GOT THAT SOMETHING! How the Beatles' “I Want to Hold Your Hand

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

GOT THAT SOMETHING! How the Beatles' “I Want to Hold Your Hand FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE THE NEW YORK TIMES AND BYLINER PUBLISH GOT THAT SOMETHING! How the Beatles’ “I Want to Hold Your Hand” Changed Everything By Allan Kozinn NEW YORK and SAN FRANCISCO—November 12, 2013—On the fiftieth anniversary of the Beatles’ release of “I Want to Hold Your Hand” and the arrival of Beatlemania on American shores, The New York Times and Byliner are publishing Got That Something! by Allan Kozinn, New York Times music critic and noted authority on the Fab Four. Got That Something! chronicles the birth of the iconic Lennon-McCartney song and explains how “I Want to Hold Your Hand” became the hit single that sparked the British Invasion. In this definitive, sharply detailed portrait of a song and its legacy, Kozinn, who has taught at the Juilliard School and New York University, geeks out over chord progressions, double-tracked vocals, and the two simple words “You” and “I,” which together would carry the group to the top of the charts over and over. His fascination is contagious, bringing to life a seminal moment in rock history, when this “two-and-a-half-minute miracle” forged new possibilities for pop music throughout the sixties and beyond. In Got That Something! the author paints a vivid picture of the legendary songwriting duo at work, and the emergence of this distinctively British-sounding tune that—contrary to the assumptions of American record labels—became beloved in the United States, paving the way for the invasion to come and the lasting impact on American music that continues even today. About the Author: Allan Kozinn (@kozinn) began writing about music for The New York Times in 1977, and joined its culture staff in 1991. A classical music critic for much of his career, he is currently a cultural reporter for The Times. His previous books include The Guitar: The History, the Players, the Music (William Morrow/Quill, 1984), Mischa Elman and the Romantic Style (Harwood, 1990), The Beatles: From the Cavern to the Rooftop (Phaidon, 1995), and The New York Times Essential Library: Classical Music (Times Books, 2004). He was born in New York and studied music and journalism at Syracuse University. About Byliner: Byliner works directly with the world’s best writers to deliver great stories to readers. Named “one of the 10 Most Innovative Media Companies in the World” (Fast Company), Byliner is a subscription reading service and digital publisher of award-winning short fiction and nonfiction. A Byliner subscription provides unlimited access to more than 30,000 stories by hundreds of bestselling authors, as well as personalized story suggestions based on your reading time and interests. The entire library of Byliner Originals—including bestselling e-books by Margaret Atwood, Nick Hornby, Jon Krakauer, Ann Patchett, Nicole Krauss, Simon Winchester, Alexandra Fuller, Richard Russo, and Sebastian Junger—is available in the subscription service and through the major digital bookstores. About The New York Times Company: The New York Times Company (NYSE: NYT) is a global media organization dedicated to enhancing society by creating, collecting and distributing high-quality news and information. The company includes The New York Times, International New York Times, NYTimes.com, INYT.com and related properties. It is known globally for excellence in its journalism, and innovation in its print and digital storytelling and its business model. Follow news about the company at @NYTimesComm. Got That Something! is available for $2.99 as a Kindle Single at Amazon, a Quick Read at Apple’s iBookstore, a Nook Snap at BarnesAndNoble.com, and a Short Read at Kobo. The story is free to Byliner subscribers at Byliner.com. For an Advance Reading Copy or to schedule an interview with Allan Kozinn, please contact Danielle Rhoades Ha, Danielle.Rhoades- [email protected], 212-556-8719 or Erin Cox, [email protected], 347-581-0211. ### .
Recommended publications
  • The Beatles on Sullivan by Tim Riley
    On February 9, 1964, alongside the Broadway cast of Oliver!, comedian Frank Gorshin, and Olympian Terry THE McDermott, the Beatles played five numbers, start- ing with “All My Loving,” “Till There Was You,” and their first U.S. number one, “I Want to Hold Your Hand.” For BEATLES viewers, time froze: it had been seven years since Elvis Presley had graced this same stage, but it must have felt like forever for fans of rock and roll. With “She Loves You” ON and “I Saw Her Standing There” especially, rock and roll cracked open again— the music sounded bigger, more provocative, and more pressing than ever. In their Sullivan debut, the Beatles reframed all of rock and roll history up to SULLIVAN that point, and hinted at a thousand enticing new directions. The overpowering immediacy of the Beatles’ impact by Tim Riley was a key part of their appeal, and largely ironic. What seemed fresh and spontaneous to Americans was actually a polished act of songs and quips refined throughout 1963. By early 1964, Beatlemania had seduced Britain and Stories of Britain’s peculiar Beatlemania phenomenon had Europe, but American success was still elusive. Capitol trickled in via Jack Paar and Walter C ronkite— the Beatles Records had rejected “Please Please Me,” “From Me were news fluff (“ mop- tops” with “screaming girls”) even to You,” and “She Loves You,” and was about to snub “I before their songs began playing on Top 40 radio over Want to Hold Your Hand,” when manager Brian Epstein Christmas and the New Year. intervened.
