November 15, 2006, 12:15:51 PM
Quote from: 185

You made me think about that. Revolver certainly doesn't flow and Pepper can be a bit bumpy at times (the switch from Indian raga to music hall can be a bit harsh.) And they're supposed to be the best.
I guess everything up to Rubber Soul and a good hunk of Abbey Road flows. MMT (the EP) too.

WYWY was out of place on Sgt. Pepper. OANS would have fitted better. But apparently it was left out because George was complaining about his lower status in the band in that song. Published by Northern Songs in which he got a much smaller royalty dividend than John and Paul. Not sure if GM,GM was right on that either. John admitted it was a minor composition. Nice and heavy though.
Title: Re: Was The White Album Too Long?
Post by: Kevin on November 15, 2006, 12:48:15 PM
Quote from: 139

WYWY was out of place on Sgt. Pepper. OANS would have fitted better. ... Nice and heavy though.

For me, if there is a song out of place its WI64. I think WYWY is a great opener for side 2 and fits the album nicely. My appreciation of it grows daily. I don't think Pepper would be any worse off if WI64 wasn't there, but it would if it lost WYWY. Never really like OANS. Nor Blue Jay Way. A bit of a lean time for George IMO
Title: Re: Was The White Album Too Long?
Post by: GreenApple on November 15, 2006, 12:53:35 PM
Just for the record, regarding your quote of my words, I said GM, GM was nice and heavy.  :) WYWY is a fine song. And innovative. Excellent combination of western and Indian classical instruments. Sir George found it difficult combining the two. But he did a great job.
Title: Re: Was The White Album Too Long?
Post by: Kevin on November 15, 2006, 01:02:15 PM
Quote from: 139
Just for the record, regarding your quote of my words, I said Sir George did a great job.
Sorry - didn't mean to change the meanning. Just making it smaller. :)

Title: Re: Was The White Album Too Long?
Post by: GreenApple on November 15, 2006, 01:03:09 PM
Quote from: 185
Sorry - didn't mean to change the meanning. Just making it smaller. :)


As I thought. But, so any other readers would get it right.  :)
Title: Re: Was The White Album Too Long?
Post by: GreenApple on November 15, 2006, 01:07:56 PM
Quote from: 139
Just for the record, regarding your quote of my words, I said Sir George did a great job.

See how daft I can be? I just got your joke!  :)
Title: Re: Was The White Album Too Long?
Post by: on December 02, 2006, 06:21:37 PM
No way, white album is like a long, mysterious journey, that i love everytime, and never tire off.
it's the bloody beatles white album for christ sake! (As paul may say)
Title: Re: Was The White Album Too Long?
Post by: ShesCominDownFastYesSheIs on December 29, 2006, 06:07:09 AM
I think it should have been a triple disc
Title: Re: Was The White Album Too Long?
Post by: BlueMeanie on December 29, 2006, 08:56:47 AM
Quote from: 532
I think it should have been a triple disc

To include what?
Title: Re: Was The White Album Too Long?
Post by: raxo on December 29, 2006, 12:05:24 PM
Child Of Nature
Not Guilty
Soar Milk Sea
Circles
Mean Mr Mustard
Polithene Pam
Across The Universe
What's The New Mary Jane
for example ... and maybe others too ...
Title: Re: Was The White Album Too Long?
Post by: Bobber on December 29, 2006, 12:12:35 PM
Quote from: 297
Child Of Nature
Not Guilty
Soar Milk Sea
Circles
Mean Mr Mustard
Polithene Pam
Across The Universe
What's The New Mary Jane
for example ... and maybe others too ...

Here we go again. Obviously The Beatles themselves thought these were all not good enough to include on the album. Some were renewed and used for Abbey Road. But you can't be serious to state that Mary Jane could be on an album. George's songs were just not good enough. They tried to record Not Guilty in more than a hundred takes and it remains mediocre.
Title: Re: Was The White Album Too Long?
Post by: BlueMeanie on December 29, 2006, 12:25:14 PM
Quote from: 297
Child Of Nature
Not Guilty
Soar Milk Sea
Circles
Mean Mr Mustard
Polithene Pam
Across The Universe
What's The New Mary Jane
for example ... and maybe others too ...

Most of these apart from Across The Universe were unfinished. In fact George didn't even re-record Not Guilty and Circles for some years.
Title: Re: Was The White Album Too Long?
Post by: raxo on December 29, 2006, 12:30:46 PM
Quote from: 63

Here we go again. Obviously The Beatles themselves thought these were all not good enough to include on the album. Some were renewed and used for Abbey Road. But you can't be serious to state that Mary Jane could be on an album. George's songs were just not good enough. They tried to record Not Guilty in more than a hundred takes and it remains mediocre.

