Ranking The Beatles

Jonathan and Julia Pretus

Musician and self-described Beatles fanatic Jonathan Pretus ranked the entire recorded catalog of the Beatles, because he's a big, big nerd. Then he decided to make a podcast to talk with other people and learn about their connection with The Beatles' music.

Tune in as Jonathan and his guests, joined by his co-host/wife Julia (a more level-headed, casual fan) discuss the rankings, what they think makes each song so great (or not-so-great), and see if it really is a fool's errand to try and rank the music of the greatest band of all time.

Subscribe Listen in podnod RSS feed Show website

160 episodes
Updated July 3

Episodes160

Newest first

Oct 26, 2021 · 1 hr 35 min
#157 - For You Blue with Garry and Paul Abbott (hosts of Big Beatles Sort Out)
After George's infamous walk-out during the Get Back/Let It Be session, his return was one of several conditions. He insisted the band move from Twickenham to their own Apple Studio, the idea of the big live show/tv program had to go, and he pulled almost all of his songs from consideration. After spending the winter holidays in the US with Bob Dylan and the Band and other musician pals, he was keenly aware that his songwriting had reached the same level of John and Paul. Songs like "Hear Me Lord" and "All Things Must Pass" went back into George's back pocket, and he left the band with "For You Blue," a song that can best be described as...a happy blues song! It does, however, provide a great moment of real musical connection for the band, playing live with a laid-back vibe and fun feeling, while still striving for new sounds between putting John on lap steel and Paul's experimenting with piano sounds. And while it wouldn't end up being George's only tune on the album, it is the only one of his to feature all four Beatles, and one of the best moments of group camaraderie as musician in the Get Back/Let it Be project. I can't wait to see it in the Peter Jackson film. Joining us to discuss this tune are brothers Paul and Garry Abbott, hosts of the Big Beatles Sort Out podcast, another fantastic podcast in which the hosts...rank the Beatles catalog. Ha. However, whereas ours is based on personal preference and guttural choice, theirs is based on mathematics and analytics, providing a totally different method to our collective madness. We all about what it's like inheriting the Beatles, parallel between Blur and the Beatles, Beatles music being a saving grace in a time of need, and whether or not all this ranking is an exercise in futility. Maybe it is or isn't, but it sure is fun. Be sure to listen to Big Beatles Sort Out anywhere you listen to podcasts, and follow along on Twitter at @big_sort as well! And check out Garry and Paul's musical and creative endeavors as well, as mentioned in the episode. What do you think? Too high? Too low? Just right? Let us know in the comments on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/rankingthebeatles, Instagram @rankingthebeatles, or Twitter @rankingbeatles! Be sure to check out RTB's new official website, www.rankingthebeatles.com! Enjoying the show, and wanna show your support? Buy Us A Coffee!
Oct 19, 2021 · 1 hr 27 min
#158 - Only A Northern Song with Dr. Bob Hieronimus and Laura Cortner (authors, "It's All In The Mind: Inside The Beatles Yellow Submarine Vol 2")
*NOTE - Audio has been corrected! Apologies!* There's no shortage of songs in the Beatles' catalog in which the listener can project their own lives and stories into the lyrics. A song complaining about being on the short end of bad publishing deal may not be one of those songs, but that's just what "Only A Northern Song" is. George's first attempt at a track for Sgt. Pepper is a droney, somewhat monotone diatribe about the needlessness of writing lyrics with meaning, or singing a song in tune, because at the end of the day, it's a Beatles song and people are going to buy it and George is only going to get .8% of the royalties, even if he wrote the song. After being sent through a psychedelic-Summer-of-Love-acid-soaked-journey, it found a new life with the Yellow Submarine soundtrack where it gets suitably trippy treatment in the film. It's a track that, as a SONG, may not have too much to offer to or connect to, but as a record, there's lots to grab on to and something new to hear every time you listen. It may not be George's finest moment in the mid 60s, but it's not a dud by any stretch. Joining us this week are Dr. Bob Hieronimus and Laura Cortner, authors of the new book "It's All In The Mind: Inside The Beatles Yellow Submarine, Vol. 2." A studier of esoterica, Dr. Bob has been on a long journey of deciphering deeper meanings behind the film, and behind the band's works in general, and how they've impacted the world. He and Laura spent years interviewing and talking to creators of the film to get the most in-depth story of the creation of the film, and the meaning behind so much of it. We touch on all sorts of different subjects, from gaining higher consciousness, studying the deeper meaning on symbolism with Jimi Hendrix, behind-the-scenes stories from the creation of the film, and striking story about Ringo's kleptomania. Pick up a copy of their book at YELLOWSUBMARINEBOOK.COM, mention that you heard about it on Ranking The Beatles, and they'll send you some bonus Yellow Submarine goodies for free! What do you think? Too high? Too low? Just right? Let us know in the comments on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/rankingthebeatles, Instagram @rankingthebeatles, or Twitter @rankingbeatles! Be sure to check out RTB's new official website, www.rankingthebeatles.com! Enjoying the show, and wanna show your support? Buy Us A Coffee!
