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

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.

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

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

Previous Episode

EP019 - I Call Your Name

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.

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

Next Episode

EP020 - Tip Of My Tongue

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.

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