Ranking The Beatles

Latest Episodes:

#90 - The Inner Light with Caitlin Larkin (DJ, Sirius XM The Beatles Channel) May 30, 2024

Show notes

There seems to be somewhat of a misconception of The Beatles having a really big "Indian period." In reality, there's only 3 songs that really fit that bill, and the 3rd a final one, "The Inner Light," may be the most open hearted and enlightened one. After being inspired/challenged by a scholar he met on the David Frost show, George took lyrics from the Tao Te Ching and created a gorgous song that found it's home on the b-side of the Lady Madonna single. Recorded in Bombay while working on the Wonderwall Music soundtrack, George created an authentic and beautiful song with a gorgeous lyric, that gets sprinkled with a kiss of the Beatles magic at the end, one line of 3 part harmony that reminds the listener "oh yeah, it's The Beatles." It's an unappreciated, somewhat unknown tune that should get more love than it usually does.

We're joined this week by an absolute ray of sunshine, the lovely Caitlin Larkin! Caitlin is a DJ on the Sirius XM Beatles Channel who got her job after a campaign of posting a series of faux-radio promos on Tik Tok and catching the ear of the Sirius folks. She's a joy to listen to, has great taste in what she chooses to play, and is one the nicest folks in all of Beatle-fandom. We have a blast talking about old Napster throwbacks, what goes on behind the scenes at the Beatles channel, Liverpool tears, and the magical Beatles quiz book. Be sure to listen to Caitlin weekdays on the Sirius XM Beatles Channel from 12-1 EST, and follow her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

#91 - Everybody's Got Something To Hide Except Me and My Monkey with guest Brian Marchese (host, Where's That Sound Coming From?) May 24, 2024

Show notes

The longest titled song in the Beatles' catalogue is also one that maybe flies a bit below the radar. Buried on side 3 of the White album, "Everybody's Got Something To Hide Except Me and My Monkey" is one of the heaviest rockers in the back half of their career. Inspired by the Maharishi, and also possibly by a growing drug issue, John leads the band through a frantic and hard tune with lyrics that maybe don't quite make sense. George's playing is at his heaviest and most guitar-hero, as if he's trying to claim his spot in the late 60s guitar world. There's so much to love on this track, from Paul's whoops and firebell frenzy to the brilliant beat swapping intro. This is one that I think can surprise people who don't think the Beatles could REALLY rock.

Speaking of monkeys, we're super excited to be joined this week by Brian Marchese, host of the podcast "Where's That Sound Coming From? presents 'Questions But No Answers,'" a brilliant show diving deep into the song catalogue of the late, great Michael Nesmith. If you've listened to our show, you know I love the Nez and the Monkees, so I was thrilled to have Brian join to talk about what inspired him to create his show, as well as his own history with Beatles. Be sure to check out "Questions But No Answers" anywhere you get podcasts, and follow along on Facebook and Instagram.

Wanna check out my own personal Nez playlist and see what makes his stuff so special? Here you go!

BONUS! A Let It Be Podcast Roundtable Chat May 16, 2024

Show notes

After decades of hiding in the Apple vaults, the Beatles' 1970 film Let It Be is finally out! Lovingly restored thanks to Peter Jackson's team, the documentary directed by Michael Lindsay-Hogg finally gets it place in the sun. What better way to celebrate than with Beatle pals!?!?

We were thrilled as could be to join our pals from theBlotto Beatles, Paul or Nothing, BC The Beatles, and Fans on the Runpodcasts to talk all things Let it Be. First thoughts, long time thoughts, expectations, theories, what-have-yous. The beauty of the Beatles, bringing people together as always. If you don't listen to their shows, you better get on it!!

Unfortunately, Julia was unable to join the chat. So, much like the short Peter Jackson/Michael Lindsay-Hogg interview that precedes Let It Be, she and I sat down separately to record an intro and get her thoughts on tape as well.

#92 - If I Needed Someone with Ethan Alexanian (host, Fans on the Run) May 09, 2024

Show notes

Imagine the feeling you'd get when the band that was the inspiration for YOUR band put out a song and told everyone YOUR band inspired that song? Probably a pretty amazing feeling. That's exactly what happened when The Beatles released the George Harrison-penned "If I Needed Someone" on Rubber Soul in December 1965. George was quick to give credit to Roger McGuinn and The Byrds for the 12 string riff that propels the song, as it's a pretty direct descendant of The Byrds' "The Bells of Rhymney." It's also a pretty brilliant piece of stoned cool that, to me, exemplifies sound of Rubber Soul. The final echoes of the 12 string that powered the 64-Beatlemania hits leads the charge one more time on a song that contains big hints of the new direction, a droning sound taken from George's new interest in Indian music, brilliant 3 part harmonies borrowing a page from the increasingly intricate harmonies of Brian Wilson and The Beach Boys (as well as the aforementioned Byrds). It's a song the Fabs obviously liked too, as they performed it from 65 through the end of their touring career in 1966, making it the only Harrison composition the band ever played live.