Here we go again (only if you want).
ShesCominDownFastYesSheIs talked about a triple disc and BlueMeanie asked what to be included? Right?

Now, the guys recorded what they thought it was the best stuff (tho John loved Revolution 9 and Paul had to look away) ... but if they would have wanted a triple disc they had enough songs (that's the thing and here the discussion could easily end) ...

... not good enough to include on the album? or they hadn't space enough for everything?

... why not Mary Jane if the album would have been a triple one if Revolution 9 is on the double? ... if people think a single album would have been better a triple album would have been worse, nah?

About mediocre songs: we've got some (about a quarter of it) in the released album so I can't see the point ... and they recorded about a hundred times Sexy Sadie too and it remains good or bad or whatever ...
Title: Re: Was The White Album Too Long?
Post by: raxo on December 29, 2006, 12:40:30 PM
Quote from: 483

Most of these apart from Across The Universe were unfinished. In fact George didn't even re-record Not Guilty and Circles for some years.


Which ones? ... they changed some lyrics later but they used to do it while hey were recording ... anyway, they were recorded almost with the same form as we know they had by that time ... short songs in some cases? and Wild Honey Pie and others? ...

... George had a lot of songs in the early 70s (he even gave away some) and most of them were better than circles or Not Guilty ... he said that Art Of Dying, for example, was began in 1966 and there were some others already began ...

(we discussed something here):
http://dmbeatles.com/forums/b-albums/m-1130104843/s-all/ (replies 37 and 50)

so there was unfinished stuff, y'know ... anyway, there was enough stuff for a third disc, wasn't it?
Title: Re: Was The White Album Too Long?
Post by: BlueMeanie on December 29, 2006, 01:12:41 PM
Well, you're talking to someone who thinks it should have been a single album anyway ;)
Title: Re: Was The White Album Too Long?
Post by: raxo on December 29, 2006, 02:13:17 PM
Quote from: 483
Well, you're talking to someone who thinks it should have been a single album anyway ;)

Well, I've always said that this album contains some bad, mediocre, good and great songs  :-/ ... no much quality balance on it ... some tracks are among the worst they ever produced but it's still one of their best albums ... and they recorded in a way that could have worked for the early 70s ... I mean, they could have still produced albums like this very easily  :)
Title: Re: Was The White Album Too Long?
Post by: raxo on December 29, 2006, 03:57:40 PM
Quote from: 297
Child Of Nature
Not Guilty
Soar Milk Sea
Circles
Mean Mr Mustard
Polithene Pam
Across The Universe
What's The New Mary Jane
for example ... and maybe others too ...

... and I forgot Look At Me and Junk  ::) ... and with all those songs we've got about 30 minutes more: a triple album for sure (now I'm not sure if they should have done that: a triple album, I mean ... they had better stuff than some of the released on the double album, for sure, so why not?)
Title: Re: Was The White Album Too Long?
Post by: Will Campbell on January 17, 2007, 07:08:23 AM
It's a classic and fine just the way it is.  The Mona Lisa would probably look better with lipstick on her as well, but no-one wants to change her.

Sure, a few tracks are "filler" and obviously it was because of pure bloody mindedness by the composer that these tracks remained.  I agree the album meanders around and has no set tone or direction, but that's the beauty of it.  For years before and since, albums were structured with like songs, telling similar stories, taking the listener on the same journey.  (Well, since about 1965 or so anyways...)

Once again, The Beatles were trailblazing.  Heavy Metal, Psuedo Punk, Country & Western, Music Hall, Avante Guarde, Pop, Rock and Psychedelia - all these genres are there.  What a trip man.  And I wouldn't want to change a thing.

Of course one doesn't have to listen to it in one go (although I prefer to), so burn your favourite tracks from the album onto a blank CD or save 'em to your i-POD.  Me, I'll just keep finding time to listen to it in it's entirety.

Cheers  ;)
Title: Re: Was The White Album Too Long?
Post by: ShesCominDownFastYesSheIs on January 18, 2007, 05:29:08 AM
Quote from: 297

Here we go again (only if you want).
ShesCominDownFastYesSheIs talked about a triple disc and BlueMeanie asked what to be included? Right?

Now, the guys recorded what they thought it was the best stuff (tho John loved Revolution 9 and Paul had to look away) ... but if they would have wanted a triple disc they had enough songs (that's the thing and here the discussion could easily end) ...

... not good enough to include on the album? or they hadn't space enough for everything?

... why not Mary Jane if the album would have been a triple one if Revolution 9 is on the double? ... if people think a single album would have been better a triple album would have been worse, nah?

