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 27, 2020 · 1 hr 7 min
#199 - 12 Bar Original with Adam Hill, Memphis based engineer/producer (Big Star, Jack White, Klaus Voorman, Low Cut Connie)
Few can dispute the fact that The Beatles were masters at the craft of songwriting. Melding music and lyrics was literally THEIR THING. They were GREAT at it. So it's an odd move for them to undertake recording a Memphis R&B styled instrumental during the sessions for Rubber Soul. A track owing more than just a tip-of-the-cap to Booker T. & The MGs' "Green Onions," "12 Bar Original" finds the band doing their best to step WAY out of their lane. The track gets tossed into the archives eventually and Rubber Soul gets spared this white boy groove, but if nothing else, it serves as love letter from the band to the music of Memphis and Stax Records, Detroit and Motown, and New Orleans R&B legends, all of whom serve as the literal foundation of what The Beatles are building upon in their own way. That love proved to be reciprocal, especially in Memphis, with Stax legends like Otis Redding, Carla Thomas, Isaac Hayes, and the aforementioned Booker T. & The MGs, not to mention non-Stax acts like Al Green (to say nothing of power-pop acolytes Big Star, but that's a whole other episode - and it's coming) all embracing, covering, and reinventing The Beatles music. To explore the love-in between the Fabs and Memphis, we welcome Memphis-based engineer & producer Adam Hill into the two-timers club. Having been submersed in the music scene and recording industry in Memphis for the better part of 20 years, Adam gives us a history lesson through the river that runs from Liverpool to Bluff City. We also touch on The Beatles' aborted plans to record the album that would become Revolver in Memphis, choosing the wrong instruments to get funky on, and the surprising mystery of an acetate rough-mix of "A Day In The Life" surfacing in Memphis months before Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band was released. Be sure to follow along, leave your comments, and join in on the discussion on the rankings at Facebook (facebook.com/rankingthebeatles) and on Instagram @rankingthebeatles. Enjoying the show and want to show your support? Check out https://anchor.fm/rankingthebeatles/support! Send us your HOT TAKES for a chance to be featured in a future episode! Visit anchor.fm/rankingthebeatles, and click on Message. You can do it from your phone or computer, and send us your thoughts on a track we've discussed or any particular thing that you'd like to hear us yammer on about!
Oct 20, 2020 · 1 hr 3 min
#200 Act Naturally with Chapel Hart
Country music always played a part in The Beatles' story, more so than it probably gets credit for. Cavern and Hamburg sets featured covers of songs from the likes of Chet Atkins and Carl Perkins, while George's early lead style is massively influenced by them as well, all the way down to his choice of guitar. Ringo's love of country ends up with him doing a full on country album with studio giants in 1971 in Nashville, but before that, he dips his toes in the the country pool with his own songs and cover choices, like #200, "Act Naturally." Ringo's natural acting chops had come to the forefront in their first two films, so it made the most sense for him to be the one singing "they're gonna put the in the movies" on this Buck Owens tune. His persona carries the tune as well, leaning into the "aw shucks"ness naturally inherent in his voice, and for 4 guys who grew up as far away from "country" as possible, they do a fine job on this tune, which serves it's purpose well as the token Ringo vocal on "Help!". Joining us this week is Chapel Hart, a country band consisting of 2 sisters, Danica and Devyn, and their cousin Trea. Their single "Jesus & Alcohol" is currently working it's way up the CMT charts and at country radio, as they try finding safe and smart ways to continue touring and working as a band during cover. They were recently named Mississippi Songwriters of the Year, and we discuss learning about songwriting from the diversity of the radio and learning wordplay from John Lennon. We also touch on crossing over from country to rock and vice versa, keeping a thesaurus and a wrench in your purse, and how they got Z.Z. Top legend Billy Gibbons to appear in their music video. Find out all at about Chapel Hart at www.chapelhart.com, check them out on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. Their video for "Jesus & Alcohol," featuring Billy MF'in Gibbons, can be seen at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1_bMgoPAlTY Be sure to follow along, leave your comments, and join in on the discussion on the rankings at Facebook (facebook.com/rankingthebeatles) and on Instagram @rankingthebeatles. Enjoying the show and want to show your support? Check out https://anchor.fm/rankingthebeatles/support! Send us your HOT TAKES for a chance to be featured in a future episode! Visit anchor.fm/rankingthebeatles, and click on Message. You can do it from your phone or computer, and send us your thoughts on a track we've discussed or any particular thing that you'd like to hear us yammer on about!
