Even though I was only six years old, I remember these songs vividly. In my opinion this is simply the best ever double A side, and certainly my all time favourite, although I realise there is some stiff competition, particularly a 1967 release from the same Liverpool outfit, The Beatles.

Released towards the end of 1965 on Parlophone, just as the ‘swinging sixties‘ were reaching their apogee, I always preferred ‘Day Tripper‘, largely because of the catchy riff and driving rhythm. Nowadays I probably prefer the flip side, but there’s not a lot in it. They’re both great and sum up the period perfectly.

Although they are contrasting Lennon/McCartney songs – one upbeat and a little bit ‘sleazy’ lyrically for the time, the other more reflective and philosophical – they are both incredibly well constructed. ‘We Can Work It Out’ even drops to a 3/4 time signature during part of the middle eight – pretty radical for the time but a sign of what was to come as the crazy 1960s progressed.

Don’t forget to check the two videos. Although in black and white they’re still great to watch – and the lads were obviously having a great time too.

Copyright Francis Barker 2020