About mediocre songs: we've got some (about a quarter of it) in the released album so I can't see the point ... and they recorded about a hundred times Sexy Sadie too and it remains good or bad or whatever ...

I meant to sound sarcastic (which I guess is hard without talking lol) when I said it should be a triple disc. I was just trying to empathize that I am totally against the idea of it being just a single disc. it's perfect how it is.

but in the grand tradition of removing Revolution 9 from the White album, I've often thought that You Know My Name (Look Up the Number) could be a nice interlude before Good Night. It would be bizarre (which is what I guess John went for with Number 9) but it's much more listenable.

Let's hear it for Denis O'Bell!
Title: Re: Was The White Album Too Long?
Post by: raxo on January 18, 2007, 11:17:53 AM
Quote from: 532
[...]
but in the grand tradition of removing Revolution 9 from the White album, I've often thought that You Know My Name (Look Up the Number) could be a nice interlude before Good Night. [...]

Another one I'd for-got-10! ;D
Title: Re: Was The White Album Too Long?
Post by: McLennon on January 20, 2007, 02:47:40 AM
I loved the white album the lenght it was! There isn't a song I could take of the album without ruining it! the fact it was a double album just made it that extra bit special to the Beatles album history! :D and gave each beatle equal number of songs on the album really!
Title: Re: Was The White Album Too Long?
Post by: BlueMeanie on January 20, 2007, 07:13:20 AM
Quote from: 544
I loved the white album the lenght it was! There isn't a song I could take of the album without ruining it! the fact it was a double album just made it that extra bit special to the Beatles album history! :D and gave each beatle equal number of songs on the album really!

Well, George only had 4, to Lennon's 13!
Title: Re: Was The White Album Too Long?
Post by: McLennon on January 23, 2007, 08:11:33 PM
Well in comparison to other albums thats still pretty good!
Title: Re: Was The White Album Too Long?
Post by: BlueMeanie on January 23, 2007, 09:12:53 PM
Quote from: 544
Well in comparison to other albums thats still pretty good!

He had 3 on Revolver ;)
Title: Re: Was The White Album Too Long?
Post by: Will Campbell on January 24, 2007, 06:30:17 AM
...and he had two of the four "new" tracks on the Yellow Submarine soundtrack.  50% of the new Beatles material.  Not bad eh?  
Title: Re: Was The White Album Too Long?
Post by: andersonCouncill on February 12, 2007, 12:09:37 AM
Certainly not! The White Album's very purpose, it's charm, comes from that lengthy, perhaps "unnecessary" material. I mean, for every album there's going to be roughly twice as many tracks as those that end up on there, and this is just The Beatles including those takes. I know many people who dislike "Why Don't We Do It In The Road?", "Wild Honey Pie", "Rocky Racoon", and the other genre-expierimental tracks, and I can never understand why. My only complaint would be, maybe they could've excluded "Revolution 9". (although that's another example of the quirky, expierimental tracks on there) and included for it's length 4 or so shorter tracks.

My favorite Beatles album, one of the best ever. I wouldn't change The White Album for the world.
Title: Re: Was The White Album Too Long?
Post by: Mairi on February 12, 2007, 12:21:27 AM
There are a lot of songs on the White Album that some people hate but other people love. Honey Pie (GREAT song) and Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da, for example. There's something for everyone on the white album... unless you happen to be into, like, Mongolian folk music or gangsta rap.
Title: Re: Was The White Album Too Long?
Post by: andersonCouncill on February 12, 2007, 12:22:59 AM
Quote from: 218
There are a lot of songs on the White Album that some people hate but other people love. Honey Pie (GREAT song) and Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da, for example. There's something for everyone on the white album... unless you happen to be into, like, Mongolian folk music or gangsta rap.

I like both of those genres for one and secondly...

I've always been of the opinion that every genre birthed after The White Album's release can be traced directly back there. I'm including in this Rocky Racoon as an influence on what eventually became standard fair in gangsta rap (no joke, think about it for a second).
Title: Re: Was The White Album Too Long?
Post by: Mairi on February 12, 2007, 12:26:46 AM
Well Rocky Raccoon is more of a talking blues in the style of A Boy Named Sue or Subterranean Homesick Blues, but I do agree that TWA opened a lot of doors. Helter Skelter was basically the beginning of metal.
Title: Re: Was The White Album Too Long?
Post by: Indica on February 12, 2007, 07:35:27 PM
Here is a rather basic but nevetheless interesting snippet of Paul discussing the artwork of the 'White Album'
(Ignore the horrible narration and tedious image slideshow)  ;) (so pretty much everything!)