    [Show full text]
  • My Song Analysis: I Want to Hold Your Hand
    My Song Analysis: I Want to Hold Your Hand Artist: By: M. Mejia Music Appreciation Tempo of the Song • The TEMPO is FAST In music Fast tempo is called ALLEGRO Meter of the Song • The METER is 4 beats In music, a 4-beat pattern means that the song has a 4/4 time signature MOOD of the Song The MOOD of this song is rather HAPPY. The artist is communicating this by choosing a bright melody and fast tempo. The lyrics also support this feeling. • A happy mood usually means that the song is in a MAJOR KEY or scale (in fact the song is written in E major) Instrumentation of the Song and Texture • The instrumentation I heard is: 2 guitars, 1 drumset (percussion), 1 bass line, and the voices. The song also had clapping. • The texture is HOMOPHONIC because there is only one main melody or tune that is being accompanied by all other instruments and voices. The FORM of the song • The parts I discovered were: Introduction, A-B-A’-B-C-A’’-B- A’’ ending where: A is the main verse (A’= vs2, A’’ = vs3) B is the Refrain or chorus C is the bridge Form analysis I WANT TO HOLD YOUR HAND - Verse 3 = Part A’’ The BEATLES Yeah you, got that something I think you'll understand Verse 1 = Part A When I say that something Oh yeah, I'll tell you something I wanna hold your hand I think you'll understand When I say that something Refrain= Part B I wanna hold your hand I wanna hold your hand I wanna hold your hand Refrain = Part B I wanna hold your hand (2x) Bridge = Part C And when I touch you I feel happy, inside Verse 2 = Part A’ It's such a feeling Oh, please, say
    [Show full text]
  • Beatles Cover Albums During the Beatle Period
    Beatles Cover Albums during the Beatle Period As a companion to the Hollyridge Strings page, this page proposes to be a listing of (and commentary on) certain albums that were released in the United States between 1964 and April 1970. Every album in this listing has a title that indicates Beatles-related content and/or a cover that is a parody of a Beatles cover. In addition, the content of every album listed here is at least 50% Beatles-related (or, in the case of albums from 1964, "British"). Albums that are not included here include, for example, records named after a single Beatles song but which contain only a few Beatles songs: for example, Hey Jude, Hey Bing!, by Bing Crosby. 1964: Nineteen-sixty-four saw the first wave of Beatles cover albums. The earliest of these were released before the release of "Can't Buy Me Love." They tended to be quickly-recorded records designed to capitalize rapidly on the group's expanding success. Therefore, most of these albums are on small record labels, and the records themselves tended to be loaded with "filler." Possibly, the companies were not aware of the majority of Beatle product. Beattle Mash The Liverpool Kids Palace M-777 Side One Side Two 1. She Loves You 1. Thrill Me Baby 2. Why Don't You Set Me Free 2. I'm Lost Without You 3. Let Me Tell You 3. You Are the One 4. Take a Chance 4. Pea Jacket Hop 5. Swinging Papa 5. Japanese Beatles 6. Lookout for Charlie The label not only spells "Beatle" correctly but also lists the artist as "The Schoolboys." The liner notes show that this album was released before the Beatles' trip to America in February, 1964.
    [Show full text]
  • I Want to Hold Your Hand Sam Heaps
    I Want to Hold Your Hand Sam Heaps We are beginning the quarantine and I worry. A friend let it slip — I thought you would like to know. Cancer. A tumor? Is there a name for cancers like this? He doesn’t know the name, the friend says. There must be a name. When you tell me about the surgery you use the word leaking. You say, I was still leaking. Without the g, or the g so soft as to walk away from the word and it makes it all the more grotesque. Leakin’. But the surgery is not enough. You say you will know more in a week. I feel I must use the pronoun you here. You are so wounded and fragile. You here is for gentleness, a slight removal. You is not for questions. I have no more desire to interrogate. Like you say, it was more than a decade ago and it is all in the past. This is partially true. But I know you are slow to forgive—others, yourself. You hold low-volume grudges in your fist, opening your hand years later to see they have withered and you hardly remember what they were. Your pretty, white fingers with the fine black hair along the knuckles. Wrinkled. Your feet long too. After a beach trip you are bedridden with sun poisoning, covered in third degree burns. I tend to you. I feel your body like it is my body and I am ill with you. I lie with my dog this morning, and it is like this.
