The White Album

Growing up in the 60’s meant for most that you were a Beatles fan. I was no exception. I think my first LP ever was the Beatles ‘65. I bought it with the $5 an aunt gave me for Christmas in 1964. I was 10. The White Album was a gift to Mike and me Christmas of ‘68. It got a ton of play on the Magnavox in the living room. It was probably the only record our dad would listen to with us. He would actually play his sax while Mike played some of these songs on his guitar. Those nights were some of my best family memories.

I’m still amazed when I pick up this album and look inside, then listen. 30 songs and almost 94 minutes of music. Every genre imaginable. The musicianship is astonishing. I’ve learned a few of the songs; “Dear Prudence”, “While My Guitar Gently Weeps”, and “Rocky Racoon”. You would think I’d know “Blackbird”. Doesn’t every guitar player”? I tried learning it once via one of dozens of available YouTube videos, but then I saw an interview with McCartney where he said everyone was playing it wrong. Time wasted I guess.

It’s hard to say what’s my favorite Beatles album. Most critics would pick “Revolver” as #1, maybe of all time. But this was the one I pulled out and studied when thumbing through my collection a few weeks ago. I was 14 when we got it. A teenager, ready for musical exploration. This one help start that exploration.