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Upon rejoining the band following his departure in the Get Back sessions, George pulled his more serious material, most of which would end up on All Things Must Pass. Along with his blusey and lightweight "For You Blue," he also brought in a stomping little piano song he wrote during the sessions, "Old Brown Shoe." It wouldn't find a home for a few months until the band needed a b-side to "The Ballad of John & Yoko," and even then, it remains one of the more obscure songs in the Beatles catalogue. But that said, I've always loved it. George sings like he's really having fun with it, and whoever the hell is playing whatever on this song (it's all very murky and mysterious) is really killing it. But what's he singing about? George's shoe game was pretty solid after all. Maybe it's about stepping out with a new love? Maybe it's about leaving someone...or someone(s)?
It's always a pleasure to welcome our old pal Sean Nelson back to RTB! Sean is best known as the singer of the band Harvey Danger, who's song "Flagpole Sitta" is one of the 90s defining songs, and the tip of the iceburg of a ton of great music in their catalogue that you'd do yourselves a favor to dig into (along with is own solo work). He's also now the host of his own podcast, The Wonder of It All, a deep dive in to the pros and cons of success. He's a great conversationalist so it only makes sense his podcast would be fantastic. Be sure to subscribe to it and tune in!
What do you think of Old Brown Shoe at #84? Too high? Too low? Let us know in the comments on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter! Be sure to check out www.rankingthebeatles.com and grab a Rank Your Own Beatles poster, some of our new Revolver-themed merch, a shirt, a jumper, whatever you like! And if you're digging what we do, don't forget to Buy Us A Coffee!
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As a songwriter, I could never imagine at this point in my life, putting out song a wrote at 16 or 17. I don't ever want anyone to hear that. But then again, I'm not the Beatles, who were able to resurrect one of the earliest songs in their repertoire, from well before they were even The Beatles. Though the song was in their early setlists for a long time, it never found a home on a Beatles record, even after taking a shot at recording it in 1963. But when nostalgia reared it's head during the Let It Be sessions, this song came back to the fore, and with Billy Preston in tow, it found a new life a scorching little rock song that fit the bill for the Get Back project perfectly. It's the most rocking moment of the whole month, and in their performance on the rooftop that day, for a couple of minutes, you see these world-weary men return back to the young, hopeful, driven boys they were when they first started. Even if the song has no real meaning, it's a fantastic moment with real electricity to it.
Joining us this week are Allison and Erika from BC The Beatles, one of our favorite Beatles podcasts. We chat about their own Beatles journeys, the Beatles' invention of meta-nostalgia, Paul's sock game, Cruisin' Classics, and much more! If you're not listening to BC The Beatles, I dunno what you're waiting for, get on it! Listen here, or anywhere you get podcasts, and follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
What do you think about "One After 909" at #85? Too high? Too low? Or just right? Let us know in the comments on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter! Be sure to check out www.rankingthebeatles.com and grab a Rank Your Own Beatles poster, a shirt, a jumper, whatever you like! And if you're digging what we do, don't forget to Buy Us A Coffee!
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Though the Lennon & McCartney songwriting team found it harder and harder to truly write songs together from scratch as they got busier and busier, with "Baby's In Black," they were able to get "nose-to-nose" and write something truly different from what was expected at the time. A 3/4 time waltz with a melancholy lyric (possibly inspired by Astrid Kirchherr's mourning for Stu Sutcliffe), the first song they recorded for the Beatles For Sale album was a far cry from the uptempo Beatlemania rave ups of A Hard Day's Night or the Cavern-era screamers on their first two LPs. The song shows tremendous growth and bravery for daring to do the unexpected, and gives a brilliant example of John and Paul's best Everly Brothers-esque harmonies. It's a song they were very proud of, as evidenced by the fact that that once it was out, it stayed in their live show until the end of their touring days. Even in the jaded-slugging-it-out-un-enthusiastically shows of 1966, John and Paul seem to genuinely delight in being so close on one mic and singing in harmony for the entire song. It's a real gem that likely doesn't get it's due since it's a waltz in the 3rd song slot on what some consider their "worst" album.