Oct 12, 2021 · 1 hr 51 min
#159 - Good Night with Jason Kruppa (author and host of "Producing the Beatles" podcast)
After an unintended, Hurricane-induced hiatus, we're back in action! And what better way to get the party started back up than by talking about..."Good Night"? The Ringo-sung, John-penned closer to the White Album has always been somewhat of a polarizing song in the Beatles' cannon. Some love it, some loathe it. Yet, like so many moments in the band's catalog, there's so much more at play here. Where else could a song this saccharine fit than after the audio soundtrack of a revolution? Who else but Ringo could sing something so sweet and soothing? But then again, isn't it rather twisted to end the journey of the White Album with a song like this? Is there maybe some darkness behind the Disney-esque sweetness at play? As always with the Beatles, there's many layers to this glass onion. To dive in this week, we're joined by Jason Kruppa, host of the fantastic Producing The Beatles podcast, and co-author of "All Things Must Pass Away: Harrison, Clapton, and Other Assorted Love Songs," which he wrote with previous guest Ken Womack (see #162 - "Another Girl"). Jason, who also lives here in New Orleans, joined us in RTB headquarters (before we all evacuated for the hurricane) to discuss the ins and outs and secrets of "Good Night," the never-ending wellspring of All Things Must Pass, George's favorite incense, the world of bootlegs, and the on-going saga of Eric Clapton's self-inflicted career and legacy damage. Be sure to check out Jason's podcast at https://www.producingthebeatles.com, on Twitter @ptbeatles, IG @producingthebeatles, and Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ProducingTheBeatles, as he breaks down how these brilliant songs were recording from George Martin's production side of things. His book, All Things Must Pass Away can be found anywhere you get good books. What do you think? Too high? Too low? Just right? Let us know in the comments on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/rankingthebeatles, Instagram @rankingthebeatles, or Twitter @rankingbeatles! Be sure to check out RTB's new official website, www.rankingthebeatles.com! Enjoying the show, and wanna show your support? Buy Us A Coffee!
Aug 17, 2021 · 1 hr 25 min
#160 - I'm Happy Just To Dance With You with Chloe & Daisy of All About The Girl podcast
The Beatles needed a song for George Harrison to sing in their first film, A Hard Day’s Night. After producing his first self-composed song on the band’s previous album, the still-emerging writer didn’t have one of his own yet to offer up, so John and Paul wrote the uptempo “I’m Happy Just To Dance With You.” A many-chorded, clanging rocker with an incredibly propulsive rhythm guitar part, the song presents an interesting side of the band that’s even less threatening to parents and teenage girls…they don’t even want to hold your hand…just dancing together is enough. It feels a bit lightweight, but it’s still a great encapsulation of that 1964 Beatlemania, and features fantastically in the movie. It’s also the last time George would rely on his bandmates for his songs. This week, we’re joined by Daisy and Chloe, hosts of the podcast “All About The Girl.” Hailing from Northern England, their show is a fascinating look into the lives and stories of the women associated with the Beatles stories; wives, daughters, mothers, lovers, all who tend to often have their own lives and journeys overshadowed by the band. By further diving into their stories, we get a better understanding of where the Beatles came from, how they responded and changed over the years, and how these women help shape their legacy. Be sure to check out their show anywhere you listen to podcasts, follow along on Twitter @allabouthegirlpod and Instagram @allaboutthegirlpodcast! What do you think? Too high? Too low? Just right? Let us know in the comments on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/rankingthebeatles, Instagram @rankingthebeatles, or Twitter @rankingbeatles! Be sure to check out RTB's new official website, www.rankingthebeatles.com! Enjoying the show, and wanna show your support? Buy Us A Coffee!
Aug 10, 2021 · 1 hr 21 min
#161 - I Don't Want To Spoil The Party with Dr. Christine Feldman-Barrett (author, scholar, historian, musician)
After 3 albums where he comes off as the alpha male/leader of the gang, John Lennon seems to be dealing with a crisis of confidence on the band’s fourth album, Beatles For Sale. For the first time, his self-penned songs seem to fully embrace his emotions in a way they hadn’t previously. The self-consciousness on display in “I Don’t Want To Spoil The Party” shows a guy who, while we may have seen him as the life of the party, maybe has been hiding his own fears behind the loud, confident, cocky persona we’ve gotten to know so far. Maybe it’s Dylan’s influence, or maybe he’s just not adjusting to the fame, John’s allowing himself to be incredibly vulnerable on the songs on this record, and definitely on this song. A great Lennon vocal (and self-harmony) shines through a song that’s still memorable, despite having no chorus. George falls prey to the riff-between-each-line move that, while sometimes effective, here kind of takes away my focus from the lyric. But it’s still a super memorable, catchy song, and part of John’s transition from pop-writer-John to introspective-John. Joining us this week is Dr. Christine Feldman-Barrett. A scholar, author, and Senior Lecturer in the School of Humanities, Languages and Social Science at Griffith University, Australia, her new book, “A Women’s History of the Beatles” is a brilliant look at the influence the band has had on women. From their earliest fans at the Cavern, girls who went headstrong into promoting the band, starting and running fan clubs, and became true friends of the band, to women who were inspired to start their own bands, or allow their love of the band to route their lives to England, to modern generations of fans who continue to reinvent the essence of fandom and keeping the band in the cultural zeitgeist. The book is available in hardback now, with paperback coming in the new year. Its a fantastic read, and sheds light on parts of the Beatles story that haven’t had the light shone on them they deserve. Be sure to follow Christine on Twitter @feldmanbarrett, and pick up her book!! What do you think? Too high? Too low? Just right? Let us know in the comments on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/rankingthebeatles, Instagram @rankingthebeatles, or Twitter @rankingbeatles! Be sure to check out RTB's new official website, www.rankingthebeatles.com! Enjoying the show, and wanna show your support? Buy Us A Coffee!
