The Beatles: Note By Note

Note By Note Series

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.

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Top 10 The Beatles: Note By Note Episodes

Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best The Beatles: Note By Note episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to The Beatles: Note By Note for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite The Beatles: Note By Note episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

LS019 - I Call Your Name - Lecture Series (bonus)

The Beatles: Note By Note

11/03/24 • 37 min

In this Beatles lecture, Kenyon delves into "I Call Your Name," a song written by John Lennon when he was just 16. The discussion explores the song's straightforward lyrics and harmonic structure, highlighting its mix of blues and ska influences. Kenyon analyzes the use of unconventional chord progressions, melodic phrasing, and compositional techniques, noting how the song reflects Lennon's early experiences and emotions, possibly linked to his childhood and family life. The lecture also covers how the Beatles' version evolved from Lennon's initial ideas, the song's recording history, and its connection to Billy J. Kramer with the Dakotas. Offering a deeper understanding of one of the Beatles' lesser-known tracks, this session provides insights into Lennon's development as a songwriter and encourages participants to experiment with reworking the song’s elements as a creative exercise.

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EP025 - I'll Keep You Satisfied

The Beatles: Note By Note

01/12/25 • 53 min

Peter and Kenyon dive into "I'll Keep You Satisfied," a song written by Paul McCartney in 1963 for Billy J. Kramer with the Dakotas. The track showcases McCartney’s melodic craftsmanship during the Beatles’ peak songwriting era, blending heartfelt lyrics with catchy hooks and a lively rhythm. The hosts discuss the song’s origins, written as part of Lennon and McCartney’s efforts to provide hits for other artists managed by Brian Epstein. They analyze its dynamic chord progressions, uplifting message, and Billy J. Kramer’s performance style, which brought McCartney’s vision to life. Additionally, Peter and Kenyon reflect on the broader context of the Beatles’ collaborative approach to songwriting at the time and the creative rivalry that pushed both Lennon and McCartney to continually outdo each other. This episode offers insights into how "I'll Keep You Satisfied" fits into the Beatles’ legacy and their role as pop music innovators.

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LS018 - Bad To Me - Lecture Series (bonus)

The Beatles: Note By Note

10/27/24 • 37 min

In this lecture, Kenyon delves into "Bad to Me," a 1963 song written by John Lennon for Billy J. Kramer with the Dakotas. The discussion covers the song’s lyrical themes, musical structure, and Lennon's use of innovative harmonic techniques. Kenyon examines the track's Buddy Holly influences, lyrical motifs involving nature, and the unique chord progressions that set it apart from other early Beatles compositions. He contrasts the Beatles' original demo with Billy J. Kramer with the Dakotas' recorded version, exploring how subtle changes in arrangement and production by George Martin shaped the final sound. The analysis extends to Lennon's evolving songwriting style, including the influence of his personal experiences on the song's content. This lecture provides a deeper appreciation of "Bad to Me," revealing the intricacies of a song that connects the dots between the Beatles' early pop roots and their future musical experimentation.

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EP023 - Hello Little Girl

The Beatles: Note By Note

12/01/24 • 58 min

Peter and Kenyon analyze "Hello Little Girl," the first song John Lennon ever wrote, penned at age 16 in 1957. Originally inspired by his mother’s favorite 1930s tune, the song reflects Lennon’s early melodic instincts and storytelling abilities. The hosts explore its journey from a home demo with Stu Sutcliffe on bass to the Beatles’ Decca audition and its eventual release by the Fourmost in 1963. They delve into the song’s unconventional structure, including its unique dual middle-eight sections, and how it compares to Lennon’s later, more polished compositions. The episode also highlights the Fourmost’s cabaret-style origins and their role in bringing the song to the charts. With its catchy melodies and youthful charm, "Hello Little Girl" showcases Lennon’s emerging songwriting talent and provides an intriguing glimpse into the Beatles’ formative years.

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LS020 - Tip Of My Tongue - Lecture Series (bonus)

The Beatles: Note By Note

11/10/24 • 27 min

In this Beatles lecture, Kenyon delves into "Tip of My Tongue," a song written by Paul McCartney at age 20 and ultimately given to Liverpool singer Tommy Quickly. Though never officially recorded by the Beatles, this track offers an intriguing look at McCartney's songwriting experimentation. Kenyon explores its lyrical themes of nervous affection, noting the clever wordplay and the “la la la” motif, which captures the struggle of unspoken feelings. Musically, the song presents a distinct contrast to typical Beatles material, incorporating unusual chord changes and a melodic structure that adds a quirky charm. The lecture also examines Quickly’s recording, comparing it to other covers and analyzing how different artists interpret the song's unique qualities. Through detailed musical and lyrical analysis, Kenyon offers insights into why "Tip of My Tongue" is both an underappreciated curiosity and an example of the Beatles’ evolving songwriting techniques.