    [Show full text]
  • The Beatles Record Review
    WRITING ASSIGNMENT Record Review You are going to write a record review of an album that is deemed significant in Rock Music. A list of groups/artists can be accessed by clicking on link below http://www.rollingstone.com/ news/story/5938174/the_rs_500_greatest_albums_of_all_time Criteria: Title Page Name, word count, course number, section number, etc. Introduction: Write a biography of the group you're critiquing. This should include the year the group/artist began recording, a list of and year of recordings, billboard chart positions, and any awards, Grammys, etc. www.allmusic.com is a great source for biographical information. Section 1 You will need to include all of the specifics of the recording, record label, producer(s), year, and dates of recording. Listen to the album several times as if you were a record critic and write an overview of the album, i.e. style of music, mood, highlights, lowlights, etc. Here are some things to consider: Is there a unifying theme throughout the album? Are there contrasting themes? If so, what are they? Is there enough variety musically in your opinion? What is it about this album in particular that makes it stand out? Section 2 Pick four songs and discuss them in more detail. Discuss your likes and dislikes as we have in relation to the journal entries in class but you will need to go into more detail. Discuss any other elements you find compelling, i.e., imagery from the lyrics or lack thereof, the use of and/or role of instrumentation, tempos, solos, vocals, etc. Section 3 Summarize your experience.
    [Show full text]
  • Music History Grades 4 and 5
    Music History Grades 4 and 5 The Beatles was a very popular group of musicians from England. The band was ​ ​ together for 10 years (1960-70), but in those 10 years, they became extremely popular. ​ ​ Their music had a lasting impact on the music of the 60s, 70s and 80s and still does today. Here is their history: - The band formed in Liverpool, England in 1960 ​ - Members: - John Lennon (1940-1980) Electric guitar, vocals, main composer. ​ ​ - Paul McCartney (1942- ) Electric Bass, vocals, main composer. ​ - George Harrison (1943-2001) Electric guitar, vocals, composer. ​ - Ringo Starr (1940- ) Drum set, vocals, composer. ​ - Liverpool was a port city. Many people from across the world came there on ​ boats and brought records with them. Because of them, the members of the Beatles listened to many records from around the world and started composing music that was influenced by what they heard. - They were VERY creative - especially John Lennon and Paul McCartney. - Also called the “Fab Four” ​ ​ - Beatlemania was the term used to describe how ​ absolutely crazy fans became when they saw The Beatles. Sometimes at concerts, the Beatles couldn’t even hear themselves play because the fans were screaming so loudly! Sometimes fans went so wild that they would even faint! - Best selling band in history: They sold over 800 million albums all over the world. ​ ​ - They also hold the record for the most number one ​ hits ever in England and in the United States. ​ - Abbey Road Studio is a famous recording studio in ​ ​ London where the Beatles recorded most of their albums. This equally famous picture comes from near Abbey Road Studio: - British Invasion: In the 60s and 70s, Rock and Roll ​ ​ became very popular.
    [Show full text]
  • The Beatles and the Crisis of Self-Identity
    Sosland Journal 77 THE BEATLES AND THE CRISIS OF SELF-IDENTITY Jared Gutzmer “Ringo- a lovely performer. George- a mystical unre- alized talent. But John and Paul, Saints John and Paul, were, and made, and aureoled and beatifi ed and eternalized the concept that shall always be known, remembered and deeply loved as The Beatles” -Leonard Bernstein The Beatles are one of the most popular bands of all time. This is an undisputed fact no matter the location. They were so popular that in America, they had to stop touring due to the screaming fans which caused the band not to be able to hear themselves. Never before was there a group that was so incredibly popular in history. This popularity and other fac- tors led the members of the Beatles to change as individuals and as a group as they matured musically and mentally. Their identity shifted from a group identity to a self-identity. From the Beatles fi rst album, Please Please Me, to their last, Let It Be, the shift in their identity can be seen through their music and the appearances that led to individualism and eventually their downfall. 78 Sosland Journal The Music “It would not seem quite so likely that the accompany- ing fever known as Beatlemania will also be success- fully exported. On this side of the Atlantic it is dazed stuff.” -Jack Gould, New York Times television critic The Beatles music and lyrics changed drastically from their fi rst to last album due to adapting to a changing soci- ety, musical maturity, and their increased popularity.