Aug 3, 2021 · 1 hr 27 min
#162 - Another Girl with Ken Womack (author, podcast host, professor of English and Popular Culture)
It's easy to overlook a song like "Another Girl," as it sits on an album (Help!) with multiple major Beatles classics, and is featured in a film (also Help!)that's usually given the short straw when discussing the Fabs celluloid catalog. However, for something tossed off on a holiday, then captured basically in one take, it's a really fun, breezy pop rock tune. Musically (and visually in the film), it's essentially the blueprint for what The Monkees would come out with: an easy-bop-along pop tune with a catchy vocal and a fun beat. However, just below the surface a bit more sinister undertone of requiring love on Paul's terms, or he's going to go off to his next girl, because she's already here. Joining us this week is author/podcast host/teacher and Beatle-knowledge wellspring Ken Womack. At the end of 2020, he released John Lennon 1980: The Last Days in the Life, a deep dive in the final year of Lennon's life and creative resurgence, and now in July 21, with co-author Jason Kruppa, we have All Things Must Pass Away: Harrison, Clapton, and Other Assorted Love Songs, which takes into the creations of George's solo debut, Clapton's Derek & The Dominos' Layla album, and the dynamics at play in their relationship. We chat about everything from falling in love with the story of the Beatles (as well as the music), seeing in real time how an artist's story and history unfolds when they live a long time, Ken's wonderful "Everything Fab Four" podcast, and Paul's BDE. You can check out Ken's books, blog, and so much more at https://kennethwomack.com. What do you think? Too high? Too low? Just right? Let us know in the comments on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/rankingthebeatles, Instagram @rankingthebeatles, or Twitter @rankingbeatles! Be sure to check out RTB's new official website, www.rankingthebeatles.com! Enjoying the show, and wanna show your support? Buy Us A Coffee!
Jul 27, 2021 · 1 hr 23 min
#163 - Chains with Susan Cowsill (singer, songwriter; The Cowsills)
This 1963 album Please Please Me album track is a great example of the Beatles understanding the value in digging through record store racks for songs other bands weren't playing. "Chains," a Goffin/King song gave George Harrison a vocal spotlight on the Beatles' debut album, and a place for their impeccable three part harmonies to have a home. There's a great innocence to this track, as the band's love of R&B and girl groups shines through on this song. Maybe it's a lightweight track, but good grief it sure is catchy, and they sing the hell out of it. We're honored to have rock and roll royalty join us this week on the podcast. At the age of 8, Susan Cowsill joined her brothers and mother in the family band The Cowsills, and hit the charts with classics like "The Rain, The Park, and Other Things," "Indian Lake," "Hair," and "Love American Style." The band would serve as the blueprint for The Partridge Family in the early 1970s, but have had an amazing career of their own. Susan has the unique perspective of being on the charts at the same time as the Beatles, and has some great stories to go along with it. In addition to a busy solo career with her own music and working on other's records, she's still touring with her brothers Bob and Paul, and they can be heard this summer on the Happy Together tour, which is one of the most fun shows you can catch if you love great 60s pop and rock. They've also got their own podcast, The Cowsills Podcast, and it's a great glimpse into the fun these siblings are still having after all these years. Susan's on the the BEST voices in rock and pop history, one of the nicest people in the game, and we're so happy to have her on our show! What do you think? Too high? Too low? Just right? Let us know in the comments on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/rankingthebeatles, Instagram @rankingthebeatles, or Twitter @rankingbeatles! Be sure to check out RTB's new official website, www.rankingthebeatles.com! Enjoying the show, and wanna show your support? Buy Us A Coffee!
Jul 20, 2021 · 1 hr 30 min
#164 - Not A Second Time with Andrew Sandoval (producer, author, radio host, artist manager, songwriter)
This 1963 John song often gets overlooked these days as album filler. However, this With The Beatles track can be seen as one of the songs responsible for writers and critics viewing The Beatles as actual artists. In a 1963 article, critic William Mann called John and Paul the greatest British songwriters of the year, but also heaped praise upon the band's "lugubrious" music and "pandiatonic clusters, and "the Aeolian cadence of 'Not A Second Time.'" John viewed this as nonsense, but the result was the validation of them not just as pop stars of the moment, but as writers of real serious art. It brought to light the unusual quality of work the band was doing from the onset, and one could argue is indirectly responsible for not just this podcast, but all Beatles podcasts, books, documentaries, etc. And even though it's tacked on the end of the record, it's better than people give it credit for. It's part of a handful that mark the beginning of John's dominant period in the band, where his confidence is at an all time high, and his material is top notch, a period that would reach its apex on A Hard Day's Night. Kicking off Season 3 with us is Andrew Sandoval. Andrew's the producer behind some of the most landmark reissues in recent history from artists like The Kinks, The Monkees, The Zombies, The Beach Boys, The Bee Gees, Elton John, Big Star, The Left Banke, Nilsson, The Turtles and more. As a concert producer/manager, he's been behind the brilliant late-career resurgence of The Monkees, handling all their tours since 2011, in addition to handling A&R duties and additional production on their 2015 comeback album Good Times. His upcoming book The Monkees: The Day-By-Day Story is the most in-depth and important dive into the one-of-a-kind, fascinating career and story of the Monkees, and is available for pre-order now at beatlandbooks.com. We discuss the relationship between the Beatles and the Monkees, creating reissue packages from a fan's perspective, John's not playing by the rules as a writer, and so much more. We could've picked his brain for many more hours, so hopefully, we can do this again. You can catch Andrew this fall running the show with Michael Nesmith and Micky Dolenz on the Monkees' farewell tour, hitting US cities September through November. Trust us, you'll want to see this show. What do you think? Too high? Too low? Just right? Let us know in the comments on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/rankingthebeatles, Instagram @rankingthebeatles, or Twitter @rankingbeatles! Be sure to check out RTB's new official website, www.rankingthebeatles.com! Enjoying the show, and wanna show your support? Buy Us A Coffee!
