Musician and self-described Beatles fanatic Jonathan Pretus ranked the entire recorded catalog of the Beatles, because he's a big, big nerd. Then he decided to make a podcast to talk with other people and learn about their connection with The Beatles' music. Tune in as Jonathan and his guests, joined by his co-host/wife Julia (a more level-headed, casual fan) discuss the rankings, what they think makes each song so great (or not-so-great), and see if it really is a fool's errand to try and rank the music of the greatest band of all time. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rankingthebeatles/support
3 facts you should know about me:
So the jauntiest of januty tunes inspired Paul's dog, Martha? PUT IT IN MY VEINS. I adore this tune, driven by what was originally a piano exercise. It features a really gorgeous vocal performance as well, Paul's really approaching the apex of his powers at this point in time musically, vocally, compositionally...he's just cranking out amazing stuff left and right, even if it doesn't fit the perceived mold of what the Beatles "should" be doing.
Joining us this week is our OG podpal, our Beatle nephew, the always brilliant Sam Whiles, host of the Paul or Nothing podcast. We chat about his new radio gig, Anthology, the upcoming Man on the Run doc, a brutal round of "Marry, F**k, Kill," and more!
What do you think about "Martha My Dear" at #69? Too high? Too low? Let us know in the comments on Facebook, Instagram, or find us now on Bluesky! Be sure to check out www.rankingthebeatles.com and grab a Rank Your Own Beatles poster, some of our new Revolver-themed merch, a shirt, a jumper, whatever you like! And if you're digging what we do, don't forget to Buy Us A Coffee!
After 30 years, The Beatles Anthology is back! The documentary is available in a newly restored edit on Disney+ featuring a new 9th episode, and the music is out featuring new mixes and a new 4th volume! The holiday season seems to be Beatles season nowadays, and we're not complaining. Because what are holidays for if not for gathering with loved ones and friends? And that's exactly what we're doing for this bonus episode.
We're joined by some of our Beatle people pals for a magical mystery chat, giving all our takes on Anthology, our own histories with it, our thoughts on the new version of doc and the new music, what we loved, what we missed, what choked us up...and for our longtime listeners, get ready because JULIA HAS FINALLY WATCHED THE ANTHOLOGY!!
So join us, Caitlin Larkin, Skylar Moody, Mary Devlin, VinylBenjy, Peter Lane (stick around for the end for a cameo from a special guest) as we talk all things Anthology!
Let us know your Anthology story wherever you're following along. Find us on Facebook, Instagram, or find us now on Bluesky! Be sure to check out www.rankingthebeatles.com and grab a Rank Your Own Beatles poster, some of our new Revolver-themed merch, a shirt, a jumper, whatever you like! And if you're digging what we do, don't forget to Buy Us A Coffee!
When The Beatles were still filling their sets with cover songs, they tended to avoid the obvious ones of their heroes, especially if other bands were playing them. While their competition was covering Arthur Alexander's "You Better Move On," The Beatles favored "Anna (Go To Him)." And even though Paul always says they were "a good little rock and roll band," they were also a good little r&b band as well. John's love of Alexander's music, and r&b in general is well on display here, and he delivers a masterful vocal, smooth when he wants it, anguished when he wants, filled with emotion throughout. It's a stand out track that's one of my favorites.
Joining us this week is Dan Absher, author of the new book "The Fab Four Pillars of Impact," which looks to the Beatles as a blueprint for successful organizations and teamwork. We chat about how the book came to be, whether Jonathan should write a book, the great Al Bundy, and so much more! Check out Dan's book at fabfouracademy.com .
What do you think about "Anna" at #70? Too high? Too low? Let us know in the comments on Facebook, Instagram, or find us now on Bluesky! Be sure to check out www.rankingthebeatles.com and grab a Rank Your Own Beatles poster, some of our new Revolver-themed merch, a shirt, a jumper, whatever you like! And if you're digging what we do, don't forget to Buy Us A Coffee!
With the intention of returning to the Beatles' roots on the Get Back project, it's no surprise Paul chose to mine the New Orleans r&b/early rock and roll stylings that were an early influence. And while it didn't get it's final form until the Abbey Road sessions, there's crumbs of the creation of "Oh! Darling" scattered throughout Get Back and onward. It took months for the song to come together, and weeks for Paul to nail the vocal in just the right tone he was looking for. It's arguably one of his all time best vocal performances, and for a song that was never a single, it's one of the best-known tracks. And hard to believe he's only ever played it live once!
Joining the show this week is our fab pal, the wonderful Caitlin Larkin! We caught up after one of her shifts on the air on the Sirius XM Beatles channel (you can hear her M-F 12-1 EST) to talk about all the wild Beatling that's gone on this year, her report of Paul's intimate Nashville show, and so much more!
What do you think about "Oh! Darling" at #71? Too high? Too low? Let us know in the comments on Facebook, Instagram, or find us now on Bluesky! Be sure to check out www.rankingthebeatles.com and grab a Rank Your Own Beatles poster, some of our new Revolver-themed merch, a shirt, a jumper, whatever you like! And if you're digging what we do, don't forget to Buy Us A Coffee!
