The Beatles: Note By Note - Podcast Rankings and reviews

This show is already knocking it out of the park with the Beatles early music, and it’s only going up from here! Peter and Kenyon make it so much fun, they have great banter and bits, and I really appreciate the way they discuss Beatles music and history from today’s perspective. Also I am learning so much from Kenyon ‘s music theory series- an education I’ve been looking for using material I adore.

I didn’t think anyone could make me appreciate the Beatles more than I already did, but these guys do. Breakdown of every lyric. Dissection of every song and musical decision. Stories about every era. EXCELLENT for every fan of music and of course the Fab Four.

Very interesting filled with new insights. Much I never thought about, but I think what you can’t really get at is what the Beatles represented at the time they appeared in 1963-64.
In the US, it started with the Ed Sullivan Show. Ask any US boomer, they’ll tell you where they were on February 9, 1964.
Then, we heard the whole Meet the Beatles album. Then we heard the Vee-Jay album. Then the Beatles Second album all in pretty rapid succession.
It was a totally emotional connection with young people that was solidified by their continued evolution. I’d say it was set off by Ringo’s drumming at the beginning of She Loves You and the energy that followed.
The Beatles evolved as the we and the culture evolved.
They had a formula that few groups could replicate. They were 4 distinct talents that balanced each other. Neither John nor Paul alone could sustain the magic. They needed each other. And they needed Ringo and George’s creativity and steadiness as well.
None of them could reach those heights without the others.
In the end it was an unstable compound that deteriorated.
But it was magic.

I appreciate the effort. I agree with much of your analysis but find omissions and differences of opinion.
I have read tomes on the Beatles. You guys have mentioned Norman frickin’ Smith’s name more than George or Ringo. Or George Martin for that matter. I guess his role interests you for some reason.
You also are light on the vocal analysis. Paul and John are the two greatest rock singers ever. They contrast perfectly as vocalists. It is part of what sets the Beatles apart.
Anyway, I enjoy the pod and look forward to more episodes.