Episode 271: Songs under the Microscope, Vol. 39: "Ask Me Why"

In this episode, Dave and Chris go back into the lab to examine the Beatles’ early B‑side “Ask Me Why,” exploring its unusual and sophisticated (for the time) chord progression, three‑part vocals, lyrics, and recording history from the Pete Best era to Please Please Me. As usual, Chris digs deep to find interesting cover versions (linked below)! We also catch you up on a couple of new items including George Harrison’s upcoming photo book, the Rubber Soul box set, and some recent Lennon family news.   "Ask Me Why" Covers  Les Lionceaux - Je Suis Fou 1964 Dynasouls 1977 LOS BUITRES 1989 de Venezuela Pregúntame porqué (Ask me why)  Smithereens (2008 album, “B-Sides The Beatles”) Bill Anschell 2011 deconstructed piano version   Please Please Me remastered Stereo vinyl https://amzn.to/4ijWsaR Please Please me CD  https://amzn.to/4cuE23i  George Harrison - The Third Eye preorder https://amzn.to/3SrUieM   (As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.)   -Feel free to email or record a message about this episode to [email protected] and we'll include you in our "Please Mr. Postman" segment. Try using Vocaroo for an audio message! -Also, please comment on, like, and rate us wherever you listen to your podcasts. You can now watch us on YouTube! Complete episodes can be found at https://ivegotabeatlespodcast.podbean.com. Email: [email protected] X: @ivegotabeatles Facebook: I’ve Got A Beatles Podcast Check out our non-Beatles video venture: "Song Album Career!"

Dave and Chris return from summer hiatus to rank the 14 John Lennon–related tracks from The Beatles’ White Album, including the outtake “What’s the New Mary Jane.” We discuss John's fantastic vocal performances, production choices, alternate mixes, and the songs’ contexts including “Happiness Is a Warm Gun,” “Dear Prudence,” and “I’m So Tired." And of course, we debate one of the most controversial pieces, “Revolution 9.” We finish by recapping some of the Rubber Soul news.  What is your ranking? Let us know! Need to order any Rubber Soul variants or White Album sets? White Album 2 disc 50th anniversary Giles Martin remix vinyl https://amzn.to/4guPNYB   White Album 3 CD with Esher Demos https://amzn.to/45PJBpi   White Album 2 CD "enhanced" 2009 remaster https://amzn.to/4hRdU6e   Rubber Soul 5LP + 7" Single Special Edition Super Deluxe Box Set  https://amzn.to/4zfbjsX   Rubber Soul Super Deluxe 4 CD https://amzn.to/3Ssm62q   Rubber Soul Special Edition Blu-ray https://amzn.to/4qihPeD   Rubber Soul Deluxe Half-speed Double vinyl 2 LP https://amzn.to/4qnUo3y   Rubber Soul Deluxe 2 CD https://amzn.to/45YozEP    Rubber Soul Half-speed 1 LP https://amzn.to/3S7kivG    (As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases)   -Feel free to email or record a message about this episode to [email protected] and we'll include you in our "Please Mr. Postman" segment. Try using Vocaroo for an audio message! -Also, please comment on, like, and rate us wherever you listen to your podcasts. You can now watch us on YouTube! Complete episodes can be found at https://ivegotabeatlespodcast.podbean.com. Email: [email protected] X: @ivegotabeatles Facebook: I’ve Got A Beatles Podcast Check out our non-Beatles video venture: "Song Album Career!"