It's weird how many songs the Beatles have that aren't "hits" but are still universally loved. It seems everyone knows and loves "I've Just Seen A Face," despite never being a single and never appearing on the big compilations. Maybe it's just one that's found a way to sink its' teeth into anyone who's ever known the rush of new love. Maybe it's just one of those classic Paul melodies. Maybe it's the kind of country, kind of rock, kind of acoustic line it seems to walk so well. Maybe it's all of those. Either way, it's an absolute gem.
Joining us this week is Jack Petruzelli, producer, songwriter, musician, and founding member of The Fab Faux, in addition to his work with folks like Rufus Wainwright, Joan Osborne, and more. He joins us to talk about what makes the Fab Faux work (they're probably the best Beatles tribute around, no wigs or costumes needed, just A-list players). We take a trip across previous rankings to question my sanity, while also discussing the upcoming Magical Mystery Camp (June 24-27), an all-inclusive, once-in-a-lifetime music vacation experience in the heart of the Catskills, exploring the music of The Beatles via performances, workshops, songwriting clinics and more! You can join the Fab Faux, Peter Asher, Joan Osborne, Laurence Juber and more, along with Beatle authors (and former RTB guests) Robert Rodriguez and Jerry Hammack, Ken Womack, and more in the Catskills for a Fab time! Learn more and sign up at https://www.magicalmysterycamp.com/
What do you think about "I've Just Seen A Face" at #72? Too high? Too low? Let us know in the comments on Facebook, Instagram, or find us now on Bluesky! Be sure to check out www.rankingthebeatles.com and grab a Rank Your Own Beatles poster, some of our new Revolver-themed merch, a shirt, a jumper, whatever you like! And if you're digging what we do, don't forget to Buy Us A Coffee!
McCartney's ability to craft the most capitvating, simple, and gorgeous melodies never fails to amaze. Conceived (we think/he tells us) as a song of encouragement and support for the civil rights movement, in full swing by 1968, "Blackbird" has become one of Paul's signature songs. It was the title of his poetry collection. It's one of the most tattoo'd Beatle lyrics and imagery. It's one of his best, and he knows it, and we know it.
Joining us this week is Allan Kozinn, co-author of the brilliant McCartney Legacy book series. Vol.2 dropped at the end of 2024, and like Vol. 1 before,has garnered rave reviews. It's the most in-depth and thoughtful dive on Paul's non-Beatles years ever done, and we can't recommend it enough! Allan drops in to talk his "demonic" book, the human side of Paul, uncovering treasures in plain sight, and more! Grab a copy at https://www.mccartneylegacy.com/ !
What do you think about "Blackbird" at #73? Too high? Too low? Let us know in the comments on Facebook, Instagram, or find us now on Bluesky! Be sure to check out www.rankingthebeatles.com and grab a Rank Your Own Beatles poster, some of our new Revolver-themed merch, a shirt, a jumper, whatever you like! And if you're digging what we do, don't forget to Buy Us A Coffee!
One of the best things about the White Album is seeing so many different sides of each Beatle. To close out the first disc, we get a rare glimpse of the really vulnerable and sensitive John, a side we really haven't seen laid bare prior to this. It's a gorgeous track, lead by an almost hypnotic finger picking pattern, with a single note, bare lead vocal practically forcing you to listen to what he's singing about. Of course Julia was his mother, but is this just a song to/about her? I'd always thought so, until this conversation.
Joining us this week is the always wonderful Jude Southerland Kessler, the author of The John Lennon series. Jude always seems to know just how to blow our minds with her knowledge and telling of John's story, and this episode is no different. The newest book in the series, Volume 5.2, which is called Some Forever ,Shades of Life Pt 2 covers August of 1965-1966 and contrary to what we discuss in the episode, will be out around August of this year (darn printing delays!). These books are fantastic, we can't wait to dive it and suggest you do the same as well! Check it out at johnlennonseries.com.
What do you think about "Julia" at #74? Too high? Too low? Let us know in the comments on Facebook, Instagram, or find us now on Bluesky! Be sure to check out www.rankingthebeatles.com and grab a Rank Your Own Beatles poster, some of our new Revolver-themed merch, a shirt, a jumper, whatever you like! And if you're digging what we do, don't forget to Buy Us A Coffee!
Ever seen an artist create a global smash hit from the moment of inception through each and every moment of rehearsal and refinement to recording, live premier, and continued real time performances 60 years later? With "Get Back," now you have. Pulling this out of the ether during the 1969 Twickenham sessions, this seedling turns into a fantastic performance by the lads, brought to its' full potential with assistance from Billy Preston. As it says in the ad for the single, it's "music to rollercoast to" and who are we to argue?
Joining us this week are Robert Rodriguez and Jerry Hammack. You may know Robert from his brilliant and long running podcast, Something About the Beatles and his books, and Jerry's the author of the Beatles Recording Reference Manuals, a fab 5 volume series documenting how each and every musical sausage was made by the band. They've joined forces now for Ribbons of Rust: The Beatles Recording History in Context. It's a fascinating deep dive into the recordings and the world, musical and otherwise, that informed them. Volume 1 is out now, covering 1954-1963, so there's A LOT more to look forward to! Grab a copy at RibbonsofRust.net!
