Last night I popped to the cinema by myself and plonked myself down with a glass of wine the size of my head to watch the new Ron Howard film The Beatles: Eight Days a Week, about the band’s touring years. Those years where girls screamed so loudly whilst they were playing that not only could nobody in the audience hear the band, but the Beatles couldn’t hear themselves play. Ringo used to have to watch John’s body movements closely, so he knew whereabouts they were in the song. The film was fascinating and was an excellent reminder of the band’s genius.

So as my feet couldn’t actually, physically stop tapping throughout the film, I thought now was as good a time as any to talk about my love for the Beatles and list my personal favourites.

My love for the Beatles was set in stone from the very beginning. I had no choice as like many people my age, my Mother was a superfan during the 60s (Paul was her favourite. Of course). I remember poring over my Mum’s vinyl collection of the Beatles and discussing with her our favourite Beatles songs (when I was a child it was Ticket to Ride). I also remember the horror I felt, when my Mum told me that in the late 70s she decided it would be a good idea to burn all of her copies of the Beatles magazines from the 60s that she owned (and of which she had every single copy) as they had no room for them in the new house. I sense this is something she quite regrets these days.

Then my love for Whitney, Madonna and all things Stock, Aiken & Waterman took over from my interest in the Beatles. Never fear, When I was 14 years old, my love for them was reignited when me and my group of friends became obsessed with them and their music. We all had a favourite. Paul was the most popular, but I myself carried a flame for Ringo. Yes that’s right. I was a 14 year old with a crush on Ringo Starr. So much so, I used to faithfully, regularly watch Thomas the Tank Engine and even went to see him play live at the Hammersmith Apollo (Ringo that is. Not Thomas). Also, our choice to go to Henley College to do our A-levels may have some how been influenced by the fact that the college was situated right next door to George Harrison’s mansion. If we were lucky we could catch a glimpse of him driving through the large gates of Friar Park in his limousine. During these dodgy-crush years, I did develop a serious love for their music that I still carry with me now. So sit back and have a listen to my top 12 (sorry I couldn’t narrow it down to ten) Beatles songs, in order.

12. I’ve Just Seen a Face (1965, album track, Help!)

11. Dear Prudence (1968, album track, the White album)

10. Penny Lane (1967, no.2, Magical Mystery Tour)

9. Lady Madonna (1968, no.1, non-album single)

8. We Can Work it Out (1965, no.1, non-album single)

7. You’ve Got to Hide Your Love Away (1965, album track, Help!)

6. Come Together (1969, no.4, Abbey Road)

5. Here Comes the Sun (1969, album track, Abbey Road)

4. A Day in the Life (1967, album track, Sgt.Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band)

3. Norwegian Wood (this bird has flown) (1965, album track, Rubber Soul)

2. Help! (1965, no.1, Help!)

And my all time favourite Beatles song is…

.

.

.

1. Blackbird (1968, album track, the White album)

Don’t forget to tell me your favourite Beatles tune below.

 

For other musical artist top tunes click on the link:

Björk  Blur  The Cure  George Michael  Kylie Minogue  Madonna  Prince  Pulp  Suede

Tori Amos