PODCAST

My Favourite Beatles Song

Tim Tucker

Each episode Tim Tucker talks to a distinguished guest about their favourite song by the Beatles.

music music commentary

All Episodes

32:34

Please Please Me – Chris Purcell

My Favourite Beatles Song ·

2026/02/12

Send a text Tim is joined by filmmaker Chris Purcell to explore Please Please Me. They examine its transformation from a Roy Orbison-style ballad into an urgent pop classic, George Martin’s crucial early guidance, the song’s groundbreaking harmonies and driving rhythm, and how it marked the true beginning of Beatlemania. They also discuss Chris’s new feature documentary Evolver 62, featuring Mark Lewisohn, which tells the blow-by-blow story of the Beatles’ pivotal year through rare artefacts ...

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42:45

Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown) – Christine...

My Favourite Beatles Song ·

2026/02/05

Send us a text Tim is joined by Beatles academic and author Christine Feldman-Barrett to explore Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown). They examine the song’s storytelling ambiguity, its blend of warmth and emotional coolness, and its cultural impact as a depiction of a new kind of sixties woman. On the way they discuss mid-60s London interiors, the revolutionary introduction of the sitar and the wider influence of Indian music on George Harrison and beyond.

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42:46

Strawberry Fields Forever – Julia Baird

My Favourite Beatles Song ·

2026/01/29

Send us a text Tim is joined by John Lennon’s half-sister Julia Baird to explore “Strawberry Fields Forever.” They trace John’s early musical roots, unpack the song as a window into his inner life, and reflect on Strawberry Field’s legacy today, from the meditative gardens to the “Imagine” Steinway piano. Julia Baird's website: https://juliabaird.co.ukStrawberry Field: https://www.strawberryfield.salvationarmy.org.uk Follow My Favourite Beatles Song Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/myfave...

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37:50

Misery – Andy Edwards

My Favourite Beatles Song ·

2026/01/22

Send us a text Beatles statue sculptor Andy Edwards joins Tim to explore Misery, a deceptively bright early Beatles song with a surprisingly rich backstory. They examine its origins backstage in Stoke-on-Trent, its status as the first McCartney/Lennon cover, and the musical details that make its brief 1:47 runtime so distinctive — from unison vocals to George Martin’s half-speed piano. Guest links Website: https://www.cornoviiedwards.com/Lemmy Forever (tribute & projects): https://www.le...

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46:59

While My Guitar Gently Weeps – Laurence Juber

My Favourite Beatles Song ·

2026/01/08

Send us a text Tim is joined by guitarist, arranger and former Wings member Laurence Juber to explore “While My Guitar Gently Weeps.” They dig into George Harrison’s leap as a rock songwriter, the song’s folk-rooted chord DNA, that beautifully falling bass line and major-key lift in the bridge, plus the story behind Eric Clapton’s iconic guest solo. Guest links Laurence Juber website: https://laurencejuber.com Follow My Favourite Beatles Song Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/myfave...

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48:18

Blue Jay Way – Adam S Leslie

My Favourite Beatles Song ·

2025/12/18

Send us a text Tim and author/musician Adam S Leslie get lost in the fog of George Harrison’s Blue Jay Way. They examine the hazy “post-Pepper, pre-White Album” moment where the band leans into guitar-less experimentation, taking in strange melodic modes, lyrical ambiguities, Leslie-speaker vocals, flanging drums, improvised cello flourishes, and hauntological backward tape fragments. Guest links Adam S Leslie’s book Lost in the Garden: https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/product/Lost-in-t...

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43:00

The Long and Winding Road – Simon Weitzman

My Favourite Beatles Song ·

2025/12/04

Send us a text Tim is joined by British filmmaker and author Simon Weitzman to explore The Long and Winding Road. They discuss Simon’s earliest Beatles memories, the emotional pull of the song, its complex chord structure, Paul’s inspirations, and the contrasting recordings – from Phil Spector’s sweeping orchestral version to the intimate 'Let It Be… Naked' take. Simon also shares personal stories connected to the track and reflects on his own Beatles-related film work, including Love Letters...

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45:36

It Don't Come Easy – Vikki Reilly

My Favourite Beatles Song ·

2025/11/20

Send us a text Tim is joined by writer and returning guest Vikki Reilly, author of The Beatles 101, to explore Ringo Starr’s classic solo single It Don’t Come Easy. They look at how the song captures Ringo’s resilience, peace-and-love ethos and feelings around the Beatles’ breakup, dig into George Harrison’s vital role in its creation, and trace how it helped define Ringo’s 1970s sound and ongoing legacy. Guest links Vikki on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/bookyvikki.bsky.socialVikki on In...

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48:09

Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band – Laurence Rickard

My Favourite Beatles Song ·

2025/11/06

Send us a text Tim is joined by actor, writer, and comedian Laurence Rickard (Ghosts, Horrible Histories) to explore “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” (and its Reprise). They dig into the album’s “new band” concept, that razor-edged guitar tone, Edwardian brass colour, the art and conspiracies of the cover, and how the reprise frames the album like a live show. Guest links •Website: https://laurencerickard.com •Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lazbotron •Amandaland Christmas Specia...

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40:46

One After 909 – Rod Davis

My Favourite Beatles Song ·

2025/10/23

Send us a text Tim is joined by musician and original Quarryman Rod Davis to explore “One After 909.” They revisit Rod’s early days with John Lennon, the birth of the Quarrymen, and the song’s long journey from skiffle-era beginnings to its roof-top revival. Along the way they dig into train-song traditions, why the tune’s simple, bluesy structure works so well live, Billy Preston’s sparkling keyboard part, and Lennon’s fondness for the number nine. Rod also shares vivid memories of Julia Len...