Jun 15, 2021 · 1 hr 15 min
#165 - Your Mother Should Know with Mike Viola (singer, songwriter, producer)
Happy 1 year birthday to us! Thanks to everyone who's joined us on this ride so far! We're releasing this episode 1 year + a day on from our first episode, and we couldn't be more chuffed to have made it this far. We're so glad you're all here with us! Paul's made no bones about his admiration for the music of his parents' generation, the music hall numbers his family loved that must've filled the Macca home, either on record or when dad Jim played during family gatherings. He claimed to have written "When I'm 64" when he was 14, so it's safe to say he's always had a soft spot for this style of music, though John may have scoffed at it (though his brilliant guitar solo on "Honey Pie" shows that he knew EXACTLY what it needed, so he was better versed than he admits). During one of those Macca family gatherings in 1967, Paul came up with "Your Mother Should Know," a tribute to women before his generation, whom he thought, may be a bit hipper and wiser than the growing generation gap may think. The song serves as the big song & dance number which finishes the Magical Mystery Tour film, and much like the film itself, can be a divisive entry in the Beatles' catalog. As mentioned by our guest this week, to put out a song like this during the height of psychedelia & rock and roll, well, it's a pretty punk rock move on Paul's part. We're joined this week by one of our favorite singers & songwriters, Mike Viola, who first entered the scene in the late 90s with his band Candy Butchers, and as the singer on the song "That Thing You Do!" from the Tom Hanks' directed film. In addition to writing songs for films such as "Walk Hard - The Dewey Cox Story," and "Get Him To The Greek," Mike is an in-demand songwriter and producer, having worked with artists such as Fall Out Boy, Panic At The Disco, Mandy Moore, Shania Twain, Dan Wilson & Semisonic, The Monkees, and more. We chat with Mike about what makes this song tick and why it's such a classic Paul song despite some of its quirks, creativity being born out of trauma, basing one's entire music career on Ram, meeting Paul (legit some of the best meeting-Paul stories ever), and his absolutely fantastic new album, 2020's Godmuffin, which we at RTB strongly suggest you pick up because it's wonderful. Follow Mike at https://www.mikeviola.com, on Instagram @themikeviola, and on Facebook.com/mikeviolamusic. What do you think? Too high? Too low? Just right? Let us know what you think! Be sure to join in the conversation on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/rankingthebeatles, on Instagram @rankingthebeatles, and on Twitter @rankingbeatles. Enjoying the show and want to show your support? Check out https://anchor.fm/rankingthebeatles/support! Songs featured this week include: Nice To Know You (Candy Butchers - Hang On Mike) That Thing You Do! (The Wonders - That Thing You Do! Soundtrack) USA Up All Night (Mike Viola - Godmuffin) Creeper (Godmuffin) Dear Boy (Mike Viola, Tim Christensen, Tracy Bonham w/ The Damn Crystals - Pure McCartney) All You Can Eat (Godmuffin) Drug Rug (Godmuffin)
Jun 8, 2021 · 1 hr 18 min
#166 - Think For Yourself with Kyle Gass (Tenacious D, guitarist/actor)
After having his mind perm-blown by acid in the spring of 65, George's songwriting changed its' trajectory, both in quality (upwards) and in subject matter. Gone were the boy/girl-romance songs, and in came a more thoughtful, world-weary young man, the same almost dour man we met just 2 years earlier holding the pen for "Don't Bother Me." With Rubber Soul's "Think For Yourself," George seems to be delivering a memo of caution regarding the peril of being stuck in traditional ways of living and thinking. It's unclear who he's talking to though. Is it a romantic partner? A platonic relationship (bandmates?)? The British government? Himself? The track is delivered with an absolutely confounding and kind of unsettling chord progression that leaves the listener feeling unrooted. Is it a major key? A minor key? It doesn't seem to fit the rules of pop song craft. It's so far removed from the simple chords of early Beatle songs, let alone early George songs. And it's all propelled by a fuzzed-out lead bass track, possibly the first recorded fuzz bass ever. Joining us this week is the one and only Kyle Gass, half of the greatest rock band in history of the world, Tenacious D. Along with his partner Jack Black, one could make the case that he and Kyle are the modern-day Lennon/McCartney of comedy rock. Their 20+ career has seen the release of 4 studio albums, a film, an HBO series, a multi part series on Youtube (2018's Post-Apocolypto), and Grammy. In his spare time in the last year, he's managed to post daily guitar videos on Instagram, start up the podcast "Did We Do It?" with fellow actor Kevin Weisman, and recorded new solo and Tenacious D music. He's got a new solo single, "Vaccinated," with a star-studded video, out now. You can stream the song, watch the video, and get the t-shirts at https://linktr.ee/kylegass. We chat with KG about all sorts of things, from podcast mic tips to hating social media, the Beatles as actors, the