The harmonies are just so beautiful. No one does it better than the Fab Four. Can't wait to hear your reaction to A Hard Day's Night (the film)! Please do an in-depth reaction to it!
In the deepest part of my Beatles heart, I’ll Be Back is probably my favourite Beatles song. I don’t know… There’s something just so pure about it. It captures them at the peak of Beatlemania, but with a melancholic sophistication that sounds brand new (even today). Bliss.
John and his broken voice sounds mesmerizing and very vulnerable, great way to finish an album and now you can enjoy the movie, sure you'll like it. The next album is great, well they all are, right?
The harmonies in I'll Be Back shift between minor and major in a really interesting way. One of their most complicated songs, harmonically, up to this point.
Definitely appreciate your reactions to the Beatles. Two more great songs. "I'll Be Back" is one of my favorites from this album. I love the way it begins and ends with the guitar playing the same tune.
This song is about his relation with his dad that left him and his mother when was a baby. His dad would come and go and john trying to get close to him to no avail, but finally in his late teens they finally connected. This is one of my all time favorite songs, so underrated for a Beatle song!
Just love them all. I feel young again.... Thanks! 💖✨🎇 P.S. I realized from your commentary that I often preferred John's singing to Paul's, even though I adored Paul growing up. It was the magic, however, of how Paul and John worked together and enhanced each other's creative brilliance, that made their teamwork and partnership one of a kind. Overall, I feel that the four of them, as they exhibited their own uniqueness, worked so well as a group, which made them so successful and beloved worldwide.
It’s just wonderful to hear all of these gems again and, especially to watch young people enjoying and appreciating the amazing music these four geniuses put forth. Their music was never boring. No simplistic “popcorn” stuff. John’s voice always grabbed me by the soul and the two and sometimes three part harmonies melt my heart. Luke, you’re doing a wonderful job navigating on this amazing journey. I know every note and every word of these songs and never tire of hearing them again and again. Thanks Luke 🌺✌️
As a kid growing up in the 1960’s, I remember the times well. The thing is, near enough every Beatles album tracks were constantly been played on the radio, which is unlike today or anytime since. Almost everyone knew everything they did especially from 1963-65. This only happened with the Beatles, as it never did with other bands like the Rolling Stones. The Beatles ruled the radio back then, which is the sort of impact they made.
You nailed it superbly on BOTH songs - love your passion and language to describe these gems! These are my favorite two from an album filled with great songs. As a kid growing up in the US, I had the N.A. Capital releases which did not contain either of these songs. " You can't do that "was on the Beatles Second Album and "I'll be back " was on the Beatles '65 release. John taking the lead, guitar and the raw vocals filled with hurt and angst just elevates this song to a different level. These two Lennon compositions are among my top few favorites of John's songs. An honorable mention from this album is "I'll cry instead" , which has much the same theme. Wonderful video!
Two MORE amazing songs. John's ragged guitar solo on "You Can't Do That" sounds to me more like something Keith Richards would have come up with, rather than George's more finessed, country-flavored solos. "I'll Be Back" is a precursor to what's coming on the next album, which is much more of a stylistic grab bag. I don't want to "spoil the party", but Beatles For Sale is widely considered a bit of a low point in the catalog. In the Beatles' defense, they were totally knackered from all the globe-trotting and pressure so they were forced to dig back into their stash of cover songs in order to get by. But I look forward to your reactions to it, and the movie!
Luke, I love your psychological interpretation of "Can't Do That" re John's angry, jealous vocal style, along with the cowbell signifying someone banging their head against the wall. Never thought about this song that way, but it's a spot-on analysis! Also, one thing you didn't mention but which I love is that John wrote and sang two *different* middle eights on "I'll Be Back." That's such an imaginative idea and makes the track completely unique.
I ❤ both of these songs. Yes, early jealous guy, John & I love his scream & vocals. Very rocking song. "I'll be Back" is just lovely & I adore the acoustic guitar on it too. Have you watched the movie yet? If not, do so soon now that you've heard the songs.
I love when they do songs in a minor key, they have always resonated with me from the very beginning (I am a "first generation U.S. fan) When I hear this thing, it reminds me of when one of our local D.J.s on one of our Cleveland, Ohio radio stations, managed to get a copy of "I'll Be Back" before it was even released in the U.S. and PLAYED it as a special feature. I fell in love with this song instantly (as I did with ALL their songs on my first listen. NONE of their songs EVER had to "grow on me." THANK you Luke, you are my favorite reactor especially for the Beatles catalogue....you truly "get it" I THINK you need a BEATLES PHOTO on your wall behind you, now!!!