This week, we close the circle on the RTB X 2Legs meet up by welcoming Andy Nicholes to the show! After having his co-host Tom Hunyady on the last episode, it only seemed appropriate to have Andy on as well. We love 2 Legs, and Andy was great on the panels we saw him on at the Fest for Beatles Fans, so we're big fans. He joins us to talk about bootlegs, solo fandom, growing up as fans in the 90s, and so much more! Be sure to check out 2Legs anywhere you get podcasts and follow them on Facebook!
For you Julia stans, she's not with us this week unfortunately. She'll be back we promise. To make it up to you, be sure to listen through to the end of the episode for a little bonus treat.
What do you think about "Baby's In Black" at #86? Too high? Too low? Or just right? Let us know in the comments on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter! Be sure to check out www.rankingthebeatles.com and grab a Rank Your Own Beatles poster, a shirt, a jumper, whatever you like! And if you're digging what we do, don't forget to Buy Us A Coffee!
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In many ways, Paul McCartney is the ultimate storyteller. He's got an unparalleled ability to craft characters and a situations that are so vivid, you can't easily tell when he's hiding his own feelings and life stories in them. So when we writes a song where he's totally upfront about a situation, no story, no characters, you can bet it's something important to him. And that's what he's doing with "You Never Give Me Your Money" from Abbey Road. Maybe the first time we get. real glimpse of the Paul who can take various fragments and create a composition with different movements, the song discusses his frustration with the Beatles' inner-organization fighting over their financial situation. One might think a song with such a specific perspective would make it hard to connect to, but Paul's vocal is so on point and so emotive and authentic, it's easy to connect to. It's also, imho, the auditory blueprint for Abbey Road, crystal clear guitars, signature drum fills, sparkling sonics, it's a true gem of the catalogue.
Joining us this week is someone who knows McCartney pretty darn well, Tom Hunyady, co-host of 2Legs, A Solo Paul McCartney Podcast, as well Talk More Talk, A Solo Beatles Videocast. Tom's been deep-diving into Paul's catalogue for a long, long time, and we're big fans of his shows, so when we had a chance to connect at the Fest for Beatles Fans, we couldn't have been happier. Tom joins us (with a BIG discrepancy in our ranking) to discuss the Beatles podcast landscape, One Hand Clapping, recognizing Paul's genius, and more. Be sure to check out 2Legs and Talk More Talk to follow what Tom's doing!
What do you think about "You Never Give Me Your Money" at #87? Too high? Too low? Or just right? Let us know in the comments on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter! Be sure to check out www.rankingthebeatles.com and grab a Rank Your Own Beatles poster, a shirt, a jumper, whatever you like! And if you're digging what we do, don't forget to Buy Us A Coffee!
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The journey of "No Reply" is a curious one. A song John seemed to not think much of, and originally offered to another Brian Epstein-managed artist, it also was possibly slated to be the final song recorded for A Hard Day's Night. If not for Ringo's tonsillitis, who knows what would've happened with it. After spending some time with it though, and working it into a bit more interesting arrangement, it turned out to be the lead off track to the band's 4th album, and a real signpost to where the band was headed. More introspective than what had come before it, and a much less energetic album opener than Beatles fans were expecting, No Reply is a real sneaky song. It's filled with great melody and harmony, possibly one of the best bridges the band ever recorded, and it's all done very economically. Not a second is wasted on this song. It shows a real growth that the band is starting to go through, with John painting a brilliant scene throughout the song. It's a fantastic and unique way to start a Beatles record, and a song that doesn't get nearly enough love.
Joining us this week is musician and journalist Jeff Slate. You may have read his articles in Rolling Stone, Billboard, or the New Yorker, or heard him as guest DJ on Sirius XM or KLOS. He's got a brand new record out, The Last Day of Summer with a laundry list of great players joining him. It's a fantastic pop rock album, we can't recommend it enough. He'll be on the road this November supporting the Wallflowers on the East Coast so don't miss it! We chat with Jeff about working with the Elephant's Memory band, being challenged by Pete Townsend, John's toilet demo, Weekend Wilburys, and more! Check out all things Jeff at www.jeffslatehq.com or follow him on Twitter or Facebook!
