Episodes

  • EP006 - Misery

    EP006 - Misery
    Aug 31 2024
    Peter and Kenyon explore "Misery" from the Beatles' album "Please Please Me" in this episode. They discuss the band's groundbreaking approach of writing and performing their own material and the song's origin, initially penned by John Lennon for Helen Shapiro. While Peter expresses initial indifference towards the song, Kenyon appreciates its complex musical structure and Lennon's use of half steps to evoke a sense of desolation. The hosts touch on the recording process, including George Martin's pioneering half-speed overdubbing technique, and acknowledge the song's role in cementing the Beatles' legacy.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    34 mins
  • LS006 - Misery - Lecture Series (bonus)

    LS006 - Misery - Lecture Series (bonus)
    Aug 31 2024
    In this lecture series, Kenyon breaks down the lyrics and music of Misery. Discover all the hidden secrets that Lennon wrote into this song to make you sing along. Find out why a song called Misery is in a happy, major key. 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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    30 mins
  • EP005 - I Saw Her Standing There

    EP005 - I Saw Her Standing There
    Aug 24 2024
    In this episode, Peter and Kenyon discuss "I Saw Her Standing There" from the Beatles' debut album "Please Please Me." They explore the song's creation, originally titled "Seventeen", and its composition by Paul McCartney in late 1962. The hosts highlight the song's energetic vibe and the iconic count-off, emphasizing its reflection of the Beatles' dynamic live performances. They also delve into the musical influences, such as Chuck Berry, and the innovative recording techniques employed by George Martin, examining the song's place in the Beatles' early catalog and its enduring appeal.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    35 mins
  • LS005 - I Saw Her Standing There - Lecture Series (bonus)

    LS005 - I Saw Her Standing There - Lecture Series (bonus)
    Aug 24 2024
    In this lecture series, Kenyon breaks down the lyrics and music of the very first release of the Beatles. Surprisingly, I Saw Her Standing There is a rewrite of a very popular song. Discover it's unexpected origins and how Paul McCartney developed the sing beyond the scope of its humble origins. 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
  • EP004 - Ask Me Why

    EP004 - Ask Me Why
    Aug 18 2024
    This episode features a deep dive into "Ask Me Why," penned by John Lennon and influenced by Smokey Robinson and the Miracles. Peter and Kenyon highlight the song's sophisticated structure and musical intricacies, which showcase Lennon's developing songwriting skills. Recorded in mid-1962 and released as the B-side to "Please Please Me," the episode covers the recording process, Ringo Starr's drumming, and George Martin's production impact. The hosts also discuss the song's lyrical themes, contrasting Lennon's usual pessimism with the rare optimism found in this track, bringing this often overlooked song into the spotlight.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    28 mins
  • LS004 - Ask Me Why - Lecture Series (bonus)

    LS004 - Ask Me Why - Lecture Series (bonus)
    Aug 18 2024
    In this lecture series, Kenyon breaks down the lyrics and music of the very first release of the Beatles. Kenyon catalogs many of John Lennon songwriting features, as they appear in this one-of-a-kind early composition. This episode is essential for learning the vocabulary of Lennon's songwriting. 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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    34 mins
  • EP003 - Please Please Me

    EP003 - Please Please Me
    Aug 16 2024
    Peter and Kenyon explore "Please Please Me," the Beatles' inaugural chart-topping hit, in this episode. Initially written by John Lennon as a slow Roy Orbison-inspired ballad, producer George Martin's suggestion to quicken the tempo transformed it into a commercial success. The hosts delve into the recording intricacies, including the harmonica overdubs and synchronization challenges in the stereo mix. They also discuss how "Please Please Me" catapulted the Beatles to fame, notably through their first significant TV appearance arranged by publisher Dick James, setting the stage for their future dominance in the music industry.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    46 mins
  • LS003 - Please Please Me - Lecture Series (bonus)

    LS003 - Please Please Me - Lecture Series (bonus)
    Aug 16 2024
    In this lecture series, Kenyon breaks down the lyrics and music of the very first release of the Beatles. Please Please Me is a masterclass of pop music songwriting. Kenyon highlights the amazing tension and release of the harmonies as well as the classic vocal harmonies. 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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    37 mins