3 Grave Concerns for The Beatles Channel

Perhaps I’m overstating it. “Grave” is admittedly harsh. “Obvious” is dead on.

I’ve loved the Beatles since I was 6. When The Beatles Channel arrived in May 2017, it was a lifelong dream come true. I’ve known this format could work for years. I should have invented it. But alas, stuff came up.

So when Sirius XM brought us channel 18, I knew I’d love it. My Lovely Wife and Life Partner Lois knew it, too. She knows what a freak I am. But she warned, “Something about it will drive you crazy.” “No way”, I countered. But she’s right about 99% of the time. (Though I don’t have data to back that up. It’s just best that you trust me on this.)

Indeed, she nailed it.

There are no DJs.

Again, “grave” is a reach, but it got your attention. And it is important. The few features they run with Chris Carter, Peter Asher, and others help. But there is plenty of room to add a human voice to share with fellow Beatles fans the passion and the memories.

There are few “wrong” songs you could play on an all Beatles channel, but a live jock (even a tracked one) could often choose the BEST song after a given selection. Songs in order of album track listings come to mind. Although the Beatles Channel has been good about playing side two of Abbey Road in sequential order. Of course, if they didn’t, violence may ensue.

Again, I exaggerate.

Too Much Ringo

I’m glad you’re still reading, because the subtitle implies I’m a Ringo Hater. Not true. He was my first favorite Beatle. But with time I became a Paul guy because HE’S MUCH MORE TALENTED.

I love that we get the solo tunes. It’s a must on a Beatles channel. I love Ringo for the role he plays. He’s a great rock band pocket drummer. He was great for the Beatles image. But his solo efforts fall short of the three singer/songwriters in the group. As a Beatle, he was given one song per album. About 10% of the material. I don’t know what the percentages are on the radio station, but it seems he’s given more than his fair share of air time.

There is so much better content. Anything. But please not “I’m the Greatest”.

Speaking Words of Wisdom

I like that they they tried this feature. It sounded like a good idea. Take a good song, and make it better. (Sorry.)

This isn’t about Hey Jude specifically, but it could be. They got a guy with an English accent to quote lyrics from a Fabs song to intro the song. But it just comes up short. “I look at you all. See the love there that’s sleeping. While my guitar gently weeps. I look… at the FLOOR… and I see… it needs sweeping… STILL.. my guitar…

You get the idea. He’s trying too hard. It’s forced. It’s melodramatic. And it just doesn’t work. The Beatles lyrics are often just too weird for it to make any sense. And let’s face it. Sometimes the lyrics by themselves don’t really make a lot of sense. But it’s part of their charm. They’re better left alone.

Don’t Hate

That said, there’s definitely plenty about the Beatles Channel to like. There’s plenty to work with. There are just so many brilliant songs. And I give them a 99%. Again, I don’t have the hard data.

And again. Lois was right.