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Playlist April 26th 2015
Live from Commerce Casino
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The Beatles - Money (That’s What I Want) – With The Beatles (Bradford-Gordy) Lead vocal: John
Originally recorded by Barrett Strong and released as a single on Motown’s Tamla and Anna labels in 1959 and 1960 respectively, peaking at #23 in 1960. It was a part of The
Beatles’ live repertoire from 1960 to 1964. On July 18, 1963, the group, with George Martin on piano, performed the song live in the studio -- vocals and all -- for six full
takes, the final take being deemed the best. Although The Beatles involvement with the recorded track lasted this one day, George Martin continued to add overdubs and tinker with his piano part until the song was completed to his satisfaction on September 30,
1963. On U.S. album:
The Beatles’ Second Album - Capitol LP
The Beatles - Baby, You’re A Rich Man - Non-LP track
(Lennon-McCartney) Lead vocal: John
The Beatles’ fifteenth single release for EMI’s Parlophone label. The Beatles were contractually obligated to deliver four new songs for inclusion in the
“Yellow Submarine” animated film project. “Baby, You’re A Rich Man” was the first song recorded especially for that project. Earlier in the year, George Harrison’s initial offering for the “Sgt. Pepper” album, “Only A Northern Song,” had been rejected for that album
and was now being earmarked for use in the “Yellow Submarine” animated film. But with the rush-release of “All You Need Is Love” as a single following the “Our World” world television transmission on June 25, 1967, a B-side was needed. George Martin chose “Baby, You’re A Rich Man,” effectively removing it from consideration for the
“Yellow Submarine” feature film. “Baby, You’re A Rich Man” was, in fact, two separate songs (John’s “One Of The Beautiful People” and Paul’s “Baby, You’re A Rich Man”) that
the composers combined to make into one song. Recording took place at Olympic Studios on May 11, 1967, and the song was completed in 12 takes. It is the first Beatles song to be recorded and mixed for record outside of Abbey Road. Surprisingly, the “All
You Need is Love”/“Baby, You’re A Rich Man” single is the first instance of George
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Martin being given credit on the record label as producer on a Parlophone Beatles single. Mick Jagger attended the session and may have participated in the backing vocals at the
end of the song. Issued July 7, 1967 in the UK and July 17, 1967 in the U.S. On U.S. album:
Magical Mystery Tour - Capitol LP
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The Beatles - I’m A Loser - Beatles For Sale (Lennon-McCartney)
Lead vocal: John Recorded in eight takes on August 14, 1964. Written mostly by John Lennon. The song
style, more autobiographical and introspective than the “yeah, yeah, yeah” pop the group had previously recorded, was heavily influenced by the work of Bob Dylan. Paul
McCartney called it “a folk song gone pop.” The Beatles debuted “I’m A Loser” on ABC’s “Shindig” program, an appearance taped in London and airing on October 7. The song was performed during the Beatles’ European Tour commencing June 20, 1965, but was not on the set list for the U.S. shows two months later. John’s harmonica solo was a last
minute addition to the song, appearing first in Take 6. George Martin and the group considered “I’m A Loser” a potential single and had initially chosen it to be the LP’s
opening song. On U.S. album:
Beatles ‘65 - Capitol LP
BREAK
I’m A Loser Hopefully not the case if yer part of today BWTB Poker
tournament here at Commerce Casino…
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The Beatles - I’ve Just Seen A Face - Help! (Lennon-McCartney)
Lead vocal: Paul Written by Paul at the Asher family home on Wimpole Street. Paul had the tune prior to coming up with the lyrics and originally named the song “Auntie Gin’s Theme” because his aunt liked it. George Martin’s instrumental “Help!” album includes an orchestrated version of “I’ve Just Seen A Face” using the title “Auntie Gin’s Theme.” Recorded in six
takes at the same June 14, 1965 McCartney-dominated session that produced “Yesterday” and “I’m Down.” One of only five Beatles songs Paul chose to perform live
on his Wings Over America tour in 1976. On U.S. album:
Rubber Soul - Capitol LP
The Beatles – Nuthin` Shakin` But The Leaves On The Tree – Live @ BBC
The Beatles - I’ll Cry Instead - A Hard Day’s Night
(Lennon-McCartney) Lead vocal: John
A country-influenced Lennon-McCartney rocker recorded on June 1, 1964. John Lennon says that he wrote it for “A Hard Day’s Night,” but the film’s director, Richard Lester,