Oct 13, 2020 · 1 hr 17 min
#202 - Ob-La Di Ob La-Da & #201 What's The New Mary Jane with Stephen Turner (guitarist, The Breton Sound, Epic, tWeezer)
This episode drops into the contentious White Album sessions. Paul's perfectionism can be such a blessing, but also a curse. In trying to craft the joy and fun of #202 "Ob-La-Di Ob-La-Da," he ends up infuriating other band members and fighting with George Martin. Not the easiest way to get to a happy, silly, family friendly song. But then again, happy and family friendly are nowhere on the docket when John and Yoko enlist George and Mal Evans on the auditory equivalent of a bad acid trip, #201, "What's The New Mary Jane." Then again, they're crafting two VERY different ideas here. One is rooted in musicality and traditional song structure, with it's creator leaning on his own well-respected strengths and ability, while the other seems to be a product of someone free from the binds of being a pop star, and able to indulge in the creative whimsy in discovering oneself as "an artist." Or maybe it's just pure mumbo jumbo, I dunno. Joining us this week is guitarist and Jonathan's musical partner Stephen Turner. After being in bands together for the better part of 2 decades, they're still best friends and brothers, in that way that only people who've been creative together and spent countless fart-filled hours touring in a van can be. We discuss growing up in a house in which The Beatles and The Stones were never pitted against each other, switching off one side of your brain to enjoy more complicated music, the kind of music one would create when they get "f#&k you money," and Julia manages to drop a "your mom" for the first time. Want to hear some of Stephen's guitar work? You can check out his and Jonathan's work in The Breton Sound. If instrumental prog is more your thing, you can dig his old band, Epic's album "Proprium." Be sure to follow along, leave your comments, and join in on the discussion on the rankings at Facebook (facebook.com/rankingthebeatles) and on Instagram @rankingthebeatles. Enjoying the show and want to show your support? Check out https://anchor.fm/rankingthebeatles/support! Send us your HOT TAKES for a chance to be featured in a future episode! Visit anchor.fm/rankingthebeatles, and click on Message. You can do it from your phone or computer, and send us your thoughts on a track we've discussed or any particular thing that you'd like to hear us yammer on about!
Oct 6, 2020 · 1 hr 16 min
#204 The Word & #203 Flying w/ Debbie Davis (singer, Debbie Davis & The Mezmerizers, Oh Crap! It's Christmas)
There's a reason The Beatles are so associated with the word "love." While they wrote a huge amount of songs about romantic love, they became the flag-bearers for love as a universal cause. #204 "The Word" marks the first time we see the Fabs stepping into that spokesperson role, espousing the power of love and peace. Just two years later, on the heels of telling the world love was all they needed, they found a way to turn the most simple melody into an absurdly catchy instrumental for a spaced out druggy film, which is were we find ourselves with #203, "Flying." This week, we finally escape sausage land and get another dose of estrogen on our show! We're joined by powerhouse vocalist Debbie Davis, who's been singing professionally since she was 2 years old. Known as one of New Orleans' premier jazz vocalists, she's performed all over the world, accompanied by a variety of groups, duos, and with her signature ukulele. With Debbie in tow, we discuss the genre-crossing power of a good pop song, the confusion is can cause performers in figuring out how to end songs live where the Beatles faded them out, the Fabs touching on Motown and New Orleans R&B, using body parts for percussion, serving birthday cake to Sir Paul and watching him be a normal human when he walks out the wrong door. This episode was recorded Sept 9th, which was a BONKERS news days. We wondered aloud how weird things would be when we released the episode in early October. Yikes. Debbie's latest album is a duo release with pianist Josh Paxton, and is called "Interesting Times." This episode features the song "Other Than Everything, Everything's Great," as well as a live cover of "When I'm 64" from her and Josh's live album "Vices and Virtues." Both albums, as well as as the rest of Debbie's music, including her WONDERFUL "Oh Crap! It's Christmas" album can be heard at www.debbiedavismusic.com. You should buy them, because she's incredible. Be sure to follow along, leave your comments, and join in on the discussion on the rankings at Facebook (facebook.com/rankingthebeatles) and on Instagram @rankingthebeatles. Enjoying the show and want to show your support? Check out https://anchor.fm/rankingthebeatles/support!
