What happens when a teenage Paul McCartney writes a song so sentimental that even John Lennon rolls his eyes? In this episode, Peter and Kenyon explore “A World Without Love,” a track McCartney penned at just 16 and later gave to his girlfriend Jane Asher’s brother, Peter, for his duo Peter and Gordon. The hosts break down the song’s swooning lyrics, lush harmonies, and the famously rejected opening line, “Please lock me away,” which Lennon reportedly found too corny for the Beatles’ image. They also discuss how the song, recorded in five takes at EMI Studios, became the first non-NEMS track to top the U.S. and U.K. charts—a feat no other Beatles giveaway ever matched. From its unusual chord changes to its role in the British Invasion, this episode tells the story of a track that captured the world’s imagination, even without the Beatles’ name on the label.

What do the Beatles and classic doo-wop have in common? More than you might think. “This Boy” finds the Beatles experimenting with close harmonies, complex chord changes, and emotional storytelling in a way that set them apart from their early rock and roll contemporaries. In this episode, Peter and Kenyon break down how John Lennon’s Smokey Robinson-inspired melody blends seamlessly with the band’s distinctive vocal blend, drawing on influences from The Teddy Bears and Bobby Freeman. They also explore the song’s unconventional middle eight, where Lennon’s dramatic chord progression and soaring vocal line transform a simple ballad into something far more intricate. From Ringo’s comic book reading during recording sessions to the song’s unlikely connection to a James Bond guitarist, this episode reveals the hidden layers behind one of the Beatles’ most overlooked B-sides.

What happens when a single song conquers two continents at once? “I Want to Hold Your Hand” wasn’t just a hit—it was the ignition switch for Beatlemania in America. In this episode, Peter and Kenyon break down the Beatles’ biggest early gamble: a song written specifically to win over U.S. audiences, composed “eyeball to eyeball” in the basement of Jane Asher’s house. They unpack the song’s explosive chord change, its international recording sessions, and the moment a teenage girl and a rogue DJ sparked a revolution by airing it early in Washington, D.C. You’ll also hear about the Beatles’ tension with their music publisher, Paul McCartney’s take-no-prisoners attitude in the studio, and how a phrase as simple as “I can’t hide” got misheard, mimicked, and mythologized. With 5 million U.S. sales and a continent-altering TV debut, this episode tells the story of a song that changed everything.

How did one of the roughest, hardest-rocking Beatles performances come from a $800 loan in Detroit? In this episode, Peter and Kenyon dive into “Money (That’s What I Want),” tracing its wild origins at the dawn of Motown through Barrett Strong’s legendary first recording. They explore how the Beatles discovered this deep cut and transformed it into a ferocious album closer for With the Beatles, powered by John Lennon’s raw vocals, Ringo’s pounding toms, and George Martin’s driving piano. Along the way, they uncover tales of lost songwriting credits, apocryphal high school musicians, and chaotic recording sessions that left their mark on both Motown and Merseybeat. Plus, Peter and Kenyon unpack the track’s lasting influence—from early punk energy to John’s conflicted attitude toward fame and fortune. This isn’t just a Beatles cover—it’s a full-circle moment linking American soul to British rock.

What do Mahler, Stephen King, and John Lennon’s “Not a Second Time” have in common? More than you’d think. In this episode, Peter and Kenyon dig into one of the Beatles’ most misunderstood songs—praised by London Times critic William Mann for its so-called “Aeolian cadence,” a term Lennon would later call “exotic birds.” The hosts dissect the track’s odd structure, haunting piano solo, and emotionally unstable chord progressions, exploring why it stands apart on With the Beatles. From the lack of George Harrison’s guitar to the unusual melodic phrasing and brooding lyrics, “Not a Second Time” feels less like a Beatles song and more like a musical outburst. They also discuss the track’s cultural afterlife—including its cameo in a Stephen King book. Was Lennon aiming for Motown, Mahler, or something uniquely his own? This episode uncovers the messy brilliance buried in a song even the Beatles seemed unsure about.