didn’t like it and replaced it at the last minute with “Can’t Buy Me Love.” The decision to
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cut “I’ll Cry Instead” from the film was so last minute that the American soundtrack LP, which had been rush-released by United Artists Records, included “I’ll Cry Instead” in its
song line-up. Released as a single in the U.S. on July 20, 1964. On U.S. album:
A Hard Day’s Night - United Artists LP Something New - Capitol LP
The Beatles - Doctor Robert - Revolver (Lennon-McCartney)
Lead vocal: John John’s song about a doctor that dispenses pills and other comfort to his clients was rumored to be about Dr. Robert Freymann of New York, who ran a discreet clinic on
Manhattan's East 78th Street. The good doctor had a reputation for giving vitamin B-12 injections containing large doses of amphetamines, mainly to well-heeled New Yorkers. But both John and Paul have denied that is the source of the lyrics. Paul: “The song was
a joke about this fellow who cured everyone of everything with all these pills and tranquilizers. He just kept New York high.” John: “‘Doctor Robert’ was another of mine. Mainly about drugs and pills. It was about myself: I was the one that carried all the pills on tour and always have done. Well, in the early days. Later on the roadies did it, and
we just kept them in our pockets loose, in case of trouble.” Originally clocking in at nearly three minutes, the song was cut to 2:13 for its official release. The backing track was recorded in seven takes on April 17, 1966. Overdubs included Paul on piano, John
on harmonium, and George on maracas. “Doctor Robert” was one of three songs issued in America six weeks prior to their official release in the UK. American and Canadian
Beatles fans heard “I’m Only Sleeping,” “And Your Bird Can Sing,” and “Doctor Robert” first on Capitol Records’ “Yesterday And Today” album, issued June 20, 1966. The rest
of the world had to wait until the first week of August for them to appear on the “Revolver” LP.
On U.S. album: Yesterday And Today - Capitol LP
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The Beatles - What Goes On - Rubber Soul (Lennon-McCartney-Starkey)
Lead vocal: Ringo The only song credited to John, Paul and Ringo. It is Ringo Starr’s first writing credit on
a Beatles record. Ringo has said his contribution to this song consisted of about five words. The song originally had been rehearsed, but not recorded, during the March 5, 1963, session for The Beatles’ third single, “From Me To You.” In need of songs for the “Rubber Soul” album, the song was resurrected, with McCartney recording a demo to
guide Ringo through the song. Recorded in one take on November 4, 1965. The B-side of “Nowhere Man” in America.
On U.S. album: Yesterday and Today - Capitol LP
QUIZ TONES….add `em at the end of song…
Early QUIZ #1/ We just heard What Goes On sung by Ringo…for the
prize…raise yer hands (not both) who gets writing credit on
What Goes On ?
(Lennon-McCartney-Starkey)
9.27 BREAK
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The Beatles - Savoy Truffle - The Beatles
(Harrison) Lead vocal: George
George took his inspiration for his fourth song on the “White Album” from a box of chocolates, specifically a Mackintosh’s Good News double centre chocolate assortment box, said by George to be Eric Clapton’s favorite brand. Most of the candies mentioned
by George in the song came from the specific candies found in the box. Confections such as Creme Tangerine, Montelimart, Ginger Sling, Coffee Dessert and Savoy Truffle
were part of the assortment. Cool Cherry Cream and Coconut Fudge were Harrison creations. When George sings “But you’ll have to have them all pulled out after the Savoy Truffle,” it is a warning to his friend Eric Clapton that he will have to have his
decaying teeth pulled out. After some rehearsal, the backing track was recorded in one take on October 3, 1968, at Trident Studios. With George playing electric piano, Paul on Rickenbacker bass, and Ringo on drums. Harrison’s lead vocal was recorded at Trident
Studios on October 5. Chris Thomas’ score for saxophones (distorted at Harrison’s request) was recorded at Abbey Road on October 11. The final overdubs for “Savoy Truffle” on October 14 were also the last instruments recorded during the “White
Album” sessions: organ, tambourine, bongos, and George playing a lead guitar part on
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his Fender Telecaster. This is the third of four Harrison songs on the “White Album” that John Lennon does not appear on.