Sep 29, 2020 · 1 hr 15 min
#205 Words of Love w/ Kyle Melancon (drummer, The Imagination Movers, Dash Rip Rock)
Buddy Holly was one of the biggest influence on the Beatles, particularly John and Paul. They covered at least 13 of his songs during their early days. He inspired them to be both singers AND songwriters. So it's kind of surprising they only released Buddy Holly cover. As much as I enjoy "Words of Love," it feels like it's never gotten above the "that's nice" level for me. It's a track that struggles to stand out in an album that struggles to standout amongst the best of the Fabs. It's not that I don't like, I just feel like I want something more. We're joined by our first return guest, drummer and certified Beatles nerd Kyle Melancon (seriously, he's such a nerd, he just bought an absolutely atrocious Magical Mystery Tour area rug, it's comically awful). We touch on all manner of subjects this week, like Buddy Holly's place in the rock and roll pantheon, the troubles with music biofilms, what publishing we'd own if we had "F&(k you" money, and we somehow manage to connect Buddy Holly, The Beatles, 311, and Weezer all in the same episode. We also question if it's maybe time to sweep ol Gary Busey and his teeth under the rug and revisit Buddy Holly on the big screen, and how does this song stack against other covers, including the shelved tour-de-force, "Leave My Kitten Alone"? Follow all of Kyle's adventures on Instagram at @yeskyle. He's the king of the selfie. He's also a prolific tweeter, @kyle_melancon. For all his bands and musical projects, check the show notes on our previous episode #223 Sie Liebt Dich & #222 Komm Gib Mir Deine Hand. Be sure to follow along, leave your comments, and join in on the discussion on the rankings at Facebook (facebook.com/rankingthebeatles) and on Instagram @rankingthebeatles. Enjoying the show and want to show your support? Check out https://anchor.fm/rankingthebeatles/support!
Sep 22, 2020 · 1 hr 7 min
#207 What Goes On & #206 A Taste of Honey w/ Brett Milano, music writer & lead content creator for The Beatles Rock Band
Under the gun for material to complete Rubber Soul, the Beatles dusted off an old Quarrymen-era tune, sprinkled a bit of Buck Owens on it, and gave Ringo his vocal turn with #207, "What Goes On." An earlier version was considered as a single to follow up "Please Please Me," but it found it's home as a nice bit of album filler in 1965. Featuring nice guitar and bass work, a solid vocal, and done in one take, it lands as not a bad song, not a great song, but good enough. #206, "A Taste of Honey," is the first time we get a sample of what John called Paul's "granny music $h!t." Everyone turns in a nice understated performance for a song that was sure to win over the parents of their target demographic, but is it too syrupy for its own good? And for a song with so many well known and unknown covers, how does it stack up? Joining us this week to discuss these songs is music writer Brett Milano (Boston Globe, OffBeat Magazine, Rhino Records), who entered the Fabs' orbit as lead writer and content creator for The Beatles Rock Band game. We talk about learning what a band should look, feel, and act like, take a peek behind the curtain at the creation of the Beatles Rock Band, including being in the same room as a copy of of mythical, mysterious, holy grail, "Carnival of Light." Elsewhere we touch on long lost tracks from Billie Dee Williams (the OG Lando Calrissian), finally touch on the Monkees, Jonathan and Julia shamelessly shill for beer again, and we introduce a brand new feature....BLOOPERS! Learn more about Brett at his website brettmilano.com. Pick up one of his great books anywhere you get books... Vinyl Junkies: Adventures in Record Collecting THE SOUND OF OUR TOWN: A History of Boston Rock & Roll 300 Songs for 300 Years: Songs That Have Immortalized New Orleans Be sure to follow along, leave your comments, and join in on the discussion on the rankings at Facebook (facebook.com/rankingthebeatles) and on Instagram @rankingthebeatles. Enjoying the show and want to show your support? Check out https://anchor.fm/rankingthebeatles/support!
