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My Favourite Beatles Song

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Send us a text Tim is joined by songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Nick Frater for a deep dive into the wonderfully strange "You Know My Name (Look Up the Number)." They trace the song's bizarre journey from a playful 1967 jam session to its eventual release as the B-side to "Let It Be" in 1970. The discussion covers the track's suite-like structure of contrasting musical styles, the chaotic and fun-filled recording sessions featuring a guest appearance by Brian Jones of The Roll...
Send us a text Tim welcomes author Tom Cox for a joyful deep-dive into the rooftop rocker I’ve Got a Feeling. They trace Tom’s earliest Fab Four memories (Paperback Writer on the rug, Yellow Submarine with his Liverpudlian nan), his love of that mid-’60s psychedelic sweet spot, and why McCartney’s work ethic and versatility shine here. Together they unpack Lennon–McCartney’s last true collaboration: two half-songs woven into one, Billy Preston’s spark, George’s tasteful lines, Paul’s vo...
Send us a text Tim welcomes documentary filmmaker Alan G Parker for a deep dive into John Lennon’s ethereal 1974 solo classic #9 Dream. They discuss the song’s dream-like production, Lennon’s lifelong fascination with the number nine, and the curious whispers that still intrigue fans. Alan also shares stories from his forthcoming feature documentary Borrowed Time, revealing new insights into Lennon’s unrealised 1981–82 tour plans. Guest links Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alang.parker.7...
Send us a text Tim chats with film director and writer Grant McPhee about the Beatles song Yellow Submarine. They talk about the song’s fun sound, its strange mix of ideas, and the way it has grown into a song for all ages. Find out more about Grant McPhee and his work Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/grantmcphee.bsky.socialX (Twitter): https://x.com/grantmcpheefilmFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/grantmcphee Follow My Favourite Beatles Song Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/myfavebe...
Send us a text Tim chats with author Phil Lecomber about the Beatles’ unique song “She’s Leaving Home”. They share memories of the band, discuss the song’s dramatic musical style, and explore its rich story. Phil also talks about his new book, Midnight Streets, set in the 1920s in London Soho, and how real voices and working-class tales shape his work. Phil's website: https://www.phillecomber.comPhil on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/phillecomber/Phil on X: https://x.com/PhilLecomberS...
Send us a text Tim Tucker chats with writer and author Ian Leslie, author of John & Paul: A Love Story in Songs, about the Beatles’ song “Two of Us” and the deep bond between Lennon & McCartney. They talk about the song’s shift from a hard rocker to a gentle, heartfelt tune, and explore how the music they made spoke for them when words fell short. Ian Leslie, The Ruffian: https://www.ian-leslie.comJohn & Paul: A Love Story in Songs: https://www.ian-leslie.com/p/introducing-john-an...
Send us a text Tim is joined by podcaster, musician, and life coach Antony Rotunno to explore John Lennon's dreamy Revolver track 'I'm Only Sleeping,' from its conception on the back of a phone bill to George Harrison's meticulous work on the backward guitar parts. They discuss the song's unique sound textures and how it reflects Lennon's state of mind in 1966. Antony Rotunno's website: https://www.antonyrotunno.com/Glass Onion Podcast on John Lennon: https://glassoniononjohnlennon.com/X.com:...
Send us a text Tim welcomes author, archivist, and filmmaker Jon Savage to discuss Lennon's folk-tinged You've Got to Hide Your Love Away. They explore the song’s context in 1965, its raw and vulnerable feel, and the hints of Dylan’s influence. Jon also shares his early memories of the Beatles and gives a clear picture of the music scene in the mid‑60s—a time of great change, as pop and rock evolved into something bolder and more experimental. Jon on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonsa...
Send us a text Tim welcomes multi-award-winning documentary director and filmmaker Chris Purcell to talk about the band's 1965 single, Ticket to Ride. They chat about Chris’s Liverpool roots, his early memories of the Beatles, and how he once ended up playing drums on stage with Tony Sheridan. They explore the heavy sound of Ticket to Ride, the use of the 12-string Rickenbacker, and how the track paved the way for new studio techniques. They also celebrate John’s powerful vocal, Paul’s guitar...
Send us a text Tim welcomes podcaster and musician Max Comeau for a heartfelt exploration of Real Love. They examine the song's evolution, from John Lennon's initial demos, to the version completed by Paul, George and Ringo in 1996. They unpack its lyrical simplicity and musical intricacies, from those beautiful descending chords to its layered instrumentation. Max on YouTube: Max Comeau (Singer-Songwriter) - YouTubeMax on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0kP9MgCjaJAIFH96wi6tvc?si=N...