The new Rubber Soul sets are coming on October 2! In this episode, we dive into the new reissues: Giles Martin’s stereo mixes, previously unreleased session takes, mono and U.S. albums, and exclusive vinyl and Blu-ray options. We also give you all the pricing details, bonus items, fan complaints, and whether the vault material still justifies the box set approach. We engage in some speculation (!) as to future releases as well.  Want to purchase any of the sets? Rubber Soul 5LP + 7" Single Special Edition Super Deluxe Box Set  https://amzn.to/4zfbjsX   Rubber Soul Super Deluxe 4 CD https://amzn.to/3Ssm62q Rubber Soul Special Edition Blu-ray https://amzn.to/4qihPeD   Rubber Soul Deluxe Half-speed Double vinyl 2 LP https://amzn.to/4qnUo3y   Rubber Soul Deluxe 2 CD https://amzn.to/45YozEP    Rubber Soul Half-speed 1 LP https://amzn.to/3S7kivG    (As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases) -Feel free to email or record a message about this episode to [email protected] and we'll include you in our "Please Mr. Postman" segment. Try using Vocaroo for an audio message! -Also, please comment on, like, and rate us wherever you listen to your podcasts. You can now watch us on YouTube! Complete episodes can be found at https://ivegotabeatlespodcast.podbean.com. Email: [email protected] X: @ivegotabeatles Facebook: I’ve Got A Beatles Podcast Check out our non-Beatles video venture: "Song Album Career!"  

In this episode, Dave and Chris take a two-for-one deep dive into George Harrison’s “Here Comes the Sun” and its lesser-known companion (or sequel?) “Here Comes the Moon.” We explore the songs’ origins, lyrics, inspiration, unique musical elements (Moog synthesizer!), Ringo’s problems playing the meter changes, and a surprise uncredited co-writer for "Here Comes the Moon." As usual, we mention notable covers — from the Concert for Bangladesh and SNL to versions by Nina Simone, Yusuf/Cat Stevens, Peter Tosh and more — and speculate as to why "Here Comes The Sun" is the most-streamed Beatles song while "Here Comes The Moon" is a hidden gem. Check out the links below to buy the items mentioned in the episode: Abbey Road (anniversary lp)  https://amzn.to/4ykBw9a  Let It Roll (vinyl)  https://amzn.to/4gy0Ge4  George Harrison (vinyl)  https://amzn.to/44WRSHq  our Amazon Storefront  https://a.co/d/02mzfR62    (As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases)      Cover Songs mentioned in the episode:    Here Comes the Sun (official video)  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KQetemT1sWc  Take 9  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oIt8GN2sr4I  Lost guitar solo  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mMXDOWRUR7M  Concert for Bangladesh  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v5G26sTxMlo&list=RDv5G26sTxMlo&start_radio=1  Paul Simon & George Harrison on SNL November 20,1976  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KEgBMTMUanU&list=RDKEgBMTMUanU&start_radio=1  Live in Japan  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q54DO0B2atc&list=RDQ54DO0B2atc&start_radio=1  Richie Havens 1971  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_Kq-2Xs8NY&list=RDP_Kq-2Xs8NY&start_radio=1  Nina Simone 1971  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T9gMsdNQSUM&list=RDT9gMsdNQSUM&start_radio=1  Sergio Mendes 1975  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dq8qEnTGtWg&list=RDdq8qEnTGtWg&start_radio=1  The Runaways 1980  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yubiSnR9Zkk&list=RDyubiSnR9Zkk&start_radio=1  Womack & Womack 1985  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f5twzxHZVHE&list=RDf5twzxHZVHE&start_radio=1  Voodoo Glow Skulls 1994  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vIPjTtPCls8&list=RDvIPjTtPCls8&start_radio=1  Lou Rawls 1998  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jd_YDU1NzFo  Nick Cave 2002 - from I am Sam  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uT9YgfdgUVI&list=RDuT9YgfdgUVI&start_radio=1  Travis 2002  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Za0ib4r0d5g&list=RDZa0ib4r0d5g&start_radio=1  Joe Brown concert for George 2003  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cTwWpkLEHCA&list=RDcTwWpkLEHCA&start_radio=1  John Entwistle 2003 Songs From The Material World (Tribute To George Harrison)  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F3e8MotBOoE&t=6s  GeorgeFest version - Perry Ferrell -  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ilQuPQF5zSM&list=RDilQuPQF5zSM&start_radio=1  Yo Yo Ma & James Taylor 2021  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qgO7BqAeeYk&list=RDqgO7BqAeeYk&start_radio=1  Jon Bon Jovi - 2021  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L5b5A8Tr9P0&list=RDL5b5A8Tr9P0&start_radio=1  Yusuf/Cat Stevens 2023  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iCF7opEbEw0 George Benson 1969 (Here Comes the Sun/I Want You (She's So Heavy) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b6IDWgIjH6I  Peter Tosh Here Comes The Sun monomix  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mrNzCP0f30Y  George Benson https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0aLnb6FBWbI&list=RD0aLnb6FBWbI&start_radio=1 Here Comes The Moon  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cu1dvIwk6pc  Here Comes the Moon demo  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PhvGr5Db1DU      