What do you think about "Get Back" at #75? Too high? Too low? Let us know in the comments on Facebook, Instagram, or find us now on Bluesky! Be sure to check out www.rankingthebeatles.com and grab a Rank Your Own Beatles poster, some of our new Revolver-themed merch, a shirt, a jumper, whatever you like! And if you're digging what we do, don't forget to Buy Us A Coffee!
Maybe it's just me, but I've got a real sweet spot for when, in the midst of all the chaos of exploding into the world's biggest band and becoming the greatest songwriters alive, the Beatles blow off steam by pulling out a song from their garage band days. "Slow Down," written by New Orleanian Larry Williams (protege to Little Richard and Lloyd Price) was recorded during the sessions for the A Hard Day's Night album, when John's early rock and roll voice is arguably at it's peak. Those screams...good lawdy, indeed ! It feels carefree and joyous, they're not fretting over if this new song is going to be the next big hit, they're just hitting the release valve and letting go all that pressure, just playing rock and roll for the fun of it. I love those moments.
Bad news, folks: Julia's not with us today. Good news, folks: our podpals from Blotto Beatles are! We love any chance to catch up with our Blotto bros, and this time was no exception (well, except for Julia's absence). We talk about the trouble with Larrys, Beatle footware, covers, the Fest for Beatle Fans, and so much more! If you're not listening to Blotto Beatles, you should be, so check it out!
What do you think about "Slow Down" at #76? Too high? Too low? Let us know in the comments on Facebook, Instagram, or find us now on Bluesky! Be sure to check out www.rankingthebeatles.com and grab a Rank Your Own Beatles poster, some of our new Revolver-themed merch, a shirt, a jumper, whatever you like! And if you're digging what we do, don't forget to Buy Us A Coffee!
Did you guys know the Beatles did drugs? IT'S RIGHT THERE IN THE TITLE, MAN, LSDDDDDDDD! Inspired by a drawing done by his son Julian, John's "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds" is arguably the most psychedelic of Beatles psychedelic songs. But that trippiness overshadows brilliantly musical performances and inventive production. It's one of the high points of The Beatles and George Martin (and his team) being on the same wavelength, all pulling in the same direction. Lucy (and her parent album) may have lost a touch of its' shine among the common listener, but listen with fresh ears and be blown away all over again.
Joining us this week is the always fantastic Jason Kruppa, host of the Producing the Beatles podcast, co-author of All Things Must Pass Away: Harrison, Clapton, and Other Assorted Love Songs. He was supposed to join us via Zoom a couple of weeks ago (during the now famous New Orleans snow storm) but the recording set up at RTB HQ couldn't handle the cold and died on us. So we had to reschedule once we got back up and running, so we were able to connect in person, which was much better! We chat with Jason about the brilliance of the Beatles' vocals, isolation videos, Crocs, the importance of the drummer, and so much. more!
All isolations in this episode provided by Jason. Be sure to subscribe to Producing the Beatles!
What do you think about "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds" at #77? Too high? Too low? Let us know in the comments on Facebook, Instagram, or find us now on Bluesky! Be sure to check out www.rankingthebeatles.com and grab a Rank Your Own Beatles poster, some of our new Revolver-themed merch, a shirt, a jumper, whatever you like! And if you're digging what we do, don't forget to Buy Us A Coffee!
**Disclaimer: First show of the new year, and yeah, I know, I blew it, but I own up to it! The integrity of the list remains!**
The fabs sure loved writing songs about their relationships on vacation. As we discussed one of Paul's recently ("For No One"), now it's John's turn. John's ode to infidelity and arson turned into one of the most sublime sonic moments in their catalogue, as well as one of the most influential. George's now iconic sitar part influenced so many other bands of the time to start experimenting with Indian music (The Rolling Stones' "Paint It Black" maybe most famously), and marked the beginning of his and the band's bringing Eastern music to popular Western culture. It's a defining sound of the 60s, and this song may be well the defining song of the Rubber Soul album.
Joining us this week is Beatles author and all around lovely person Sara Schmidt! She's the author Dear Beatle People: The Story of the Beatles North American Fan Club and Happiness is Seeing the Beatles: Beatlemania in St. Louis . She's also the brains behind meetthebeatlesforreal.com where she's been archiving Beatles photos and fan stories since 2007. While Apple and so many are telling the history of the band, this is the other side of the coin, the thing that made it work, the fans, and it's a fantastic archive of stories and interactions with the band. Check out the website and Sara's books at meetthebeatlesforreal.com, and if you have a story to share with her, send it over!
What do you think about "Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown)" at 78? Too high? Too low? Let us know in the comments on Facebook, Instagram, or find us now on Bluesky! Be sure to check out www.rankingthebeatles.com and grab a Rank Your Own Beatles poster, some of our new Revolver-themed merch, a shirt, a jumper, whatever you like! And if you're digging what we do, don't forget to Buy Us A Coffee!