Episodes

  • EP013 - There's A Place

    EP013 - There's A Place
    Sep 29 2024
    In this episode of The Beatles: Note by Note, Peter and Kenyon dive into "There's a Place," a track from the Beatles' debut album Please Please Me. The hosts explore the song's introspective lyrics, drawing parallels between John Lennon's emotional depth and the influence of songs like "Somewhere" from West Side Story. They discuss the song's Motown-inspired origins and its thematic connection to early Beach Boys tracks like "In My Room," highlighting Lennon's ability to craft a mental escape through music. Peter and Kenyon also reflect on the track’s "psychedelic" undertones, suggesting it foreshadows the Beatles' later exploration of transcendental meditation and altered perceptions. The episode breaks down the harmonies, led by Paul McCartney, which add an ethereal quality, and the recording process at Abbey Road Studios, noting the use of harmonica and overdubs. The hosts debate whether this could be considered the Beatles' first psychedelic lyric, underscoring the song's experimental nature despite its placement on their first album.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    27 mins
  • LS013 - There's A Place - Lecture Series (bonus)

    LS013 - There's A Place - Lecture Series (bonus)
    Sep 29 2024
    In this lecture series, Kenyon breaks down the lyrics and music of There's A Place. What features indicate that John and Paul felt that this was good enough to be their next single? How does the song utilize all the techniques they've used so far on Please Please Me? Despite such a simple presentation, Kenyon reveals that The Beatles were always pushing the envelope and innovating. If you ever wanted to know more about how a Beatles song works, the lecture series is more than illuminating.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    29 mins
  • EP12 - A Taste Of Honey

    EP12 - A Taste Of Honey
    Sep 22 2024
    Peter and Kenyon explore the Beatles' rendition of "A Taste of Honey" from their debut album "Please Please Me" in this episode. Recorded on February 11, 1963, the same day as most of the album, they delve into the song's background, originally written by Bobby Scott and Rick Marlowe and famously covered by Lenny Welch. They discuss John Lennon's dismissal of the song as "a waste of money" and how Paul's vocal performance stands out. The hosts also cover the recording techniques used, including double tracking, and share insights into the song's structure and harmonies, showcasing the Beatles' early versatility.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    30 mins
  • EP011 - Do You Want To Know A Secret

    EP011 - Do You Want To Know A Secret
    Sep 15 2024
    In this episode, Peter and Kenyon delve into "Do You Want to Know a Secret?" from the Beatles' "Please Please Me" album. Written by John Lennon in late 1962 and inspired by Disney's "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" and a 1961 release by The Stereo's, the song has an intimate backstory. The hosts discuss the recording techniques, including George Harrison's lead vocals, the use of echo chambers, and examine the song's place in the Beatles' early catalog and its connection to the Liverpool music scene.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    26 mins
  • LS011 - Do You Want To Know A Secret - Lecture Series (bonus)

    LS011 - Do You Want To Know A Secret - Lecture Series (bonus)
    Sep 15 2024
    In this lecture series, Kenyon breaks down the lyrics and music of the Do You Want To Know A Secret. A masterclass in how to telegraph songwriting subtlties, Lennon hides dozens of chromatic motifs through the song. And, there may be a hidden message in the lyrics. If you ever wanted to know more about how a Beatles song works, the lecture series is more than illuminating.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    45 mins
  • EP010 - Baby It's You

    EP010 - Baby It's You
    Sep 8 2024
    Peter and Kenyon explore "Baby, It's You," a track from the Beatles' debut album "Please Please Me," in this episode. Written by Burt Bacharach, Mack David, and Barney Williams, and first recorded by The Shirelles, the Beatles' version features John's soulful lead vocals and George Martin's skillful production. Recorded during the marathon session on February 11, 1963, the hosts analyze the band's approach to cover songs and the recording techniques that distinguish this track, highlighting how the Beatles made "Baby, It's You" their own.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    41 mins
  • EP009 - Boys

    EP009 - Boys
    Sep 8 2024
    In this episode, Peter and Kenyon examine "Boys" from the Beatles' debut album "Please Please Me." Originally by The Shirelles, this track features Ringo Starr's first recorded lead vocal performance with the Beatles. The hosts discuss the song's history, its popularity in the band's early live shows, and the unique recording techniques used during the February 11, 1963 session. They compare the Beatles' version with The Shirelles' original and share interesting anecdotes about the album cover photoshoot and other milestones for the band.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    20 mins
  • EP008 - Chains

    EP008 - Chains
    Sep 8 2024
    Peter and Kenyon delve into "Chains," a track from the Beatles' "Please Please Me" album, in this episode. They explore the song's origins, written by Gerry Goffin and Carole King and initially performed by The Cookies. The discussion includes the Brill Building era's significance in the music industry and its influence on the Beatles. The hosts compare the Beatles' rendition with The Cookies' original, debating the merits of each, and highlight the song's role in the Beatles' live performances and recording practices.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    15 mins