The Beatles' vocal prowess was so legendary that even Keith Richards of The Rolling Stones felt envious, lamenting the lack of a similar vocal quartet in his band. This sentiment underscores the immense respect The Beatles commanded as vocalists, with even Brian Wilson of The Beach Boys expressing envy over their harmonious singing. Despite their Liverpudlian twang, which some found gruff, there was an undeniable beauty in their vocal arrangements. Among the many bands that admired The Beatles, Tom Petty stood out with his praise for The Hollies, specifically their ability to sing harmony and 'knock you dead'.
Petty's admiration for The Hollies is evident in his mention of their 1965 song 'I'm Alive', which he considers a crowning achievement in rock 'n' roll vocals. Initially, the song was intended for either The Hollies or the Toggery Five, but The Hollies ultimately recorded it, and it became their first UK number one, spending three weeks at the top of the charts. The song's potent harmonies and mix of beauty and bite are what make it so memorable.
However, The Beatles didn't see it that way, and their rivalry with The Hollies is well-documented. George Harrison famously dismissed The Hollies as 'session men who’ve just got together in a studio without ever seeing each other before', highlighting the technical proficiency but lacking the soul and magic of The Beatles' own performances. This rivalry, however, only added to the creative tension and magic of the 1960s music scene.
Despite The Beatles' criticism, 'I'm Alive' remains a certified gem, even today. Bob Dylan, reflecting on the simpler approach of the 1960s and 1970s, noted that records from that era were all good because the technology didn't surpass the artist's abilities. This is evident in the crisp and classy 'I'm Alive', which showcases the excellence that could be achieved in those days with a more straightforward approach.
In conclusion, The Hollies' vocal prowess, as recognized by Tom Petty, and their ability to create memorable songs like 'I'm Alive', contributed to their place in music history, even if they couldn't match The Beatles' legendary status. The rivalry and creative tension between these bands only served to enhance the richness and diversity of the 1960s music scene.