Love your analysis. “The cowbell adds an element of almost banging your head against a wall”… never thought about that but that’s great insight. “I’ll Be Back” is one of my favorite John songs. And, you’ll love the movie! It’s classic.
Thanks again,. 1st gen Beatles fan here. To hear these remixes today brings out so much of their quality and sound. They were thrilling to hear in '64 via early music players and AM radio and still are today. Their harmonizing is so magical. I think it's, to me anyway, that John and Paul could subtly blend and even mimic each other in ways that made their harmony sound like one voice, added a whole nother level of harmony. And George was the perfect addition when all 3 harmonized.
I love the Beatles so. much that I have a milk crate style container filled with their albums. I've got the British and American versions of all of them. In some cases, French, German, and other countries as well. I can't say how happy I am you're going through their whole discography! All of them were absolutely brilliant musicians and I love every one of them, but John's vocals are and always have been my favorite. I also prefer his style of song to Paul's. Maybe it's the whole bad boy vibe John had :D A Hard Day's Night is one of my favorites of theirs when it comes to albums, but then so is Help!, Rubber Soul, and Revolver, Abbey Road, long list lol! Can't wait to see you cover them all. :)
Hi HBK Luke. Just a reminder, you'll want to check out the 4 song "Long Tall Sally" ep, that preceded this album by one month (June, 1964), intregal to the "Beatlemania" early period. It's a must listen, before the transition to "Beatles For Sale". Three covers and one original. Spoiler alert, The Beatles go country on "Beatles For Sale".
I'm A Hard Day's Night lover. I love the movie, the album, all the songs, the artwork and the "Beatle A HDN era". "Ill be Back" is up there as one of my fav John songs. The guitar riff and heartbreak go hand in hand. I feel this was a time for John where he fell in LOVE and he wss getting all he wanted in his life career wise, but this "one thing" eluded him.
Not only did the Beatles release this UK album with 7 bonus tracks not featured in the movie, all written by Lennon & McCartney they simultaneously released an EP Long Tall Sally with 4 further tracks not on the album, which a lot of people loved for being a return to the Cavern live sound. To me You Can't Do That inspired She's A Woman, which Jeff Beck did a great cover. Great reactions as ever Luke, I'm enjoying your Beatles journey (and I've got 4 Beatles blogs)
For the Hard Days Night Film, they had filmed the song for final concert scene, but the director decided to cut that out for fear the final concert scene was running to long and slowing down the pace of the film. But there is a video of that footage out there somewhere on you tube. in the USA this song was on "The Beatles Second Album" and Capital Records and the flip side of the 45 rpm Can't Buy Me Love. I'll Be Back appeared on the USA album later, called The Beatles ' '65. There is actually 3 part harmony on that if you listen closely.
“I’ll Be Back” is one of my fav Lennon/McCartney songs, though it’s more John’s I do love the duet of them singing together for a good deal of it and when John comes in singing parts totally solo well its one of my fav John vocals.
Great reaction but I really liked some of your comments at the end. I don't think it's as linear of an arc that you are imagining because it's way more complicated than that but yeah I think you got your finger on the post. It's so cool that you are investigating this. And I like your style as well.
Someone just reminded me... you missed the singles before this album. That being: I Want To Hold Your Hand, This Boy, Komm gib mir deine Hand (German version of I Want To Hold Your Hand), Sie liebt dich (German version of She Loves You), Long Tall Sally, I Call Your Name, Slow Down, Matchbox.
you have analyised beatles very well, as i have grown up listening to the beatles since i was very young it feels me with great pleasure as you relived their music!
The next Beatles release after this album was the 4 songs on the "Long Tall Sally" EP. It was released on June 19th, 1964. "Long Tall Sally", "I Call Your Name", Slow Down" and "Matchbox". You should listen to them next. Then came the single before their next album - "I Feel Fine" with "She's A Woman" released on November 23, 1964. And then the next album ("Beatles For Sale") released on December 4th, 1964.
Always love your detailed reactions, Luke. Yes indeed, a great great album. One of my very favorites by the Fab Four. How can it not be? Every song just has something special in it, a hook that pulls you in. I’m going to enjoy going through their catalog with you.
If you're actually listening to the stereo mixes of the early records, I recommend seeking out the mono, instead: the former were achieved by putting instruments on one side or the other (to my knowledge, the ability to "pan"/position across channels wasn't yet developed), and the band apparently didn't even participate in the decisions being made on the remixes, considering them an afterthought. I enjoyed your analysis.
I just love this guy. I love this passion and nobility in his manner to talk. Looks like he's a musician. Would be nice to collaborate with him, though I don't know what he's playing.
