UnBeatled podcast artwork

PODCAST · music

UnBeatled

UnBeatled is a new podcast that will dive into EVERY song by the Fab Four and discuss what made them great. An expert talks us through all the details and a musician unpicks the lyrics and the music behind iconic hits like Here Comes The Sun, Penny Lane and Come Together. Songs will be picked at random from episode to episode, dancing around their hugely varied discography. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. 27

    I Am the Walrus

    In 1967, John Lennon and his childhood friend, Pete Shotton, were diving into and reading a bag of fan mail that was lying around John's house. John pulled out a letter from a pupil at his former high school in Liverpool which said that teachers were now giving lessons on the content of his lyrics. Laughing at the absurdity of this, John went about writing a song that was utter nonsense exclaiming, "let the f**kers work that one out!" It was not initially accepted by George Martin but with Paul taking the lead, the song became one of their most intriguing pieces of work. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  2. 26

    Paperback Writer

    Welcome to episode 24 of UnBeatled, a channel where we take a deep dive into every single song The Beatles ever recorded. In our discussion we unpick the music, the lyrics, the cultural context at the time, and the impact the song had on the band's success in the UK and the world.In 1966, The Beatles were stars at the forefront of music and culture, rubbing shoulders with other bright sparks from the worlds of literature, drama, photography, and fashion. A lot of them were also from working class backgrounds. Meanwhile, Paul McCartney's aunt has tasked him to write a song that isn't about love. They interrupt their recording sessions for Revolver to record their next hit single about the story of a man who wants to make his millions as a... Paperback Writer. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  3. 25

    EP 23: Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds

    John Lennon's son, Julian, brought home a painting he had done at school that day and showed it to his dad. To say John was impressed is an understatement. He was immediately taken by the psychedelic painting of Julian's classmate flying in the sky surrounded by diamonds. To a drug addled John Lennon this was the inspiration he'd been waiting for. They completed the song in 24 hours with Paul McCartney taking the reins from an increasingly unmotivated John Lennon. The song would be the most overtly psychedelic track on their Summer of Love masterpiece, Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  4. 24

    EP 22: Yesterday

    Paul McCartney leaped out of bed one morning with a tune in his head. He sat down at the piano and found the chords, drumming the melody into his memory with a canny rhyme. He couldn't believe he'd written it. After figuring out it was his doing, The Beatles' producer, George Martin, posed the question... should this be the first Paul McCartney solo record? It would have been a financially prudent move for Macca... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  5. 23

    EP 21: Hey Bulldog

    This episode is sponsored by EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert. In IMAX Feb 20 / In cinemas everywhere Feb 27 https://www.epicmovie.co.ukWelcome to episode 21 of UnBeatled, a channel where we take a deep dive into every single song The Beatles ever recorded. In our discussion we unpick the music, the lyrics, the cultural context at the time, and the impact the song had on the band's success in the UK and the world.The Beatles convened on Abbey Road studios with a film crew to record a promotional video for their upcoming single, Lady Madonna. Upon entering the deserted studios (it was a Sunday), they saw an opportunity to utilise this precious studio time before flying off to India. They worked on a scrap of a song John had written and ended up having the most fun they'd ever had in the band.Sit back and watch the history, the music and the trivia before listening to the song in full on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/5xYC2ZJJ9TMJL8BOl85O2R?si=c6508bdd9d5e4e2eOr here it is on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M4vbJQ-MrKo Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  6. 22

    EP 20: Let It Be

    This episode is sponsored by EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert. In IMAX Feb 20 / In cinemas everywhere Feb 27 https://www.epicmovie.co.ukWelcome to episode 20 of UnBeatled, a channel where we take a deep dive into every single song The Beatles ever recorded. In our discussion we unpick the music, the lyrics, the cultural context at the time, and the impact the song had on the band's success in the UK and the world.Paul McCartney, or so it is to be believed, is burned out and is visited by his deceased mother in a dream where she offers highly valuable words of... wisdom. This vision was the basis for a gospel inspired song that would go on to become one of the most universally adored and understood track from The Beatles' discography. Despite its success, it wasn't without turmoil during the recording process as tensions between the band reached fever pitch. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  7. 21

