In this episode, Peter and Kenyon dive into the electrifying "Twist and Shout." They reveal the song's origins, originally written by Phil Medley and Bert Berns and covered by the Isley Brothers before the Beatles' iconic version. Recorded as the final track during the marathon session for "Please Please Me," John's powerful vocal performance, despite a cold, is a standout. The hosts discuss the impact of John's scream, the significance of the recording session, and the song's thrilling energy, capturing the Beatles' ability to transform and energize a track.

In this episode of The Beatles: Note by Note, Peter and Kenyon dive into "There's a Place," a track from the Beatles' debut album Please Please Me. The hosts explore the song's introspective lyrics, drawing parallels between John Lennon's emotional depth and the influence of songs like "Somewhere" from West Side Story. They discuss the song's Motown-inspired origins and its thematic connection to early Beach Boys tracks like "In My Room," highlighting Lennon's ability to craft a mental escape through music. Peter and Kenyon also reflect on the track’s "psychedelic" undertones, suggesting it foreshadows the Beatles' later exploration of transcendental meditation and altered perceptions. The episode breaks down the harmonies, led by Paul McCartney, which add an ethereal quality, and the recording process at Abbey Road Studios, noting the use of harmonica and overdubs. The hosts debate whether this could be considered the Beatles' first psychedelic lyric, underscoring the song's experimental nature despite its placement on their first album.

Peter and Kenyon explore the Beatles' rendition of "A Taste of Honey" from their debut album "Please Please Me" in this episode. Recorded on February 11, 1963, the same day as most of the album, they delve into the song's background, originally written by Bobby Scott and Rick Marlowe and famously covered by Lenny Welch. They discuss John Lennon's dismissal of the song as "a waste of money" and how Paul's vocal performance stands out. The hosts also cover the recording techniques used, including double tracking, and share insights into the song's structure and harmonies, showcasing the Beatles' early versatility.

In this episode, Peter and Kenyon delve into "Do You Want to Know a Secret?" from the Beatles' "Please Please Me" album. Written by John Lennon in late 1962 and inspired by Disney's "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" and a 1961 release by The Stereo's, the song has an intimate backstory. The hosts discuss the recording techniques, including George Harrison's lead vocals, the use of echo chambers, and examine the song's place in the Beatles' early catalog and its connection to the Liverpool music scene.

Peter and Kenyon explore "Baby, It's You," a track from the Beatles' debut album "Please Please Me," in this episode. Written by Burt Bacharach, Mack David, and Barney Williams, and first recorded by The Shirelles, the Beatles' version features John's soulful lead vocals and George Martin's skillful production. Recorded during the marathon session on February 11, 1963, the hosts analyze the band's approach to cover songs and the recording techniques that distinguish this track, highlighting how the Beatles made "Baby, It's You" their own.

Peter and Kenyon delve into "Chains," a track from the Beatles' "Please Please Me" album, in this episode. They explore the song's origins, written by Gerry Goffin and Carole King and initially performed by The Cookies. The discussion includes the Brill Building era's significance in the music industry and its influence on the Beatles. The hosts compare the Beatles' rendition with The Cookies' original, debating the merits of each, and highlight the song's role in the Beatles' live performances and recording practices.

Peter and Kenyon delve into "Chains," a track from the Beatles' "Please Please Me" album, in this episode. They explore the song's origins, written by Gerry Goffin and Carole King and initially performed by The Cookies. The discussion includes the Brill Building era's significance in the music industry and its influence on the Beatles. The hosts compare the Beatles' rendition with The Cookies' original, debating the merits of each, and highlight the song's role in the Beatles' live performances and recording practices.

In this episode, Peter and Kenyon analyze "Anna (Go to Him)" from the "Please Please Me" album. They trace the song's roots to writer Arthur Alexander and its 1962 release. Peter prefers Alexander's original version, praising its soulful quality, while Kenyon admires John Lennon's rhythmic precision and emotive delivery in the Beatles' cover. The hosts discuss the recording process, which involved a single take without overdubs, and examine the song's cultural impact, including its feature in a "Married with Children" episode.

Peter and Kenyon explore "Misery" from the Beatles' album "Please Please Me" in this episode. They discuss the band's groundbreaking approach of writing and performing their own material and the song's origin, initially penned by John Lennon for Helen Shapiro. While Peter expresses initial indifference towards the song, Kenyon appreciates its complex musical structure and Lennon's use of half steps to evoke a sense of desolation. The hosts touch on the recording process, including George Martin's pioneering half-speed overdubbing technique, and acknowledge the song's role in cementing the Beatles' legacy.

In this episode, Peter and Kenyon discuss "I Saw Her Standing There" from the Beatles' debut album "Please Please Me." They explore the song's creation, originally titled "17," and its composition by Paul McCartney in late 1962. The hosts highlight the song's energetic vibe and the iconic count-off, emphasizing its reflection of the Beatles' dynamic live performances. They also delve into the musical influences, such as Chuck Berry, and the innovative recording techniques employed by George Martin, examining the song's place in the Beatles' early catalog and its enduring appeal.

This episode features a deep dive into "Ask Me Why," penned by John Lennon and influenced by Smokey Robinson and the Miracles. Peter and Kenyon highlight the song's sophisticated structure and musical intricacies, which showcase Lennon's developing songwriting skills. Recorded in mid-1962 and released as the B-side to "Please Please Me," the episode covers the recording process, Ringo Starr's drumming, and George Martin's production impact. The hosts also discuss the song's lyrical themes, contrasting Lennon's usual pessimism with the rare optimism found in this track, bringing this often overlooked song into the spotlight.

Peter and Kenyon explore "Please Please Me," the Beatles' inaugural chart-topping hit, in this episode. Initially written by John Lennon as a slow Roy Orbison-inspired ballad, producer George Martin's suggestion to quicken the tempo transformed it into a commercial success. The hosts delve into the recording intricacies, including the harmonica overdubs and synchronization challenges in the stereo mix. They also discuss how "Please Please Me" catapulted the Beatles to fame, notably through their first significant TV appearance arranged by publisher Dick James, setting the stage for their future dominance in the music industry.

In this installment of "The Beatles: Note by Note," Peter and Kenyon dissect "P.S. I Love You," the B-side to "Love Me Do." Composed by a young Paul McCartney, the song exemplifies the Beatles' early technique of using pronouns to create an intimate listener experience. The hosts examine various recording sessions, including versions with Pete Best and Andy White, and the final cut featuring Ringo on maracas. They explore the song's letter-like lyrics, deceptive cadences, and innovative recording methods, such as the use of echo chambers and custom EQ units, highlighting the band's early experimental spirit in music production.

In the premiere episode of "The Beatles: Note by Note," hosts Peter and Kenyon delve into the origins of the Beatles' first single, "Love Me Do." They discuss the initial recording with Pete Best on drums and its subsequent re-recordings featuring Ringo Starr and Andy White. Despite producer George Martin's initial doubts about the Beatles' songwriting, this blues-influenced track became integral to their early triumphs. The hosts also address rumors of Brian Epstein allegedly inflating sales and emphasize the song's significance in marking the Beatles' shift from live performers to studio artists. The episode highlights the song's lasting influence and its foundational role in the Beatles' early identity.