Beatles 研究会 meeting in Geisler Hall 11/30
From Liverpool to Los Angeles: The Beatles, The Beach Boys, and the Sound of the 1960s
Kyoto Notre Dame University recently hosted a study group focusing on two of the most influential bands in popular music history: The Beatles and The Beach Boys. The session brought together faculty and music enthusiasts to explore the creative and cultural significance of these bands during the 1960s.
The event featured two presentations. Mr. Eiichi Mizutani, a longtime fan of both bands, delivered a talk on The Beach Boys and their connection to The Beatles. He outlined the parallel timelines of the two groups from 1963 to 1967, highlighting moments of mutual influence and the friendly rivalry that helped push both bands to experiment and evolve creatively.
Following Mr. Mizutani’s talk, Professor York Weatherford of the Department of English Language and Literature gave a presentation on The Beatles’ U.S. mono albums from 1964. He examined how these albums were adapted for the American market, including differences in tracklists, mixes, and production choices. By listening to audio clips comparing U.S. and U.K. versions of key tracks, participants were encouraged to think critically about how music is shaped by cultural and commercial contexts.
This study group session was a reminder of how studying English can go beyond traditional literature to include the study of pop culture. Understanding the music of The Beatles or The Beach Boys, for example, also means exploring their lyrics, themes, and cultural impact. For people who enjoy listening to pop music with English lyrics, events like this can be an opportunity to connect with their favorite artists on a deeper level, learning not just what the words mean but also the stories and ideas behind the songs.