    EP 19: Nowhere Man

    Welcome to episode 19 of UnBeatled, a channel where we take a deep dive into every single song The Beatles ever recorded. In our discussion we unpick the music, the lyrics, the cultural context at the time, and the impact the song had on the band's success in the UK and the world.John Lennon, while feeling depressed and suffering from a bad case of writer's block, was sat up late into the night trying to write a song to be included on their upcoming album 'Rubber Soul'. After much self-criticism and introspection, inspiration struck! Nowhere Man spawned out of this and became a favourite from the album with praise lavished on their stacked vocals and signature 60s twangy guitar sound. This song is one of the quintessential examples of the 'Jingle Jangle' sound explored by the likes of The Byrds. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  8. 20

    EP 18: All My Loving

    Welcome to episode 18 of UnBeatled, a channel where we take a deep dive into every single song The Beatles ever recorded. In our discussion we unpick the music, the lyrics, the cultural context at the time, and the impact the song had on the band's success in the UK and the world.This episode we take a look at their 1963 song, All My Loving. Written while in a flurry of tours and growing success, the song was inspired by the band's roadie Mal Evans' promise to write home every day to his wife. In classic Beatles fashion, it took inspiration from jazz, R&B and Country & Western and became a live favourite. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  9. 19

    EP 17: Golden Slumbers / Carry That Weight

    Welcome to episode 17 of UnBeatled, a channel where we take a deep dive into every single song The Beatles ever recorded. In our discussion we unpick the music, the lyrics, the cultural context at the time, and the impact the song had on the band's success in the UK and the world.This week we take a look at Golden Slumbers and Carry That Weight, the emotional climax of Abbey Road's medley. Written while looking through his step-sister's music book, the song is based on a 500 year old poem. However, Paul took the message and turned it into a message of consolation as The Beatles' personal relationships deteriorated. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  10. 18

    EP 16: Strawberry Fields Forever

    Welcome to episode 16 of UnBeatled, a channel where we take a deep dive into every single song The Beatles ever recorded. In our discussion we unpick the music, the lyrics, the cultural context at the time, and the impact the song had on the band's success in the UK and the world.This week David Bennett takes us through his favourite song of all time - the psychedelic masterpiece Strawberry Fields Forever. Written while filming How I Won The War in Spain, it became the first track The Beatles worked on as part of their 'Sgt Pepper' sessions. Working with a sense of creative freedom, The Beatles continued to pioneer new recording techniques which they had begun on Revolver. When it was released the public didn't know what to think - who had turned their beloved mop tops so... weird? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  11. 17

    EP 15: And I Love Her

    This episode discusses And I Love Her, a song that was written for Paul McCartney's first true love - Jane Asher. Tune in to hear about the band's use of musical concepts such as key changes and the Picardy Third. Also, UnBeatled will discuss how living with Jane Asher opened Paul's eyes to arts and culture at the outset of swinging London. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  12. 16

    EP 14: Cry Baby Cry

    This episode delves into John's haunted nursery rhyme - Cry Baby Cry. The song was initially inspired by a TV advertisement before being finished while studying transcendental meditation in India. Tune in to hear discussion about John Lennon's childhood and the tensions while recording this track. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  13. 15

    EP 13: She's Leaving Home

    This episode discusses She's Leaving Home - a song that was inspired by a newspaper article about a runaway teenager. Tune in to hear about Mike Leander's arrangement and how it made Brian Wilson scrap an upcoming Beach Boys project. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  14. 14

    EP 12: I've Got A Feeling

    UnBeatled breaks down the 1970 rocker 'I've Got A Feeling'. This song blended two unfinished tracks - one from McCartney and one from Lennon. This was the last time they collaborated in such a way. Tune in to hear about Billy Preston's keyboard contributions and discussion on why McCartney has chosen to continue including it in his current live setlists. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  15. 13

    EP 11: Michelle

    UnBeatled takes a look at Michelle from Rubber Soul. It began life as a song Paul used to play at parties while singing in a French accent. Tune in to hear about Nina Simon's influence on the track and how they sought the help of their friend's wife to finish the lyrics. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  16. 12