What do you think about "No Reply" at #88? Too high? Too low? Or just right? Let us know in the comments on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter! Be sure to check out www.rankingthebeatles.com and grab a Rank Your Own Beatles poster, a shirt, a jumper, whatever you like! And if you're digging what we do, don't forget to Buy Us A Coffee!
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After spending a year and half out firmly planted in psychedelia, The Beatles returned to Earth at the beginning of 1968 with "Lady Madonna," a Paul-penned tune that pays tribute to the strength of women, a topic he mines throughout his career. The song also serves an homage to New Orleans' piano legend and rock and roll trail blazer Fats Domino, and marks maybe the first time the band created their own intentional throwback to the early rock and roll of their youth. It's a grooving song with a fantastic shuffle from Ringo, some great faux-horn vocals from George and Paul. It always feels like a little slice of home to me, perhaps because New Orleans music is at the root of the song.
To talk about New Orleans piano music, there are few better than Davis Rogan. Davis is known internationally as a master of the artform, and one of New Orleans' classic larger than life personalities. That personality is so big, it spawned a main character on HBO's popular Treme series. He's worked in radio, worked as a music teacher, been at the forefront of the hybrid of brass music, funk and hip-hop with his band All That. We chat with Davis about reapproaching the Beatles music after music education, Fats Domino, synthesizing New Orleans music, Alex Chilton, and much more! Check out Davis at davisrogan.com and Facebook.com/DavisRoganMusic to see if he's coming to your neck of the woods!
What do you think about "Lady Madonna" at #89? Too high? Too low? Or just right? Let us know in the comments on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter! Be sure to check out www.rankingthebeatles.com and grab a Rank Your Own Beatles poster, a shirt, a jumper, whatever you like! And if you're digging what we do, don't forget to Buy Us A Coffee!
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There seems to be somewhat of a misconception of The Beatles having a really big "Indian period." In reality, there's only 3 songs that really fit that bill, and the 3rd a final one, "The Inner Light," may be the most open hearted and enlightened one. After being inspired/challenged by a scholar he met on the David Frost show, George took lyrics from the Tao Te Ching and created a gorgous song that found it's home on the b-side of the Lady Madonna single. Recorded in Bombay while working on the Wonderwall Music soundtrack, George created an authentic and beautiful song with a gorgeous lyric, that gets sprinkled with a kiss of the Beatles magic at the end, one line of 3 part harmony that reminds the listener "oh yeah, it's The Beatles." It's an unappreciated, somewhat unknown tune that should get more love than it usually does.
We're joined this week by an absolute ray of sunshine, the lovely Caitlin Larkin! Caitlin is a DJ on the Sirius XM Beatles Channel who got her job after a campaign of posting a series of faux-radio promos on Tik Tok and catching the ear of the Sirius folks. She's a joy to listen to, has great taste in what she chooses to play, and is one the nicest folks in all of Beatle-fandom. We have a blast talking about old Napster throwbacks, what goes on behind the scenes at the Beatles channel, Liverpool tears, and the magical Beatles quiz book. Be sure to listen to Caitlin weekdays on the Sirius XM Beatles Channel from 12-1 EST, and follow her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
What do you think about "The Inner Light" at #90? Too high? Too low? Or just right? Let us know in the comments on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter! Be sure to check out www.rankingthebeatles.com and grab a Rank Your Own Beatles poster, a shirt, a jumper, whatever you like! And if you're digging what we do, don't forget to Buy Us A Coffee!
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The longest titled song in the Beatles' catalogue is also one that maybe flies a bit below the radar. Buried on side 3 of the White album, "Everybody's Got Something To Hide Except Me and My Monkey" is one of the heaviest rockers in the back half of their career. Inspired by the Maharishi, and also possibly by a growing drug issue, John leads the band through a frantic and hard tune with lyrics that maybe don't quite make sense. George's playing is at his heaviest and most guitar-hero, as if he's trying to claim his spot in the late 60s guitar world. There's so much to love on this track, from Paul's whoops and firebell frenzy to the brilliant beat swapping intro. This is one that I think can surprise people who don't think the Beatles could REALLY rock.