The Beatles - Lady Madonna - Non-LP Track
(Lennon-McCartney) Lead vocal: Paul
The Beatles’ seventeenth single release for EMI’s Parlophone label. The last original issue Beatles 45 to appear on the Capitol swirl label in the U.S. or on the Parlophone label in the UK. Starting in the summer of 1968, Beatles recordings
would be issued on their own record label, Apple Records. The Beatles did not leave EMI or Capitol, they simply had their own custom label, to which they could sign artists. The manufacturing and distribution would remain the same as before. In fact, in America,
their releases continued to use Capitol album and single catalog numbering.
The Beatles - Got To Get You Into My Life - Revolver
(Lennon-McCartney) Lead vocal: Paul
Another Paul McCartney solo composition, Paul called this stand out track “an ode to pot, like someone else might write an ode to chocolate or a good claret (wine).” Work
began on the song on April 7, 1966, and this early alternate version can be heard on the “Anthology 2” album. It was the second song recorded for the “Revolver” album. The
Beatles returned to the song the next day with an improved arrangement that included John and George on fuzz guitars. On May 18 they revisited the song again, devoting a
full 12-hour session to rework and complete the song. To give the song its Motown feel, five outside musicians were brought in to add brass and saxophones. An additional dual guitar overdub was added on June 17. “Got To Get You Into My Life” was the opening
song performed on the final Wings tour in 1979. On U.S. album:
Revolver - Capitol LP
John Lennon – Slippin’ And Slidin’ - Rock ‘n’ Roll ‘75
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Another Little Richard track, this was slated to be the second single off the album, but was cancelled at the last minute. This is another track that could be found on “Roots,” and the two tracks are nearly identical (where other “Roots”
tracks were different).
Ringo – Night & Day – Sentimental Journey Arranged by Chico O'Farrill.
Originally from the 1932 musical, "The Gay Divorcee" and sung by Fred Astaire and Claire Luce.
Holy HORNS BATMAN!
BREAK
Read em…ask more Horn songs?...Anybody French? Stand up..
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The Beatles - All You Need Is Love - Yellow Submarine
(Lennon-McCartney) Lead vocal: John
The Beatles’ fifteenth single release for EMI’s Parlophone label. Written by John Lennon especially for the first-ever worldwide television transmission. The epic event, a 6-hour program entitled “Our World,” featured segments linking 24 countries on five continents via satellite, with a potential of 400 million viewers. The Beatles were honored to be invited to represent Great Britain in the program. For the
event, they would premiere a brand new song written just for the occasion. John Lennon’s “All You Need Is Love” became the anthem of 1967, the summer of love. To decrease the chances of an on-air foul-up, George Martin had the Beatles play to their
own pre-recorded rhythm track. Only the vocals, bass guitar, lead guitar solo in the middle eight, drums and orchestra would be live. Recording began on June 14, 1967, at
Olympic Studios. In all, 33 takes of the basic rhythm track and a few vocals were completed this evening. Overdubbing the lead and backing vocals took place on June
19. The orchestra was recorded for the first time on June 23. On June 24, the day before the event, it was decided that “All You Need Is Love” would be issued as the new Beatles single as soon as possible after the program aired. Guests in the studio during
the performance including the Rolling Stones’ Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, the Who’s Keith Moon, Eric Clapton, Graham Nash, Marianne Faithfull and Donovan wore colorful
mod clothing. On U.S. album:
Magical Mystery Tour - Capitol LP
Paul & Linda McCartney – Smile Away (horns) – Ram ‘71
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A fun, little rocking tune – it’s considered one of the more inconsequential tracks on the album.
