Side 3 , Side 2 : The Beatles in Jhumpa Lahiri ’ s The Namesake
2005 to 2009 , explaining that fans , already dissatisfied with the first run of compact discs , grumbled because they “ consider their music to be authentic only in its original analog form . Attempts of the recording engineers to alter and ‘ improve ’ the sound of the original recordings using digital means is considered to be a degradation of the music and the sound ” ( 27 – 28 ). Whether or not Nikhil is an audiophile , with topbrand components dialed in just-so to make the most of his compact disc and record collection , is irrelevant ; what counts is his long-time love of the Beatles , a band for whom a stubborn nostalgia for analog usually clings to those who grew up with them on vinyl . The warm medium to which Nikhil has been turning for comfort since his teen years both mirrors and mocks his relationship with Moushumi : it is not as fine as it once was . Indeed , it can be said not to exist at all .
To these analogies , one must add the fact that the first song on side 2 of Abbey Road is Harrison ’ s “ Here Comes the Sun ,” written in Eric Clapton ’ s garden during a respite from the squabbling that had been tearing the Beatles apart for months ( Spitz 839 ). Nikhil turns to the optimism of “ Here Comes the Sun ” in frigid New York City while Moushumi sunbathes in Florida with her lover . And although there may not be a song-by-song correlation with Nikhil ’ s marital situation , Abbey Road ’ s second-side medley would no doubt have had a cheering effect on Nikhil as it has had on millions of actual listeners . Abbey Road builds to the crowning cry in “ The End ” that “ the love you take is equal to the love you make .” Nikhil ’ s loss is underscored by the triumphant climax of one of rock music ’ s highest achievements . 3
Abbey Road is the last music recorded by all four Beatles . In September 1969 , the LP complete , John Lennon told Paul McCartney he wanted a “ divorce ” ( Beatles Anthology 348 ). The faithful fan Nikhil would have known that . As he shiv-
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