White Album Thoughts
Douglas as Music
Apr|7|2009
So I was listening to the White Album last night, and as I’m apt to do, I was thinking about a one album version like Mojo magazine did in their Aug. 08 issue. I gave it way to much thought, and came up with the following list:
Side 1
Back in the USSR (2:43)
Dear Prudence (3:56)
Glass Onion (2:18)
While My Guitar Gently (4:45)
Happiness is a Warm Gun (2:44)
Martha My Dear (2:29)
I Will (1:46)
Julia (2:54)
Side 2
Birthday (2:43)
Yer Blues (4:01)
Blackbird (2:18)
Me and my Monkey (2:25)
Sexy Sadie (3:15)
Helter Skelter (4:30)
Cry Baby Cry (3:10)
Savoy Truffle (2:55)
My reason for even thinking about this is that the White Album turns some people off because of it’s lack of cohesion. Some people love the diversity of the tracks. I find myself wanting to skip songs that haven’t aged well, or seem like genuine filler. Revolution 9 is the top of that list, followed by Good Night (I wish Ringo had a stronger track on this album. He did quit the band for two weeks during the making?) Wild Honey Pie, Piggies, and I’m so tired. I’m so tired sounds like it should have come off Rubber Soul.
Now the big omissions are Ob-La-Di, and Revolution 1. In my mind, should be singles and not included on the album. I also kept the considerations for vinyl so the louder tracks are toward the beginning of each side and the side are well balanced. That meant that Blackbird had to go to side 2 too prevent a pileup of ballads on side 1. Other than that, the track order stayed much the same. Lots of lists I’ve seen try different openers, second-guessing the bands preference to begin with Back in the U.S.S.R. and Birthday.
Try setting this up in your ipod and see what you think.