I didn't used to notice it at all (I found it retro in the first Beatles phase), but there is a John Lennon song formula, even if The Beatles changed the rhythm, the song structure is striking, it even starts to appeal to me boring. The song order wasn't put together optimally. It surprises me how you continue, because in the beginning the publications were different from country to country. I know that things will get better with the later albums.✌and 👍 for YOU!
It is wrong to categorize the composers. John wrote some very romantic songs. Some very sweet and some broken hearted. I Should Have Known Better, If I Fell, Goodnight, Julia, among the many. Paul wrote Why Don't We Do It ain the Road, Helter Skelter, Back In The USSR, Oh Darling. They are multi dimensional.
Hey dude I discovered that song long time distance ago in 1979 I think I was 11 years old jajajajaja my favorite Beatles song . because I told you before.....oh oh oh you can't do that .,
The harmonies in "I'll Be Back" are among my favorites. It's a great song.
All in all a brilliant album, and The Beatles were just getting started. Johns voice is amazing in "You Can't do That".
Remember to listen to "I Feel Fine" ans "She's A Woman" before starting with the next album :) These two were released inbetween the albums
Yes, please!
The harmonies are just so beautiful. No one does it better than the Fab Four. Can't wait to hear your reaction to A Hard Day's Night (the film)! Please do an in-depth reaction to it!
Actually he should listen to the Long Tall Sally EP before those
Every song is just so musical with the Beatles. You can’t help but sing along. What a great album. I’ll have to watch the movie again!!
Please do not skip the singles that they released .......great job
In the deepest part of my Beatles heart, I’ll Be Back is probably my favourite Beatles song. I don’t know… There’s something just so pure about it. It captures them at the peak of Beatlemania, but with a melancholic sophistication that sounds brand new (even today). Bliss.
It is. It's rather like McCartney's "Things We Said Today" in having the English 'country song' quality and being moody. It also has two bridges.
John and his broken voice sounds mesmerizing and very vulnerable, great way to finish an album and now you can enjoy the movie, sure you'll like it. The next album is great, well they all are, right?
The harmonies in I'll Be Back shift between minor and major in a really interesting way. One of their most complicated songs, harmonically, up to this point.
You Can't Do That is one of those rare Beatle track where John plays the guitar solo.
Beautiful ending to this wonderful album. Ill Be Back is sublime.
Ringo, the human metronome. Love his cow bell driving the rhythm. Great listen Luke.
Definitely appreciate your reactions to the Beatles. Two more great songs. "I'll Be Back" is one of my favorites from this album. I love the way it begins and ends with the guitar playing the same tune.
Their harmonies are heavenly...
This song is about his relation with his dad that left him and his mother when was a baby. His dad would come and go and john trying to get close to him to no avail, but finally in his late teens they finally connected. This is one of my all time favorite songs, so underrated for a Beatle song!
Just love them all. I feel young again.... Thanks! 💖✨🎇 P.S. I realized from your commentary that I often preferred John's singing to Paul's, even though I adored Paul growing up. It was the magic, however, of how Paul and John worked together and enhanced each other's creative brilliance, that made their teamwork and partnership one of a kind. Overall, I feel that the four of them, as they exhibited their own uniqueness, worked so well as a group, which made them so successful and beloved worldwide.
OMG, the nostalgic and rawness and beauty, and at the same time, amazing John’s voice tales “I’ll be Back” to an amazing level.
It’s just wonderful to hear all of these gems again and, especially to watch young people enjoying and appreciating the amazing music these four geniuses put forth. Their music was never boring. No simplistic “popcorn” stuff. John’s voice always grabbed me by the soul and the two and sometimes three part harmonies melt my heart. Luke, you’re doing a wonderful job navigating on this amazing journey. I know every note and every word of these songs and never tire of hearing them again and again. Thanks Luke 🌺✌️
As a kid growing up in the 1960’s, I remember the times well.
The thing is, near enough every Beatles album tracks were constantly been played on the radio, which is unlike today or anytime since. Almost everyone knew everything they did especially from 1963-65.
This only happened with the Beatles, as it never did with other bands like the Rolling Stones.
The Beatles ruled the radio back then, which is the sort of impact they made.
You nailed it superbly on BOTH songs - love your passion and language to describe these gems! These are my favorite two from an album filled with great songs. As a kid growing up in the US, I had the N.A. Capital releases which did not contain either of these songs. " You can't do that "was on the Beatles Second Album and "I'll be back " was on the Beatles '65 release.
