The Beatles Rock Band Custom DLC Project &#8211; Roll up for the Mystery Tour

Kicking things off, we have the title track “Magical Mystery Tour”. Inspired by the drug fueled trip across the United States by the Merry Pranksters, in which they travelled throughout the country, under the influence of various drugs. Paul thought this was an interesting concept, and wanted to do something similar in England with The Beatles. While the resulting film was panned by critics, the soundtrack was a major success for the band.

“The Fool On The Hill”

“The Fool On The Hill” describes a man who is commonly misunderstood and disregarded by others, but is wise and should be paid attention. Paul has said that this track is partially inspired by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, an Indian Guru who at the time, developed the Transcendental Meditation technique which was criticized at the time by more traditional gurus, claiming that they didn’t fit in with traditional Hindu beliefs.

“Flying”

While “Flying” may not always be the first Beatles song people consider, it is a landmark song for the band. Flying is not only the first track in which every member of the band received a writing credit on, but also the only release by the band during their EMI days to be focused around an instrumental concept, with the only vocals being a soft backing melody. With a focus around the instruments, “Flying” offers an all new experience to players of The Beatles: Rock Band.

RB3 Download (Orange Harrison)

“Blue Jay Way”

George’s major contribution to Magical Mystery Tour, “Blue Jay Way” was originally conceived during Harrison’s stay in Blue Jay Way, LA. Initial work on the song began as a way to pass the time after receiving news that his meeting with the bands publicist would be delayed. This is reflected in the lyrics “Please don’t be long, or I might be asleep”, in reference to being jetlagged, and not wanting to sleep until the meeting was done.

“Your Mother Should Know”

“Your Mother Should Know” takes heavy inspiration from musical theater, a genre inwhich Paul’s father was a big fan of. The track had started life while Paul had had relatives staying with him, which is reflected the lyrics of the song. The session for the track was last one that long-term manager Brian Epstein witnessed before his sudden unexpected death, making it likely to be the last Beatles song that he heard.

“Strawberry Fields Forever”

Widely considered one of The Beatles definitive tracks, “Strawberry Fields Forever”. The song draws inspiration from John’s childhood, and the time spent in the surrounding area of “Strawberry Field”, an orphanage near John’s childhood home. The area was a major part of his childhood as he would visit and play the gardens very frequently. John often cited the track as some of his best work with the band. Following his death, a memorial park titled “Strawberry Fields” was set up in his memory in Central Park, New York, close to his home.

RB3 Download (Orange Harrison)

“Penny Lane”

If “Strawberry Fields Forever” was John looking back on his childhood, “Penny Lane” is Paul’s response. Released alongside Strawberry Fields as a double A-Side, “Penny Lane” is home to one of the major bus stations in Liverpool, and was a location where Paul and John frequently met up. The song recalls the locations that they would pass while travelling, and captures the nostalgic feeling of revisiting a childhood memory, serving as an example to showcase the difference between Paul and John’s writing in the later years of the band.

“Baby, You’re a Rich Man”

“Baby, You’re A Rich Man” originally started as a scrapped song by John titled “One of the Beautiful People”, which was later expanded upon by Paul. The song was notable for being one of the fastest recorded Beatles sessions, with production beginning on the song at around 9pm and finished by 3am. The track is also rumored to feature vocals by Rolling Stone’s vocalist Mick Jagger, as he was present at the session along with being having his name on one of the tapes, although this is not confirmed.