- I think this interview was directly used in "Many Years From Now" or maybe "The Anthology" - I forget now.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GNCNE61SfgI



Title: Re: Was The White Album Too Long?
Post by: BlueMeanie on February 13, 2007, 02:07:18 PM
Quote from: 218
There are a lot of songs on the White Album that some people hate but other people love. Honey Pie (GREAT song) and Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da, for example. There's something for everyone on the white album... unless you happen to be into, like, Mongolian folk music or gangsta rap.

Damn! I knew it was missing something!!

Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da should have been a single.

Title: Re: Was The White Album Too Long?
Post by: Kevin on February 13, 2007, 02:16:23 PM
Quote from: 218
. There's something for everyone on the white album... unless you happen to be into, like, Mongolian folk music .

Yak in the USSR?
Title: Re: Was The White Album Too Long?
Post by: BlueMeanie on February 13, 2007, 02:17:53 PM
Quote from: 185

Yak in the USSR?

Ha!!!!!
Title: Re: Was The White Album Too Long?
Post by: Bobber on February 13, 2007, 02:36:14 PM
Quote from: 483
Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da should have been a single.


It was over here. With While My Guitar Gently Weeps as the b-side. I'm pretty sure it was a single in other countries as well.

(http://members.chello.nl/c.hendriks30/beatles/single/25-01-69.jpg)
Title: Re: Was The White Album Too Long?
Post by: BlueMeanie on February 13, 2007, 06:11:12 PM
Quote from: 63

It was over here. With While My Guitar Gently Weeps as the b-side. I'm pretty sure it was a single in other countries as well.


Well I never knew that. Was it a big hit? Or is that a silly question?

It's always been a bit of a mystery to me why they gave away such an obviously massive hit to Marmalade.
Title: Re: Was The White Album Too Long?
Post by: Indica on February 13, 2007, 07:55:23 PM
I thought the others never really took a shine to Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da - just for the amount of takes - and Lennon's distates for such an obvious Mccartney ditty.
Title: Re: Was The White Album Too Long?
Post by: Bobber on February 13, 2007, 08:06:47 PM
Quote from: 483

Well I never knew that. Was it a big hit? Or is that a silly question?

It's always been a bit of a mystery to me why they gave away such an obviously massive hit to Marmalade.

It entered the Dutch Top 40 on January 25th 1969 and reached #5. It remained in the list for nine weeks.
Title: Re: Was The White Album Too Long?
Post by: GreenApple on February 13, 2007, 09:31:06 PM
Quote from: 218
...There's something for everyone on the white album... unless you happen to be into, like, Mongolian folk music...

It wouldn't have been out of place if there had been a clip of Mongolian music on the white album!
Title: Re: Was The White Album Too Long?
Post by: GreenApple on February 13, 2007, 09:34:59 PM
Quote from: 218
...Helter Skelter was basically the beginning of metal.

That's kind of what I was getting at with IGAF sounding like the Zeps - it's as if some of their sounds prefigured later musical trends. And Come Together sounding ahead of it's time?
Title: Re: Was The White Album Too Long?
Post by: pc31 on February 14, 2007, 02:05:31 AM
it wasn't released here as a single until sometime in the 80s.....backed by julia...i believe
Title: Re: Was The White Album Too Long?
Post by: pc31 on February 14, 2007, 02:12:10 AM
oops looks like 76 was the year...(http://www.rockshow.com.br/beatlespage/records02/19761108obladijulia/cap4347.jpg)
(http://rds.yahoo.com/_ylt=A9gnMilXb9JFRCwBBHajzbkF;_ylu=X3oDMTA4NDgyNWN0BHNlYwNwcm9m/SIG=11o57s2si/EXP=1171505367/**http%3A//www.ncf.ca/beatles/obladi.jpg)
Title: Re: Was The White Album Too Long?
Post by: adamzero on February 14, 2007, 03:26:24 AM
I always liked Obladi because of its ska Caribbean sound.  Like the Stones Connection.  
Title: Re: Was The White Album Too Long?
Post by: Mairi on February 14, 2007, 08:19:44 PM
I think it's a great song, very fun and catchy. Although it's true that a lot of people hate it.
Title: Re: Was The White Album Too Long?
Post by: adamzero on February 15, 2007, 02:07:25 AM
Those hatin' haters just hate everything except their own hate.  All Desmond wants to do is bring his barrow to the market place--is that too much to ask?  And Molly, she's a singer in the band.  Plus, you see that it's really an interracial thing.  Desmond, the islander, and his Irish gal Molly.  Desmond and Molly "Brown."  See?

So those haters are really just racists, pure and simple, as everything in the world is!

They're also homophobic/anti-transgender about Desmond doing his pretty face while Molly brings home the bacon.  

