After what must have been a creatively exhausting few months creating Sgt. Pepper, The Beatles blew off steam by recording a track that was more in line with the Goon Show humor they grew up loving, filled with weird voices and sound effects, creating comedic environments and asides, purely for the enjoyment of doing something that appeased them. It took them several sessions over a couple years to finish it, with Paul and John working in on it together even during some of their most tumultuous times. For somer reason, it was something they really wanted to finish. Usually a song like that would stay in the vaults, but by the time the wheels had fallen off, this bizarre track found a home as the B-side of "Let It Be," mainly due to John's prodding. If any song released during their time together could be considered obscure, it's probably this one.
However, while it's understandable that this song may not be people's cup of tea, I've always found this to be an absolutely captivating and fun song. It's the absurd humor and silliness we all love in A Hard Day's Night or Help or (more so) Magical Mystery Tour, but on record instead of film. This is probably one of the best looks at the entangled relationship of Lennon and McCartney, two people so connected into each other's brain and psyche and humor. It's their in-jokes, it's their connection as friends with their own private world, and it's right here on record. It's two friends on the microphone doing being the kids they've always been, and it's a blast. How you can you listen to this and NOT smile? And not to mention, it has maybe one of Paul's most ferocious vocals, and possibly Ringo's fattest groove and best sounding drums? Cmon! Who else could do this!?!?!
To discuss this bizarre tune, we're happy to welcome back our good buddy Sam Whiles. He's the host of "Paul or Nothing," the absolutely wonderful Paul McCartney podcast, which is the only place to get All Paul All The Time. He joins us to discuss the bizarre humore and charm of the Beatles, the weird chemistry of bandmates, early aughts internet, and why Jonathan chooses this hill to die on. Be sure to subscribe to Paul or Nothing wherever you get podcasts, and follow Sam on Twitter and Instagram to join the fun.
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