Speaking of monkeys, we're super excited to be joined this week by Brian Marchese, host of the podcast "Where's That Sound Coming From? presents 'Questions But No Answers,'" a brilliant show diving deep into the song catalogue of the late, great Michael Nesmith. If you've listened to our show, you know I love the Nez and the Monkees, so I was thrilled to have Brian join to talk about what inspired him to create his show, as well as his own history with Beatles. Be sure to check out "Questions But No Answers" anywhere you get podcasts, and follow along on Facebook and Instagram.
Wanna check out my own personal Nez playlist and see what makes his stuff so special? Here you go!
What do you think about "Everybody's Got Something To Hide Except Me And My Monkey" at #91? Too high? Too low? Or just right? Let us know in the comments on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter! Be sure to check out www.rankingthebeatles.com and grab a Rank Your Own Beatles poster, a shirt, a jumper, whatever you like! And if you're digging what we do, don't forget to Buy Us A Coffee!
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After decades of hiding in the Apple vaults, the Beatles' 1970 film Let It Be is finally out! Lovingly restored thanks to Peter Jackson's team, the documentary directed by Michael Lindsay-Hogg finally gets it place in the sun. What better way to celebrate than with Beatle pals!?!?
We were thrilled as could be to join our pals from the Blotto Beatles, Paul or Nothing, BC The Beatles, and Fans on the Run podcasts to talk all things Let it Be. First thoughts, long time thoughts, expectations, theories, what-have-yous. The beauty of the Beatles, bringing people together as always. If you don't listen to their shows, you better get on it!!
Unfortunately, Julia was unable to join the chat. So, much like the short Peter Jackson/Michael Lindsay-Hogg interview that precedes Let It Be, she and I sat down separately to record an intro and get her thoughts on tape as well.
What are your thoughts on Let it Be? Let us know in the comments on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter! Be sure to check out www.rankingthebeatles.com and grab a Rank Your Own Beatles poster, a shirt, a jumper, whatever you like! And if you're digging what we do, don't forget to Buy Us A Coffee!
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Imagine the feeling you'd get when the band that was the inspiration for YOUR band put out a song and told everyone YOUR band inspired that song? Probably a pretty amazing feeling. That's exactly what happened when The Beatles released the George Harrison-penned "If I Needed Someone" on Rubber Soul in December 1965. George was quick to give credit to Roger McGuinn and The Byrds for the 12 string riff that propels the song, as it's a pretty direct descendant of The Byrds' "The Bells of Rhymney." It's also a pretty brilliant piece of stoned cool that, to me, exemplifies sound of Rubber Soul. The final echoes of the 12 string that powered the 64-Beatlemania hits leads the charge one more time on a song that contains big hints of the new direction, a droning sound taken from George's new interest in Indian music, brilliant 3 part harmonies borrowing a page from the increasingly intricate harmonies of Brian Wilson and The Beach Boys (as well as the aforementioned Byrds). It's a song the Fabs obviously liked too, as they performed it from 65 through the end of their touring career in 1966, making it the only Harrison composition the band ever played live.
Joining us to chat about this song is the one and only Ethan Alexanian, the host of Fans on the Run, the podcast for, by, and about Beatles fans. Ethan joins us to talk brave sartorial choices, fandom, obscure 60s groups, the joy and pain of 12 strings, and more! Ethan loves this song so much he's almost at a loss for words! Be sure to listen to Fans on the Run anywhere you get podcasts, follow along on Facebook or Instagram, and check out Ethan's killer artwork at https://ethanalexanian.com
What do you think about "If I Needed Someone" at #92? Too high? Too low? Or just right? Let us know in the comments on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter! Be sure to check out www.rankingthebeatles.com and grab a Rank Your Own Beatles poster, a shirt, a jumper, whatever you like! And if you're digging what we do, don't forget to Buy Us A Coffee!