Joining us to chat about this song is the one and only Ethan Alexanian, the host of Fans on the Run, the podcast for, by, and about Beatles fans. Ethan joins us to talk brave sartorial choices, fandom, obscure 60s groups, the joy and pain of 12 strings, and more! Ethan loves this song so much he's almost at a loss for words! Be sure to listen to Fans on the Run anywhere you get podcasts, follow along on Facebook or Instagram, and check out Ethan's killer artwork at https://ethanalexanian.com

#93 - Honey Pie with Dr. Christine Feldman-Barrett, author (A Women's History of the Beatles, The Life, Death, and Afterlife of the Record Store) May 02, 2024

Show notes

Much has been discussed of Paul McCartney's love of what John Lennon called "granny music." The music of his parents' generation, British Music Hall, Vaudeville, Tin Pan Alley...you know the genre...the stuff Lennon loved to complain about when it came from Paul, but seemingly had no problem with his favorite group, Nilsson, whos stock and trade was the song tradition rooted in that era. Paul, however, loved, and still loves, music and art from that time. It gives him a chance to embody the character pieces he so easily writes, putting himself in the shoes of Fred Astaire and getting to pretend he's someone other than Paul McCartney. Honey Pie also has roots in trad jazz, and Lennon obviously knew a thing or two because he pulls off a spot-on Django Reinhardt impression on his guitar solo. Personally, I love this side of Paul, "Honey Pie," "You Gave Me The Answer," "Martha My Dear," I'll take it all!

Returning to the show this week is the always wonderful Dr. Christine Feldman-Barrett, author of the brilliant book A Women's History of the Beatlesand the newly released "The Life, Death, and Afterlife of the Record Store." She joins us from all the way across the world in Brisbane where we chat about appreciating legacy artists in all their eras, what record stores mean to her, the cyclical nature of culture, and an exciting round of Beatles trivia! Be sure to pick up a copy of her book at the links above or anywhere you get good books!

#94 - Free As A Bird with Skylar Moody (Beatles content creator, journalist) Apr 25, 2024

Show notes

Some 25 years after the Beatles' break up, new music from the band emerged via a cosmic combination of technology and enduring love...and the career-spanning Anthology project. Using a solo John piano demo, the remaining Threetles completed "Free As A Bird," a stately and beautiful track, complete with the still gorgeous Beatle harmony, brilliant lead guitar, some new lyrics by Paul and George, a bit of that trademark Beatle cheekiness...it was them, all over again. In my opinon, the song holds up incredibly well within the catalogue. Of course there were/are naysayers, but wasn't this song bound to be the victim of unreal expectations? Despite that, it's a track that makes me feel a real sense of warmth and love and happiness, which is everything I want out of a Beatles song, and it's all the more amazing that they were able to provide that some 25 years after they initially broke up.

We're so happy to be back! We're also so happy to have our first guest for this season be the absolutely wonderful Skylar Moody! If you're on social media and a fan of the Beatles, you've likely seen Skylar's content out there. She handles social media content for the Fest for Beatles Fans, and is partnering with the Brooklyn Museum as a consultant and content creator for the Paul McCartney "Eyes of the Storm" photo exhibition. It's good to know that with people like Skylar at the helm, Beatles fandom will continue to grow and spread to new generations of fans. Follow Skylar on Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook, or at skylarmoody.com.

#95 - Savoy Truffle with Chris Carter (host, Breakfast with the Beatles) Dec 28, 2023

Show notes

After a few years of producing some fairly heady and serious musical output, George found himself wanting to lighten the load a bit in 1968. Not everything needed to be Within You Without You, inspiration didn't always have to be divine. It could come from anywhere, even your friends gross teeth. Thanks to his friend Eric (you know who)'s love of chocolates and disregard of dental hygiene, George came up with Savoy Truffle, an under-rated (imo) tune in which Paul and Ringo provide some of their nastiest grooves. George's decision to let the song be led by horns instead of guitar keep it exciting and energetic in a way it just wouldn't be if guitars were the feature instrument. George said around this time he "just wanted to be a rock star," and he certainly seems to be the part here, with a great vocal delivery matching his guitar lines, and lyrics that are downright sexy. How this song doesn't get more love is beyond me, cuz it's a killer.