How did one forgotten girl group from a Detroit suburb end up shaping one of the eeriest Beatles covers? In this episode, Peter and Kenyon uncover the story behind “Devil in Her Heart,” originally recorded as “Devil in His Heart” by the Donays—high schoolers who released only one single before disbanding. The Beatles discovered the track through Brian Epstein’s record shop and transformed it into a haunting George Harrison-led performance. The hosts break down the Beatles’ faithful arrangement, George’s call-and-response vocal dynamics, and how the track reflects the album’s larger theme of light and shadow. They also compare the Beatles’ version with the Donays’ original, arguing the latter may even surpass the Fab Four in raw emotional power. With its dark harmonies, subtle rhythmic tricks, and eerie atmosphere, “Devil in Her Heart” reveals just how deep the Beatles dug to find hidden gems—and how those gems sometimes outshined the band themselves.

Could the Beatles really match Smokey Robinson? That’s the challenge they set for themselves with “You Really Got a Hold on Me”—and, incredibly, they just might have pulled it off. In this episode, Peter and Kenyon break down one of the most vocally demanding songs the Beatles ever attempted to cover. Originally a B-side by the Miracles, the track became a soulful highlight of With the Beatles, driven by John Lennon’s searing vocal, George Harrison’s raunchy guitar bends, and subtle backing from George Martin on piano. The hosts explore how the Beatles' version holds its own against the Motown original—reproducing its emotional power while layering in their trademark vocal blend and tight studio polish. From failed intros to overdub edits and a shelved four-track remake, they unpack every twist in the Beatles’ journey to get this one right. This isn’t just a cover—it’s a statement of intent.

Was “Hold Me Tight” really the Beatles’ weakest link—or a hidden pivot point in their early sound? Peter and Kenyon dig into this overlooked track from With the Beatles, a song Paul McCartney began writing at age 18 and one that even John and Paul would later dismiss. But beneath its shaky reputation lies a revealing story: failed takes, scrapped sessions, and a frenzied remake that may have included the first-ever Beatles tape-speed manipulation. The hosts dissect Paul’s layered vocal performance, Ringo’s tom-heavy middle eight, and the call-and-response vocals that echo girl group influence and skiffle roots. They trace how “Hold Me Tight” bridges the Beatles’ early rock 'n' roll emulation with a more nuanced, emotionally layered sound—one hinting at their evolving ambition. Is it filler, or is it a case study in transition? This episode offers a surprisingly deep dive into one of the band’s most misunderstood recordings.

What happens when the Beatles take a Chuck Berry anthem and make it their own? In this episode, Peter and Kenyon dive into “Roll Over Beethoven,” a song they’d been playing since their earliest club days. Originally sung by John, the band handed vocal duties to George Harrison—an inspired choice that gave the track a youthful punch and raw authenticity. The hosts explore George’s biting vocal, slashing guitar tone, and how the Beatles’ version, recorded in just five takes, adds a muscular polish to Berry’s blueprint. They discuss the track’s place in the album With the Beatles and how George Martin halted Capitol Records from releasing it as a 1964 single. From live performance innovations to misheard lyrics and the infamous jelly bean attacks, this episode unpacks how “Roll Over Beethoven” became an early showcase of the Beatles’ roots, energy, and sheer charisma.

What happens when the Beatles take a Motown classic and make it their own? Please Mr. Postman was already a #1 hit for the Marvelettes, but John Lennon’s urgent, near-desperate vocal delivery transforms it into something raw and electrifying. In this episode, Peter and Kenyon explore how the Beatles' version differs from the original, from its tighter rhythm section to its heightened emotional intensity. The hosts discuss why this was the final girl-group cover the Beatles ever recorded and how their choice to include it reflected their deep admiration for American R&B. They also examine the recording session, highlighting the Beatles' decision to rework their live arrangement mid-session to better match the Marvelettes’ dynamic intro. Was this just a well-executed cover or something more? Join Peter and Kenyon as they break down Please Mister Postman and uncover why the Beatles’ version remains a fan favorite.

