The Beatles: Note By Note

Peter and Kenyon delve into "Chains," a track from the Beatles' "Please Please Me" album, in this episode. They explore the song's origins, written by Gerry Goffin and Carole King and initially performed by The Cookies. The discussion includes the Brill Building era's significance in the music industry and its influence on the Beatles. The hosts compare the Beatles' rendition with The Cookies' ori...

In this episode, Peter and Kenyon analyze "Anna (Go to Him)" from the "Please Please Me" album. They trace the song's roots to writer Arthur Alexander and its 1962 release. Peter prefers Alexander's original version, praising its soulful quality, while Kenyon admires John Lennon's rhythmic precision and emotive delivery in the Beatles' cover. The hosts discuss the recording process, which involved...

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 step...

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. Website: https://www.notebynoteseries.com Patreon: https://www.pat...

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 t...

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 illumin...

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 drum...

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 illum...

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...

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. Website: https://...

In this installment of "The Beatles: Note by Note," Peter and Kenyon dissect "P.S. I Love You," the B-side to "Love Me Do." Composed by a young Paul McCartney, the song exemplifies the Beatles' early technique of using pronouns to create an intimate listener experience. The hosts examine various recording sessions, including versions with Pete Best and Andy White, and the final cut featuring Ringo...

In this lecture series, Kenyon breaks down the lyrics and music of Paul McCartney's dazzling P.S. I Love You. Listen as Kenyon describes how McCartney uses word painting to build an actual postscript into the music itself. If you ever wanted to know more about how a Beatles song works, the lecture series is more than illuminating. Website: https://www.notebynoteseries.com Patreon: https://www.patr...

In the premiere episode of "The Beatles: Note by Note," hosts Peter and Kenyon delve into the origins of the Beatles' first single, "Love Me Do." They discuss the initial recording with Pete Best on drums and its subsequent re-recordings featuring Ringo Starr and Andy White. Despite producer George Martin's initial doubts about the Beatles' songwriting, this blues-influenced track became integral...

In this lecture series, Kenyon breaks down the lyrics and music of the very first release of the Beatles. Despite such a simple presentation, Kenyon reveals that The Beatles were always pushing the envelope and innovating. If you ever wanted to know more about how a Beatles song works, the lecture series is more than illuminating. Website: https://www.notebynoteseries.com Patreon: https://www.patr...