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The Beatles: Note By Note

Note By Note Series
The Beatles: Note By Note
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  • EP047 - One And One Is Two
    In this episode, Peter and Kenyon dive deep into one of the most obscure Lennon-McCartney tracks: ā€œOne and One Is Two.ā€ Originally written for Billy J. Kramer, the song was ultimately passed down a surprising chain—from the Fourmost to a forgotten band known as The Strangers with Mike Shannon, who recorded the only released version. But who were they? Through sharp storytelling and meticulous research, the hosts uncover a fascinating tale that stretches from Liverpool to Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), shedding light on a mysterious group and the unlikely journey of a discarded Beatles composition. They also explore the upcoming Beatles biopics, Paul McCartney’s demo magic, and the role of early Beatles photographer Dezo Hoffman. As always, expect a blend of music theory, Beatles lore, and unexpected history lessons in this affectionate look at a song almost lost to time. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  • LS047 - One And One Is Two - Lecture Series (bonus)
    Welcome to the Beatles Lecture Series, where Kenyon unpacks the hidden layers of even the most overlooked entries in the Lennon–McCartney catalog. In this episode, we explore ā€œOne and One is Two,ā€ a discarded McCartney composition ultimately recorded by The Strangers with Mike Shannon. Kenyon examines the lyrical inconsistency, the unrequited-love theme, and the rushed nature of its composition—all signs of a quick commission for Billy J. Kramer. From a harmonic perspective, the lecture focuses on pentatonic phrasing, modal contrasts, and Paul’s surprising use of C minor7 over expected major chords. The result? A charming yet structurally flimsy tune that works better as a jingle than a full-fledged song. Kenyon also draws comparisons to other early Beatles material and argues that Paul’s demo version hints at stronger musical instincts than the final release suggests. Ideal for songwriters and theory buffs alike, this episode highlights how even a ā€œbad Beatles songā€ can reveal creative insights Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  • EP046 - Long Tall Sally
    The Beatles may have written hits by the dozen, but when it came to raw vocal power, they turned to ā€œLong Tall Sally.ā€ In this episode, Peter and Kenyon examine how Paul McCartney tackled Little Richard’s blistering classic and made it his own. From the song’s gospel-tinged triplets to McCartney’s throat-shredding vocal performance, this cover became a defining moment in Beatles live sets—often saved for their explosive finales. The hosts explore the band’s deep reverence for American R&B, the subtle modifications they made to the original arrangement, and how the recording captured their ability to walk the line between homage and transformation. With a spotlight on the blistering guitar solo, relentless tempo, and the song’s pivotal role in the Beatles’ stagecraft, this episode unpacks what made ā€œLong Tall Sallyā€ one of their most electrifying—and enduring—covers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  • EP045 - You Can't Do That
    The Beatles wrote dozens of love songs—but ā€œYou Can’t Do Thatā€ is all jealousy, threat, and menace. In this episode, Peter and Kenyon unpack John Lennon’s ferocious 1964 track, a surprisingly harsh B-side to the exuberant ā€œCan’t Buy Me Love.ā€ The hosts explore how Lennon channels emotional volatility through biting lyrics, raw vocal delivery, and a snarling lead guitar part that George Harrison devised with a newly acquired Rickenbacker 12-string. They delve into the song’s modal blues influences, subtle key ambiguities, and its use of stop-time syncopation in the verses—a rhythmic tension that mirrors the song’s lyrical unease. The conversation also touches on the song’s live arrangements, early mixes, and the moment when Paul’s high harmony nearly outshines the lead vocal. ā€œYou Can’t Do Thatā€ may not be a Beatles chart-topper, but in this episode, it gets the spotlight as one of their most emotionally charged early recordings. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    1:16:37
  • LS045 - You Can't Do That - Lecture Series (bonus)
    This lecture examines ā€œYou Can’t Do Thatā€ as an early exemplar of John Lennon’s emotionally unvarnished songwriting. Kenyon dissects how the track pushes against the pop conventions of 1964, both musically and lyrically. Built on a blues framework yet rich in modal ambiguity, the song contrasts a driving, almost brutal rhythmic groove with harmonic suspensions and key flirtations that mirror the instability in its lyrics. Lennon’s vocal delivery is sharp-edged and unrepentant, revealing a narrator caught in the grip of possessiveness and social anxiety. Kenyon also considers the instrumental architecture—George Harrison’s biting 12-string Rickenbacker lead, Ringo Starr’s accented snare pattern, and Paul McCartney’s harmony line that teeters between support and challenge. The lecture frames ā€œYou Can’t Do Thatā€ not simply as a B-side to ā€œCan’t Buy Me Love,ā€ but as a turning point in Lennon’s expressive range and the band’s willingness to explore darker emotional registers within the format of pop songwriting. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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About The Beatles: Note By Note

Join former bandmates and lifelong friends Peter and Kenyon as they dive deep into the legendary discography of The Beatles in "The Beatles: Note by Note." With decades of friendship and a shared passion for music, these lifelong Beatles fans meticulously analyze each Beatles song in chronological order of release. Blending historical context with personal anecdotes and technical insights, Peter and Kenyon's discussions are enriched by their background as musicians. From their humble beginnings to their rise as music icons, explore how The Beatles' songs were crafted, recorded, and how they transformed the music industry. Whether you're a die-hard fan or new to The Beatles' music, "The Beatles: Note by Note" offers a comprehensive and definitive journey through the catalog of one of the greatest bands of all time. This podcast is a must-listen for anyone seeking an in-depth, authoritative exploration of The Beatles' musical legacy.For more information, visit https://www.notebynoteseries.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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