appeal of a creative duo vs a band, to getting the vip treatment at Abbey Road. He even drops a few Easter eggs for upcoming Tenacious D plans (we got the ok from their people to leave it in) that's sure to please old school D fans and Beatles fans alike. Be sure to follow Kyle on Instagram at @theactualkylegass. So what do you think? Too high? Too low? Just right? Kyle things we're laughably crazy. Let us know what you think! Be sure to join in the conversation on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/rankingthebeatles, on Instagram @rankingthebeatles, and on Twitter @rankingbeatles. Enjoying the show and want to show your support? Check out https://anchor.fm/rankingthebeatles/support! Songs featured this week include: Classico - Tenacious D Tribute - Tenacious D Time Warp - Tenacious D Vaccinated - Kyle Gass
Jun 1, 2021 · 1 hr 19 min
#167 - I'm Looking Through You with Mark Bryan (Hootie & The Blowfish guitarist, songwriter)
It's our 50th Episode! Thanks to everyone who's been along for the ride so far. We're so glad you're here! On to this week! Paul McCartney sometimes is (unfairly) criticized for not bearing himself in his songs in the more upfront ways John often did. While he usually wraps his emotions in bigger stories and concepts, there have been times he's been extremely candid about his life in song. Late 65-66 saw him bearing his thoughts on the struggles of his relationship with Jane Asher in a handful of tracks, especially on Rubber Soul, which is where we find ourselves this week with the song "I'm Looking Through You." The band worked on this song in several arrangement styles over the sessions, before landing on a somewhat loose, fun, folksy track featuring an absurdly great Paul melody, scorching organ in the chorus and some interesting percussion from Ringo (and George on tambourine!). And while the track is undoubtedly great (aren't they all), I sometimes wonder if the Anthology version may have been a bit more interesting and thought out? To get to the heart of this tune, we're joined by our old friend Mark Bryan, guitarist and songwriter of kajillion-times platinum selling band Hootie & The Blowfish. We chat about all manner of things, from Mark and the band's early songwriting and harmony influences, the Beatles material output speed versus the output in modern music, the unspoken language of the Beatles, and Paul's brilliance in writing songs that can be shaped to any style. Mark's new solo album, Midlife Priceless, is out know everywhere, and is a masterful rock and roll/pop album. Stream it everywhere, or buy a cd or record at https://www.markbryanmusic.com. Follow Mark on Facebook and Instagram @markbryanmusic. Songs in this episode from Midlife Priceless include: "Gotta Get Outta Town" "Wanna Make You Feel Something" "A Little More Rock and Roll" Also featured: "I'm Looking Through You" - Steve Earle What do you think? Too high? To low? Just right? Be sure to follow along, leave your comments, and join in on the discussion on the rankings at Facebook (facebook.com/rankingthebeatles), on Twitter @rankingbeatles, and on Instagram @rankingthebeatles. Enjoying the show and want to show your support? Check out https://anchor.fm/rankingthebeatles/support!
May 25, 2021 · 1 hr 39 min
#168 - Christmastime Is Here Again with guest Blotto Beatles
Though the Beatles recorded an annual holiday record for their fan club, it took them until 1967 to finally put an actual real Christmas song on one of them. The very last thing the Beatles recorded together in 1967, "Christmastime Is Here Again" is almost a mantra, a repetitive sing-a-long, filled with all the fun and personality you'd want from the Fab Four, capturing a festive holiday spirit while avoiding virtually any cliche or normal hint of traditional Christmas music. It's interesting that for a band who's every move was recorded and noted, virtually NO info exists about the origins of the song, the tracking of, the nuts and bolts, etc. Coming at the end of a WILD year especially, it boasts some of Ringo's nastiest groove drumming as well, it's also the last time the band would collaborate together on a fan club Christmas record. It's a staple in the RTB house every holiday season. We're always glad to spend time with our podpals Blotto Beatles, and they're here this week to help us bring a bit of holiday cheer to you as it starts to turn to summer. Scotty C, Tommy, and Becker are ALSO ranking Beatles songs, albeit in a different method, and also while throwing back a ton of drinks. Their show is one of our favs. After a year of hardcore Beatle podcasting, what have we all learned? How do we feel about holiday music, and Beatle holiday music? How do we keep ourselves sane after so much Beatling??? Be sure to follow their show everywhere you listen to podcasts, all the info you need is on their website at BlottoBeatles.com. What do you think? Too high? To low? Just right? Be sure to follow along, leave your comments, and join in on the discussion on the rankings at Facebook (facebook.com/rankingthebeatles), on Twitter @rankingbeatles, and on Instagram @rankingthebeatles. Enjoying the show and want to show your support? Check out https://anchor.fm/rankingthebeatles/support!
