Ben Gibbard picks his favourite song by The Beatles
In a spirited tribute to the legendary scouser himself, Paul McCartney, an eclectic ensemble of 80 artists curated a section of their favourite tracks from his vast catalogue to mark the milestone of his 80th birthday. This humble homage captures the sound and spirit of a true icon, his everlasting influence as part of The Beatles and beyond, and his time spent in the musical revolution. But what did Ben Gibbard pick?
It’s a real ‘Hard Day’s Night’ to pin down just one favourite, but for Gibbard, from Death Cab for Cutie, the answer feels like it’s been brewing beneath the surface for a long time. While classics like ‘I Am The Walrus’ and ‘I Want To Hold Your Hand’ spring to mind, he moves toward the hearty ‘Here, There and Everywhere’.
Speaking with Stereogum back in 2022, he revealed that this track resonates deeply with him. “You could choose cooler stuff or psychedelic stuff,” sure, he mused, but “that song just holds a lot of sentimental value”. Gibbard continued to discuss how he first heard the tune back when he was 10 or 11 years old, reminiscing on how his dad would play through this “Beatles fake book” on a nylon string guitar for his mum as a “torch song of sorts”, thinking the “melody was beautiful”.
Surprised by the indie-rocker’s sudden grasp at sentimentality, he goes on to describe how the “particular earnestness” of McCartney’s work became forefront through the band’s Rubber Soul and Revolver era and began ticking the boxes for Gibbard’s long-for nostalgia. “Paul tended to, at times, lean into some very heavy Anglo” directions, as John met his newfound artistic approach, “It’s a turn-off for some people, and at times it’s a turn-off for me, but his hit rate is higher than pretty much anyone ever.”
Gibbard astutely highlights the world’s oversight in appreciating McCartney’s lyrical genius, recognising a treasure trove of magical moments beneath the surface of every great bass line. “They’re usually very simple sentiments and lyrics, but they’re very clever,” he notes, shedding light on the depth within the simplicity.
Delving into the chorus of ‘Let Me Roll It’, he dissects the charged energy of McCartney’s delivery, stating, “The way he holds back that ‘to you’ element is just fucking great.” It’s this nuanced mastery that truly sets McCartney apart.
With a nod to the legendary Neil Young, Gibbard reflects on the reality that even the greatest artists face moments when everything doesn’t align perfectly. Yet, he asserts, “You’re going to have moments of transcendence,” highlighting the power of just “one song that has affected someone’s life or weaved its way into the public consciousness” as a remarkable achievement in itself. But for a figure like McCartney, it transcends that single track.
“To have a body of work that continues to grow and add to this essential playlist, it’s phenomenal,” Gibbard adds. “He’s one of the greatest ever.”
Never Miss A Beat
The Far Out Beatles Newsletter
All the latest stories about The Beatles from the independent voice of culture.
Straight to your inbox.