The Beatles - Magical Mystery Tour - Magical Mystery Tour (EP)
(Lennon-McCartney) Lead vocals: Paul and John
When Paul McCartney was in the U.S. in early April 1967 he came up with the idea for a Beatles television film about a mystery tour on a bus. During the April 11 flight back home he began writing lyrics for the title song and sketching out some ideas for the film. Upon his arrival in London, Paul pitched his idea to Brian Epstein who happily
approved. Paul then met with John to go over the details and the two began work on the film’s title track. The title track was written primarily by Paul but was not finished
when McCartney brought the song in to be recorded on April 25, 1967. John helped with the missing pieces during the session.
On U.S. album: Magical Mystery Tour - Capitol LP
9.57 BREAK I think of all the Beatle songs this is the hardest of all to sit still to…it
just makes ya want to move around…or at least nod yer head!
The Beatles - Tell Me Why - A Hard Day’s Night
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(Lennon-McCartney) Lead vocal: John
Completed in eight takes on February 27, 1964 in between “And I Love Her” and “If I Fell.” “Tell Me Why” was written primarily by John and was his attempt to mimic the
New York girl group sound The Beatles were so fond of. On U.S. album:
A Hard Day’s Night - United Artists LP Something New - Capitol LP
The Beatles - Everybody’s Got Something To Hide Except Me And My Monkey - The Beatles
(Lennon-McCartney) Lead vocal: John
The Beatles had taken to recording rehearsals of songs and numbering them as takes. And if nothing recorded for a particular song seemed usable they’d erase the tape and start again on another day. The first playing of this then-untitled John Lennon rocker
was a series of rehearsal run-throughs on June 26, 1968, all of which were erased and the band started fresh the next day. On June 27, six proper takes were recorded with
John on Epiphone Casino electric guitar, George on Gibson SG, Paul on percussion (alternating between cowbells and chocalho), and Ringo on drums. Overdubs added on
July 1 included Paul’s bass guitar and John’s lead vocal. Still unhappy with his lead vocal, John re-recorded it on July 23. Backing vocals and handclaps were also added to the
mix on July 23 and the song was declared finished. In his 1980 Playboy interview, John
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described the song as “a nice line that I made into a song. It was about me and Yoko. Everybody seemed to be paranoid except us two, who were in the glow of love.” George Harrison has said that the opening line, “Come on is such a joy,” was a favorite saying
of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. “Everybody’s Got Something To Hide Except Me And My Monkey” is the longest title of any Beatles song.
The Beatles - Girl - Rubber Soul (Lennon-McCartney)
Lead vocal: John Written primarily by John, the song was completed in two takes on November 11, 1965. The song is notable for the naughty backing vocal (Paul and George repeating the word
“tit”) and John’s heavy breathing during his vocal. John called this one of his best. On U.S. album:
Rubber Soul - Capitol LP
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The Beatles - And I Love Her - A Hard Day’s Night GERMAN MIX (Lennon-McCartney)
Lead vocal: Paul Written mainly by Paul with the middle eight by John it was released as a single in the U.S. reaching #12. Recorded initially as a heavier, up-tempo number on February 25, 1964, The Beatles attempted two takes and moved on to something else. On February 26 they struggled with the simpler, now acoustic arrangement through 12 more takes and Ringo swapping his drums for congas, ultimately leaving it to be re-made the next day. Finally, on February 27, they had the arrangement to their liking and perfected the
song in two completed takes (takes 20 and 21). On U.S. album:
A Hard Day’s Night - United Artists LP Something New - Capitol LP
BREAK
The Beatles - Good Day Sunshine - Revolver
(Lennon-McCartney) Lead vocal: Paul
One of the fastest recorded tracks during the sessions for the “Revolver” album. The song, written primarily by Paul with assistance from John, was originally known as “A
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Good Day’s Sunshine,” and was recorded on June 8 and 9, 1966. McCartney said the song “was very much a nod” to the Lovin’ Spoonful’s 1966 hit “Daydream.”