    [Show full text]
  • Hire SFCM Musicians Brass Quintet Song List
    Hire SFCM Musicians Brass Quintet Song List Ceremonial Pieces Popular Classics Air (Water Music) HANDEL A Western Fanfare EWAZEN Alleluia, Alleluia BYRD Album for the Young TCHAIKOVSKY Almand & Gaillard BRADE Basse-Dance (Capriol Suite) WARLOCK Antiphonal SWEELINCK Carmen Duet BIZET Ave Maria RACHMANINOV Champagne Polka J. STRAUSS Ave Verum MOZART Dance of the Buffoons R.-KORSAKOV Bridal Chorus (Lohengrin) WAGNER Gnosienne for Brass Quintet SATIE Canzona per Sonare No.2, N0.4 GABRIELI Golliwogg’s Cake Walk DEBUSSY Canzona I, II, III SCHEIDT Gymnopedie No. 1 SATIE Canzona Prima 5 GABRIELI Humoresque Op. 10, #2 TCHAIKOVSKY Contrapunctus I, II, V, IX BACH Il Vecchio Castello MUSSORGSKY Die Bankelsangerlieder ANONYMOUS Jupiter (The Planets) HOLST Elsa’s Processional (Lohengrin) WAGNER Pavane FAURÉ English Folk Song Melody SNELL Pizzicato Polka J. STRAUSS Fanfare (La Peri) DUKAS Promenade (Pictures) MUSSORGSKY Galliarda SCHEIDT Quintet No. 1, Op.5 EWALD Galliarda Battaglia SCHEIDT Radetzky March J. STRAUSS Gaudeamus Igitur COLLEGIUM Russian Sailor’s Dance GLIERE Girl with the Flaxen Hair DEBUSSY Sheep May Safely Graze J. S. BACH Gloria (Nelson Mass) HAYDN Sonata for Two Trumpets PURCELL God Save the Queen TRADITIONAL Spring (Four Seasons) VIVALDI Grand March (Aida) VERDI Toreador (Carmen) BIZET Hallelujah, Amen HANDEL Hosanna to the Son of David GIBBONS Jerusalem PARRY O Canada LAVALLÉE Prince of Denmark’s March CLARKE Rondeau MOURET Suite (Water Music) HANDEL The Earle of Oxford’s Marche BYRD The Lord Bless and Keep You LUTKIN Triumphal March
    [Show full text]
  • The Beatles; Paul Mccartney Is Favorite Band Member January 15-19, 2014
    CBS NEWS POLL For release: Sunday, February 2, 2014 9:00 am ET Three in Four Americans Like The Beatles; Paul McCartney is Favorite Band Member January 15-19, 2014 Fifty years after the Beatles landed on U.S. soil and appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show, Beatlemania appears to be alive and well in America. 75% of Americans say they like the Beatles (at least a little), including almost four in 10 who like them a lot. Only 15% of Americans say they dislike the Beatles. Those ages 55 to 64 are especially fond of the Beatles -- they are liked by nine in 10 Americans in this age group (including 56% who like them a lot). People in this age group would have been children or young teens when the Beatles came to America in 1964. Still, the band from Liverpool is liked by adults of all ages. Views of The Beatles Total 18-34 35-44 45-54 55-64 65+ Like 75% 70% 75% 82% 90% 66% Like a lot 39% 29% 35% 48% 56% 36% Like a little 36 41 40 34 34 30 Dislike 15 17 15 12 7 19 Dislike a lot 7 8 6 7 5 8 Dislike a little 8 9 9 5 2 11 Paul McCartney ranks as Americans’ favorite Beatle. 35% pick McCartney, followed by John Lennon (29%), Ringo Starr (11%), and then George Harrison (8%). There is a gender gap: Men pick John as their favorite band member, while women choose Paul. Also, younger Americans (those under age 35) say John is their favorite Beatle, while those who are older pick Paul.