May 18, 2021 · 1 hr 33 min
#169 - From Me To You with David Pomerleau (bassist, Johnny Sketch & The Dirty Notes, The Walrus - A New Orleans Beatles Tribute)
The Beatles 3rd single, and their first bonafide #1 hit, is a sub-2 minute blast of all the early hallmarks of early Beatlemania: John & Paul singing together, a super catchy hook, and chord progressions more complex than just about any of their peers were pulling off. And of course, a mop-shaking "wooooo!" The band always viewed this song as a major leap in their songwriting ability and quality, and in learning how to add in complex changes and arrangements, an early and encouraging signal to them that they aren't bound by conventional means of thinking...about anything. Joining us this week is our old pal David Pomerleau, who you may have met on our 3rd episode. He's the bassist for mainstay New Orleans rock/funk band Johnny Sketch & The Dirty Notes, as well as Jonathan's bandmate in The Walrus - A New Orleans Beatles Tribute. After quarantine shut down their original bands, David and Jonathan found themselves picking up more Walrus work than ever, as socially distant porch concerts became the only outlet for live music in New Orleans. A band that played maybe 4 shows a year started playing at least 4 shows a month, for pretty much a whole year. So now, after a year diving deeper into Beatles music, we talk about what's changed in how they view and appreciate Beatles music, and what it's like playing in a (no-costumes) Beatles tribute band. We also discuss working with changing voices, finding new paths as songwriters and performers, pilot koala bears, and silly Beatles trivia. Follow David's musical projects Johnny Sketch & The Dirty Notes (facebook) and The Walrus (instagram @WalrusNOLA) for livestream performances and more! What do you think? Too high? To low? Just right? Be sure to follow along, leave your comments, and join in on the discussion on the rankings at Facebook (facebook.com/rankingthebeatles), on Twitter @rankingbeatles, and on Instagram @rankingthebeatles. Enjoying the show and want to show your support? Check out https://anchor.fm/rankingthebeatles/support!
May 11, 2021 · 1 hr 16 min
#170 - The Fool On The Hill w/ Damon Johnson (singer/songwriter, guitarist, Damon Johnson & The Get Down, Alice Cooper, ex-Thin Lizzy/Black Star Riders, Brother Cane)
A quintessential Paul McCartney track, "The Fool On The Hill" lands in a dreamy haze on Magical Mystery Tour, the tale of someone who lives with their head in the cloud, not a care in the word, inspire of the worries of those who think they're....a fool. Is the song about the Maharishi? About John? Paul himself? Or maybe all of us? Paul's never quite owned up to the truth on it, but it doesn't detract from the fact that this is a beautiful song. But what DOES detract is the peculiar choice of a recorder, the loud, children's-anyone-can-learn-it-instrument, used for the solo section. Is that enough to take the listener out of the blissed out vibe the song creates? Joining us to tackle this discussion is Damon Johnson, singer/songwriter and guitarist of Damon Johnson and the Get Ready, and formerly of Alice Cooper, Thin Lizzy (and offshoot band Black Star Riders), and Brother Cane. We chat about The Beatles playing a big part of a child's first memories, from the spinning of a Capitol label, to crib calls for "Mysterytour!!" We also touch on balancing an ear for melody and pop while holding down a gig in harder rock bands, and his excellent new album, "Battle Lessons," which is out now, how the pandemic shaped the record and possibly his next like, 10 records. Pickup his new album now at damonjohnson.com, and be sure to follow along on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/officialdamonjohnson), Instagram (@officialdamonjohnson) and Twitter (@damonjofficial)! What do you think? Too high? To low? Just right? Be sure to follow along, leave your comments, and join in on the discussion on the rankings at Facebook (facebook.com/rankingthebeatles), on Twitter @rankingbeatles, and on Instagram @rankingthebeatles. Enjoying the show and want to show your support? Check out https://anchor.fm/rankingthebeatles/support!
May 4, 2021 · 1 hr 38 min
#171 - Cry Baby Cry with Paul Sanchez (singer, songwriter, ex-Cowboy Mouth)
Written at the end of 1967 and finding a home later the following year on the back end of the White Album, "Cry Baby Cry" serves as several different significant markers. It's John's last real psychedelic track, marking the end of his acid-haze word play and the start of writing as reporting on real life. It's the last track engineer Geoff Emerick works on with the band, quitting mid-session due to ongoing tensions. And it's also the start of what Jonathan refers to as "the creepiest 11 and a half minutes in the Beatles catalog." This dreamy, opium-den-sounding track is a fantastic tune, with great work all around from the band, especially Paul's brilliant bass work (Julia thinks the his part at the beginning sounds like a spaceship!). A great tune, with an ominous vibe that leads the listener down a dark path, with Paul's "Can You Take Me Back" segue guiding the listener into the darkness of whatever they're about to experience with "Revolution 9." Returning to the show this week is singer/songwriter Paul Sanchez, one of the most prolific, award-winning, and beloved songwriters in New Orleans. After releasing 19 solo albums (including a recent vinyl reissue of his 1992 solo classic Jet Black and Jealous), we take the time to look back at the role the Beatles, as writers, have impacted his songwriting through the years. We touch base on all sorts of things, like the chemistry of bands vs brands (Paul was a guitarist and founding member the band Cowboy Mouth, and after leaving after 15 years, Jonathan joined the band as guitarist for the next 3 years, more details in the show), whether Nebraska is Bruce Springsteen's Plastic Ono Band, the immediacy and vulnerability of Lennon, and realizing that your songs are ALWAYS about you in some way. We also get a rendition of the first song Paul ever wrote! Paul also now is co-host of "Another Cup of Coffee," a Youtube-based podcast airing live Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 9am CST! Tune in! What do you think? Too high? To low? Just right? Be sure to follow along, leave your comments, and join in on the discussion on the rankings at Facebook (facebook.com/rankingthebeatles), on Twitter @rankingbeatles, and on Instagram @rankingthebeatles. Enjoying the show and want to show your support? Check out https://anchor.fm/rankingthebeatles/support!