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Much has been discussed of Paul McCartney's love of what John Lennon called "granny music." The music of his parents' generation, British Music Hall, Vaudeville, Tin Pan Alley...you know the genre...the stuff Lennon loved to complain about when it came from Paul, but seemingly had no problem with his favorite group, Nilsson, whos stock and trade was the song tradition rooted in that era. Paul, however, loved, and still loves, music and art from that time. It gives him a chance to embody the character pieces he so easily writes, putting himself in the shoes of Fred Astaire and getting to pretend he's someone other than Paul McCartney. Honey Pie also has roots in trad jazz, and Lennon obviously knew a thing or two because he pulls off a spot-on Django Reinhardt impression on his guitar solo. Personally, I love this side of Paul, "Honey Pie," "You Gave Me The Answer," "Martha My Dear," I'll take it all!
Returning to the show this week is the always wonderful Dr. Christine Feldman-Barrett, author of the brilliant book A Women's History of the Beatles and the newly released "The Life, Death, and Afterlife of the Record Store." She joins us from all the way across the world in Brisbane where we chat about appreciating legacy artists in all their eras, what record stores mean to her, the cyclical nature of culture, and an exciting round of Beatles trivia! Be sure to pick up a copy of her book at the links above or anywhere you get good books!
What do you think about "Honey Pie" at #93? Too high? Too low? Or just right? Let us know in the comments on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter! Be sure to check out www.rankingthebeatles.com and grab a Rank Your Own Beatles poster, a shirt, a jumper, whatever you like! And if you're digging what we do, don't forget to Buy Us A Coffee!
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Some 25 years after the Beatles' break up, new music from the band emerged via a cosmic combination of technology and enduring love...and the career-spanning Anthology project. Using a solo John piano demo, the remaining Threetles completed "Free As A Bird," a stately and beautiful track, complete with the still gorgeous Beatle harmony, brilliant lead guitar, some new lyrics by Paul and George, a bit of that trademark Beatle cheekiness...it was them, all over again. In my opinon, the song holds up incredibly well within the catalogue. Of course there were/are naysayers, but wasn't this song bound to be the victim of unreal expectations? Despite that, it's a track that makes me feel a real sense of warmth and love and happiness, which is everything I want out of a Beatles song, and it's all the more amazing that they were able to provide that some 25 years after they initially broke up.
We're so happy to be back! We're also so happy to have our first guest for this season be the absolutely wonderful Skylar Moody! If you're on social media and a fan of the Beatles, you've likely seen Skylar's content out there. She handles social media content for the Fest for Beatles Fans, and is partnering with the Brooklyn Museum as a consultant and content creator for the Paul McCartney "Eyes of the Storm" photo exhibition. It's good to know that with people like Skylar at the helm, Beatles fandom will continue to grow and spread to new generations of fans. Follow Skylar on Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook, or at skylarmoody.com.
What do you think about "Free As A Bird" at #94? Too high? Too low? Or just right? Let us know in the comments on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter! Be sure to check out www.rankingthebeatles.com and grab a Rank Your Own Beatles poster, a shirt, a jumper, whatever you like! And if you're digging what we do, don't forget to Buy Us A Coffee!
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After a few years of producing some fairly heady and serious musical output, George found himself wanting to lighten the load a bit in 1968. Not everything needed to be Within You Without You, inspiration didn't always have to be divine. It could come from anywhere, even your friends gross teeth. Thanks to his friend Eric (you know who)'s love of chocolates and disregard of dental hygiene, George came up with Savoy Truffle, an under-rated (imo) tune in which Paul and Ringo provide some of their nastiest grooves. George's decision to let the song be led by horns instead of guitar keep it exciting and energetic in a way it just wouldn't be if guitars were the feature instrument. George said around this time he "just wanted to be a rock star," and he certainly seems to be the part here, with a great vocal delivery matching his guitar lines, and lyrics that are downright sexy. How this song doesn't get more love is beyond me, cuz it's a killer.