I'm surprised the BBC ever allowed this to be played.  It undermines everything the Empire stands for.  God save the Queen!
Title: Re: Was The White Album Too Long?
Post by: Revolution on February 25, 2007, 01:46:42 AM
Quote from: 185

I cringe when I think of how I desecrated albums. I had a zipper Sticky fingers and a round Odgens Nut Gone Flake. All ended up on my wall. But a day of release numbered White Album? How do you sleep??  :)

My God,did you have no couth as a kid??????????? :o ;D
Title: Re: Was The White Album Too Long?
Post by: harihead on February 25, 2007, 05:13:53 AM
Quote from: 9
They're also homophobic/anti-transgender about Desmond doing his pretty face while Molly brings home the bacon.  

I'm surprised the BBC ever allowed this to be played.  It undermines everything the Empire stands for.  God save the Queen!

LOL! Good one, Adamzero. I also like Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da. It's fun to put on and hop around when I do aerobics. :)
Title: Re: Was The White Album Too Long?
Post by: Hello Goodbye on February 25, 2007, 05:26:06 AM
Quote from: 9
I always liked Obladi because of its ska Caribbean sound.  Like the Stones Connection.  

Especially evident in Take 1

Title: Re: Was The White Album Too Long?
Post by: Revolution on February 27, 2007, 11:11:35 PM
Quote from: 218
There are a lot of songs on the White Album that some people hate but other people love. Honey Pie (GREAT song) and Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da, for example. There's something for everyone on the white album... unless you happen to be into, like, Mongolian folk music or gangsta rap.
Mongolian Folk Music???????? :o         ;D
Title: Re: Was The White Album Too Long?
Post by: bobr52 on March 14, 2007, 04:14:21 AM
Quote from: 483
After all these years I still maintain that with the correct selection of songs this would have made a truly great single album. Don't get me wrong, I love the 'sprawling' nature of the double, the diversity of sounds, and the humour (strange considering the tension in the group at the time).

Revolution 9 belongs on a John & Yoko album. Good Night and Savoy Truffle are tripe and don't deserve the Beatles name.

A single album and maybe an EP would have done the trick.

I kind of agree with you Blue Meanie as regards the white album. I don't mind Savoy Truffle though. Goodnight and Long Long Long are the two I don't like. Wild Honey Pie and Why Don't We Do It in the Road I can't classify as songs. They should have gone in the trash bin along with Rev #9. Cry Baby Cry is another I could do without.  
Title: Re: Was The White Album Too Long?
Post by: harihead on March 14, 2007, 04:20:49 AM
Quote from: 593
Mongolian Folk Music???????? :o         ;D
It exists! I just bought an album by the Tuva throat singers, and I love it!  :)

Quote from: bobr52
I don't mind Savoy Truffle though. Goodnight and Long Long Long are the two I don't like. ... Cry Baby Cry is another I could do without.
LOL. See, this is the "problem" with the White Album, if it is one. I agree with many of your selections, but happen to really like "Long Long Long" and "Cry Baby Cry"-- I have played both repeatedly. I guess it only goes to show the far-ranging tastes of The Beatles and their fans!

Welcome to the boards, bobr52!
Title: Re: Was The White Album Too Long?
Post by: Revolution on March 14, 2007, 04:23:52 AM
Actually, I've been playing the White album at work the last 2 nights. I like it . Too long? Some songs on 2nd are kinda  :P
Title: Re: Was The White Album Too Long?
Post by: bobr52 on March 14, 2007, 04:32:52 AM
Quote from: 185

For me, if there is a song out of place its WI64. I think WYWY is a great opener for side 2 and fits the album nicely. My appreciation of it grows daily. I don't think Pepper would be any worse off if WI64 wasn't there, but it would if it lost WYWY. Never really like OANS. Nor Blue Jay Way. A bit of a lean time for George IMO

When I'm 64 fits it fine to me. I couldn't imagine WYWY fitting in on any album. I don't care about the meaning behind the words and all that crap....I just can't listen to it. Will it ever end? Blue Jay Way is not much better.
Title: Re: Was The White Album Too Long?
Post by: Bobber on March 14, 2007, 10:10:13 AM
Quote from: 551
I agree with many of your selections, but happen to really like "Long Long Long"

