2nd singles is where it's at!

[toomanyhatz]

It seems that particularly the classic bands - Beatles, Stones, Who, etc. - had far better second singles than their first. So, just like the debut ones, let's pick five. I left out a few I was pretty sure would get no votes, but I've created an "other" category for anyone you think I've left out.

For extra credit, you can also tell me if you agree or disagree with my premise, and why. But it seems pretty obvious that I'm right.

[toomanyhatz]

I went with the Animals, Cream, Move, Floyd and Pretties, btw.

[Quaco]

Animals
Who
Floyd
Move
in that order.

[Jeff K]

The Animals, Move, Pink Floyd, Pretty Things and the Who.

[toomanyhatz]

Not makin' 'em up, in case you're wondering. Here are the ones you might not've heard:

[Goat Boy]

Anyway, Anyhow, Anywhere is one of the most exciting singles ever, no? Outrageously brilliant

[pcqgod]

Major slump for the Yardbirds, though.

[toomanyhatz]

Bit of a comedown for the Creation too, but only a bit. Same maybe true for the Zombies as well. Seems like everybody else upped their game.

[naughty boy]

I went with the Animals, Cream, Move, Floyd and Pretties, btw.

Creation instead of Pretties for me.

I agree with your premise but I've never thought much of 'Please Please Me'. It's LAME-O

[toomanyhatz]

I've never thought much of 'Please Please Me'. It's LAME-O

Lamer than "Love Me Do," though? I would have rather almost anything else in their repertoire at the time. Very poor choice for a debut.

[naughty boy]

I've never thought much of 'Please Please Me'. It's LAME-O

Lamer than "Love Me Do," though? I would have rather almost anything else in their repertoire at the time. Very poor choice for a debut.

I prefer 'Love Me Do' to either of the two singles that followed.

[naughty boy]

I prefer 'Love Me Do' to either of the two singles that followed.

Really? It's pretty rubbish, by their own standards (and sometimes when I hear it I feel myself wanting to punch that wobbly-headed cunt in the face). Please Please Me has so much more energy.

It does, yeah.

I don't know - I hear more George Martin saying 'let's write a big HIT, boys' than any sort of beat-combo thrills. What (I guess) sounds charming to some just sounds really naff to me.

[naughty boy]

and 'From Me To You' is worse

[toomanyhatz]

I like "Please, Please Me" the best of the three, but they didn't really catch fire till "She Loves You."

Yes, I am the Anti-Rayge (in that respect, at least).

[naughty boy]

Oh fuck yeah - 'She Loves You' is infinitely better than any of the three 45s that preceded it.

Still sounds bone-shakingly thrilling, too.

[Rayge]

cream animals floyd them who

[Rayge]

Anyway, Anyhow, Anywhere is one of the most exciting singles ever, no? Outrageously brilliant

Yes.
Yes it is.
Good lad.

[Muskrat]

Doesn't apply here, but with a known act you know that the first single off the new album is going to get attention anyway -- so let the critics, jocks, etc. think they're discovering the better single themselves, and release it second -- or third, even.