“And I Love Her” – Episode 57 with Gareth (They Came to a Land Downunder)

On this episode of our Beatles podcast, we’re turning the spotlight on the Beatles’ first intentional ballad, “And I Love Her.” With guest Gareth from They Came to a Land Downunder, we unpack the origins, cultural shifts, and musical innovations that make this Hard Day’s Night gem so mesmerizing. Gareth shares vivid stories of Beatlemania in Australia, including the wild tale of a Ringo lookalike at a press conference and the moment he first heard “A Hard Day’s Night” over his school’s loudspeakers to honor Lennon’s death.

We trace how George Harrison’s Spanish guitar work shaped the song’s sonic identity, dig into Paul’s evolving songwriting voice, and debate the best Beatles recording so far. Plus, a rich storytime on Jane Asher—Paul’s muse and cultural gateway.

There are Beatles firsts galore in this one. Nylon strings, modulations, middle eights… and maybe even the best Beatles ballad yet?

Listen to full episode :