Join former bandmates and lifelong friends Peter and Kenyon as they dive deep into the legendary discography of The Beatles in "The Beatles: Note by Note." With...
What happens when the Beatles take a Chuck Berry anthem and make it their own? In this episode, Peter and Kenyon dive into “Roll Over Beethoven,” a song they’d been playing since their earliest club days. Originally sung by John, the band handed vocal duties to George Harrison—an inspired choice that gave the track a youthful punch and raw authenticity. The hosts explore George’s biting vocal, slashing guitar tone, and how the Beatles’ version, recorded in just five takes, adds a muscular polish to Berry’s blueprint. They discuss the track’s place in the album With the Beatles and how George Martin halted Capitol Records from releasing it as a 1964 single. From live performance innovations to misheard lyrics and the infamous jelly bean attacks, this episode unpacks how “Roll Over Beethoven” became an early showcase of the Beatles’ roots, energy, and sheer charisma. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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1:08:06
EP034 - Please Mister Postman
What happens when the Beatles take a Motown classic and make it their own? Please Mr. Postman was already a #1 hit for the Marvelettes, but John Lennon’s urgent, near-desperate vocal delivery transforms it into something raw and electrifying. In this episode, Peter and Kenyon explore how the Beatles' version differs from the original, from its tighter rhythm section to its heightened emotional intensity. The hosts discuss why this was the final girl-group cover the Beatles ever recorded and how their choice to include it reflected their deep admiration for American R&B. They also examine the recording session, highlighting the Beatles' decision to rework their live arrangement mid-session to better match the Marvelettes’ dynamic intro. Was this just a well-executed cover or something more? Join Peter and Kenyon as they break down Please Mister Postman and uncover why the Beatles’ version remains a fan favorite. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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1:01:56
EP033 - Till There Was You
Could Till There Was You be the Beatles’ most unexpected choice for their early setlists? A show tune from The Music Man, it stood out in their catalog—earning both praise and skepticism from fans and even John Lennon himself. In this episode, Peter and Kenyon explore how Paul McCartney discovered the song through Peggy Lee’s jazz-infused version and why he insisted on including it in their performances. The hosts break down George Harrison’s intricate classical-inspired guitar work, Paul’s refined vocal delivery, and the song’s pivotal role in impressing George Martin at the Beatles' Decca audition. They also discuss how Brian Epstein strategically used Till There Was You to showcase the band’s versatility in high-profile performances, including the Royal Command Performance. A rare moment of theatrical elegance in the Beatles’ early years, this episode unpacks how the song helped shape their career and their ability to transcend genres. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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59:41
EP032 - Little Child
Was "Little Child" ever meant to be sung by John Lennon? Originally intended as a showcase for Ringo Starr, the song took a different path when it proved a poor fit for his vocal range. In this episode, Peter and Kenyon explore how Lennon and McCartney crafted this high-energy track for With the Beatles, blending pounding piano, relentless harmonica, and a melody pulled from an unexpected Disney film. The hosts dive into the song’s chaotic recording process, which spanned multiple sessions and overdubs—unusual for the Beatles at the time. They also examine why Little Child feels unlike a typical Beatles track, from its bluesy aggression to its raw, almost punk-like intensity. Is it a hidden gem or just a throwaway rock and roll workout? Peter and Kenyon break down this frenetic, often-overlooked track, uncovering its unexpected influences and its place in the Beatles’ evolving sound. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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1:04:08
LS032 - Little Child - Lecture Series (bonus)
In this lecture, Kenyon analyzes Little Child, a track from With the Beatles that began as a rejected Ringo Starr vocal before becoming one of the album’s most relentless rockers. Despite its simplicity, the song presents intriguing rhythmic and harmonic elements that set it apart from other early Beatles compositions. Kenyon examines its insistent triplet phrasing, harmonica-driven texture, and its lack of conventional song structure, leading to a sense of musical monotony that contrasts with the Beatles' usual dynamic approach. The lecture explores the peculiar lyrical choices, particularly the repeated use of "little child," and how cultural context may have shaped its phrasing. Additionally, Kenyon dissects the harmonic structure, noting the secondary dominants and jazz-inspired turnaround that hint at Lennon’s growing musical ambition. Through critical analysis, this lecture unpacks Little Child as both a curious outlier and a revealing study in the Beatles’ songwriting process. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Join former bandmates and lifelong friends Peter and Kenyon as they dive deep into the legendary discography of The Beatles in "The Beatles: Note by Note." With decades of friendship and a shared passion for music, these lifelong Beatles fans meticulously analyze each Beatles song in chronological order of release. Blending historical context with personal anecdotes and technical insights, Peter and Kenyon's discussions are enriched by their background as musicians. From their humble beginnings to their rise as music icons, explore how The Beatles' songs were crafted, recorded, and how they transformed the music industry. Whether you're a die-hard fan or new to The Beatles' music, "The Beatles: Note by Note" offers a comprehensive and definitive journey through the catalog of one of the greatest bands of all time. This podcast is a must-listen for anyone seeking an in-depth, authoritative exploration of The Beatles' musical legacy.For more information, visit https://www.notebynoteseries.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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