John taking the lead, guitar and the raw vocals filled with hurt and angst just elevates this song to a different level. These two Lennon compositions are among my top few favorites of John's songs. An honorable mention from this album is "I'll cry instead" , which has much the same theme. Wonderful video!
Two MORE amazing songs. John's ragged guitar solo on "You Can't Do That" sounds to me more like something Keith Richards would have come up with, rather than George's more finessed, country-flavored solos. "I'll Be Back" is a precursor to what's coming on the next album, which is much more of a stylistic grab bag. I don't want to "spoil the party", but Beatles For Sale is widely considered a bit of a low point in the catalog. In the Beatles' defense, they were totally knackered from all the globe-trotting and pressure so they were forced to dig back into their stash of cover songs in order to get by. But I look forward to your reactions to it, and the movie!
Luke, I love your psychological interpretation of "Can't Do That" re John's angry, jealous vocal style, along with the cowbell signifying someone banging their head against the wall. Never thought about this song that way, but it's a spot-on analysis! Also, one thing you didn't mention but which I love is that John wrote and sang two *different* middle eights on "I'll Be Back." That's such an imaginative idea and makes the track completely unique.
I ❤ both of these songs. Yes, early jealous guy, John & I love his scream & vocals. Very rocking song. "I'll be Back" is just lovely & I adore the acoustic guitar on it too. Have you watched the movie yet? If not, do so soon now that you've heard the songs.
You Can't Do That is my favorite Lennon song of that album
I love when they do songs in a minor key, they have always resonated with me from the very beginning (I am a "first generation U.S. fan) When I hear this thing, it reminds me of when one of our local D.J.s on one of our Cleveland, Ohio radio stations, managed to get a copy of "I'll Be Back" before it was even released in the U.S. and PLAYED it as a special feature. I fell in love with this song instantly (as I did with ALL their songs on my first listen. NONE of their songs EVER had to "grow on me." THANK you Luke, you are my favorite reactor especially for the Beatles catalogue....you truly "get it" I THINK you need a BEATLES PHOTO on your wall behind you, now!!!
Love your analysis. “The cowbell adds an element of almost banging your head against a wall”… never thought about that but that’s great insight. “I’ll Be Back” is one of my favorite John songs. And, you’ll love the movie! It’s classic.
Thanks again,. 1st gen Beatles fan here. To hear these remixes today brings out so much of their quality and sound. They were thrilling to hear in '64 via early music players and AM radio and still are today. Their harmonizing is so magical. I think it's, to me anyway, that John and Paul could subtly blend and even mimic each other in ways that made their harmony sound like one voice, added a whole nother level of harmony. And George was the perfect addition when all 3 harmonized.
I love the Beatles so. much that I have a milk crate style container filled with their albums. I've got the British and American versions of all of them. In some cases, French, German, and other countries as well. I can't say how happy I am you're going through their whole discography! All of them were absolutely brilliant musicians and I love every one of them, but John's vocals are and always have been my favorite. I also prefer his style of song to Paul's. Maybe it's the whole bad boy vibe John had :D
A Hard Day's Night is one of my favorites of theirs when it comes to albums, but then so is Help!, Rubber Soul, and Revolver, Abbey Road, long list lol! Can't wait to see you cover them all. :)
Hi HBK Luke. Just a reminder, you'll want to check out the 4 song "Long Tall Sally" ep, that preceded this album by one month (June, 1964), intregal to the "Beatlemania" early period. It's a must listen, before the transition to "Beatles For Sale". Three covers and one original. Spoiler alert, The Beatles go country on "Beatles For Sale".
Excellent songs!
This song was first on the Beatles 2nd American Album realise. I still have the original vinyl.
This is probably my favourite Beatles album love these 2 songs
This will be an interesting journey. Enjoying your reactions and commentary…
I'm A Hard Day's Night lover. I love the movie, the album, all the songs, the artwork and the "Beatle A HDN era". "Ill be Back" is up there as one of my fav John songs. The guitar riff and heartbreak go hand in hand. I feel this was a time for John where he fell in LOVE and he wss getting all he wanted in his life career wise, but this "one thing" eluded him.
Not only did the Beatles release this UK album with 7 bonus tracks not featured in the movie, all written by Lennon & McCartney they simultaneously released an EP Long Tall Sally with 4 further tracks not on the album, which a lot of people loved for being a return to the Cavern live sound. To me You Can't Do That inspired She's A Woman, which Jeff Beck did a great cover. Great reactions as ever Luke, I'm enjoying your Beatles journey (and I've got 4 Beatles blogs)
You'll enjoy the movie, for sure, Have fun!
Superb is the enthusiastically and joyfully you gives feedback regarding The Beatles’ songs. I love both songs and John’s voice is amazing. Thank you!