    EP 10: Dear Prudence

    UnBeatled inspects Dear Prudence from The Beatles' self-titled album. It's a beautiful song written by John that utilises a guitar finger picking style that John learned from Donovan while studying transcendental meditation in India. Tune in to learn about Paul McCartney playing the flugelhorn and why Ringo did not play drums on this track. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  17. 11

    EP 9: She Said She Said

    UnBeatled delves deep into She Said She Said - a song that was written after a memorable experience with the actor Peter Fonda. Tune in to hear how the song was written in the Mixolydian mode and changes time signature. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  18. 10

    EP 8: Eight Days A Week

    This episode looks at Eight Days A Week - a song that was just an album track in the UK but went on to be a big hit in America. It's an optimistic, feel-good track that's driven by jangly acoustic guitar and a classic McCartney walking bassline. Despite this, the band didn't highly regard the song and thought it was merely writing for the 'meat market'.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  19. 9

    EP 7: Penny Lane

    UnBeatled breaks down Penny Lane - the song that Paul McCartney wrote as his response to Strawberry Fields Forever. Tune in to hear about the perfect piccolo trumpet solo and why this song encapsulated the confidence of the time. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  20. 8

    EP 6: Yellow Submarine

    UnBeatled examines Yellow Submarine - a song that was written as a children's rhyme. Listen in to stories about how Donovan helped with the lyrics and John tried to record his vocals underwater. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  21. 7

    EP 5: She Loves You

    UnBeatled inspects the song that catapaulted The Beatles to heights never seen before in the UK. Learn how such an iconic song was written on twin hotel beds and recorded merely a few days later. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  22. 6

    EP 4: Lady Madonna

    UnBeatled delves into the McCartney penned, blues inspired rocker - Lady Madonna. Tune in to hear how famous saxophonist, Ronnie Scott, played on the record and how Paul took inspiration for the lyrics from a picture in National Geographic. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  23. 5

    EP 3: Help!

    This episode UnBeatled unpicks one of John Lennon's first autobiographical songs - Help! Listen in to hear how The Beatles got the most out of 4-track recording equipment and how the film of the same name influenced The Monkees. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  24. 4

    EP 2: Here Comes The Sun

    UnBeatled delves deep into one of The Beatles' most enduring and popular hits - Here Comes The Sun. Tune in to learn about Ringo's quirky drumming technique on the track and why John Lennon was absent from the recording. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  25. 3

    EP 1: Please Please Me

    The first episode of UnBeatled covers the song that really kick-started Beatlemania - Please Please Me. In this week's show, we examine how The Beatles turned "a black and white world into colour" and discuss how their first hit was almost never recorded. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  26. 2

    UnBeatled TRAILER #1

    UnBeatled is a new podcast that will dive into EACH song by the Fab Four discussing what made them great. Songs will be picked at random from episode to episode, dancing around their hugely varied discography. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Type above to search every episode's transcript for a word or phrase. Matches are scoped to this podcast.

Searching…

We're indexing this podcast's transcripts for the first time — this can take a minute or two. We'll show results as soon as they're ready.

No matches for "" in this podcast's transcripts.

Showing of matches

No topics indexed yet for this podcast.

Loading reviews...

ABOUT THIS SHOW

UnBeatled is a new podcast that will dive into EVERY song by the Fab Four and discuss what made them great. An expert talks us through all the details and a musician unpicks the lyrics and the music behind iconic hits like Here Comes The Sun, Penny Lane and Come Together. Songs will be picked at random from episode to episode, dancing around their hugely varied discography. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

HOSTED BY

Virgin Radio

Produced by Anna Covell

CATEGORIES

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does UnBeatled have?

UnBeatled currently has 26 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is UnBeatled about?

UnBeatled is a new podcast that will dive into EVERY song by the Fab Four and discuss what made them great. An expert talks us through all the details and a musician unpicks the lyrics and the music behind iconic hits like Here Comes The Sun, Penny Lane and Come Together. Songs will be picked at...

How often does UnBeatled release new episodes?

UnBeatled has 26 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

Where can I listen to UnBeatled?

You can listen to UnBeatled on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts UnBeatled?

UnBeatled is created and hosted by Virgin Radio.
URL copied to clipboard!