In this episode, we've collected listener feedback on Paul McCartney's The Boys of Dungeon Lane, summarizing four core themes: the album as a slow burner that rewards repeat listens, praise as a surprising triumph for his age, debates about vocal tone and production, and a perceived lack of McCartney-style whimsy.  We also highlight listener comments on standout tracks (e.g., "Life Can Be Hard"), track-by-track reactions, and a discussion of album variants and collector culture, concluding that overall fan response is positive and emotionally resonant. -Check out albums to buy, including The Boys of Dungeon Lane, in our Amazon store! (As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases)   -Feel free to email or record a message about this episode to [email protected] and we'll include you in our "Please Mr. Postman" segment. Try using Vocaroo for an audio message! -Also, please comment on, like, and rate us wherever you listen to your podcasts. You can now watch us on YouTube! Complete episodes can be found at https://ivegotabeatlespodcast.podbean.com. Email: [email protected] X: @ivegotabeatles Facebook: I’ve Got A Beatles Podcast Check out our non-Beatles video venture: "Song Album Career!"  

In this episode, we take our usual detailed, track-by-track look at Paul McCartney’s latest album, The Boys of Dungeon Lane — discussing its Englishness, production, lyrics, vocal performance, standout tracks, and of course, the many release variants (you can buy some below!) We also talk about the album’s dense arrangements and memorable moments, critiques about certain lyrics, vocal choices, and production.  -More about all the variants (from Beatles Blogger) -Check out albums to buy, including The Boys of Dungeon Lane, in our Amazon store! (As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases)   -Feel free to email or record a message about this episode to [email protected] and we'll include you in our "Please Mr. Postman" segment. Try using Vocaroo for an audio message! -Also, please comment on, like, and rate us wherever you listen to your podcasts. You can now watch us on YouTube! Complete episodes can be found at https://ivegotabeatlespodcast.podbean.com. Email: [email protected] X: @ivegotabeatles Facebook: I’ve Got A Beatles Podcast Check out our non-Beatles video venture: "Song Album Career!"

In this episode, Dave and Chris review Ringo Starr’s new album Long Long Road, produced by T‑Bone Burnett. We discuss the album’s short runtime, country/Americana slant, and notable guests (Molly Tuttle, Billy Strings, St. Vincent, Sheryl Crow), and consider whether this feels like a sequel to his last year's Look Up. As usual with most Ringo albums, his drumming is great and his voice is good, but there are some inconsistent production choices, weirdly-muted guest vocals, and some repetitive or filler moments. But if you want to hear it, use these links to purchase the album! Ringo Starr - Long Long Road LP https://amzn.to/4tdcAwB   Ringo Starr - Long Long Road CD https://amzn.to/4dpI7qa   Our storefront: https://amzn.to/49ylVry   (As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases)   Feel free to email or record a message about this episode to [email protected] and we'll include you in our "Please Mr. Postman" segment. Try using Vocaroo for an audio message! Also, please comment on, like, and rate us wherever you listen to your podcasts. You can now watch us on YouTube! Complete episodes can be found at https://ivegotabeatlespodcast.podbean.com. Email: [email protected] X: @ivegotabeatles Facebook: I’ve Got A Beatles Podcast Check out our non-Beatles video venture: "Song Album Career!"