To wrap up our 2023 season, we're delighted to welcome the one and only Chris Carter, host of Breakfast with the Beatles! Chris is celebrating the show's 40th ANNIVERSARY, and we couldn't be happier to talk about it with him. I mean, it's on in our car every morning anyway! We chat with Chris about the history and the future of Breakfast with the Beatles and how he keeps it fresh, gnarly horn sounds, absent John, and a wonderful story about a call from a Beatle's wife. If you don't already, listen to Breakfast with the Beatles Monday - Friday 8-11 ET on Sirius XM's Beatles Channel, and on KLOS every Sunday 9-12 PT.
What do you think about "Savoy Truffle" at #95? Too high? Too low? Or just right? Let us know in the comments on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter! Be sure to check out www.rankingthebeatles.com and grab a Rank Your Own Beatles poster, a shirt, a jumper, whatever you like! And if you're digging what we do, don't forget to Buy Us A Coffee!
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Riding high on the success of a chart topping debut album and #1 singles, the Beatles were searching for what the next big hit would be. While "It Won't Be Long" didn't turn out to be that hit, it did provide a brilliantly urgent shot with which to start their sophomore album. It absolutely fires out of the speakers, grabbing the listener immediately with a passionate lead vocal from John that volleys back and forth "yeah!" "yeah!" "yeah!"s with Paul and George. A great guitar hook, tight syncopation from John and Ringo showing that this band has chops and an ear for crafting winners even on mere album tracks. It's a great way to start the second album, showing that there's definitely more in the tank from this young upstart band.
We're thrilled to welcome back author and Beatles scholar Ken Womack! He's ready to rank, and ready to talk about his fantastic new book, "Living The Beatles Legend: The Untold Story of Mal Evans," a book that finally shines the light on the boys' longtime assistant and confidante. We talk about amazing journey to rescue Big Mal's archives, the Red and Blue remixes, the storm of touring, and much more! Grab a copy of the book here, and get ready for the follow up next year!
What do you think about "It Won't Be Long" at #96? Too high? Too low? Or just right? Let us know in the comments on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter! Be sure to check out www.rankingthebeatles.com and grab a Rank Your Own Beatles poster, a shirt, a jumper, whatever you like! And if you're digging what we do, don't forget to Buy Us A Coffee!
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It can be tough to write songs when you're not out living real life experiences. After the Beatles stopped touring, John often found himself at home, bored and isolated from the social scenes he'd been in while on the road. But John could find inspiration in anything...posters, newspapers, even commercials. That's where he found inspiration for this rocking ode to everyday malaise that would find a home towards the end of Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. Driven by some gnarly sounding horns, a driving drum track that hides a complicated time signature, and an absolutely ripping guitar solo from Paul, "Good Morning, Good Morning" seems to often get the short end of the stick. It's not as psychedlic and dreamy as some of John's other Pepper-era tunes, but it's certainly as vidual a lyric and as well produced a track, and a nice chance to hear the band really rock on that album.
This week, we're thrilled to be joined by Darren HIll and John Thomas Griffith of the recently-reunited Red Rockers. Before they scored an early MTV hit in 1984 with the song "China," they were hailed as America's answer to The Clash by Rolling Stone, and released the seminal album "Condition Red." After a fateful discovering of long-lost master tapes, they've not only recently re-mixed and re-released the album, they've also performed their first live show since breaking up in 86 (it was amazing, btw). We chat with John and Darren about how they got their record back, reuniting, the Beatles punk credibilty, de-evolution, the art of the album, and so much more. Follow Red Rockers on Facebook or Instagram to see what the future holds, order yourself a copy of Condition Red, or stream it wherever you listen to music!
What do you think about "Good Morning, Good Morning" at #97? Too high? Too low? Or just right? Let us know in the comments on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter! Be sure to check out www.rankingthebeatles.com and grab a Rank Your Own Beatles poster, a shirt, a jumper, whatever you like! And if you're digging what we do, don't forget to Buy Us A Coffee!