Sep 15, 2020 · 1 hr 1 min
#209 Her Majesty & #208 Dig It w/ Justin Molaison (singer/songwriter)
Paul McCartney and John Lennon are, inarguably, two of the greatest songwriters of all time. On this episode, we tackle what may be the most inconsequential songs they penned during their time as Beatles. These songs also show the different paths they'd found themselves on in 1969...Paul, able to be fully self-sufficient on his own, creating on whim; John, searching for something while in the throws of addiction, and pulling the band behind him to try and manufacture inspirado. We're joined this week by New Orleans-based singer/songwriter Justin Molaison. Justin studied music and songwriting at Berklee, where he even took a course built on the study of John Lennon's songwriting. We cover lots of ground in this episode, including Justin growing up with a British mother, Paul digging into his most impish and whimsical, a missed opportunity to use Her Majesty as the theme music to "The Crown," and put out our first soulless grasp at sponsorship. Non-Beatles music in this episode include Chumbawumba - Her Majesty (NOT KIDDING) Justin Molaison - Ain't Loved Like This Before You can find Justin's music at justinmolaisonmusic.com and keep up with him on Facebook. Be sure to follow along, leave your comments, and join in on the discussion on the rankings at Facebook (facebook.com/rankingthebeatles) and on Instagram @rankingthebeatles.
Sep 8, 2020 · 1 hr 15 min
#210 I'll Get You - CROSSOVER! With Blotto Beatles!
It's our first ever crossover episode! We're putting our heads together with Tommy, Scotty, and Becker, the hosts of Blotto Beatles, a podcast where they discuss a different Beatles song over a handful of adult beverages, then decide where it should rank in their personal rankings. Great minds think alike! In this episode, we discuss "I'll Get You," the b-side to the "She Loves You" single. It's a song that really has no downside to it, it shows the Fabs already learning how to work the crowd, even on record, and has one of my absolute favorite John & Paul joint vocals. 99.9% of other bands would absolutely kill for this kind of song to be their b-side, lesser bands made careers out of songs that weren't as good as this. We also discuss growing up with friends who bond over the Beatles, kleptomaniac parents, intimate ideas for show that Macca could (but probably would never) do, and invent what's destined to be the first official Ranking the Beatles merch, the Paul Shawl. Blotto Beatles can be heard anywhere you listen to podcasts, including Apple and Spotify, as well as on their website, blottobeatles.com. We highly recommend kicking back with the beverage of your choice and hanging with our new pod pals! Be sure to follow along and leave your comments on the rankings, and the show, on Facebook (facebook.com/rankingthebeatles) and on Instagram @rankingthebeatles
Sep 1, 2020 · 1 hr 11 min
#212 Love Me Do & #211 The Long & Winding Road w/ Paul Sanchez (singer/songwriter)
Ancient philosophers once wrote "Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end." No, wait, sorry, that was Semisonic. It's true though. Beginnings and endings are fascinating because of what comes from both. "Love Me Do" was the beginning for the Beatles, but the end of the proverbial black & white life society was living in. Boom! Color. "The Long and Winding Road" marked the end of the Beatles, but the beginning of their respective solo careers, and the beginning of the hindsight with which we view them and their collective works. Which allows me too look back at these two songs and say, while I don't dislike them, they're not really my favorites. "Love Me Do" just never clicked for me for some reason. "The Long & Winding Road" is maybe just a touch too sad for my liking, and Phil Spector's sappy production is the syrupy icing on the cake that makes me not yearn to hear this track too often. For our guest Paul Sanchez, The Beatles' music marked the start of a career that landed him on the charts in the mid 90's with New Orleans rock band Cowboy Mouth. For 16 years, he toured across the globe relentlessly with the band as rhythm guitarist, songwriter, and co-lead singer. The end of that time came about in 2006, when he decided to leave the band and focus on what's become an amazing solo career. That ending also marked a beginning for Jonathan, who joined Cowboy Mouth after Paul's exist, taking his role as rhythm guitarist. 