Playing Abbey Road

Apparently, the album Abbey Road was released for download on The Beatles: Rock Band. It was released two days ago, to be exact. I felt like I should have heard about it so I could get myself either properly excited or talk myself out of buying, but I didn't. I felt terrible for my ignorance, and I apologized to my copy of Beatles: Rock Band for my neglect.

To alleviate my guilt I decided to buy the album. Which worked, as I no longer felt like a ignorant consumer, and instead made me feel like a really stupid consumer. Cause I've never ever felt the need to pretend play "Maxwell's Silver Hammer" with a plastic video game controller shaped like a guitar. Then again, I had leftover Microsoft Points, and spending fake money is better than spending actual money... so there you go.

I gave the entire album a quick run through with my guitar. The first half was kind of stilted by the fact that most of the songs that had already been on the game were located there. But that medley at the end? Yeah, that's pretty awesome.

It actually kind of reinforced the idea that I've always shared about the album: that it's a tired and weary effort by a bunch of guys who have grown to dislike each other, somewhat saved by some great songwriting that shines through periodically, and then redeemed by a medley that inexplicably works. Really, if "Golden Slumbers" was developed any longer into a "fuller" song, but combined with "Carry That Weight" it just gels together perfectly. It was their one last great bit of inspiration, and one that gives off a similar vibe to the more optimistic Rubber Soul era, even if a bit more weathered.

Also, it took me until now, but I never considered "You Never Give Me Your Money" part of the medley, since it was such an awesome and fully developed song and everything. But then I realized how much of "Carry That Weight" was quoting it. Woops.

Also also, playing through the entire album on guitar is very tiring on the fingers.

Also also also... I tried really hard to think of a better title, but I couldn't. I'd feel so much better about my entries if they all didn't have such crappy titles...