In 2008, Liverpool holds the official title of "European Capital
of Culture" (and well-deserved it is - the city has so many unique attractions to offer! See visitliverpool.com for more details.).
This sparked the idea of creating a list of 8 Beatle-created highlights, in no particular
order, in celebration... ;) Yes, there are hundreds more things which could be added, but for 2008, let there be 8. ;)
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1. Putting Liverpool - and its humor! - on the map.
Suddenly, the city
became famous the world over - all due to what are probably the city's most famous sons.
2. Making the world aware of a band actually having the (immense) talent of songwriters,
singers, musicians, composers, performers, writers, artists and actors... all in one.
And, let's face it, generally
speaking, they did it quite well.
3. Popularizing that infamous hairstyle.
Fourty-some years on, it's
still trendy.
4. Making it sort of normal for hordes of hysterical teens to scream themselves
into a frenzy.
Involuntary, but it seemed to become a common-place site in the Sixties.
5. Releasing the first-ever concept album, Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club
Band.
Not their very best album - in my opinion! - but certainly a landmark.
6. Being leagues ahead of the rest of the music world.
Just listen
to the music.
7. Introducing Western listeners to the sounds of the sitar.
And how
often does it still feature in music these days?
8. Who knows - we may not even have music videos, were it not for The Beatles.
Take
that, MTV etc. ;)
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8 must see sights in Liverpool
(A personal choice)
Again, there could be hundreds of things to cite here, but here is a current pick of my
favorites...
1.) The "Three Graces" (Royal Liver Building, Port of Liverpool Building,
Cunard Building). Talk about stunning architecture.
2.) Albert Dock, with it's array of fabulous museums (free entry, too),
shops, cafés & restaurants.
3.) Mendips & 20 Forthlin Road - take the National Trust Tour, it's
really worth it.
4.) St. George's Hall - yet more amazing architecture.
5.) Anglican Cathedral - one of the largest in Europe, massive & truly
impressive.
6.) The Maritime Museum, because it's truly interesting & shows, among
many things, the importance of Liverpool (as one of the most significant ports in the past & its role as "second city
of the Empire").
7.) Mathew Street, because it's still cool.
8.) Liverpool Town Hall (also where the civic reception for the slightly
famous Beatles took place in 1964), because it's history is palpable just by standing infront of it....
