A Beginning

On April 22, 1966, The Beatles recorded “Taxman.”  This was the first track of Revolver– one of the hands-down coolest records ever made.  It was the start of a new kind of Beatles music and new kinds of ideas.

Of all the creative themes and freewheeling concepts explored on Revolver, I always thought it was incredible that the album began with the very wry and critical “Taxman.”  George Harrison telling kids to know about taxes, finance, and the treasury.  Telling kids that their youth and rebellious imagination were ultimately more valuable kinds of currency.  Because this was worth singing about.  Worth learning about.  Worth changing.  Ringo Starr even used an echoed cowbell to make the sound of falling coins while recording.

With that same inventive spirit, I want to explore, find humor in, and riff on all things financial.  The click of my calculator as rhythm.  My numbers as lyrics.  Melodies about money and that which can’t be bought.

On April 22, 1966, The Beatles recorded “Taxman.”  Forty-six years later, I started writing.  And, if “you’re working for no one but [the Taxman],” then I’m working for no one but you.

Very truly, yours in music,
Sean P. Clyne

Sources:
- MacDonald, Ian. "Revolution in the Head: The Beatles' Records and the Sixties" 1995