Just thought I'd chime in on the Beatles debate here.
I think the vast majority of the posters calling the band overrated are people who are only familiar with or been exposed to the early, pre-Rubber Soul work. This is especially evident in the posts that call them a "boy band" and reference how "cute" they were.
I'd say these posters make up 75% of the overrated lobby, while the remaining 25% are familiar with the Beatles entire body of word and have come to the conclusion that they're overrated. Of this group, the majority think they're very talented anyway, just not as talented as some people say they are. A small minority simply think they're bad.
To address the first group: you've really got to look beyond the early material to tracks of Revolver, The White Album and Abbey Road to really understand the genius of the band. The post '65 span of albums contains some of the most brilliant tracks ever recorded:
Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown)
Eleanor Rigby
Tomorrow Never Knows
A Day in the Life
While My Guitar Gently Weeps
Something
I Me Mine
These were not cookie cutter songs, they were completely innovation compositions unlike anything else that was recorded at the time - heck, unless anything else on the very same albums they were a part of! - whose influence can be found in the foundation of nearly any rock track or album you hear on the radio or see being blogged about today.
To address the second group: I respectfully disagree with your opinion, but enjoy hearing your well informed thoughts. That's what these forums are for
