Originally Posted by: schmangeIt goes way beyond that too.
Back then, recording studios were run by old guys in white lab coats who worked from 9 to 5. The whole recording process was a mystery to musicians.
The Beatles changed everything by basically taking over the studio and doing things themselves, recording, mixing and mastering their own songs. (with George Martin's help of course)

Don't forget Geoff Emerick. He was a big part of the Beatles' sound from Revolver on.

I think the Beatles were hugely important. Like Mark said, a lot of their stuff was well beyond simple pop. Even "She Loves You," a song from what I usually think of as the Beatles' pop era, has some pretty crazy chords.

And the White Album is still my favourite album ever.