You Can't Do That

Great song today [yesterday! See below]. :) "You Can't Do That" was written by John and Paul (the Wiki page states it was actually written only by John and credited to Lennon/McCartney). It was released as the B-side of "Can't Buy Me Love" (we'll get to that one soon!). 

Lennon's inspiration for the lyrics was the theme of jealousy. Robert Sandall, musician, music journalist, and radio presenter, said the song "contradicted the genial tone [of the album] with its tense threats, sexual paranoia and nagging, dragging groove". Semi-autobiographical, the song is accompanied by several of Lennon's other works (like "Run for Your Life" and "Jealous Guy"). Clearly John had experience with the green monster (no, not The Hulk, the other one).

One notable cover of this song was by Harry Nilsson, who including it in his album Pandemonium Shadow Show (1967). I personally know of him from "The Puppy Song" (the song playing during the opening credits of You've Got Mail). Below is a quote from Wikipedia explaining the friendship Nilsson formed with The Beatles after covering "You Can't Do That". 

The track was Nilsson's first hit as a performer; though it stalled at #122 on the US charts, it hit top 10 in Canada. It also (along with the rest of the album) established Nilsson as a favourite performer of the Beatles. Famously, Lennon listened to Pandemonium Shadow Show for 36 hours straight after being given a copy by Derek Taylor; he then called Nilsson to congratulate him, which started a friendship that would last for the rest of Lennon's life. Later, in a 1968 press conference to announce the formation of Apple Corps, Lennon was asked to name his favorite American artist. He replied, "Nilsson". McCartney was then asked to name his favorite American group. He replied, "Nilsson".

That launched a long and storied relationship (you can read about it on Nilsson's wiki page).

Well guys, I think that's about it for this one. I'll see you later!

[Note: I got so busy yesterday with work, errands, dinner, and spending time with my pal that I completely forgot to do this post yesterday. Sorry about that. :) If it makes it better, I'm pretty sure The Beatles are scolding me with today's song. It definitely sounds like an admonition for my forgetfulness lol.]

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Heard It Tally: 1

Songs Completed: 32