I think The End has asked this somewhere before, but I think no one knew the answer: why is it so soft? I can hardly hear it, especially in the beginning.
Title: Re: Was The White Album Too Long?
Post by: Kevin on March 14, 2007, 10:16:50 AM
I've never heard Long Long Long on it's own - it's always there after Helter Skelter and is to me the perfect contrast for it. It's like a nice calming puff after some particularly raucous speed. Inseperable imo. Maybe on cd it gets buried and becomes just another song - but it's an excellent closer to side 3 of the album - and I'm sure it was intended that way.
Title: Re: Was The White Album Too Long?
Post by: Andy Smith on March 14, 2007, 02:58:56 PM
I do have trouble with double albums as they are VERY VERY LONG!
I think the white album would have been better as a single album because i tend to think
that a lot of the songs are throwaways and dittys (wild honey pie, why don't we do it in the road).
the best tracks i find are the acousic ones on here, (blackbird, julia) GENIUS!!
Obviousley one of George's greatest songs, while my guitar gently weeps, is on here!
Title: Re: Was The White Album Too Long?
Post by: raxo on March 14, 2007, 03:19:44 PM
Quote from: 614
I do have trouble with double albums as they are VERY VERY LONG!
I think the white album would have been better as a single album because i tend to think
that a lot of the songs are throwaways and dittys (wild honey pie, why don't we do it in the road).
the best tracks i find are the acousic ones on here, (blackbird, julia) GENIUS!!
Obviousley one of George's greatest songs, while my guitar gently weeps, is on here!
Agree: this double album contains some of the worst songs they ever recorded and some of the best ones too ... it's because of that that I think that any song could have fitted on it ... and obviously While My Guitar gently Weeps is one of the best ones! ... so you can shout it loud now, Andy Smith!!! ;D
Title: Re: Was The White Album Too Long?
Post by: BlueMeanie on March 14, 2007, 05:19:51 PM
Quote from: 551
but happen to really like "Long Long Long" and "Cry Baby Cry"--

Me too. I have an idea of what I would have liked as a single album, and both of those are on it.
Title: Re: Was The White Album Too Long?
Post by: raxo on March 14, 2007, 06:05:49 PM
Quote from: 483

Me too. I have an idea of what I would have liked as a single album, and both of those are on it.

Both have great middle eights! :)
Title: Re: Was The White Album Too Long?
Post by: BlueMeanie on March 15, 2007, 02:11:37 PM
Well I'm amazed that nobody has yet (just for the fun of it) suggested what a single album may have consisted of. So at great risk to my (admittedly dwindling) reputation, here goes.


Side A

Back In The USSR
While My Guitar Gently Weeps
Sexie Sadie
I Will
I'm So Tired
Helter Skelter
Blackbird
Everybody's Got Something To Hide Except For Me And My Monkey


Side B

Birthday
Dear Prudence
Yer Blues
Revolution 1
Long Long Long
Julia
Cry Baby Cry
Happiness Is  A Warm Gun


Singles

A. Back In The USSR
B. The Continuing Story Of Bungalow Bill

A. Ob-La-Di Ob-La-Da
B. Don't Pass Me By


Double EP

A. Glass Onion
    Julia
    Rocky Racoon

B. Honey Pie
    Piggies
    Mother Natures Son


Stands back and takes cover!!!
Title: Re: Was The White Album Too Long?
Post by: Bobber on March 15, 2007, 02:15:33 PM
Quote from: 483
Well I'm amazed that nobody has yet (just for the fun of it) suggested what a single album may have consisted of. So at great risk to my (admittedly dwindling) reputation, here goes.


Ahem: http://dmbeatles.com/forums/b-albums/m-1094590362/

And a bump for this: http://dmbeatles.com/forums/b-albums/m-1137012282/
Title: Re: Was The White Album Too Long?
Post by: BlueMeanie on March 15, 2007, 02:29:08 PM
Quote from: 63

Ahem: [url]http://dmbeatles.com/forums/b-albums/m-1094590362/[/url]

And a bump for this: [url]http://dmbeatles.com/forums/b-albums/m-1137012282/[/url]


Way before my time my friend. I haven't got the energy to look back that far!
Title: Re: Was The White Album Too Long?
Post by: Kevin on March 15, 2007, 03:18:27 PM
Quote from: 483
Stands back and takes cover!!!

Good call but one glaring error - no Ringo song! (every Beatle albums gotta have a Ringo song - and AHDN don't count.)
And I think Helter Skelter's blister scream would make a better closer than the "still brilliant but limp by comparison" Happiness...
8/10.
Title: Re: Was The White Album Too Long?
Post by: Kevin on March 15, 2007, 03:34:02 PM
My own humble and hurried effort. A bit more country than yours methinks.

Side A

Back In The USSR
While My Guitar Gently Weeps
Sexie Sadie
Rocky Racoon
Happiness is a warm gun
I'm So Tired
Blackbird
Everybody's Got Something To Hide Except For Me And My Monkey


Side B

Don't Pass Me by
Dear Prudence
Revolution 1
Birthday
Julia
Martha
Long Long Long
Helter Skelter


[/quote]

Title: Re: Was The White Album Too Long?
Post by: on March 15, 2007, 03:53:03 PM
The White album was too short.
Title: Re: Was The White Album Too Long?
Post by: BlueMeanie on March 15, 2007, 06:26:58 PM
Quote from: 185

Good call but one glaring error - no Ringo song! (every Beatle albums gotta have a Ringo song - and AHDN don't count.)
And I think Helter Skelter's blister scream would make a better closer than the "still brilliant but limp by comparison" Happiness...
8/10.

