Not Quite Like A Fine Wine

So, today I will discuss a tune recorded by the greatest rock band ever (don’t fight me on this; it’s The Beatles, of course), singing what I believe was their worst song ever. And before you come at me with torches and pitchforks, I do realize that judging songs as good, bad, best or worst is unquestionably subjective. But come on…  it’s Mr. Moonlight, for goodness sake.

[Sigh]… where do I begin?

You know, if I look at it through the lens of a songwriter, the song itself is not horrendous. But I don’t think it’s strong either. The opening a cappella declaration of “MIS-TAH Moonlight!” is inventive. After that, the song is pretty ordinary. The form is a simple verse and chorus with an instrumental interlude. Lyrics are a touch bland, frankly.

What really irks me about The Beatles’ version of this song is the arrangement. Whose bright idea was it to have that heavy Hammond organ weigh down the interlude? Terrible use of a keyboard, IMHO. And the harmonies? Way overdone. The vocals that slide into a minor chord at the middle of each verse feels like nails on a chalkboard to me!

But one thing you oughta know: this is not a song The Beatles wrote. “Mr. Moonlight” was written by Roy Lee Johnson of an under-the-radar early rock/soul band with the curious name of Dr. Feelgood and the Interns. (Hey, they had a female electric guitar player in the early ‘60s, so I can forgive the weird name). To explore this “meh” song a little more, I listened to the Dr. Feelgood and the Interns version of Mr. Moonlight.

Still not a great song. But a much better arrangement than that of The Beatles. None of that wacky organ solo stuff. And the vocals on the Interns version are sung a little more freely than John Lennon’s lead on The Beatles one. All in all, I think the production of the recording by Dr. Feelgood and the Interns (wow, that’s a LONG band name) fits the song much better and at least doesn’t make my ears vomit.

Yeah, yeah. I’m a bit harsh sometimes when I listen to tunes with a songwriter’s ears, and it’s no disrespect to Roy Lee Johnson. Goodness knows, I have written my share of horrific songs. Still, some songs age better than others. To me, this song did not age so well. And unfortunately, just because The Beatles covered it doesn’t make it any better.

Peace out.