Beatles Trump It All

Beatles trump all? I know—that’s a strange choice of verb to be using of late. But it’s true. And it’s probably good for search engine optimization. (Then again, maybe not.) 

Sure, you can find me top down on the 101, hair blowing in the wind, rocking out to “Maggie May” at the top of my lungs. (There’s a new word in my vocabulary which comes to mind—Schadenfreude: pleasure derived by someone from another person’s misfortune. Poor Rod. So heartbroken. I’m ecstatic!) Or The Raspberries’ “Go All The Way.” Or…perhaps something more this century you say? Ok. “Chasing Pavements,”  ”Human” (The Killers), “Can’t Stop The Feeling,” “Love On The Brain.” All other-worldy compositions gifting pleasure to my grateful ears. Today’s satellite radio has so much to offer. 

But when the Beatles come on I surf no further. 

So you would think the news I heard today, oh boy, would put me in a state of delirium: Starting May 18th there will be a Beatles Channel on SiriusXM. I’m not sure how I feel about this.

Every Sunday morning from 9-12 I tune into Chris Carter’s Breakfast With The Beatles on 99.5 KLOS (terrestrial) in LA. This is an hour I cherish, savor and look forward to. Now, my weekly delight is going to be available 24/7. That’s like lobster every night. I love lobster. But how would I feel about it every night? Sure, I can say, no thanks, I’ll have the penne. But…I doubt I would. And then, would I tire of those lovely chunks of heaven (dripping with salted butter), being delivered to my lips? My mouth is watering as I type. 

According to SiriusXM news “The Beatles Channel will showcase all-things-Beatles with regular and special programming spanning the history-making careers of the band and its members John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr.” 

I should be happy. 

In my mind, the collision of these 4 particular human beings is to music, what the big bang theory was to the configuration of the Universe. Unlikely. And although there are bands and artists I can’t imagine having grown up without—The Eagles, Pretenders, Stevie (both of them), Elton, (omg, Elton!), even, forgive me, Prince…in the end, for me, nothing will ever compare. Moving on…

“The Beatles Channel will present a curated mix of music tailored to a wide range of Beatles fans.” Umm, I don’t want to be curated—and not just because I don’t like the sound of it. A long and winding road ago, the Beatles found their way to my door. All by themselves. Without anyone having to lead them there. Imagine that. 

Favorite Song of all time? “Across The Universe.” Stranded on a desert island? And I can only hear one band for the rest of my life? Beatles. Of course. Hands down. Final answer.  

And, yes, I know the channel will be more than just music. There’ll be trivia and tidbits and interviews with people who have brushed up against them. I’m interested in it all. Even the stuff I’ve heard before. But this begs the question: what is too much of a good thing? I guess I have a fear of over-saturation. And no ability to self-moderate. Lobster please. Hold the bib. 

All this said…I’ll be tuned in. You know I will.  And you’ll undoubtedly find me in the fast lane, age-inappropriately shrieking to “Revolution” or sobbing to “Yes It Is, Yes It Is, Yes It Is, Oh Yes It Is,” on the 405, the 210 or the PCH. I just may never listen to ANYTHING ELSE ever AGAIN. 🙁  

I mean 🙂  

I mean, I’m just not sure. 

***

I wrote this song, “George & John,” with Phil Thornally and Dave Munday. Maybe I’ll send it to Channel 18. For curation. 

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