To wrap up our 2023 season, we're delighted to welcome the one and only Chris Carter, host of Breakfast with the Beatles! Chris is celebrating the show's 40th ANNIVERSARY, and we couldn't be happier to talk about it with him. I mean, it's on in our car every morning anyway! We chat with Chris about the history and the future of Breakfast with the Beatles and how he keeps it fresh, gnarly horn sounds, absent John, and a wonderful story about a call from a Beatle's wife. If you don't already, listen to Breakfast with the Beatles Monday - Friday 8-11 ET on Sirius XM's Beatles Channel, and on KLOS every Sunday 9-12 PT.

#96 - It Won't Be Long with Ken Womack (author, "Living the Beatles Legend, The Untold Story of Mal Evans") Dec 21, 2023

Show notes

Riding high on the success of a chart topping debut album and #1 singles, the Beatles were searching for what the next big hit would be. While "It Won't Be Long" didn't turn out to be that hit, it did provide a brilliantly urgent shot with which to start their sophomore album. It absolutely fires out of the speakers, grabbing the listener immediately with a passionate lead vocal from John that volleys back and forth "yeah!" "yeah!" "yeah!"s with Paul and George. A great guitar hook, tight syncopation from John and Ringo showing that this band has chops and an ear for crafting winners even on mere album tracks. It's a great way to start the second album, showing that there's definitely more in the tank from this young upstart band.

We're thrilled to welcome back author and Beatles scholar Ken Womack! He's ready to rank, and ready to talk about his fantastic new book, "Living The Beatles Legend: The Untold Story of Mal Evans," a book that finally shines the light on the boys' longtime assistant and confidante. We talk about amazing journey to rescue Big Mal's archives, the Red and Blue remixes, the storm of touring, and much more! Grab a copy of the book here, and get ready for the follow up next year!

#97 - Good Morning, Good Morning with Red Rockers Dec 14, 2023

Show notes

It can be tough to write songs when you're not out living real life experiences. After the Beatles stopped touring, John often found himself at home, bored and isolated from the social scenes he'd been in while on the road. But John could find inspiration in anything...posters, newspapers, even commercials. That's where he found inspiration for this rocking ode to everyday malaise that would find a home towards the end of Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. Driven by some gnarly sounding horns, a driving drum track that hides a complicated time signature, and an absolutely ripping guitar solo from Paul, "Good Morning, Good Morning" seems to often get the short end of the stick. It's not as psychedlic and dreamy as some of John's other Pepper-era tunes, but it's certainly as vidual a lyric and as well produced a track, and a nice chance to hear the band really rock on that album.

This week, we're thrilled to be joined by Darren HIll and John Thomas Griffith of the recently-reunited Red Rockers. Before they scored an early MTV hit in 1984 with the song "China," they were hailed as America's answer to The Clash by Rolling Stone, and released the seminal album "Condition Red." After a fateful discovering of long-lost master tapes, they've not only recently re-mixed and re-released the album, they've also performed their first live show since breaking up in 86 (it was amazing, btw). We chat with John and Darren about how they got their record back, reuniting, the Beatles punk credibilty, de-evolution, the art of the album, and so much more. Follow Red Rockers on Facebook or Instagram to see what the future holds, order yourself a copy of Condition Red, or stream it wherever you listen to music!

#98 Hello Goodbye with Debbie Davis (singer, musician) Dec 07, 2023

Show notes

1967 was arguably the top of the mountain for the Beatles. With the Sgt. Pepper album, they provided the soundtrack that encapsulated global consciousness, while also elevating themselves beyond just a mere pop band; they were artists of the highest order.

It was also the beginning of the end, with the death of Brian Epstein kicking off a long series of events that would eventually unravel the band. But by the year's end, they were just too big to fail. As such, "Hello, Goodbye" made it's impact as a return to light-heartedness that the band, and the world, needed. It's an insanely catchy song, sing-a-long-able in every way, and miles removed from the higher plane they'd been operating on for the last year. But it's kind of like cotton candy. It's sweet, and satisfies the sweet tooth, but doesn't have any real substance to it. But boy, it's sure tasty.

This week we inaugurate Debbie Davis as the newest member of the 4 timers club! We welcome back one of the best singers in New Orleans to discuss this song, musical grave robbing, commerciality, and more!

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