178 - Octopus's Garden (with guests The Beths)

03/16/21 • 75 min

Ranking The Beatles

Previous Episode

#179 - Maxwell's Silver Hammer (with guest Sam Whiles, host of "Paul or Nothing" podcast)

One of the most divisive tracks in the Beatles' catalog is another classic example of Paul McCartney being able to invent stories out of thin air, wrap them in insanely catchy melodies and arrangement, and somehow draw the ire of all of his band mates, and like, 50% of the general population. "Maxwell's Silver Hammer" gets a bad rap...if his bandmates hadn't literally trashed it in the press upon release (and on through the 2010s), or had it been recorded a couple of years earlier, would it be as divisive, or held up as a classic McCartney? Is it "classic McCartney/Beatles" if it's also something as many people genuinely hate as they do love? Is it...the perfect Marmite song?
To discuss this and much more, we're joined this week by our pod-pal Sam Whiles, who hosts the all-McCartney podcast "Paul or Nothing." We touch on all manner of subjects in a wide ranging chat, from learning about the Beatles out of context, to writing songs like "Maxwell" as a big "f--- you," the need to get our paws on some Linda McCartney frozen dinners, and the fun of all these Beatles podcasts working together to continue the discussion of this music we love so much. You can check out "Paul or Nothing" on any podcast provider, and follow along on Twitter and Instagram.

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 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!

Next Episode

#177 - She's A Woman with guest Kyle Melancon (drummer - Imagination Movers, Dash Rip Rock, etc)

The morning of Oct 8, 1964, Paul came up with a song idea he was so excited about, he had the band work on it at their recording session that day. He saw it as a Little Richard-esque r&b rock tune, something they hadn't been able to write yet. The track, "She's A Woman," became the b-side for "I Feel Fine," but the band must've had a soft spot for it. It became a staple of their live show from the time of release until their final live tour date at Candlestick Park in 1966. It's certainly got some interesting elements to it, especially the intro and John's slashing guitar, but the rest of the song is maybe kind of lacking. John and Paul relished the chance to drop "turns me on," a drug reference, into a song for the first time, but how cool is it when it follows "My love don't buy me presents/I know that she's no peasant"? Returning to chat with us this week is our old pal and fellow Beatles uber nerd, Kyle Melancon, drummer for Disney's Imagination Movers, Louisiana Music Hall of Famers Dash Rip Rock, and Jonathan's bandmate in their 90s cover band supergroup, Big In The 90s. We touch on our relationship with Beatles b-sides and discovering the whole new world they contain, questionable live song choices, weird songs from Kyle's children's music band, and more! If you're into 90s music, check out Kyle and Jonathan's 90s cover band, Big In the 90s, and follow them on Facebook for livestream shows if you're not in the New Orleans area. 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 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!