Send us a text Tim is joined by Beatles podcaster and broadcaster Steven Cockcroft to explore George Harrison's B-side gem Old Brown Shoe. They examine the song's intricate composition, its clever wordplay, and the distinctive musical elements that make it stand out among Harrison's contributions to the Beatles' catalogue. Nothing is Real podcast: https://www.nothingisrealpod.com/Nothing is Real on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/nothingisrealpod.bsky.social Follow My Favourite Beatles So...
Send us a text Tim is joined by music journalist and author Eoghan Lyng as they delve into George Harrison's gorgeous Long, Long, Long. They discuss the song's creation, its spiritual themes, and the musical and lyrical elements that make it unique in the Beatles' lore. George Harrison in the 1970s, by Eoghan Lyng: https://www.sonicbondpublishing.co.uk/decades/george-harrison-in-the-1970sJohn & Yoko Special, with contributions from Eoghan Lyng: https://shop.recordcollectormag.com/product/...
Send us a text YouTuber and multi-instrumentalist Nancy Howie shares her love for You Never Give Me Your Money from the Abbey Road album. She talks about its multiple layers of meaning and effortless shifts between powerful emotions, and notes how it calls back to earlier Beatles music. Nancy's YouTube channel Fathom: https://youtube.com/@fathommusicnzThe 100 greatest moments in the Beatle's discography: https://youtu.be/56SFI3UPJPQVinyl Friday: The Revolver Odyssey: https://www.youtube.com/p...
Send us a text Vikki Reilly, author of The Beatles 101, takes a journey into the Beatles' cover of A Taste of Honey, showcasing the band's brilliance at interpreting other people's songs while also discussing its many other interpretations and cultural significance. The Beatles 101 by Vikki Reilly: https://www.polarispublishing.com/book/the-beatles-101Vikki on X.com: https://x.com/bookyvikkiVikki on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reillyvikki/ Follow My Favourite Beatles So...
Send us a text Tim is joined by Stu Arrowsmith, from the Elvis Costello podcast Dangerous Amusements. They explore The Fool on the Hill, its lyrical mysteries, musical twists, and its potential inspirations. They also analyse Paul McCartney's lyrical and musical prowess, and Stu shares his experience of seeing his hero live and turning down the opportunity to meet him! Stu's Dangerous Amusements Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/dangerous-amusements-the-elvis-costello-playlist/...
Send us a text Xan Brooks, acclaimed author and journalist, joins the podcast to discuss the coiled power of Come Together. He reflects on the track's unique sound, its ambiguous lyrics, and how it foreshadows John Lennon's political activism in the early 1970s. We also talk about Xan's latest novel The Catchers, which explores the early days of popular music and its cultural implications. Xan's novel The Catchers: https://t.co/cMS3KsKZ68Xan on X.com: https://x.com/XanBrooks Follow My Favouri...
Send us a text Chris Shaw has delighted and inspired Beatles fans with his jaunty strolls through Pepperland for the past seven years. Here he discusses The Word, from the Rubber Soul album, highlighting the song's musical intricacies, its biblical lyrical allusions, and its significance as a mid-period Beatles masterpiece. He also touches upon his experience with his own podcast, I Am the Eggpod, and its influence on the Beatles podcasting community. Website: https://iamtheeggpod.com...
Send us a text Tim Tucker is joined by writer and author Jeff Young, who recounts his early memories of the Beatles, growing up in Liverpool during the height of Beatlemania. He reflects on the nostalgic and optimistic qualities of the song Penny Lane, relating it to his own experiences, which he shares in his memoir Ghost Town, and his new book Wild Twin. Jeff on X/Twitter: https://x.com/jeffyoungwriterPublisher website: https://www.littletoller.co.uk/shop/books/little-toller/wild-twin-by-je...
Send us a text Tim is joined by renowned Beatles author and historian Bruce Spizer. Bruce shares his insights into Paul’s classic ballad 'And I Love Her,' exploring its composition, arrangement, evolution and significance. He also talks about his upcoming book 'The Beatles, A Hard Day's Night and More,' highlighting historical perspectives on the album and film, with fan recollections from the time. Website: [https://www.beatle.net](https://www.beatle.net/)Twitter: https://x.com/bruce_spize...
Send us a text Returning guest, John Lennon biographer Jude Sutherland Kessler provides an in-depth analysis of Tell Me Why. She talks about the song’s emotional and biographical context, and how it relates to John's relationship with his mother, Julia. Website: https://www.johnlennonseries.comX (Twitter): https://x.com/JudeKesslerFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/JohnLennonSeriesLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judekessler/Tell Me Why Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@TellMeWhy-dn5by F...