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Paul was a Beatle?

Christmas 1981 – Santa brought me my first “real” albums: Queen’s Greatest Hits and Tattoo You by The Rolling Stones. In my mind I was the coolest 10 year-old ever. Music was a part of my life. My parents had a great album library and I’d sneak a listen every once in a while. It was in 1982 that I snuck a listen to an album with a cover that had this guy holding headphones on his ears – Tug of War by Paul McCartney. Hey, this Paul McCartney guy was really good. I really liked it!

Soon, Tug of War became my favorite album. As I did a little bit of research at Co-op Records and Tapes and Musicland I found out this Paul McCartney guy had a band before his solo career: Wings. Wow, Band on the Run, Silly Little Love Songs. His band was so “choice.”

Thanks to my mom I learned about The Beatles and finally realized that Paul was a Beatle! So very choice! My 1980’s British invasion that consisted of Duran Duran was so different than her invasion. The Beatles, Stones, etc. – your generation wins mom (No offense to the Duran Duran fans).

After learning about The Beatles I became immersed in the late 1980’s. I was a Beatles junkie. At the same time I was learning about the rest of the Fab 4. I appreciate the music and the individuals. I haven’t found a McCartney song that I don’t like. My favorite John Lennon song is “Nobody Told Me.” It was released four years after his death. I prefer Harrison’s campy Fab tune that was released in the late 80’s. I still haven’t found a Ringo song that I really love.

So, a few weeks ago I sat and listened to the Magical Mystery Tour album that my mom purchased in downtown Janesville in the 1960’s. It was awesome. I popped the re-released and re-mastered CD into the car stereo this week. It was crisp, clean and rich. Why was the popping, scratching album a better listening experience?

Thanks mom for introducing me to Paul, John, George and Ringo. I’ve introduced them to my son as well. All is good with the world! Gen-X’ers – what type of music are you introducing your kids too?

Steve Knox was born, raised and landed back in Janesville. He encourages you to participate as he writes on Janesville and beyond as this Generation X guy supports his Janesville mission, global vision. Steve is a community blogger and is not a part of Janesville Gazette staff. His opinion is not necessarily that of the Janesville Gazette staff or management.