    [Show full text]
  • 'Octopus's Garden'
    ACCESS ALL AREAS... octopus’s garden APPEARS IN ROCK & POP 2018 Released: 1969 Album: Abbey Road Label: Inertia, Monkey Puzzle, RCA Records ABOUT THE SONG ‘Octopus’s Garden’ is one of two Beatles songs written by drummer Ringo Starr, and featured on I’D ASK MY FRIENDS TO COME AND SEE The Beatles’ 11th album, Abbey Road. Starr had the idea for the song while on holiday with his family in AN OCTOPUS’S GARDEN WITH ME Sardinia in 1968. After lunch on a boat, the captain told him a story about how octopuses pick up stones I’D LIKE TO BE UNDER THE SEA and objects from the sea bed to build gardens with. He wrote the song in Sardinia, and George Harrison “IN AN OCTOPUS’S GARDEN later helped with developing the chord changes. Starr said it was also inspired by his desire to hide from growing tension in the band: ‘at the time I just wanted to be under the sea, too.’ IN THE SHADE RECORDING AND PRODUCTION Recorded at EMI Studios (now known as Abbey Road Studios) in ‘OCTOPUS’S GARDEN’ IS RINGO’S April 1969, the backing track of ‘Octopus’s Garden’ took 32 takes before The Beatles were happy with it and Starr was able to record SONG. IT’S ONLY THE SECOND his final vocals. Produced by the band in the absence ofAbbey Road SONG RINGO HAS EVER WRITTEN producer George Martin, the backing vocals of band members Paul MIND YOU, AND IT’S LOVELY...’ McCartney and George Harrison were put through compressors and ” limiters to create a gurgling sound, and the sound of bubbles being GEORGE HARRISON blown with a straw in a closely-miked glass was added.
    [Show full text]
  • The Beatles Story Learning Resource Pack
    THE BEATLES STORY LEARNING RESOURCE PACK A Comprehensive Guide for Key Stage 1 and 2 www.beatlesstory.com Britannia Vaults, Albert Dock, Liverpool L3 4AD Tel: +44 (0)151 709 1963 Fax: +44 (0)151 708 0039 E-mail: [email protected] CONTENTS 1 Introduction 2 Booking your visit 3 Learning Aims, Objectives and Outcomes 4 History at Key Stage 2 6 Art at Key Stage 2 7 Discovery Zone Curriculum Links at KS2 11 Political, Economic and Social Influences 1940 – 1950 13 Political, Economic and Social Influences 1950 – 1960 15 Influences on Popular Music of the 1960’s 17 Beatles Time Line 18 John Lennon Fact Sheet 19 Paul McCartney Fact Sheet 20 George Harrison Fact Sheet 21 Ringo Starr Fact Sheet 22 Suggested Classroom Activities - Ideas for History 23 Suggested Classroom Activities - Ideas for Music 24 Suggested Classroom Activities - Ideas for Literacy 25 Suggested Classroom Activities - Ideas for Art 26 Worksheets A-D 37 Geography: River Walk Map KS1 and KS2 40 Pre-Visit Quiz 41 Post-Visit Quiz 42 The Beatles’ Discography 1962 - 1970 tel:0151 709 1963 www.beatlesstory.com INTRODUCTION Located within Liverpool’s historic Albert Dock, We have linked the story of the Beatles, their the Beatles Story is a unique visitor attraction early lives, their fame and combined creativity that transports you on an enlightening and to selected areas of the National Curriculum: atmospheric journey into the life, times, culture history, literacy, art and music to actively and music of the Beatles. encourage and involve children in their own learning. Since opening in 1990, the Beatles Story has continued to develop our learning resources to Whether your school follows established create a fun and educational experience for all.
    [Show full text]
  • Beatles 2015
    BEATLES UKULELE JAM PACKET FOR Cynthia Lin and Ukulenny’s fabulous ukulele jam January 31, 2015 Pa’iNa Restaurant & Lounge, San Francisco, CA Compiled by Mary L. Cryns (with a little help from my friends and the Beatles!) From Me To You .................................................. 1 Sgt. Pepper Lonely Heart Club Band Reprise .... 32 Love Me Do ........................................................... 2 A Day in the Life .................................................. 33 I Want to Hold Your Hand .................................. 3 No Reply ............................................................. 26 She Loves You ...................................................... 4 Don’t Let Me Down ............................................. 27 All My Loving ......................................................... 5 Wait ..................................................................... 28 I Saw Her Standing There .................................. 6 If I Needed Someone (G. Harrison) .................... 29 PS I Love You ....................................................... 7 Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite .......................... 34 I Don’t Want to Spoil the Party .............................. 8 When I’m 64 ........................................................ 35 Good Day Sunshine .............................................. 9 With a Little Help From My Friends ..................... 36 Eight Days A Week ............................................. 10 I Am the Walrus .................................................
    [Show full text]