The Beatles
Featured on Rubber Soul
Capitol
Released 3 December 1965
Rock & roll
Vinyl
B-
This song is one reason that some feminists hate the Beatles. And, yes, I can see how problematic it is, but it's also darn catchy. (This is a dilemma I know well as a feminist Three's Company fan, but then I'm sure Joyce DeWitt understands.) The irony is that the Monkees could've given this to Davy Jones and no one would've noticed the menace (except the grown-up Monkees fans of course). But because we know that John was "a wicked guy...born with a jealous mind" and he "meant every word he said" of this "sermon, it's a hell of a lot more troubling. That said, I still would've gone with a B if the lyrics weren't so redundant.
The Lads from Liverpool were growing up, but not exactly maturing. The instrumentation is more progressive on this album than the lyrics, and I don't just mean politically. Rubber Soul (American edition) ranges from C+ to B+, so it's definitely a step-up but still with a long way to go. And, yes, I still have a soft spot for it as my "gateway album."
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