Could Till There Was You be the Beatles’ most unexpected choice for their early setlists? A show tune from The Music Man, it stood out in their catalog—earning both praise and skepticism from fans and even John Lennon himself. In this episode, Peter and Kenyon explore how Paul McCartney discovered the song through Peggy Lee’s jazz-infused version and why he insisted on including it in their performances. The hosts break down George Harrison’s intricate classical-inspired guitar work, Paul’s refined vocal delivery, and the song’s pivotal role in impressing George Martin at the Beatles' Decca audition. They also discuss how Brian Epstein strategically used Till There Was You to showcase the band’s versatility in high-profile performances, including the Royal Command Performance. A rare moment of theatrical elegance in the Beatles’ early years, this episode unpacks how the song helped shape their career and their ability to transcend genres.

Was "Little Child" ever meant to be sung by John Lennon? Originally intended as a showcase for Ringo Starr, the song took a different path when it proved a poor fit for his vocal range. In this episode, Peter and Kenyon explore how Lennon and McCartney crafted this high-energy track for With the Beatles, blending pounding piano, relentless harmonica, and a melody pulled from an unexpected Disney film. The hosts dive into the song’s chaotic recording process, which spanned multiple sessions and overdubs—unusual for the Beatles at the time. They also examine why Little Child feels unlike a typical Beatles track, from its bluesy aggression to its raw, almost punk-like intensity. Is it a hidden gem or just a throwaway rock and roll workout? Peter and Kenyon break down this frenetic, often-overlooked track, uncovering its unexpected influences and its place in the Beatles’ evolving sound.

What inspired George Harrison to write his first song, “Don’t Bother Me”? A bout of illness and some friendly pressure from Mersey Beat’s Bill Harry played a role. In this episode, Peter and Kenyon explore Harrison’s 1963 composition, marking his songwriting debut in the Beatles’ catalog. Written in a Bournemouth hotel room while George was bedridden, the track stands apart from Lennon-McCartney’s upbeat hits with its minor key and moody tone. The hosts discuss the song’s harmonic ambiguity, its unique blend of rock and Latin rhythms, and Harrison’s use of unconventional chords that add tension to the composition. They also delve into the recording process, including Ringo Starr’s use of a doumbek drum and the challenges of double-tracking George’s vocals. Discover why “Don’t Bother Me” is more than just a deep cut—it’s the first step in George Harrison’s journey as a songwriter.

What makes “All My Loving” the song that signaled a shift in the Beatles' dynamic? In this episode, Peter and Kenyon dive into Paul McCartney’s first major contribution to the Beatles’ catalog, written during a tour bus ride in 1963. The song marked a turning point as McCartney's melodic genius began to rival Lennon’s dominance. With influences ranging from country and western to pop balladry, the track introduced signature elements like John Lennon’s relentless triplet rhythm guitar and George Harrison’s Nashville-inspired solo. The hosts also explore how "All My Loving" became a cultural phenomenon, despite never being released as a single, with performances on The Ed Sullivan Show helping to ignite Beatlemania in the United States. Packed with surprising insights, this episode highlights the song's pivotal role in shaping the Beatles’ legacy and offers a fresh look at one of their most beloved tracks.

Although "It Won’t Be Long" kicks off With the Beatles with a jolt of energy and ambition, "All I’ve Got to Do" takes a quieter, more introspective approach, marking a surprising tonal shift. Written by John Lennon and inspired by Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, this track was one of the earliest Beatles songs to experiment with emotional vulnerability and minimalistic arrangements. Peter and Kenyon explore the song's sparse yet impactful instrumentation, Lennon's unadorned vocal delivery, and the intriguing harmonic shifts that lend the track its brooding atmosphere. They also discuss how the song’s use of "call and response" hints at the band’s deepening understanding of soul and R&B traditions. Despite being overshadowed by other tracks on the album, "All I’ve Got to Do" offers a fascinating study in restraint and raw emotion, revealing a side of the Beatles that feels both deeply personal and musically innovative.

