Mix Tape of the Day: February 25, 2015 - The Best of the Beatles (1964-1965)

It's time for some more Beatles! As Beatlemania reached it's peak, the band found themselves in a strange new world of stardom, films, and began some experimentation.  Four albums came out during these years which is kind of a lot, when you consider all of the touring schedules as well.

1. A Hard Day's Night - The Beatles (1964) The title track from their post-stardom album was also the signature piece from the accompanying film (which is actually a great movie).  After a hard day of working, this is just the song you need.

2. Can't Buy Me Love - The Beatles (1964) And of that film, "Can't Buy Me Love" may be the most iconic moment.  Just running around acting silly.  Those boys of ours!

3. I Should Have Known Better - The Beatles (1964) This was a Bob Dylan-inspired track that some consider to be a defining line between "early Beatles" and "later Beatles."  We'll see if that holds true.

4. If I Fell - The Beatles (1964) Another classic love song.  Seems like early Beatles to me.

5. Eight Days a Week - The Beatles (1964) Beatles for Sale came at the end of a hectic year of crazy pop stardom.  As a result, the album doesn't quite reach the heights of the others, but they are the Beatles so it is still a solid record.  "Eight Days a Week" is rightfully the standout song.

6. Help! - The Beatles (1965) The Beatles were literally crying for help during their music career at this point.  With a second movie on the way and more and more albums and tours, it all got a bit too overwhelming.

7. I've Just Seen a Face - The Beatles (1965) I do so enjoy these "fun" Beatles songs.  This would have been a perfect choice for yesterday's mix.  And speaking of yesterday...

8. Yesterday - The Beatles (1965) To me, this is where we draw the line.  Previous Beatles work just seems like a lot of average '60s boy band material.  It was great yes, but not entirely different than what the genre was offering.  This is the first "mature" hit of the Beatles and from here, the band would only grow and expand.

9. Day Tripper - The Beatles (1965) Yeah, the Beatles are grown up now.

10. Drive My Car - The Beatles (1965) As the tilty image of Rubber Soul suggests, the Beatles were transforming, with each song presenting us something that their audience was unfamiliar with.  Fortunately, fans responded well.  When I first heard "Drive My Car," all I could think was, "This sounds... different." But now I fully appreciate and enjoy it.

11. Girl - The Beatles (1965) Even their love songs were taking a turn for the unique.

12. Nowhere Man - The Beatles (1965) As were their songs about nowhere men.  This is like some deep philosophy, man.

13. In My Life - The Beatles (1965) This started out as a nostalgic childhood poem-song that Lennon hated writing.  Music!  What fun!