3 years later in 2010, that beginning became an ending as well, as Jonathan left the band to pursue his own new beginning with The Breton Sound. Ironically enough, the night Jonathan returned from his final tour, he happened to run into Paul in a music club in New Orleans, and thus began yet another beginning; a friendship and occasional collaboration on record and stage that continues through to this day. He's been hailed by Tim Sommer of the Brooklyn Observer as "America's greatest living folk singer." Paul has released 19 solo albums, created a musical adaptation of the novel Nine Lives, and has been named Songwriter of the Year like 100 times by New Orleans' OffBeat Magazine. The dude knows how to write a good song. Paul's music can be found at PaulSanchez.com, all streaming sites, and you can purchase his music on vinyl and CD at louisianamusicfactory.com. Songs featured in this episode are: Walking In Liverpool - Paul Sanchez At the Foot of Canal Street - John Boutte & Paul Sanchez - HBO's "Treme Season 1 - Official Soundtrack" Light It On Fire - Paul Sanchez Jet Black & Jealous - Paul Sanchez Be sure to follow along and leave your comments on the rankings, and the show, on Facebook (facebook.com/rankingthebeatles) and on Instagram @rankingthebeatles
Aug 18, 2020 · 1 hr 7 min
#214 That Means A Lot & #213 Tell Me What You See w/ Andre Bohren (drummer of Johnny Sketch & the Dirty Notes, classical pianist, producer)
You know how when a puppy's paws get big, and they get real clumsy and don't know what to do with them, and it's super cute, but they need to grow into their paws? That's how Jonathan sees "That Means A Lot," a song from the "Help!" album sessions, shelved until the Anthology release in the 90s. We're joined this week by drummer and classical pianist Andre Bohren to discuss this song, as well as "Tell Me What You See," a song that features a lyric Andre calls "unforgivable." GASP! We also discuss making music during a pandemic, touring the country and soaking up all kinds of music as a child, and Andre reveals to Jonathan that apparently Sir Paul & Co. once knew about, and maybe talked about trying to make it to a John Lennon tribute show they were involved in. You can hear Jonathan's heart rate build up. Andre is the drummer is in New Orleans rock/funk band Johnny Sketch & the Dirty Notes. Additionally, a classically trained pianist, he's toured and performed all over the country in both roles. Currently, you can catch him playing AMAZING daily classical livestreams on his Facebook page, facebook.com/andre.bohren. What are your thoughts on these rankings? Agree or disagree? Drop us a line on at facebook.com/rankingthebeatles, and follow us on Insta at @rankingthebeatles. Don't forget to subscribe, and if you're really digging it, leave us a review!!
Aug 11, 2020 · 1 hr 5 min
#216 - If You've Got Trouble & #215 - How Do You Do It? w/ Jeffrey Roedel (writer, director, producer)
This week we travel back to 1963 and 1965 via 1995 with previously unreleased tracks from The Beatles Anthology. The Fabs had a great knack for self-editing and knowing when something wasn't quite working. In the case of "If You've Got Trouble," that knack helps when your song has got "stupid words" and is "the naffest song" (George said so himself. This shelved Ringo vocal from the "Help!" session is a perfect example. He's GOT to have a song on the record, but this one just never really connects. Another element to their story is how they were always willing to bet on themselves. While the powers that be wanted to release "How Do You Do It?" as their debut, but the boys insisted on one of their own compositions. How would history have been different if this had been their debut though, and does their version have that razz-a-matazz that made it a hit for someone else? Joining us this week is Jeffrey Roedel, a writer, director, producer, and fellow hardcore Beatlemaniac. We discuss coming of age during the Anthology renaissance and how that impacted our experience of the Beatles story, Jonathan and Julia reminisce about their pilgrimage to Liverpool, and we talk about the often-missed humility and humbleness of the young John Lennon. Wait, what? Check out Jeffrey's literary magazine Wonder South at www.wondersouth.com and on Instagram @wondersouth, and you can also check out his writing and film endeavors at www.jeffreyroedel.com. Listen to Jeffrey's Anthology and Outtakes Playlist!