What if the Beatles had chosen "It Won't Be Long" as a single instead of "I Want to Hold Your Hand"? Peter and Kenyon dive into this electrifying album opener, examining its sophisticated use of unusual chord progressions, lyrical wordplay, and high-energy performance. The song captures a transitional moment for the Beatles as they began blending rock and roll vigor with more nuanced compositional techniques. The hosts explore the challenges of its recording process, including John Lennon’s vocal intensity and George Harrison’s precise guitar work. They also touch on the song's historical significance, marking the Beatles' move toward wider critical acclaim and their burgeoning maturity as musicians. Packed with fun anecdotes and keen insights, this episode uncovers how "It Won’t Be Long" sets the tone for With the Beatles and reflects the band’s rapid evolution.

John Lennon believed "I'm in Love" could be a hit—but not for the Beatles. Instead, the 1963 track was handed off to the Fourmost, offering a glimpse into the Lennon-McCartney machine’s remarkable output during their peak years. Peter and Kenyon explore the song’s bittersweet lyrics, unusual rhythmic phrasing, and its distinctive descending chord sequence, which hints at the Beatles’ early flirtation with complexity. The hosts discuss the differences between Lennon’s original piano demo—raw and emotional—and the Fourmost’s polished cabaret interpretation, revealing how the song’s essence shifted across versions. Along the way, they uncover anecdotes about the Beatles’ generosity toward other artists and the strategic decisions behind giving away songs. Tune in to hear how “I’m in Love” exemplifies Lennon’s gift for blending pop sensibility with emotional resonance, even in a track the Beatles never claimed for themselves.

Peter and Kenyon explore "I Wanna Be Your Man," a pivotal 1963 Beatles song co-written by Lennon and McCartney and famously recorded by both the Beatles and the Rolling Stones. Written in just minutes to fulfill a request from the Stones for a new single, the song marked an important collaboration and rivalry between the two bands. The hosts dive into the Beatles’ version, sung by Ringo Starr, with its distinctive bluesy drive and layered production. They also examine how the Rolling Stones made the song their own, adding raw energy and a slide guitar solo by Brian Jones. The episode delves into the recording sessions, including George Martin’s contributions, and the song's unique use of chromaticism and rhythmic drive. With fascinating stories about its creation and insights into its cultural impact, Peter and Kenyon uncover how "I Wanna Be Your Man" shaped the paths of both iconic bands.

Peter and Kenyon dive into "I'll Keep You Satisfied," a song written by Paul McCartney in 1963 for Billy J. Kramer with the Dakotas. The track showcases McCartney’s melodic craftsmanship during the Beatles’ peak songwriting era, blending heartfelt lyrics with catchy hooks and a lively rhythm. The hosts discuss the song’s origins, written as part of Lennon and McCartney’s efforts to provide hits for other artists managed by Brian Epstein. They analyze its dynamic chord progressions, uplifting message, and Billy J. Kramer’s performance style, which brought McCartney’s vision to life. Additionally, Peter and Kenyon reflect on the broader context of the Beatles’ collaborative approach to songwriting at the time and the creative rivalry that pushed both Lennon and McCartney to continually outdo each other. This episode offers insights into how "I'll Keep You Satisfied" fits into the Beatles’ legacy and their role as pop music innovators.

Peter and Kenyon dive into "Love of the Loved," a song written by Paul McCartney in 1959 during his Quarrymen days and later performed at the Beatles’ Decca audition in 1962. The track reflects McCartney’s early compositional style, blending melodic sophistication with heartfelt emotion. The hosts discuss the song’s journey, from an unreleased Beatles recording to a 1963 single by Liverpool’s own Cilla Black, produced by George Martin. They explore the song’s unique musical elements, such as its descending melodic motif and unusual chord transitions, alongside McCartney’s Elvis-inspired vocal delivery. The episode delves into the cultural and historical context of the track, highlighting its role in Brian Epstein’s management strategy and its connection to the Beatles’ pivotal Decca audition. With sharp analysis and engaging anecdotes, Peter and Kenyon unpack the story behind a lesser-known yet significant early Beatles composition.