Beatles vs. Stones

As we learned at last night's Dueling Pianos show in Massachusetts, the world can be split into two factions.

Not Yankees and Sox fans, though in our Northeast corridor, that is certainly a devout and contentious rivalry that rates among the great national piano bar battles, including Army vs. Navy, Ohio vs. Michigan, and Bieber vs. any actual music.

I'm talking about a divide that was referenced in a recent blog post - choosing either The Beatles or The Rolling Stones.

This is not to say that one cannot admire or appreciate both bands. They are two of the most legendary rock bands, and their contributions to the pantheon of modern music is unmeasurable.

The songwriting team of Lennon-McCartney is responsible for more songs on any classic rock all-time best list than any other writers. Their melodic genius, their knack for harmony, their clever turns of phrase, and of course, the magical way that the sardonic, wry wit of John Lennon could temper the optimistic, sugary sentiment of Paul McCartney. A combination that comes along once in a generation, to be sure.

The Beatles were the clean-cut, boys next door of Brit Rock, and their wholesome image catapulted them all the way to the Ed Sullivan show, and the rest was history.

The antidote to that squeaky image was found in the tempestuous duo of Mick Jagger and Keith Richards. The Glimmer Twins, as they would come to be known, were London's bad boys and they put that attitude into every track. With their own string of hits, the Stones have built a legacy as one of the top touring acts in rock.

Yes, we can like both bands, even love both, but deep inside every music fan, there is a choice. Are we Beatles or are we Stones?

Many of the piano players I know plant themselves squarely on the Beatles side. The richness of the music, the joy that comes from performing a well-written song, the moment you get a crowd to "WOOOOOO!" during I SAW HER STANDING THERE.

But, for me, and a stalwart few, the groove is king. And every Stones song grooves. That dirty boogie that wells up out of the rhythm between the twin guitars. The deceptively smooth rhythm section. The hint of danger in Mick's voice lurking just on the other side of the vinyl. You feel illicit just listening to a Stones record.

I know what you're thinking. There are no absolutes.

Yes, The Beatles can throw down a jam. Just check out COME TOGETHER for a driving beat that dares complacent toes to tap.

And yes, the Stones can write a heartbreaking, lyrical ballad (WILD HORSES is still one of the best rock heart-tuggers out there).

So, on your desert island, do you take Sgt. Pepper or Sticky Fingers (with one of rock's best sax solos ever...oooh, i hear another blog post being born...)???

#beatles #stones #johnlennon #paulmccartney #keithrichards #mickjagger #isawherstandingthere #wildhorses #cometogether