The White Album Turns 40

The White Album was released in 1968. It's official title was just The Beatles but due to it's simple white cover (it is entirely white except for the title "The Beatles") it became known as The White Album.

While it's not as flawless as Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band or Revolver (which I'd probably rank #2 and #3 among Beatles albums) I think it's incredible variety makes it the most interesting listen over the long term. I've been listening to The White Album frequently since I first discovered it twelve years ago. And even now, 12 years later, I still discover new things about it. Songs that I used to think were dragging the album down a bit are now among my favorits. It's an album that has just continued to grow on me over the years.

Many have argued that The White Album should have been cut down to a single album. That some of the album's less perfect songs such as "Bungalow Bill" & "Don't Pass Me By" could (and should) have been axed along with the experimental avant-garde "Revolution #9." In fact the Beatles producer (George Martin) himself has made that argument.

I strongly disagree with that point of view. A great part of what gives the album it's endearing charm are these songs that would have been chopped to make it into a single album. I don't listen to "Revolution #9" every time I play The White Album, but there is nothing like it when I do. It's an experience like none other.

While "Don't Pass Me By" is definitely among The Beatles worst songs, it still has some charm. In a way it's charming almost because it's not such a great song. It's neat to hear the other Beatles try to give life to Ringo's less than stellar tune.

And how about songs like Paul McCartney's great "Why Don't We Do It In The Road?" & "Piggies." These are songs that would be unlikely to make such a single album version and yet I find them to be extraordinarily interesting. Some people would call songs like these "filler" just because they are not hit singles. I would say to people like that: "Open your ears & your mind." Put away your Beatles 1 CD and put in The White Album. It may be a more difficult listen at first but it's also a far more rewarding one in the long term.

Not that The White Album doesn't have some "hits" as well. Songs like "While My Guitar Gently Weeps," "Birthday," "Back in the USSR," & "Obladi-Oblada" are all among The Beatles most well known and most well loved songs. "Blackbird" & "I Will" are certainly among The Beatles most beautiful songs.

The White Album is my favorite album of all time. Not despite of any imperfections and not because of them either, but because of the album as a whole. It's an incredible journey through many different types of music. So many different styles but the one common thread is The Beatles amazing songwriting talent. Whether it is "Helter Skelter" or "Julia." "Happiness is a Warm Gun" or "Martha My Dear." This is amazing music that has stood the test of time.

Happy Birthday to The White Album! Not all music sounds so good when it hits the big four-o.

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Marvin J. Markus recommends buying a Fender acoustic guitar online so you can play "I Will." You will need a Fender Stratocaster electric guitar to play "Back In The USSR."

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