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LS021 - She Loves You - Lecture Series (bonus)

The Beatles: Note By Note

11/17/24 • 48 min

In this lecture, Kenyon offers an in-depth exploration of the Beatles' iconic 1963 hit, "She Loves You." Written by Lennon and McCartney, the song’s innovative use of pronouns and its anthemic “Yeah, Yeah, Yeah” refrain revolutionized pop songwriting. Kenyon examines the track’s unique harmonic structure, including the incorporation of plagal cadences and George Harrison’s suggested sixth chord, which added depth to its jubilant tone. The lecture delves into the song’s lyrical narrative of reconciliation, showcasing how the verses offer a thoughtful progression of themes, from heartbreak to renewed hope. Kenyon also highlights the track’s vibrant energy, from Ringo Starr’s dynamic drumming to George Martin’s production finesse, which ensured the Beatles’ distinctive sound would shine through. "She Loves You" is a case study in innovation and cultural impact, making it a pivotal moment in Beatles history and a defining track of early Beatlemania.

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EP019 - I Call Your Name

The Beatles: Note By Note

11/03/24 • 53 min

Peter and Kenyon explore "I Call Your Name," a song John Lennon wrote at age 16 and later recorded by the Beatles and Billy J. Kramer with the Dakotas. They dive into the song’s origins, highlighting its blues and ska influences, as well as its history, from Lennon's initial composition to its multiple versions. The hosts discuss the unique recording process, which included different mixes and takes for various releases, and analyze the song's structural elements, such as the experimental solo section and George Harrison's 12-string guitar debut. They also touch on how Lennon's early life experiences may have influenced the song's lyrics, providing a deeper understanding of its emotional context. This episode offers fresh insights into a lesser-known track, revealing the Beatles' evolving sound and Lennon's growth as a songwriter.

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EP024 - Love Of The Loved

The Beatles: Note By Note

12/08/24 • 69 min

Peter and Kenyon dive into "Love of the Loved," a song written by Paul McCartney in 1959 during his Quarrymen days and later performed at the Beatles’ Decca audition in 1962. The track reflects McCartney’s early compositional style, blending melodic sophistication with heartfelt emotion. The hosts discuss the song’s journey, from an unreleased Beatles recording to a 1963 single by Liverpool’s own Cilla Black, produced by George Martin. They explore the song’s unique musical elements, such as its descending melodic motif and unusual chord transitions, alongside McCartney’s Elvis-inspired vocal delivery. The episode delves into the cultural and historical context of the track, highlighting its role in Brian Epstein’s management strategy and its connection to the Beatles’ pivotal Decca audition. With sharp analysis and engaging anecdotes, Peter and Kenyon unpack the story behind a lesser-known yet significant early Beatles composition.

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EP020 - Tip Of My Tongue

The Beatles: Note By Note

11/10/24 • 39 min

In this episode, Peter and Kenyon explore "Tip of My Tongue," a song written by Paul McCartney in 1962 but never released by the Beatles. Instead, it was given to Tommy Quickly, a Liverpool singer under Brian Epstein’s management. The hosts discuss how this track stands out due to its quirky melody and unusual chord changes, which make it feel distinctly different from other early Beatles songs. They analyze why producer George Martin wasn’t fond of it and refused to record it with the Beatles, leading to its eventual recording by Quickly. Despite having the Lennon-McCartney credit, the song struggled commercially, never making it onto the charts. Peter and Kenyon explore what makes this song intriguing yet challenging, discussing its place in Beatles history as a rare misfire during a time when the band’s other compositions were skyrocketing to success.

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LS023 - Hello Little Girl - Lecture Series (bonus)

The Beatles: Note By Note

12/01/24 • 27 min

In this lecture, Kenyon examines "Hello Little Girl," the first song John Lennon ever wrote, composed at age 16 in 1957. The discussion focuses on the song's lyrical simplicity, centered around themes of unrequited young love, and its unique melodic features, such as the use of a progressive ostinato and a symmetrical chord structure. Kenyon explores how Lennon’s early songwriting tendencies—playful rhymes, chromatic shifts, and repetitive phrases—reflect his youthful creativity but also his lack of refinement at the time. The lecture contrasts the Beatles’ Decca audition version with the Fourmost’s released recording, highlighting the interpretive choices each brought to the track. By analyzing its harmonic quirks and melodic sequences, Kenyon demonstrates how "Hello Little Girl" serves as an example of Lennon’s developing voice as a songwriter. This session offers listeners a fascinating look at the Beatles’ earliest origins and the seeds of their musical genius.

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FAQ

How many episodes does The Beatles: Note By Note have?

The Beatles: Note By Note currently has 44 episodes available.

What topics does The Beatles: Note By Note cover?

The podcast is about Classic Rock, Commentary, Beatles, Music, Music Theory, Music History, Music Industry, Podcasts, Songwriting, Rock, Analysis and Music Commentary.

What is the most popular episode on The Beatles: Note By Note?

The episode title 'LS025 - I'll Keep You Satisfied - Lecture Series (bonus)' is the most popular.

What is the average episode length on The Beatles: Note By Note?

The average episode length on The Beatles: Note By Note is 39 minutes.

When was the first episode of The Beatles: Note By Note?

The first episode of The Beatles: Note By Note was released on Aug 10, 2024.

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The Beatles: Note By Note

Note By Note Series

Top 10 The Beatles: Note By Note Episodes

FAQ

How many episodes does The Beatles: Note By Note have?

What topics does The Beatles: Note By Note cover?

What is the most popular episode on The Beatles: Note By Note?

What is the average episode length on The Beatles: Note By Note?

When was the first episode of The Beatles: Note By Note?

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