FEATURE:
The Digital Mixtape
IN THIS PHOTO: The Beatles (Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Ringo Starr and John Lennon) in 1964’s A Hard Day’s Night
The Beatles’ A Hard Day’s Night at Sixty: A 1964 Mix
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ON 7th July, 1964…
The Beatles’ A Hard Day’s Night film was released in cinemas. Their first feature film, it was at the time of Beatlemania. Paul McCartney, John Lennon, George Harrison and Ringo Starr on the big screen. Directed by Richard Lester, it is a magnificent film. Capturing the band at the first peak of their powers, A Hard Day’s Night is a sort of part-fictional insight into their lives and relationships with one another. Showing different sides to each band member, is it a hugely entertaining and charming film. One that was a critical and commercial success. An Academy Award-nominated film no less. Perhaps the finest film The Beatles appeared in. A few days after the cinematic release, on 10th July, 1964, the album of the same name came out. A Hard Day’s Night features songs from the film and other original compositions. An incredible album, and the first with all original songs from Lennon and McCartney, it is amazing that it still sounds so potent and evocative sixty years later. Surely one of the greatest albums of the 1960s. I am interested what was happening around The Beatles’ music in 1964. Other acts that were there. Even if it was a year very much about them conquering America and the globe, their music and fame grew in a year that boasted some other fantastic music. Those acts that they were almost in competition with. Some fellow legends and bands sort of coming through. To mark sixty years of A Hard Day’s Night film and album, I have compiled a mixtape of cuts from 1964. A wonderful and varied year for music, I think a lot of people overlook it. In celebration of a milestone anniversary for a tremendous Beatles film and album, here are some fellow artists who were releasing brilliant music…
IN 1964.