Can you be a music critic and not know The Beatles’ “A Day in the Life”? I’m a bit of a classic music snob, but I think this is basic knowledge for anyone who makes their living reviewing music. It’s one of the top five songs by the most influential band in rock and roll history. We’re not talking “the name escaped me”, or “oh yeah, that song”, but someone who has never heard the song in their life, and reacts to the orchestral breaks with, “oh, that’s neat.” Can you be a professional music writer and not know this song?
As long as I’m talking about it, here it is. Plus a great live performance of Jeff Beck’s version afterward.
On the other hand Matt thinks I have to know I’ll Follow the Sun, which I think is too obscure.