On U.S. album: Revolver - Capitol LP
The Beatles - Rain - Non-LP B-side
(Lennon-McCartney) Lead vocal: John
Recorded on April 14 and 16, 1966. The track is notable for the backwards vocal from John Lennon at the end of the song. The section is John singing part of the first verse but the tape is superimposed backwards in the mix. The song contains slowed down
instruments, guitar distortion, and vocals recorded and played back at variable speed. Aside from Paul McCartney’s dominant bass part, the song features a striking drum
performance from Ringo, who has called “Rain” his favorite Beatles song. The B-side of “Paperback Writer.” Issued in America on May 23, 1966 and the UK on June 10, 1966,
several months in advance of the “Revolver” album. On U.S. album:
Hey Jude - Capitol LP (1970)
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The Beatles - Here Comes The Sun (acoustic) - Abbey Road
(Harrison) Lead vocal: George
The second of two CLASSIC songs George Harrison delivered for the “Abbey Road” album. “Here Comes The Sun” and “Something” was a phenomenal one-two punch that
had to have Lennon and McCartney wondering what else Harrison had up his sleeve. George wrote the song while walking around the sunny back garden of Eric Clapton’s
home, strumming o0ne of Eric’s acoustic guitars. Harrison had skipped out of one of the many Apple business meetings that day. Recording in 13 takes on July 7, 1969, Ringo’s 29th birthday, with George on his Gibson J-200 acoustic guitar, Paul on his Rickenbacker bass guitar and Ringo on drums. John was sidelined for the week due to be hospitalized
following a car accident in Scotland. The next day George overdubbed his lead vocal, and Paul and George recorded their backing vocals twice, rather than simply double-
tracking. Additions continued on July 16 (handclaps and harmonium), and August 6 and
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11 (George’s acoustic guitar). George Martin’s orchestral score was recorded on August 15.
NEWS BREAK HERE
10.27 BREAK
The Beatles - Hey Bulldog - Yellow Submarine
(Lennon-McCartney) Lead vocal: John
In early February 1968, the Beatles were on a tight schedule. They had two weeks to audition and record possible songs for their next single, which would be released while
they were away on an extended trip to India where the group would meditate with Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. In addition to picking the single sides they would need to spend
a day with a film crew making a short promotional film for the song. The Paul McCartney-penned “Lady Madonna” was chosen as the A-side and would be the subject
of the promo film. On the last weekend of recording, the Beatles were informed they were one song short of the four new songs needed for “Yellow Submarine,” and a new
song had to be recorded before they left for India. The song shortage was due to “Baby, You’re A Rich Man,” which had been earmarked for the film soundtrack, being used as
the B-side of the “All You Need Is Love” single.
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The Beatles - I Me Mine - Let It Be (Harrison)
Lead vocal: George It should be noted that none of the Beatles’ rehearsals at Twickenham Studios in
January 1969 were recorded on multi-track. Those official recordings took place at Apple headquarters, either in the studio set up in the basement or on the rooftop during their
concert. In the “Let It Be” film George can be heard playing his song “I Me Mine” to Ringo while John and Yoko dance a waltz. He had composed the song the night before in five minutes flat. Unfortunately, George’s song was not one the group recorded when they went to Apple Studios to record the new album tracks. Because the song was being used in the film it needed to be recorded for the soundtrack album, prompting George, Paul and Ringo to return to Abbey Road Studios on January 3, 1970, to record the song. John was on vacation in Denmark. Had he been in London it is doubtful he would have
attended the session because he had quit the band in September 1969.
QUIZ #2 HERE Name the Paul McCartney & Wings song that has the word
“poker” in the first line of the song! You should have seen me with the poker man
I had a honey and I bet a grand Just in the nick of time I looked at his hand
1 9 7 4 ! Big Year For Beatles!
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Junior’s Farm/Sally G. (single) (Wings)
October 25th, 1974 – UK November 4th, 1974 – US
Wings – Junior’s Farm
Inspired by Dylan’s “Maggie’s Farm,” it is one of Paul’s best flat out rockers. It reached #16 in the UK charts, this was also the last apple release for Paul and
Wings.