I thought about Ringo, but in the end I went for the songs that I thought made a. the best mix, and b. were my favourites. Ringo just missed out. But he does get his song on the b-side of a single. And just imagine that lovely gatefold e.p.
Title: Re: Was The White Album Too Long?
Post by: djinn on March 15, 2007, 09:22:39 PM
I like the Acustic of it.
The 1 guitar for the Whole Entier lp was good-sweet & not too much info or to long.
I would have rather seen it like that.
I know George & Ringo said it could be 2 differant lps(The White & Whiter--Ringo)

Paul stated it's ok then state(It's the Bloody Beatles--It's great)
Title: Re: Was The White Album Too Long?
Post by: ewomack on March 16, 2007, 01:12:45 AM
Hmm... it was a little long. I don't know how "Revolution #9" made it on. Lennon must have worn the pants at the time. The album is so eclectic and sporadic that I don't think it would play well as a scaled down single album. It has its definite faults, but it still ranks up there with one of their best, warts and all. Plus it shows that the band was falling apart. No cohesion, no unity again until "Abbey Road."
Title: Re: Was The White Album Too Long?
Post by: raxo on March 18, 2007, 04:42:08 PM
Quote from: 297
Child Of Nature
Not Guilty
Soar Milk Sea
Circles
Mean Mr Mustard
Polithene Pam
Across The Universe
What's The New Mary Jane
for example ... and maybe others too ...

Look At Me
Junk  

... and I forgot about Paul's Cosmically Conscious! ::)
Title: Re: Was The White Album Too Long?
Post by: JimColyer on March 23, 2007, 12:56:03 AM
Ringo said the 2 albums could have been called the White Album and the Whiter album.

Revolution #9 should have been scrapped and the 45 single put in its place.
Title: Re: Was The White Album Too Long?
Post by: Beatlemania on March 27, 2007, 09:45:51 AM
I think that this album was one of the best! I love it. It`s not too long.
Title: Re: Was The White Album Too Long?
Post by: retrocool73 on October 27, 2008, 11:10:36 PM
For me, it's the old 'Side 4' that really makes it a great album - Revolution #1 is great, Honey Pie a wonderful pastiche of the 1920's music that was being played by the Bonzo's, Savoy Truffle I love with it's strange muddy production and snappy rhythms - and Cry Baby Cry, Revolution #9 & Good Night making a fantastic bitter sweet end to the whole musical journey.
The only part of the White Album I tend to skip is the middle of the old side 2 - Piggies, WDWDIITR, Don't Pass Me By.
Title: Re: Was The White Album Too Long?
Post by: aspinall_lover on October 28, 2008, 12:48:41 AM
As Sir George Martin put it in "Anthology"........"the White Album would have been a spectacular single disc album, but as is, a fine double disc album"..........something to that effect.
To me, the "White Album" is probably my favorite album due to the fact of all the different styles, songs, "individual insights/thoughts/songs" that went onto the record.  Totally different than anything the Beatles ever did, totally avant-garde.
Title: Re: Was The White Album Too Long?
Post by: HeyJude18 on October 28, 2008, 02:02:10 AM
I definately don't think it was too long.  There were some ground breaking songs and some other just plain amazing songs!!  I wouldn't change any part of it :)  (not even adding Hey Jude!)
Title: Re: Was The White Album Too Long?
Post by: Penny Lane on October 28, 2008, 02:23:18 AM
What an interesting question.  I like the White Album very much but I always go back and forth on whether there should have been less songs.  It is a well-done album overall, but there are some songs that detract from it ("Revolution 9," "Don't Pass Me By," "Wild Honey Pie," etc.).  Sometimes I think I could live without those songs but I would hate to "chop up" a Beatles album.  For instance, I don't like "Revolution 9" because it's boring to me, but it also has a very peculiar and distinctive aura which fits in well with the album's disjointed character.

On the other hand, I enjoy that there are so many different things going on in this album--we've got rock, country, blues, Paul's "granny" music (haha), folk, avant-garde/experimental, pop, ballads, etc....and even a lullaby!!  So it is amazing to think of the Beatles' unbridled creativity during this period and how well they pulled the album together considering the different musical directions they were exploring.
Title: Re: Was The White Album Too Long?
Post by: Kaleidoscope_Eyes on October 28, 2008, 10:29:50 PM
Quote from: 1620
For instance, I don't like "Revolution 9" because it's boring to me, but it also has a very peculiar and distinctive aura which fits in well with the album's disjointed character.
Exactly. The album is rather like a "disjoined character" and thats what I dont like it about it. There is no flow between the songs.

