6. Ticket To Ride

 Pure power in a pop song.  John was right when he said this song was one of the early "heavy" songs.  Not just by the Beatles, but by anyone.  The simple but catchy "A" chord rife starts and then Ringo gets us going with a nice, really fast tom roll.  Of course the drums initially make the song interesting and I guess we have to thank Paul for telling Ringo what to do.  Paul may have suggested something but Ringo perfected it.  One of the things that doesn't get talked about with regards to the early to mid Beatles songs is the balance and mix of the overall recording.  Listen to the transition lead guitar part (played by Paul) and the drums how they quiet down during the verse.  In fact the whole mix is outstanding.  It seems to quiet down and emphasize the vocals yet it remains heavy at the same time.  It's a heavy pop song...the first of it's kind.  The harmonies are spectacular which by now is expected.  The little ad libs like John at the 1:40 and 2:30 mark keep the song seeming off the cuff and very natural, spontaneous.  John's vocal is terrific.  The song breaks down at the 2:45 mark into somewhat of a weak ending.  I chalk this up to them being pressed to finish the song and it's the best they came up with.  It's the only way that we know this song now so it's not as if it doesn't sound good but in retrospect, it does seem a bit weak.  I think the pressure was to finish and move on.