Ringo – Snookeroo (Elton/Bernie) – Goodnight Vienna
Lennon w/ Spector
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John Lennon/Elton John – Whatever Gets You Thru The Night
Included in the LENNON 4-CD set, this very important concert contains two historical facts about John Lennon: 1) This would be his last public concert appearance ever. 2) Yoko was in the audience that night, and it was the
rekindling of their relationship (which soon after resulted in Sean Taro Ono Lennon).
Lennon on WNEW
George Harrison – Dark Horse - Dark Horse ‘74
Holy 1974 Batman!
10.57 BREAK
The Beatles - Slow Down
(Williams) Lead vocal: John
Larry Williams had originally released his rocker in 1958, and the song had often been performed by the Beatles as part of their pre-fame stage act. Recorded June 1, 1964.
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The Beatles would dip into the Larry Williams catalog two more times when they needed something quickly to fill an album, and both songs were sung by John: “Dizzy Miss
Lizzie” and “Bad Boy.” On U.S. album:
Something New - Capitol LP
U.K.: Non-album track (EP song)
I Call Your Name - Long Tall Sally EP
(Lennon-McCartney) Lead vocal: John
Composed by John Lennon and originally given to Billy J. Kramer with the Dakotas to use as the b-side of another Lennon song (credited to Lennon-McCartney), “Bad to Me.” Both songs had been recorded at Abbey Road by Kramer and band on June 27, 1963,
with Paul McCartney in attendance. The Beatles’ version was recorded in seven takes on March 1, 1964. On U.S. album:
The Beatles’ Second Album - Capitol LP
The Beatles – That’s Alright Mama – Pop! Go The Beatles July `63
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The Beatles - And Your Bird Can Sing - Revolver
(Lennon-McCartney) Lead vocal: John
John Lennon called this fan favorite “another of my throwaways...fancy paper around an empty box.” On another occasion he simply referred to it as “another horror.” The song, written primarily by John, is notable mainly for the twin guitar riffs -- played live without
overdubs by George Harrison and Paul McCartney -- that drive the song, and Paul’s distinctive bass notes at the end of the song. Lennon played the rhythm guitar in the D major position with the capo on the second fret to account for the song being in the key of E. John used the second fret capo several times ("Nowhere Man," "Julia," "Norwegian Wood," to name a few). Initial recording of the song commenced on April 20, 1966, with
two takes being completed. Take 2 was deemed the best and various overdubs were added. While recording vocals John and Paul got a case of the giggles and laughed their way through much of the song. That hilarious version can be found on the “Anthology 2” compilation. On April 26, the band decided to scrap the previous version and start
over from scratch, recording 11 takes. On U.S. album:
Yesterday And Today - Capitol LP
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BREAK
The Beatles – Matchbox (Carl Perkins) – Past Masters
"Matchbox" is sung by Ringo, and was also recorded on 1st June. It's writer Carl Perkins was present at the sessions, although he did not participate. Carl had originally released "Matchbox" on the legendary Sun label on
11th February 1957, but failed to chart anywhere Well, if you don’t want Ringo’s peaches, honey
Please don’t mess around my tree
The Beatles - Kansas City/Hey-Hey-Hey-Hey! - Beatles For Sale
(Leiber-Stoller-Penniman) Lead vocal: Paul
Originally listed on the “Beatles For Sale” record label and album jacket as “Kansas City” and credited only to Mike Leiber and Jerry Stoller, the title and writing credits have been
amended over the years to include the “Hey-Hey-Hey-Hey!” end section, which was a separate song written and originally recorded by Little Richard (Penniman). This
“medley” is usually listed as “Kansas City/Hey-Hey-Hey-Hey!” “Kansas City” was a number one hit for Wilbert Harrison in the spring of 1959 and had become a concert
staple for the Beatles at their early club shows, so it was a natural to include when they needed material to fill their fourth album. While in America on their North American Tour
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on September 17, 1964 the Beatles surprised the crowd at Kansas City’s Municipal Stadium by performing their hometown song during their set. It was a bonus track not performed at any other stop on the North American Tour. Recorded in two takes, the
first being deemed the best, on October 18, 1964. George Martin provides the rollicking piano part.