Quote from: 1620
On the other hand, I enjoy that there are so many different things going on in this album--we've got rock, country, blues, Paul's "granny" music (haha), folk, avant-garde/experimental, pop, ballads, etc....and even a lullaby!!  So it is amazing to think of the Beatles' unbridled creativity during this period and how well they pulled the album together considering the different musical directions they were exploring.
I agree, it is very interesting musically and it does show where they stood at that time, but as something to listen to for pleasure, I would have thought halving it would be better.
Title: Re: Was The White Album Too Long?
Post by: Andy Smith on October 28, 2008, 11:12:41 PM
too long? it is for me, i prefer a 35 min album like With the Beatles. not a great fan of
double albums anyway!  :-/
Title: Re: Was The White Album Too Long?
Post by: Kaleidoscope_Eyes on October 29, 2008, 12:11:24 PM
Quote from: 614
not a great fan of double albums anyway!  :-/
Neither am I. One silly reason is that they dont fit in my CD tower thing....
Title: Re: Was The White Album Too Long?
Post by: Geoff on October 29, 2008, 01:29:07 PM
Not "too long:"" too much filler."
Title: Re: Was The White Album Too Long?
Post by: Penny Lane on November 06, 2008, 02:12:37 AM
Quote from: 596
The album is rather like a "disjoined character" and thats what I dont like it about it. There is no flow between the songs.

Since reading this thread, I've spoken to a non-Beatles friend who stumbled across the first half of the White Album years ago.  He listened to it without knowing it was a true Beatles album--rather, as he said to me, he thought it was a poorly put-together compilation of their songs.  Basically, to his ears, it sounded as though someone took a bunch of different-sounding Beatles songs and slapped them together on an album.  He liked most the songs okay, I think, but was not impressed enough to seek out more Beatles music.  (Which is a shame. :( )

What a different point of view that was to me.  I've never thought that the White Album could sound more like a "bad" compilation record than a proper album, but I can probably understand why it would sound that way to a new listener. :-/
Title: Re: Was The White Album Too Long?
Post by: Brynjar on November 06, 2008, 06:10:31 AM
As with Sgt. Peppers, it is such a shame they used to omit the singles from the albums. Imagine the White Album without Revolution 9 and Wild Honey Pie and instead include Hey Jude and Lady Madonna. Or Revolution. (dork1)
Title: Re: Was The White Album Too Long?
Post by: Penny Lane on November 06, 2008, 07:02:30 AM
Quote from: 277
As with Sgt. Peppers, it is such a shame they used to omit the singles from the albums.

Yes, I was thinking the exact same thing yesterday.  I like the WA but it could've been much stronger if it had the likes of "Hey Jude" and "Revolution" (fast version) instead of the "filler" material...

Title: Re: Was The White Album Too Long?
Post by: Jane on November 06, 2008, 07:47:34 PM
Maybe they should have included the singles, as you say, but shouldn`t have omitted any songs and made 2 albums out of one.
Title: Re: Was The White Album Too Long?
Post by: retrocool73 on November 06, 2008, 09:09:43 PM
Strange considering it was written and recorded at the same time, but I don't think Hey Jude would particularly suit the White Album. It seems to have a different sound & vibe to me
Title: Re: Was The White Album Too Long?
Post by: HeyJude18 on November 06, 2008, 11:58:58 PM
Ok, coming from the biggest Hey Jude fan ever I totally agree with you retrocool73.  It woudn't have fit onto the album and honestly I don't think that the song would have as much impact as it does.  I wouldn't omit any song on that album for the most fantastic 7 minutes in music EVER!  (In my opinion, I don't want to cause any fights)
Title: Re: Was The White Album Too Long?
Post by: ShesCominDownFastYesSheIs on November 07, 2008, 01:42:21 AM
see below:
Title: Re: Was The White Album Too Long?
Post by: Brynjar on November 08, 2008, 10:48:05 PM
Quote from: Wikipedia
Even though "Hey Jude" was recorded during the sessions for The Beatles, also known as The White Album, it was always intended as a single and not an album track.
Title: Re: Was The White Album Too Long?
Post by: CleanOldMan on November 16, 2008, 06:21:56 AM
I thought it was "too long" before I had a major change in frame of mind. I used to think there was too much filler. Nowadays, my frame of mind looks at each album by a band as one whole piece, so when I look at the quality of The White Album as complete, I think it could've been longer!