Talking more about The Beatles would be akin to rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic, so if you have never heard of The Beatles (gasp!) or would like to learn more a good place to start is here

Now on to the good stuff.

(In chronological order)

1) Revolver

As any Rock Historian will tell you, The Beatles were famous not only because their songs were accessible to the mainstream but also because they experimented with new sounds and techniques that influenced practically all the other bands that came after them. 'Eleanor Rigby' was quirky and funny, backed by an instantly recognizable string melody. Sitars feature in 'Love You To', George Harrison's attempt at classical Indian music while under the tutelage of sitar master Ravi Shankar. 'Tommorrow Never Knows' was a one of the first pieces of psychedelic rock, an experimental track. The lyrics were inspired by the Tibetan Book of the Dead, while the Beatles played around with studio effects such as processed vocals, reverse guitar and looped tape effects. This album was also a breakthrough for Harrison who contributed three fabulous songs to the album as a songwriter.

2) Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band

Regarded by many as The Beatle's magnum opus, critics compared it to art and Rolling Stones named it "One of The Most Important Albums Ever Made". It was a time when the Lennon/McCartney team was at its best, both lyrically and musically. 'A Day In The Life' combines two separately written songs with orchestral dubs. There is brilliance under 'Lucy in The Sky with Diamonds', the song itself has a simple melody, the underlying arrangement though grows increasingly complex with each verse, musical keys and time shift in different sections and several instruments featured. Almost like watching the fictional Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, the songs transition smoothly between each track, from strings to electric guitars to sitars, The Beatles showed the world what a real rock album could be.

3) Abbey Road

Abbey Road was the last recorded Beatles album; it came at a time when the relationships between the band members were strained, agreeing to set aside their differences to work together for one last time. Split into two parts, the album features a visit to all the familiar sounds that they had conquered as a band, from the rock heavy Lennon anthem 'Come Together' to the lightweight pop tunes in 'Maxwell's Silver Hammer' and 'Octopus's Garden'.

The beauty of the lingering moment before the end comes in an eight track medley, with several fragmentary songs. The music is a flits from mood to mood, from the pensive 'Because' to the humorous 'She Came In Through The Bathroom Window' and to the melancholic 'Golden Slumbers' before ending it in rock and roll finality on 'The End'

Also Recommended: The White Album (The Beatles)

Known more commonly as the White Album for its cover as it was never really named, the album was recorded in a turbulent time for the Beatles, this was the beginning of the end. However, the atmosphere meant that the members were often alone and writing individually, turning out great work and foreshadowing of the solo careers of the Beatles.

Recommended Tracks: While My Guitar Gently Weeps, Julia, Helter Skelter.

So that’s all for the first edition of Essentials, if all else fails and you have no idea which album to start your Beatles journey on, go with their Greatest Hits. The Beatles Anthology or No 1s will give you an idea of the music that spawned a new generation of rock and makes a great gift for your friends and family.

-Ed (With contributions by Alex)