On U.S. album: Beatles VI - Capitol LP
The Beatles - Twist And Shout – Please Please Me (Medley-Russell) Lead vocal: John
The last song recorded during the marathon session on February 11, 1963. Two takes were completed before Lennon’s voice gave out. The released version is the first take.
Originally recorded by The Isley Brothers in May 1962, The Beatles performed it regularly in their live act between 1962 and 1965. Its inclusion in the 1986 film “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” sent the song up the Billboard singles chart 22 years after its initial
U.S. release.
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On U.S. albums: Introducing… The Beatles - Vee-Jay LP
The Early Beatles - Capitol LP
John Lennon – Rip It Up/Ready Teddy - Anthology ‘98
11.27 BREAK
OK…Quiz time kids we’ve played a song from every Beatles LP today…(British)
The Beatles - Getting Better - Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band
(Lennon-McCartney) Lead vocal: Paul
The title “Getting Better” was inspired by a phrase often used by substitute Beatles drummer Jimmy Nicol. Nicol stepped in for the ailing Ringo Starr during his bout with
tonsillitis in June 1964. On the eve of the band embarking on their first world tour Ringo collapsed at a photo shoot and the final night of recording for the “A Hard Day’s Night” LP were scrapped, leaving the final version with 13 songs instead of the expected 14. Nicol was called in on no notice to rehearse the concert set list. The next day he was
thrown into the crush of full scale Beatlemania as the Fab Four landed in the
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Netherlands for the first of the sold out concerts. Once on the mend, Ringo caught up with the tour in Australia. After each show, John and Paul would ask their new drummer
how he was doing. His standard reply was
The Beatles - Being For The Benefit Of Mr. Kite! - Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band
(Lennon-McCartney) Lead vocal: John
Recorded February 17, 1967. The lyric of “Being For The Benefit Of Mr. Kite!” was derived almost entirely from a vintage poster purchased by John Lennon at an antique store in Sevenoaks, Kent, on January 31, 1967, while the Beatles were there filming the promotional clip for “Strawberry Fields Forever.” The poster advertised the February 14,
1843 performance of Pablo Fanque’s Circus Royal at Town-Meadows, Rochdale, Lancashire, and was hung proudly on the living room wall of Lennon’s Weybridge house.
Paul: “We pretty much took it down word for word and then just made up some little bits and pieces to glue it together.” The backing track consisted of John on guide vocal, Paul on bass, Ringo on drums, George Harrison on tambourine, and George Martin on harmonium. Because the harmonium is powered by pumping feet, the producer was
exhausted after the rehearsals and seven takes. Features Paul on lead guitar.
The Beatles - Across The Universe - Let It Be
(Lennon-McCartney) Lead vocal: John
Prior to leaving for an extended trip to India to study Transcendental Meditation in early 1968, the Beatles recorded several new songs to fill the sides of their upcoming single,
which would be released while they were away. John had originally wanted his new
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composition, “Across The Universe,” for the A-side of the single but was still not happy with the mix of the song. When the Beatles sat down to decide which two of their new
recordings should be used, John preferred “Across the Universe” remain on the shelf for the time being, giving Paul’s more commercial “Lady Madonna” the A-side. “Across The
Universe” was written entirely by John and was recorded February 4, 1968, in eight takes. Overdubs were recorded on February 8. Comedian and author Spike Milligan had been at Abbey Road when the group was working on the song and some months later
inquired about it. He was surprised to learn that “Across the Universe” was sitting unreleased in EMI’s vault, so Milligan asked Lennon to donate the song to a charity album he was organizing for the World Wildlife Fund. Milligan was a British comedy
legend who, along with Peter Sellers, starred in “The Goon Show,” one of John’s all-time favorite programs. Lennon not only gladly contributed the song to be used on the
charity album, but arranged to have the songwriting royalties from the recording given to the World Wildlife Fund.
BREAK HERE
Pete Ham…born & died last week of April tomorrow birthday...
(B/27 April 1947 – D/24 April 1975)
Badfinger – No Matter What – Single/No Dice Badfinger – Baby Blue – Single/Straight Up
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