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In this episode of Note by Note, we unravel the layered vulnerability of If I Fell, a Lennon ballad that holds more than meets the ear. Kenyon, Peter, and Justin explore its striking intro—modulating from D♭ to D major—and how the tonal ambiguity sets the stage for a love song laced with self-doubt.

They discuss the sincerity and irony woven into the lyrics, questioning whether John is making a true romantic plea or mocking the very sentiment. The trio also breaks down the vocal blend between John and Paul, focusing on the small imperfections that make the harmony feel human.

There’s humor too—especially in the discussion of the shaky middle-eight and Paul’s comedic smirk in live footage. But at the heart of it is a Lennon song trying to sound confident, while quietly asking not to be hurt again.

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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A Hard Day’s Night wasn’t just the Beatles’ first film—it was a cinematic reset button for the music movie. In this episode, Peter, Kenyon and special guest Stephen explore how Richard Lester’s direction, Alun Owen’s script, and the band’s own instincts combined to create a kinetic, irreverent, and deeply influential piece of pop art.

From surreal cutaways to handheld camera work, the film captured the chaos of Beatlemania while also mythologizing it. We examine how it introduced character tropes still associated with the Beatles today (Paul’s “clean” image, Ringo’s melancholy, George’s sarcasm), and how its style shaped everything from Help! to Spinal Tap.

We also look at how United Artists’ commercial motives accidentally led to something timeless—and how the Beatles, often underplayed as actors, bring the script to life through pure charm and rhythm. A Hard Day’s Night may be rooted in 1964, but it still feels modern.

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Originally a Carl Perkins B-side, Matchbox became a showcase for Ringo Starr during the Beatles’ whirlwind studio sessions of mid-1964. In this episode, we explore why Ringo was chosen to sing this rockabilly relic, how it fits within the band’s American roots influences, and the peculiar circumstances surrounding its recording.

With George Harrison on lead guitar and producer George Martin himself playing piano, the session was slapped together in between tour rehearsals and studio catch-up. Ringo’s vocal is energetic but limited, and the track’s historical significance often outweighs its musical punch.

We also discuss the broader role of “Ringo songs” during this period and how Matchbox helped solidify his image as the affable, everyman Beatle—even when the material was beneath the band’s usual standards. It’s a minor track, but a meaningful glimpse into the Beatles’ live-driven momentum in 1964.

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