“They were getting more and more interested in unusual sounds, they were trying out new instruments and always coming to me saying, what, what ideas have you got for this.” – George Martin, Music Producer for the Beatles
1965 is the year that The Beatles really came out of their previous genre of music and began to experiment with new, different and sometimes even counter-culture music. The group was also now starting to mature as a band and this can especially be seen in their lyrics.  In June of 1965, Queen Elizabeth II appointed the Beatles Members of the Order of the British Empire for their musical achievements.
Help! was the second Beatles film. It reached mixed reviews from both the reviewers and the band. It was, however, a great success overall. The album that accompanied the film, Help!, was dominated by John Lennon’s contribution. Songs such as “Help!” and Yesterday received great responses. The song “Dizzy Miss Lizzy” on this album also marked the last cover that the Beatles would do on an album, as full blown of originality began.
In August of 1965, the Beatles found themselves touring in the US for the third time. The Fab Four were introduced to Elvis Presley, a foundational musical influence on them, and were even invited to his home!
Rubber Soul, the last album of the year, was released in early December. This was seen as a major step towards complexity and maturity in their music.  It could be seen in “Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown),” the Beatles moved beyond the boundaries of rock. Rubber Soul was ranked number five in 2003 on Rolling Stone The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time.  Overall, the Beatles expanded the limits of their music dramatically in 1965, testing out new instruments, and more complex and richer lyrics, which of course contributes to them being regarded as one of the greatest band of all times.
Here’s Yesterday from their album Help!. The most recorded cover versions of any song ever written!
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You can check out the rest of my series on the Beatles here on Youth Are Awesome!