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1967 was arguably the top of the mountain for the Beatles. With the Sgt. Pepper album, they provided the soundtrack that encapsulated global consciousness, while also elevating themselves beyond just a mere pop band; they were artists of the highest order.
It was also the beginning of the end, with the death of Brian Epstein kicking off a long series of events that would eventually unravel the band. But by the year's end, they were just too big to fail. As such, "Hello, Goodbye" made it's impact as a return to light-heartedness that the band, and the world, needed. It's an insanely catchy song, sing-a-long-able in every way, and miles removed from the higher plane they'd been operating on for the last year. But it's kind of like cotton candy. It's sweet, and satisfies the sweet tooth, but doesn't have any real substance to it. But boy, it's sure tasty.
This week we inaugurate Debbie Davis as the newest member of the 4 timers club! We welcome back one of the best singers in New Orleans to discuss this song, musical grave robbing, commerciality, and more!
What do you think about "Hello, Goodbye" at #98? Too high? Too low? Or just right? Let us know in the comments on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter! Be sure to check out www.rankingthebeatles.com and grab a Rank Your Own Beatles poster, a shirt, a jumper, whatever you like! And if you're digging what we do, don't forget to Buy Us A Coffee!
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We're into the top 100 songs in our rankings! We can't turn back now!!
Paul McCartney seems to have a knack for making sure he finishes things. "Now and Then" is a good example; he saw something there worthwhile and though it took a couple of decades, he saw it through to completion. The same can be said for "I Will," a song for which he had a melody kicking around a long time before he was able to complete a lyric for. After tossing lyrics he worked on in India with Donovan, and after John declined to help, he came up with what on paper are incredibly simple lyrics, but say so much more. And that melody...what a winner. He looped in Ringo and John to add percussion, and a brilliant vocal bass, cramming the final song with hooks in a simple arrangement. It makes for one of the more beautiful and light-hearted moments on an album that can sometimes be viewed as really dark.
To discuss this song, we're thrilled to welcome back this week's guest, Mike Viola! Mike (who joined us back in 2021 to discuss #165 "Your Mother Should Know") is a wonderful singer, songwriter, and producer, who's worked with acts like Panic! At the Disco, Fall Out Boy, Mandy Moore, Jenny Lewis and more, and has written songs for numerous films like Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story. He's also the voice you hear singing the brilliant "That Thing You Do!" from the film of same name. Since we last spoke, he's released the fantastic "Paul McCarthy" album, which we highly recommend you check out. And he's going to be on a solo acoustic tour in the early part of 2024, which we also highly suggest you get tickets for if he's in your area. We chat with Mike about manic creativity, songwriting responsibility, the best way to watch Get Back, and more!
What do you think about "I Will at #99? Too high? Too low? Or just right? Let us know in the comments on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter! Be sure to check out www.rankingthebeatles.com and grab a Rank Your Own Beatles poster, a shirt, a jumper, whatever you like! And if you're digging what we do, don't forget to Buy Us A Coffee!
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As Paul noted in the Get Back series, The Beatles seemed to excel when their backs were against a wall. They were certainly feeling the time crunch during a several week residency in Paris in early 64. They hadn't yet conquered America, but they were due to be there in a couple of weeks. They also had their first movie on the horizon, and they had to finish writing most of the songs for the film and it's accompanying album. All while playing a bunch of shows, and trying to enjoy the fact that they'd just gotten their first #1 in the US.
Thankfully, they were able to knock out some classic material in that time, including this song, "I Should Have Known Better." Featuring an effective harmonica hook, a 12 string guitar solo, and a wonderful lead vocal from John, this song almost exemplifies '64-era Beatles. In fact, it's often the song I think about what when I think about what typifies the band. It's the first Beatles song I can remember hearing also, which may explain that. It's simple, sustinct, effective, and so so catchy.
