It was 60 years ago today!

The Beatles release their iconic album/soundtrack in America…

“Help!” was released on August 13, 1965.

This is the cover of the album Help! by the Beatles.

Help! is the fifth studio album by the Beatles and the soundtrack to their film of the same name.  Seven of the fourteen songs, including the singles "Help!" and "Ticket to Ride", appeared in the film and take up the first side of the vinyl album. The second side includes "Yesterday", the most-covered song ever written.  The album was met with favorable critical reviews and topped the Australian, German, British and American charts. During the recording sessions for the album, the Beatles continued to explore the studio's multitracking capabilities to layer their sound. "Yesterday" features a string quartet, the band's first use of Baroque sensibilities, and "You've Got to Hide Your Love Away" includes a flute section. In the U.S., Help! marked the start of artistic recognition for the Beatles from mainstream critics, including comparisons to the European art music tradition.  It was nominated in the category of Album of the Year at the 1966 Grammy Awards, marking the first time that a rock band had been recognized in this category.

Source: Wikipedia.org

With regards to the “age-old debate”, my late father was on “Team Beatles”, while my late mother was definitely on “Team Stones”.  My dad had several Beatles records, including Help! and Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, which was his favorite.  Growing up, I often heard these iconic albums and songs, including “Ticket to Ride” and “Yesterday”, playing on my parents’ large stereo console that was in our living room, right across from the pea green sofa...

A future “rockstar”… Photo of me circa 1976.

Courtesy of Anthony Woodard