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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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1:00:05
EP037 - You Really Got A Hold On Me
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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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1:01:32
EP036 - Hold Me Tight
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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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1:16:19
LS036 - Hold Me Tight - Lecture Series (bonus)
In this lecture, Kenyon unpacks Paul McCartney’s “Hold Me Tight,” a deceptively simple track from With the Beatles that reveals deeper structural and harmonic complexity on close inspection. Though the song was often dismissed by its creators, Kenyon explores how its repeated ostinato patterns, major-minor tension, and chromatic middle eight create an unsettled, almost adolescent emotional landscape. The lecture analyzes the use of anti-phrasing, call-and-response, and tonal ambiguity—particularly the unexpected shift to A-flat major in the middle eight, a jarring move that foreshadows later Beatles experimentation. Kenyon also questions the song’s rhythmic phrasing, noting its disorienting seven-bar structure and off-kilter cadences, which mirror the lyrical uncertainty and emotional immaturity at the song’s core. Far from being a throwaway, “Hold Me Tight” serves as a window into the Beatles’ transitional period, where conventional love-song tropes meet increasingly adventurous musical instincts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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30:55
EP035 - Roll Over Beethoven
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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Join former bandmates and lifelong friends Peter and Kenyon as they dive deep into the legendary discography of The Beatles in "The Beatles: Note by Note." With decades of friendship and a shared passion for music, these lifelong Beatles fans meticulously analyze each Beatles song in chronological order of release. Blending historical context with personal anecdotes and technical insights, Peter and Kenyon's discussions are enriched by their background as musicians. From their humble beginnings to their rise as music icons, explore how The Beatles' songs were crafted, recorded, and how they transformed the music industry. Whether you're a die-hard fan or new to The Beatles' music, "The Beatles: Note by Note" offers a comprehensive and definitive journey through the catalog of one of the greatest bands of all time. This podcast is a must-listen for anyone seeking an in-depth, authoritative exploration of The Beatles' musical legacy.For more information, visit https://www.notebynoteseries.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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