My Favourite Beatles Song

Send us Fan Mail Writer and author David Quantick discusses Silly Love Songs, from Wings at the Speed of Sound. He calls it Paul's 'manifesto' and argues for McCartney as 'the first adult in rock'. We also discuss the monster bass line, and the Paul and Linda vocal round that makes it 'the world's first baroque disco number’. Plus there's the story of his slightly awkward meeting with Paul on a train to Robertsbridge, and a Red Rose Speedway Frisbee. David's new novel, The Hyena, is out on 1...

Send us Fan Mail Owen Cutts is a renowned producer and the creator of Old Music Friday on Instagram. He grew up in a house where the Beatles were always on, but getting Abbey Road on CD for his 10th birthday made them his own. Here he discusses Because, from Abbey Road, highlighting its eerie nine-voice harmony and classical connections. In his new book, Have You Ever Heard Old Music? Owen selects 52 essential tracks from the 50s, 60s, and 70s, and explores why these records still conne...

Send us Fan Mail Art director and filmmaker Simon Halfon discusses The End, from Abbey Road, picking out the three guitar solos Paul, George, and John played live in one take, Ringo's only drum solo, and the closing line that makes such a perfect sign-off. He also talks about 1967: The World of Brian Epstein and The Beatles, the book he made with Gary Kemp from Epstein's last address book. Guest links 1967: The World of Brian Epstein and The Beatles, by Gary Kemp and Simon Halfon – book and...

Send us Fan Mail Gary Kemp discusses Dig A Pony, from Let It Be. He tells us how John's snaking "I-I-I-I", heard on a Saturday-afternoon TV showing of the Let It Be film, gave him the spark he needed for one of Spandau Ballet's biggest hits. We also get into his latest book, 1967: The World of Brian Epstein and The Beatles, made with designer Simon Halfon. It tells the story of Brian's last year, through the 404 names in his address book, which Gary bought at Sotheby's in 2020. 1967: The Worl...

Send us Fan Mail Sophia Bennett writes as SJ Bennett. She's the author of more than a dozen novels, best known for a mystery series in which the late Queen Elizabeth II secretly solves crimes. Her latest, Death on the Royal Yacht, is set in 1966 – so yes, the Beatles turn up. Here she discusses Let It Be, and how it helped her through difficult times. We also talk about her DJ dad and go-go dancing mum, the Mal Evans "Brother Malcolm" story, the song's hymn-like chords, and the day she nearly...