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47:06

And Your Bird Can Sing – Nancy Howie

My Favourite Beatles Song ·

2025/10/09

Send us a text Tim is joined by musician and YouTuber Nancy Howie (aka Fathom) to explore “And Your Bird Can Sing.” They dive into Revolver-era innovation, Paul’s shape-shifting basslines, those tightly harmonised dual guitars, lyrical interpretations (from Sinatra to Lennon–McCartney dynamics), and why this two-minute gem feels so complete. Guest links Fathom on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@fathommusicnzFathom on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fathommusicnz/ Follow My Favouri...

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47:19

You Know My Name (Look Up the Number) – Nick Frater

My Favourite Beatles Song ·

2025/09/25

Send us a text Tim is joined by songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Nick Frater for a deep dive into the wonderfully strange "You Know My Name (Look Up the Number)." They trace the song's bizarre journey from a playful 1967 jam session to its eventual release as the B-side to "Let It Be" in 1970. The discussion covers the track's suite-like structure of contrasting musical styles, the chaotic and fun-filled recording sessions featuring a guest appearance by Brian Jones of The Roll...

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47:43

I’ve Got a Feeling – Tom Cox

My Favourite Beatles Song ·

2025/09/11

Send us a text Tim welcomes author Tom Cox for a joyful deep-dive into the rooftop rocker I’ve Got a Feeling. They trace Tom’s earliest Fab Four memories (Paperback Writer on the rug, Yellow Submarine with his Liverpudlian nan), his love of that mid-’60s psychedelic sweet spot, and why McCartney’s work ethic and versatility shine here. Together they unpack Lennon–McCartney’s last true collaboration: two half-songs woven into one, Billy Preston’s spark, George’s tasteful lines, Paul’s vo...

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41:58

#9 Dream – Alan G Parker

My Favourite Beatles Song ·

2025/04/28

Send us a text Tim welcomes documentary filmmaker Alan G Parker for a deep dive into John Lennon’s ethereal 1974 solo classic #9 Dream. They discuss the song’s dream-like production, Lennon’s lifelong fascination with the number nine, and the curious whispers that still intrigue fans. Alan also shares stories from his forthcoming feature documentary Borrowed Time, revealing new insights into Lennon’s unrealised 1981–82 tour plans. Guest links Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alang.parker.7...

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46:17

Yellow Submarine — Grant McPhee

My Favourite Beatles Song ·

2025/04/07

Send us a text Tim chats with film director and writer Grant McPhee about the Beatles song Yellow Submarine. They talk about the song’s fun sound, its strange mix of ideas, and the way it has grown into a song for all ages. Find out more about Grant McPhee and his work Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/grantmcphee.bsky.socialX (Twitter): https://x.com/grantmcpheefilmFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/grantmcphee Follow My Favourite Beatles Song Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/myfavebe...

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45:27

She's Leaving Home — Phil Lecomber

My Favourite Beatles Song ·

2025/03/24

Send us a text Tim chats with author Phil Lecomber about the Beatles’ unique song “She’s Leaving Home”. They share memories of the band, discuss the song’s dramatic musical style, and explore its rich story. Phil also talks about his new book, Midnight Streets, set in the 1920s in London Soho, and how real voices and working-class tales shape his work. Phil's website: https://www.phillecomber.comPhil on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/phillecomber/Phil on X: https://x.com/PhilLecomberS...

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41:00

Two of Us — Ian Leslie

My Favourite Beatles Song ·

2025/03/17

Send us a text Tim Tucker chats with writer and author Ian Leslie, author of John & Paul: A Love Story in Songs, about the Beatles’ song “Two of Us” and the deep bond between Lennon & McCartney. They talk about the song’s shift from a hard rocker to a gentle, heartfelt tune, and explore how the music they made spoke for them when words fell short. Ian Leslie, The Ruffian: https://www.ian-leslie.comJohn & Paul: A Love Story in Songs: https://www.ian-leslie.com/p/introducing-john-an...

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53:33

I'm Only Sleeping — Antony Rotunno

My Favourite Beatles Song ·

2025/03/03

Send us a text Tim is joined by podcaster, musician, and life coach Antony Rotunno to explore John Lennon's dreamy Revolver track 'I'm Only Sleeping,' from its conception on the back of a phone bill to George Harrison's meticulous work on the backward guitar parts. They discuss the song's unique sound textures and how it reflects Lennon's state of mind in 1966. Antony Rotunno's website: https://www.antonyrotunno.com/Glass Onion Podcast on John Lennon: https://glassoniononjohnlennon.com/X.com:...

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46:15

You've Got to Hide Your Love Away — Jon Savage

My Favourite Beatles Song ·

2025/02/10

Send us a text Tim welcomes author, archivist, and filmmaker Jon Savage to discuss Lennon's folk-tinged You've Got to Hide Your Love Away. They explore the song’s context in 1965, its raw and vulnerable feel, and the hints of Dylan’s influence. Jon also shares his early memories of the Beatles and gives a clear picture of the music scene in the mid‑60s—a time of great change, as pop and rock evolved into something bolder and more experimental. Jon on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonsa...

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50:18

Ticket to Ride — Chris Purcell

My Favourite Beatles Song ·

2025/01/27

Send us a textTim welcomes multi-award-winning documentary director and filmmaker Chris Purcell to talk about the band's 1965 single, Ticket to Ride. They chat about Chris’s Liverpool roots, his early memories of the Beatles, and how he once ended up playing drums on stage with Tony Sheridan. They explore the heavy sound of Ticket to Ride, the use of the 12-string Rickenbacker, and how the track paved the way for new studio techniques. They also celebrate John’s powerful vocal, Paul’s guitar ...

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My Favourite Beatles Song

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