50 years ago today, The Beatles released a double A sided single “Strawberry Fields Forever”/ “Penny Lane.” in the United Kingdom. In my opinion at least it is the greatest single that The Beatles or anyone  ever released. These songs are great examples of both John Lennon’s and Paul McCartney’s songwriting styles. John’s “Strawberry Fields Forever’- extremely inward looking and Paul’s “Penny Lane” looking outward at the world around him. Two of my favorite Beatles songs ever, although when push comes to shove I favor “Strawberry Fields Forever.”

Later in 1967 The Beatles would release their landmark “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” album. Imagine “Sgt.Pepper” with these two songs also on it? Today that would be the case, back then The Beatles released singles that were not part of the album they were releasing{ all these singles A and B sides are collected now on the Past Masters 1 and 2 cd’s}

“Penny Lane” reached #1 in the U.S. and #2 in the U.K., “Strawberry Fields Forever” #8 in the U.S. and #2 in the U.K.