In this episode, Dave and Chris explore the many ways the Beatles end their songs — from dramatic codas and long fade-outs to chaotic jams, unexpected chord shifts, and of course, studio histrionics. The Beatles have many "cool ends" to go along with their "hot starts!" We cover some of the famous endings in tracks like "A Day in the Life," "Hey Jude," "Strawberry Fields Forever," "I Am the Walrus," as well as some tunes that you may not expect. As always, we also discuss the latest Beatles news. Enjoy!   Want to purchase any items discussed in this episode? Here are the links: Ringo Starr - Long Long Road (vinyl) preorder April 24th  https://amzn.to/3P7jS6L    The Boys of Dungeon Lane White Amazon Exclusive vinyl https://amzn.to/4uWqips   The Boys of Dungeon Lane Black Vinyl https://amzn.to/3PNzs7F    The Boys of Dungeon Lane CD https://amzn.to/4lW47vL   (As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases)   Feel free to email or record a message about this episode to [email protected] and we'll include you in our "Please Mr. Postman" segment. Try using Vocaroo for an audio message! Also, please comment on, like, and rate us wherever you listen to your podcasts. You can now watch us on YouTube! Complete episodes can be found at https://ivegotabeatlespodcast.podbean.com. Email: [email protected] X: @ivegotabeatles Facebook: I’ve Got A Beatles Podcast Check out our non-Beatles video venture: "Song Album Career!"

In this "emergency" episode/Song under The Microscope we examine Paul McCartney’s new single "Days We Left Behind" and discuss his forthcoming album The Boys of Dungeon Lane (out May 29). We break down the recording, falsetto vocals, lyrical references to John and Liverpool, and the song’s nostalgic tone, as well as ruminate on what it means at this stage of Paul's career. We also cover album details: tracklist, production background, formats and pricing, as well as Paul’s recent intimate shows.  Want to purchase any items discussed? Here are the links: The Boys of Dungeon Lane White Amazon Exclusive vinyl https://amzn.to/4uWqips   The Boys of Dungeon Lane Black Vinyl https://amzn.to/3PNzs7F    The Boys of Dungeon Lane CD https://amzn.to/4lW47vL   As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.   Feel free to email or record a message about this episode to [email protected] and we'll include you in our "Please Mr. Postman" segment. Try using Vocaroo for an audio message! Also, please comment on, like, and rate us wherever you listen to your podcasts. You can now watch us on YouTube! Complete episodes can be found at https://ivegotabeatlespodcast.podbean.com. Email: [email protected] X: @ivegotabeatles Facebook: I’ve Got A Beatles Podcast Check out our non-Beatles video venture: "Song Album Career!"  

In this episode, Dave and Chris review Morgan Neville’s Man on the Run, the new documentary about Paul McCartney’s first post‑Beatles years. We summarize the film’s release, Neville’s approach to telling Paul’s journey in the 1970s, and discuss the narrative, archival footage, photography, and contributions from all Wings members. Is it worth seeing? As always, we also read listener feedback and cover recent Beatles‑related news and releases. Enjoy! Feel free to email or record a message about this episode to [email protected] and we'll include you in our "Please Mr. Postman" segment. Try using Vocaroo for an audio message! Also, please comment on, like, and rate us wherever you listen to your podcasts. You can now watch us on YouTube! Complete episodes can be found at https://ivegotabeatlespodcast.podbean.com. Email: [email protected] X: @ivegotabeatles Facebook: I’ve Got A Beatles Podcast Check out our non-Beatles video venture: "Song Album Career!" Buy albums discussed in this episode: Man On The Run (Soundtrack) [Amazon Exclusive-Color LP] https://amzn.to/3PeOoM4    Ringo Starr - Long Long Road (vinyl) preorder April 24th  https://amzn.to/3P7jS6L    The Claypool Lennon Delirium - Great Parrot-Ox and the Golden Egg of Empathy (double vinyl) preorder - May 1st https://amzn.to/4sj17Mn    As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases