But that's not to say I'm giving everyone a free pass nowadays. I mean c'mon, what kind of an uppity music snob would I be if I just jumped on the bandwagon with everyone? In fact there's one band who, try as I might, I just can't get on board with. This band also happens to be the most universally applauded rock outfit of all time. You might know them as the Beatles.
A few things right off the bat: 1) No I'm not insane 2) Yes, I'm aware they're almost without debate the single most influential band of the rock era and 3) I'm aware they've in some way shape or form influenced the better part of 99.99998977678999 percent of bands I'm a fan of. Agreed, and even if I didn't it really wouldn't matter.
My sub par of opinion of the Beatles doesn't really mean horseshit in the long run, and it certainly won't do anything toward tampering their immaculate legend. But it's still my opinion, and one i feel I'm entitled too. Still that hasn't stopped people from looking at me like a complete spaz upon telling them that I just kinda, sorta don't dig too much on the Fab Four. In fact, one of the hardest things I've ever had to do is convince people that I'm honestly and sincerely NOT a Beatles fan. I'd probably have an easier time convincing people I'm from fucking Neptune.
But this raises an interesting point. Why are the Beatles, as important as they are, exempt from all the standard issue critiques and criticisms that every other functioning rock band past, present and future are forced to live with day in and day out by people all around the globe? I mean fuck, even the Rolling Stones, who most people consider the greatest rock band of all time behind the Beatles, aren't given the free pass John, Paul, George and Ringo are. So what's the deal? Isn't it possible to respect a band (and I do respect the Beatles) while at the same time plainly admitting to not being much of a fan?
I realize it sounds almost backwards to praise just about any band and not admit to being a fan of the Beatles. but it's the honest truth. I've given fair listens to all the prerequisites, from Rubber Soul, Revolver and a Hard Days Night to Sgt. Pepper, Abbey Road and the White Album. But the bottom line is I've always gotten more of a charge out of Rancid, NOFX, Pennywise and the dozens of other Epitaph-approved 90's punk bands than I have out of anything the Beatles have done. Let it Be? I'd take the Replacements album over the Beatles' any day of the week. Even among band's from their own era, I think they pale compared to the Kinks or the Who.
Now are any of these bands better than the Beatles? Na, not at all. But for me, they all strike a chord the Beatles never, ever have come close to. And I'm ok with that. i just wish everyone else could hop on down off their Beatles soapbox and accept it.
