“What’s your favorite American band?”

“I like the Beatles, but Imagine is the only song I know.”

Despite the undoubtedly good intentions of the fellow international student who gave me this unexpected answer during a Q&A in a foreign language class, the absurdity created a rather interesting short anecdote that I continue to share until this day.

Anyone who’s ever met me knows about my two favorite subjects to discuss in public: movies and the Beatles. Believe it or not, the band always proves to be a controversial topic at every social gathering I attend, merely because they always seem to divide everyone’s opinions. There’s me, arguing about the their significance in the history of music, and there’s always someone else who deems them a mediocre boy band.

This conversation has occurred numerous times and in a wide variety of places.

 Therefore, at this point, I have become a stock character at parties — the guy who talks about the Beatles way too much.

And why shouldn’t I? Throughout my time at WSU, I have met dozens of people who had never even heard of them, or could barely name one song — typically “Yesterday.” I’ve got nothing against these people, as I probably have not indulged in whatever interests them, either. Nevertheless, it pains me to see them miss out on a magnificent musical experience.

So, why should you listen to the Beatles? What is it about the Lennon/McCartney partnership, George Harrison’s unique songwriting style or Ringo Starr’s then-eccentric hairstyle that changed the face of the ’60s?

Evolution and progression. An established beginning, and a firm end. A story that starts with the night you spotted someone on the dance floor, and finishes with a peaceful slumber.

An odyssey that witnesses youth, growth, heartbreak and hope. A voyage that provides one with every single fateful experience they have ever had, and helps one relive them with imagery and poetry.

The Beatles recorded the defining moments in one’s life, and turned their discography into a coming-of-age tale — a saga of upcoming maturity that each one of us dreads.

Do yourself a favor, and play a Beatles song right now. By the way, should you encounter a song called “Revolution 9,” just ignore it and pretend it never happened.