From a lifelong ( 60 yrs now, I'm 70) fan, your reviews/ reactions are well thought out & spot on. Enjoy the journey. Cheers!
yeah keep on loving the beatles
For the Hard Days Night Film, they had filmed the song for final concert scene, but the director decided to cut that out for fear the final concert scene was running to long and slowing down the pace of the film. But there is a video of that footage out there somewhere on you tube. in the USA this song was on "The Beatles Second Album" and Capital Records and the flip side of the 45 rpm Can't Buy Me Love. I'll Be Back appeared on the USA album later, called The Beatles ' '65. There is actually 3 part harmony on that if you listen closely.
Richard Lester left some of the best songs out of the movie. You Can't Do That - how in the world could he have left that out?
The best album, by far.
Interesting, well thought out reactions. Keep up the good work!
“I’ll Be Back” is one of my fav Lennon/McCartney songs, though it’s more John’s I do love the duet of them singing together for a good deal of it and when John comes in singing parts totally solo well its one of my fav John vocals.
What a sexy voice John Lennon had!
I love your work Luke, please continue
Rock and roll. So good.
Luke.... Thank you for adding so much to this music.
Thank you for taking this journey. I look forward to continuing it with you.
Just enough cowbell, Beatles were Perfecto.
Great reaction but I really liked some of your comments at the end. I don't think it's as linear of an arc that you are imagining because it's way more complicated than that but yeah I think you got your finger on the post. It's so cool that you are investigating this. And I like your style as well.
Someone just reminded me... you missed the singles before this album. That being: I Want To Hold Your Hand, This Boy, Komm gib mir deine Hand (German version of I Want To Hold Your Hand), Sie liebt dich (German version of She Loves You), Long Tall Sally, I Call Your Name, Slow Down, Matchbox.
you have analyised beatles very well, as i have grown up listening to the beatles since i was very young it feels me with great pleasure as you relived their music!
The last true Beatles album.
Oh yeah, you've gotta watch the movie! Not to be missed. 👍⭐🌠🎶🎬🎞💕
luke....this was brilliant
The next Beatles release after this album was the 4 songs on the "Long Tall Sally" EP. It was released on June 19th, 1964.
"Long Tall Sally", "I Call Your Name", Slow Down" and "Matchbox". You should listen to them next.
Then came the single before their next album - "I Feel Fine" with "She's A Woman" released on November 23, 1964.
And then the next album ("Beatles For Sale") released on December 4th, 1964.
JOHN PLAYED LEAD ON "YOU CAN'T DO THAT."
Always love your detailed reactions, Luke. Yes indeed, a great great album. One of my very favorites by the Fab Four. How can it not be? Every song just has something special in it, a hook that pulls you in. I’m going to enjoy going through their catalog with you.
you can’t do that has been my favorite beatles song since it came out. that’s Lennon on lead guitar too
You have to listen to the Long Tall Sally EP now!
Thanks Luke. Love your reactions.
Yes it is so great!
If you're actually listening to the stereo mixes of the early records, I recommend seeking out the mono, instead: the former were achieved by putting instruments on one side or the other (to my knowledge, the ability to "pan"/position across channels wasn't yet developed), and the band apparently didn't even participate in the decisions being made on the remixes, considering them an afterthought. I enjoyed your analysis.
I just love this guy. I love this passion and nobility in his manner to talk. Looks like he's a musician. Would be nice to collaborate with him, though I don't know what he's playing.
I think you will enjoy the film. Let us know!
Lennon plays the lead guitar solo in this song!
♥️John Lennon♥️
MORE COWBELL!!!
I didn't used to notice it at all (I found it retro in the first Beatles phase), but there is a John Lennon song formula, even if The Beatles changed the rhythm, the song structure is striking, it even starts to appeal to me boring. The song order wasn't put together optimally.
It surprises me how you continue, because in the beginning the publications were different from country to country. I know that things will get better with the later albums.✌and 👍 for YOU!
The met Dell Shannon, then wrote I'll. Be back which sounds like we'll follow the sun
Originally in 3/4 time but John kept running out of breath. The rewrote it to 4/4
It is wrong to categorize the composers. John wrote some very romantic songs. Some very sweet and some broken hearted. I Should Have Known Better, If I Fell, Goodnight, Julia, among the many.
Paul wrote Why Don't We Do It ain the Road, Helter Skelter, Back In The USSR, Oh Darling. They are multi dimensional.
Hey dude I discovered that song long time distance ago in 1979 I think I was 11 years old jajajajaja my favorite Beatles song . because I told you before.....oh oh oh you can't do that .,