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No Reply!
Have you ever had one of those musical experiences where you are instantly transported to a very happy place? Well, I’ve had a few and one at the top of the list (apart from the MLT that is of course) would have to be what I consider total bliss, the first time I heard a double-tracked John Lennon belting out the song ’No Reply’, from the ‘Beatles For Sale’ album. In North America, it was issued on Capitol Records’ variant on the British release, Beatles ’65.
This is one song I couldn’t help playing over and over again as John Lennon sings ‘No Reply’ with so much passion I can believe the angst he is feeling. There is only one person (well two actually), I know who could deliver a song with as much passion. Guess who!
However, we almost never got it from the Beatles as they had written it (mostly written by John), for another artist managed by Brian Epstein, Tommy Quickly, in June 1964, but fortunately for us, Quickly decided not to use it.
The recording comprises guitars (played by Lennon and Harrison on their Gibson J-160Es), bass guitar and drums. In addition to handclaps by all four members of the group, the overdubs included a piano part by their producer, George Martin, and electric guitar played by Harrison.
To me, the bridge in ’No Reply’ would have to be the greatest thirty seconds of vocal passion ever delivered in rock music. If you haven’t heard it lately, do yourself a favour, put on those headphones, crank up the power and enjoy!
https://youtu.be/YgFo9STa70E?t=61
Now I know I have mentioned this particular song in another Topic, but I believe it deserves its own Topic. And I think calling it a stalker song is a little harsh Michael. “Run For Your Life’, sure, but ‘No Reply’ has the protagonist merely pleading for closure as he is being deceived by his girlfriend!
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