Aug 4, 2020 · 1 hr 5 min
#218 Hold Me Tight & #217 You Like Me Too Much w/ Mike Patton (Vista Blue, The Robinsons, The Radiant Radish radio show)
Heads up, Faith No More fans: this ain't your guy, and yes he's heard all the jokes. Power-pop songwriter and dj/music curator Mike Patton joins us as we continue counting down our ranking of all the Beatle songs. At #218, Hold Me Tight is, as Macca describes it, " an attempt at writing a single that didn't quite work out." Sure is snappy though! Mike tells Jonathan why he's way off base with it at #218. Following that is George's "You Like Me Too Much," a song that, once listened to with modern day thoughts and sensibilities, maybe isn't one of George's finest moments. Jonathan put it at #217, Julia puts it in the dumpster. Note: this portion of the episode does contain discussion of abuse. If you'd like to skip that part, following the "intermission," jump ahead about 23 minutes to continue the show. We also discuss Mike's music with the bands Vista Blue, Ralphie's Red Riders, his indie label and power-pop radio show. The dude does it all! Non-Beatles songs in this episode include The Treasures "Hold Me Tight," Vista Blue "Three Chord City" and "I Think Cathy Is Crazy (About You)". Check out Mike's music at https://wearevistablue.bandcamp.com/music. His power-pop radio show "The Radiant Radish" can be heard Saturdays at 9:00pm on Radio Free Nashville (103.7 FM) or online here! The archives of his show are available to stream and are a treasure trove of great pop songs, highly recommended for good times in your ear holes! Be sure to follow along and leave your comments on the rankings, and the show, on Facebook (facebook.com/rankingthebeatles) and on Instagram @rankingthebeatles
Jul 28, 2020 · 1 hr 4 min
#219 - Love You To w/ Alex Rawls (writer/critic, MySpiltMilk.com, 12 Songs of Christmas, Rolling Stone, Spin)
Sorry if we offended anyone by approaching something from Revolver so quickly, but alas, here we are. George's first full-on excursion into Eastern music may be one of the more significant and important songs in the Beatles catalog. That doesn't mean it's my favorite of his songs though. I've got it ranked at #219, but music writer/critic Alex Rawls totally disagrees with me. We talk about Alex's history with Beatles music, Christmas music...all kinds of music! Check out Alex's site www.myspiltmilk.com where he covers the cream of New Orleans music and beyond. ALSO, if you love Christmas music like we do, check out his Christmas music podcast, 12 Songs of Christmas, and be sure to subscribe!! Be sure to follow our socials! www.facebook.com/rankingthebeatles and on Instagram @RankingTheBeatles. And lastly, be sure to do your part in keeping everyone safe and healthy by staying home when you can, and wearing a mask when you have to go out. We want to interview our guests in person one day!!
Jul 21, 2020 · 1 hr 6 min
#220 - P.S. I Love You w/ Dave Pomerlau (bassist, Johnny Sketch & The Dirty Notes)
The b-side to the Fabs' debut single has never been my cuppa. It's always seemed a bit too wimpy and lightweight. Yet beneath the surface, might there be the an early sign of a new direction? Dave Pomerlau seems to think so, and does his best to convince Jonathan that this song is maybe trickier than originally thought. We also explore how The Beatles' helped provide healing times for New Orleans musicians post-Hurricane Katrina, Julia establishes the podcast as a Wings-friendly zone, and briefly dip our toes into the world of "Return To Pepperland." Briefly. Like, not long, but enough to know what the temperature is. Check out Dave's work with Johnny Sketch & The Dirty Notes at johnnysketch.com and on Facebook Their new live album, "Melt Your Face" is available now on their website and all streaming platforms.