Apr 27, 2021 · 2 hr
#172 - You Won't See Me with Sean Nelson (singer/songwriter, writer, ex-Harvey Danger)
As one of several songs Paul wrote at the end of 1965 during a rough patch with Jane Asher, "You Won't See Me" provides a glimpse into the real-life on-goings of Paul McCartney, something listeners only ever get careful, glancing views of. With this piano-driven, Motown influenced track, buoyed by an incredibly strong vocal, the lads create something that sounds fresh even today. Recorded on the last day of Rubber Soul sessions, the song showcases a Paul who's hurt, a bit angry and salty, but also completely desperate to get his partner back. It's a fantastic track on a fantastic album, and the only drawback may be that it kind of reveals itself to you completely rather early on. But to paraphrase Macca, "it's the bloody Beatles' Rubber Soul, shut up, Jonathan." Returning to the pod this week is singer, songwriter, writer, and fellow Beatles nerd Sean Nelson! In this episode, we touch on a LOT of topics...Paul planting his flag in the sand on this record, relationships between Beatles and their partners, and Paul's ability to show us exactly how much he wants us to see. We also talk Sean's brilliant Harry Nilsson covers album Nelson Sings Nilsson, drinking with Micky Dolenz of the Monkees, and how Sean's old band ended up providing the theme song to a beloved British television comedy. Check out Nelson Sings Nilsson as well as Sean's other solo album Make Good Choices and Harvey Danger's 3 albums anywhere you get your music, then thank us later. Songs in this episode include "Gotta Get Up" - Sean Nelson, Nelson Sings Nilsson "Meetings With Remarkable Men (Show Me The Hero)" - Harvey Danger, King James Version "Daddy's Song" - Sean Nelson, Nelson Sings Nilsson "Don't Forget Me" - Sean Nelson, Nelson Sing Nilsson What do you think? Too high? To low? Just right? Be sure to follow along, leave your comments, and join in on the discussion on the rankings at Facebook (facebook.com/rankingthebeatles), on Twitter @rankingbeatles, and on Instagram @rankingthebeatles. Enjoying the show and want to show your support? Check out https://anchor.fm/rankingthebeatles/support!
Apr 20, 2021 · 1 hr 9 min
#173 - Matchbox with guests Jak Locke & Angie Tusa
The affection The Beatles had for Carl Perkins' music is no secret. "Matchbox" was a longtime part of the band's early live show, first sung by John, then by Pete Best, then again by John. Starting in '63, Ringo took it over for a few BBC sessions, then in studio in June of '64, with Perkins himself hanging in the studio with them. Their cover is a swinging, sloppy, rollicking fun mess. Ringo fumbles lyrics and melodies all over the place, but, in Jonathan's opinion, it's a fun, fast tune showing a bit of that raw rocker vibe that Beatles were starting to take their first steps away from as they grew and experienced more and more. Is that enough to elevate the track to something Fab-worthy? Julia doesn't really agree, and neither do this week's guests. Our pals Jak Locke and Angie Tusa return to the show. Since we last connected, Angie has started a blog called After The End, a deep chronological dive into the entire solo catalog of The Beatles. Jak's history with rockabilly in his band The Monochromes helps give us a good resource this track, and it's history, which goes well beyond Carl Perkins. We touch on all sorts of topics in this fun, in-person (yay!) episode. We also try out a new game, Bruce's Brain Busters! Be sure to follow Angie along on the blog an on Twitter, and check out all Jak's musical projects at jaklocke.com! What do you think? Too high? To low? Or just right, like Baby Bear's porridge? Be sure to follow along, leave your comments, and join in on the discussion on the rankings at Facebook (facebook.com/rankingthebeatles), on Twitter at @rankingbeatles, and on Instagram @rankingthebeatles. Enjoying the show and want to show your support? Check out https://anchor.fm/rankingthebeatles/support to drop a coin in the tip jar!
