The Beatles: Note By Note – Details, episodes & analysis

Peter and Kenyon explore the Beatles' rendition of "A Taste of Honey" from their debut album "Please Please Me" in this episode. Recorded on February 11, 1963, the same day as most of the album, they delve into the song's background, originally written by Bobby Scott and Rick Marlowe and famously covered by Lenny Welch. They discuss John Lennon's dismissal of the song as "a waste of money" and how Paul's vocal performance stands out. The hosts also cover the recording techniques used, including double tracking, and share insights into the song's structure and harmonies, showcasing the Beatles' early versatility.

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In this episode, Peter and Kenyon delve into "Do You Want to Know a Secret?" from the Beatles' "Please Please Me" album. Written by John Lennon in late 1962 and inspired by Disney's "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" and a 1961 release by The Stereo's, the song has an intimate backstory. The hosts discuss the recording techniques, including George Harrison's lead vocals, the use of echo chambers, and examine the song's place in the Beatles' early catalog and its connection to the Liverpool music scene.

Website: https://www.notebynoteseries.com

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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.

Website: https://www.notebynoteseries.com

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/NoteByNoteSeries

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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.

Website: https://www.notebynoteseries.com

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/NoteByNoteSeries

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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.

Website: https://www.notebynoteseries.com

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/NoteByNoteSeries

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/notebynoteseries

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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.

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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://www.notebynoteseries.com

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/NoteByNoteSeries

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/notebynoteseries

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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 on maracas. They explore the song's letter-like lyrics, deceptive cadences, and innovative recording methods, such as the use of echo chambers and custom EQ units, highlighting the band's early experimental spirit in music production.

Website: https://www.notebynoteseries.com

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/NoteByNoteSeries

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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.patreon.com/cw/NoteByNoteSeries

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/notebynoteseries

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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 to their early triumphs. The hosts also address rumors of Brian Epstein allegedly inflating sales and emphasize the song's significance in marking the Beatles' shift from live performers to studio artists. The episode highlights the song's lasting influence and its foundational role in the Beatles' early identity.

Website: https://www.notebynoteseries.com

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/NoteByNoteSeries

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/notebynoteseries

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