Beatles For Sale first released December 4, 1964

The misstep.

The Beatles were (are) the world's most popular recording artists, and in 1964 they were following an Elvis-like path that saw them using absolutely every minute of their lives to milk the Franchise. Which is not to say that they weren't artists, only that they were owned by Capitol. And Parlophone. And, it must have seemed to them, the world.

Hence the much-discussed cover of Beatles For Sale, a cover that speaks volumes. The Beatles don't look vibrant, they look worn out and unhappy, a strange fate for four lads who many thought were living king's lives. And by this time, they were. The most astonishing piece of the Beatle legend may be how they managed to fit two albums, numerous singles, tours, public appearnaces, and photo shoots into each year, and not only emerge with their talent intact, but broadened. The Beatles had the hearts of lions. They simply worked harder. (Elvis faltered somewhat under the same hectic demands, and he never had to create, only perform.)

Still, Beatles For Sale (note that title!) is probably the biggest disappointment of the Beatles' career, if only because it's the one time they consciously backed up from a previous accomplishment. After the triumph of A Hard Day's Night, it looked like they were merely giving us another Please Please Me.

Still, there are signs of change... John's writing was becoming more Dylanesque than ever, Paul's more melodic and expansive, and all four were progressing as musicians. As always, it was the little things, like the tympani on "Every Little Thing," that signaled the way to the future. And ironically enough, it was another promotional gimmick that would put them back on track.