Friday, February 13, 2009

Beatles History: "Strawberry Fields Forever" and "Penny Lane" Released in the U.S.

The Beatles' "Strawberry Fields Forever" and "Penny Lane" were released on February 13, 1964 in the United States by Capitol Records. The tracks were regarded with suspicion by many fans, who wanted to hear more "Yeah, yeah, yeah!" rock and roll. Factually, their heroes had changed, however, growing beards and starting an era of experimentation with different instruments and styles of music. George Martin has stated emphatically that both of these songs belonged on Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. By the time that album was released, fans were used to the different style and marveled at the genius demonstrated by the group's first all-studio album.

Both of these songs were inspired by places in Liverpool where Lennon and McCartney had grown up. The placards next to the gates of Strawberry Fields, a Salvation Army orphanage, may be seen in the sidebar. They are now covered with graffiti.

Promotional videos, both psychedleic in nature, were shot for the two songs. The singles hit number one on the American charts despite the misgivings by some hardcore Beatles' fans.

No comments:

Post a Comment