Joining us to chat this week is Laurie Kaye, author of the new book "Confessions of a Rock and Roll Name Dropper: My Life Leading Up to John Lennon's Last Interview. We chat with Laurie about her journey in radio, including interviewing a couple of other Fabs, leading up to her December 8th 1980 interview with John. We also discuss some of the other legends she's chatted with, harmonicas, the Hard Days Night Movie, and much much more! Check out Laurie's book at https://www.confessionsofarocknrollnamedropper.com/ or wherever you get Beatle books!
What do you think about "I Should Have Known Better" at #100? Too high? Too low? Or just right? Let us know in the comments on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter! Be sure to check out www.rankingthebeatles.com and grab a Rank Your Own Beatles poster, a shirt, a jumper, whatever you like! And if you're digging what we do, don't forget to Buy Us A Coffee!
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While the exact time and place of this song seems to have been lost to the fog of 80+ years of memories, Paul does remember that he wrote this song with the thought it might end up as the Beatles next single in 1964. It seemed to lack that certain Beatle magic singles required, but it found a home on the back half of Beatles For Sale, albeit a home that maybe doesn't do it the justice it deserves. It's sneaky in a few different ways. It's got melodies and hooks for days, from the verse melody to the soaring chorus, to that chorus' emphatic tympani hits. And that's before we even get to John's 12 string electric guitar part, which comes across as a totally different take on the 12 string electric from what George would have played. Speaking of John, he turns in a fantastic vocal, and it's one of the rare times in the catalogue a song is sung by a Beatle who wasn't also the composer of the song.
Joining us this week is Joe Adragna, the brains behind power-pop force The Junior League. He's been putting out critically acclaimed music under this moniker since the early aughts, as well as playing in a variety of other groups. We chat with Joe about DIY recording and Jonathan's lazy musical output, power pop blueprints, childhood Beatles obsessions, and the Beatles' impact on kids today. Be sure to check out Joe's music at The Junior League's bandcamp page, or wherever you buy or stream music! And give em a follow on Facebook!
What do you think about "Every Little Thing" at #101? Too high? Too low? Or just right? Let us know in the comments on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter! Be sure to check out www.rankingthebeatles.com and grab a Rank Your Own Beatles poster, a shirt, a jumper, whatever you like! And if you're digging what we do, don't forget to Buy Us A Coffee!
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Been a long time since we did a two-fer episode! Here we go!
The Beatles often seemed to turn in some of their best work when up against a deadline. A handful of songs that would make up most the Help! album seemed to come about in short order, as the band had to write and record a big majority of the album before leaving to film. "You're Going to Lose That Girl" is one John knocked out in short order that really shows the band's growth as a unit, and represents them at maybe the most professional sounding of the early Beatles era. A killer, classic John vocal with pitch perfect call and response vocals from Paul and George and rock solid foundation from Ringo, pushed forward by a frantic bongo overdub. It just seems to be the epitome of early-Beatles cool, especially in light of the brilliant performance footage of it in the Help! film.
And in very different times, the band turn in one of their most straight ahead rocking performances with "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (Reprise)." By the end of the Sgt. Pepper sessions, the band hadn't really done a true out and out fast rocker since maybe the middle of 1965. Ready to put their masterpiece to bed, the band spent the last day of the sessions letting it all out on the uptempo penultimate track. With some of Ringo's most killer grooves (the Beastie Boys would sample the intro on Paul's Boutique, their own hip-hop Sgt. Pepper), absolutely killer guitar from George and John, and some of Paul's most frenzied shouting, the band showed that even though they were branching out in all directions, they could be the best rock and roll band in the world.
Joining us to talk these two songs this week is Mary Lasseigne! The bassist for The Cowsills (formerly of Cowboy Mouth, just like me - there's a lot of us) stops by to talk backing into the Beatles via Wings, playing with 60s legends, Now and Then, and these two very different Beatles tunes. Catch her on the road with The Cowsills!
What do you think about "You're Going to Lose That Girl" at #103 and "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (Reprise)" at #102? Too high? Too low? Or just right? Let us know in the comments on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter! Be sure to check out www.rankingthebeatles.com and grab a Rank Your Own Beatles poster, a shirt, a jumper, whatever you like! And if you're digging what we do, don't forget to Buy Us A Coffee!
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