Apr 13, 2021 · 1 hr 36 min
#174 - Misery with guest Joe Wisbey, host of The Beatles Books Podcast
The second track on the band's debut LP, "Misery" was actually the first time John and Paul wrote a song with the intent of shopping it to another artist, Helen Shapiro. When she passed on the song, it gained a spot on the Please Please Me album, being one of the only really "new" songs put to tape on the album, most everything else being songs that had long been in their live set. Compared to a lot of the rest of the album, the song sounds quite grown-up production-wise, even if the lyric is kind of teenage-woe-is-me. John and Paul's unison vocal breaks into a harmony on the refrain, and already their voices are the perfect compliment to each other. A beautiful, melancholy bridge, accentuated by producer George Martin's piano, helps make this a catchy tune, even if it's nothing world-changing. It actually went on to be the first Lennon/McCartney tune covered by another artist, as tour mate Kenny Lynch scored a minor hit with a super sappy version of it. We're joined this week by fellow Beatle podcaster Joe Wisbey, who's amazing collection of books on the fabs turned into The Beatles Books Podcast, in which he interviews the authors of some of the countless books that have been written about the lads (Julia thought we had a lot of Beatle books in the house...we ain't got nothing on Joe). He also runs a daily instagram feed which spotlights a different Beatles book or magazine each day. In addition to diving deep in this tune, we chat about what Joe looks for in a good Beatles book, the deep corners of Ringo's 70s and 80s filmography, the US vs English perspective on the band, and Joe raises a great point...is this song maybe a bit more tongue-in-cheek than we realized? Listen to Joe's podcast anywhere good podcasts are found, and follow along on Instagram and Twitter. What do you think? Too high? To low? Or just right, like Baby Bear's porridge? Be sure to follow along, leave your comments, and join in on the discussion on the rankings at Facebook (facebook.com/rankingthebeatles), on Twitter at @rankingbeatles, and on Instagram @rankingthebeatles. Enjoying the show and want to show your support? Check out https://anchor.fm/rankingthebeatles/support to drop a coin in the tip jar!
Apr 6, 2021 · 1 hr 17 min
#175 - Birthday with guest Dave Depper (guitarist, Death Cab for Cutie)
Leave it to Paul and the lads to come up with a classic song from conception to mix in just under 12 hours. That's the story of "Birthday," the storming rocker that kicks off side 2 of The White Album. Inspired by the rock and roll of their youth, courtesy of the 1957 rock film "The Girl Can't Help It," the Beatles put together an absolute barn burner of a rock tune, and captured a track that shows just how great a rock and roll band they could still be, at a time when working individually was increasingly becoming the norm. A strange topic to sing such a shouter about, the song has more than stood the test of time, becoming a multi-generational standard, a constant feature of Paul's live show, as well as at....well...just about every birthday. Joining us this week is Portland-based musician Dave Depper, who's worked and toured with musicians from all over the place, but found a home in indie rock titans Death Cab For Cutie (one of our fave bands). Since joining in 2017, he's been on their most recent full length, Thank You For Today, 2019's Blue EP, and most recently, The Georgia EP. This year, he completed and released Europa, a long-gestating instrumental album of guitar loops, improvised and recorded live while on tour. It's a fantastic, soothing, dreamy, melodic record. Also under his belt is his 2015 synth pop album Emotional Freedom Technique (also rad AF), and if you need to be further convinced, in 2011, he released The Ram Project, a complete note-for-note recreation of Macca's classic, Ram. It too, is rad. We chat about all manner of things, including, but not limited to committing to Covid hair lengths, joining an established band with a history and finding a new future, the Beatles being part of your DNA, and why Birthday may succeed where other rockers fail. We highly recommend doing yourselves a favor, and checking out all of Dave's work (you can get it all at www.davedepper.com), as well as that of his day job. You can thank us later. What do you think? Too high? To low? Or just right, like Baby Bear's porridge? Be sure to follow along, leave your comments, and join in on the discussion on the rankings at Facebook (facebook.com/rankingthebeatles), on Twitter at @rankingbeatles, and on Instagram @rankingthebeatles. Enjoying the show and want to show your support? Check out https://anchor.fm/rankingthebeatles/support to drop a coin in the tip jar! Songs featured in this episode: Dave Depper - Munich Six - Europa Dave Depper - Manchester Two - Europa Dave Depper - Too Many People - The Ram Project Dave Depper - Anytime, Anywhere - Emotional Freedom Technique Death Cab For Cutie - Waterfalls - The Georgia EP
Mar 30, 2021 · 52 min
#176 - Thank You Girl with The Sunset Four (the world's youngest Beatles tribute band)
Written in Feb 1963 just after their marathon recording session for the Please Please Me album, "Thank You Girl" started it’s life as the Beatles’ attempt at their next single, another early example of tunes John and Paul wrote together sitting eye-to-eye. By the time they hit studio to record it, it'd become the b-side of "From Me To You," but it found a home in their live set for a little while and on some BBC sessions. It's a track that finds the band continuing to learn who they are and what they can do, finding that "Beatles sound" but still giving nods to their heroes like Buddy Holly. This week, we're joined by the world's youngest Beatles tribute band, The Sunset Four. Hailing from Miami Beach, this foursome has been wowing Miami crowds of all ages for 3 years now, which is wild considering they started when they 9. As a lifelong musician, it's really interesting to hear what young up-and-coming musicians think about Beatles music in 2021....on one hand, it seems a million miles away from my time...and other the other it's maybe not that different. You can follow them on Instagram @thesunsetfour and on Facebook as well. What do you think? Too high? To low? Or just right, like Baby Bear's porridge? Be sure to follow along, leave your comments, and join in on the discussion on the rankings at Facebook (facebook.com/rankingthebeatles), on Twitter at @rankingbeatles, and on Instagram @rankingthebeatles. Enjoying the show and want to show your support? Check out https://anchor.fm/rankingthebeatles/support to drop a coin in the tip jar!