Jul 14, 2020 · 48 min
#221 - Mr. Moonlight w/ Adam Hill (producer/engineer, Big Star, Jack White, Klaus Voorman)
Not quite the caboose, but close! At #221, Mr. Moonlight ranks as my 3rd least favorite Beatles song. We’re joined on this episode by engineer/producer Adam Hill (Big Star, Jack White, Klaus Voorman and more). In this epidode, we discuss how a band so known for it’s brilliance could lay such an egg as this. We also discuss Adam’s work with Klaus Voorman on his solo album “A Sideman’s Journey" (with some great Hamburg stories re-told), how the Beatles influenced the work that went into making the classic Big Star albums, Ringo watching bums, and hear the beautiful sounds of birds chirping throughout our episode, as Adam joined us from a cabin while on a woodland get-away with his family for Father’s Day.
Jul 7, 2020 · 42 min
#223 Sie Liebt Dich & #222 Komm Gib Mir Deine Hand w/ Kyle Melancon (Dash Rip Rock, Imagination Movers, Big in the 90s, Daphne Moon)
And we're off! Counting down Jonathan's own personal ranking of the entire Beatles catalog. Our guest on this episode is musician Kyle Melancon, drummer for Emmy-award winning Disney stars The Imagination Movers and formerly of Louisiana Music Hall of Fame rock band Dash Rip Rock. We get in to the brass tacks of why these songs are where they are on the list, a bit of history and why these songs were made, as well as Kyle's personal Beatles history and how it's impacted his career as a musician. We also get enjoy a spoken-word rendition of the translations of the Beatles' German-language singles, and Julia is pleasantly shocked at Paul McCartney's business acumen. Apologies for Jonathan's continued butchering of the German language throughout the episode! Kyle also plays in pop rock band Daphne Moon, and with Jonathan in 90s cover band supergroup Big In The 90s. Check out all of Kyle's musical going-ons at: www.imaginationmovers.com Facebook.com/biginthe90s Facebook.com/daphnemoonband
Jun 16, 2020 · 1 min
Teaser #2
Out of boredom during COVID quarantine, I decided to rank 224 songs recorded by my all time favorite band, The Beatles. My own opinions, my own $.02. Long story short, all my friends had opinions, and they weren't afraid to share them. They also shared how that music has effected their lives in different ways. It turns out, everyone has a Beatles story. This is a place to share and experience those stories.
Jun 14, 2020 · 24 min
A(nother) Beginning: Meet Your Co-Host
"There's a great woman behind every idiot." - John Lennon. This is super true. When the idea came of having a co-host, I wanted someone who didn't share my same obsession with The Beatles, someone who could help keep my scattered brain organized, someone who could make me laugh and was easy to talk to. Also, someone who was, you know, available? We're still under quarantine and all. I just so happen to be married to a woman who checks all those boxes, and was surprisingly willing to follow me down this ridiculous road and keep me from losing the map. Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, Beatle-people of all ages, meet my co-host, my best friend, the great woman behind my idiot, the one-and-only Mrs. Julia Pretus!
Jun 14, 2020 · 21 min
A Beginning: Meet Your Host
Hi! I'm Jonathan, and I'm a Beatles nut. I have been ever since I was a little kid. I've bought all the records (and cds and tapes and download), read all the books, poured over the boxsets, the hours and hours and hours of outtakes and isolated tracks and live tracks, made the pilgrimage to Abbey Road, The Cavern, Strawberry Fields, Penny Lane. I've spent what my parents always called "an exorbitant amount of time" on this band. They've always been my musical companion, through good and bad. So with time on my hands during the Covid-19 lockdown, I figured why not add to that exorbitant amount, and rank the entire recorded output of the band? I began posting the rankings on my personal Facebook to start, and the conversations they sprung were fantastic. So fantastic, that it seemed a shame to not go further in-depth than a Facebook thread would allow. So here we are. This episode is just a little intro to me and my history...a "get-to-know-your-Captain" informative packet, but in audio form. If you feel the same way I do about The Beatles, or even about any band, let me know! I'd love to hear it. Drop me a line on Facebook or IG @rankingthebeatles, or email rankingthebeatles@gmail.com.
Jun 14, 2020 · 46 sec
Teaser
Get ready to dive into a total fool's errand....