Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Which song would you pick as the best example of what Mersey Beat was all about.

For me it would be 'Some other guy' by the searchers.

What song would others choose?

"Ferry cross the Mersey" by Gerry & the Pacemakers. Don't know why - perhaps just for the title.

"You'll Never Walk Alone" is also fairly representative, as is "How Do You Do It?"

"It's Love That Really Counts" by The Merseybeats.

"Mashed Potatoes" by The Undertakers.

"Sweets For My Sweet" by The Searchers

The Undertakers, a great selection. They featured Brian 'Boots' Jones on sax. Not the same Brian Jones from another UK band.

At the risk of focusing on a pet theme, most of these groups cut their teeth at the Iron Door Club.

"Soldier Of Love" the Beatles.

Difficult to choose just one song, Some Other Guy a good example as in the repertoire of many groups,but only The Big 3 released the track as a single, Searchers version was on their second album.

This track was the first single by Cilla Black but as most people it was given to her by a certain band, their version very hard to find but was, as far as I know, in their repertoire as an early example of a song they wrote themselves.

For those who have never heard it and it has never ever been commercially available, here is a good example of early Merseybeat.


Here is the link for the file you uploaded:
http://download.yousendit.com/E97A347242E7A316

A great song Roy and so typical of the early days in Liverpool. It is interesting to image the influences of McCartney as he sings this song.

An important feature of the Scouser Rock or Merseybeat era, for me at least, is the fresh original compositions offered by groups such as Gerry and the Pacemakers and The Beatles.

Thanks for this reminder.

Thanks for posting that Roy. Never heard this version before. I have the Decca sessions on vinyl, but that track is not on it. Cannot think of any reason why this was included on the Beatles - Anthology One.

I presume you missed the word "not" out Rob because this track was not on any of the Anthology issues, you are correct though that this track was performed at the Decca Audition 45 years ago this week, when of course famously they were turned down.

I think this is the raw merseybeat before more polished productions become the norm.

You are correct Roy. Sorry about that. I really should look at what I am typing!!!

should read:-

Cannot think of any reason why this was NOT included on the Beatles - Anthology One.

From Rob

"It's Too Late Now" by The Swinging Blue Jeans.

A good choice Karl and great that a Californian remembers that because SBJ's not that successful in US. This was their first single and unlike a number of other Liverpool bands whose first singles were songs done by others previously, this was a Ray Ennis composition, still a favourite of mine by them, so it could well have figured in their act before they were signed up and so a good choice.

Roy, as we look at examples of the Mersey Beat sound, I'm curious to hear your thoughts about how the Beatles evolved from that sound as they gained fame. Nevermind the later period--but what early period songs of theirs, once they achieved fame, would you call good examples of Mersey style, and where do they begin to move away from it? Would "I Saw Her Standing There" fit well, or "I Wanna Hold Your Hand?" Thanks.