#183 – Drive My Car with Sean Nelson (ex-Harvey Danger, singer/songwriter, journalist, writer)

As the opening track on Rubber Soul, “Drive My Car” represents the line in the sand in which The Beatles shake off their beat-group roots, and firmly enter a smokey, hazy world, influenced by the world they’ve conquered and toured, and made in their image. Their continuing love of R&B manifests itself in the bass driven tune, propelling a story of a would-be star persuading the narrator to be her “chauffeur” (nudge nudge wink wink say no more) before she even has a car. A great example of a fascinating and clever story in song. It’s a great song for sure, and it’s an important song in their oeuvre, but I’ve never really LOVED it.

To help me figure out why, we’re joined by Sean Nelson, the singer behind the beloved band Harvey Danger, who’s late 90s hit “Flagpole Sitta” has grown to be one of the most enduring songs of that decade, with its sharp wit and singalong hooks. In addition to the 3 albums his band released, his own solo work, collaborations with other artists like Robyn Hitchcock and Death Cab for Cutie, he’s also been the editor of Seattle’s The Stranger newspaper, written a 33 1/3 series book on Joni Mitchell, acted in indie films, ran a record label, and, oh yeah, he’s a HUGE Beatles fan. His most recent album is an absolutely fantastic collection of Harry Nilsson songs called Nelson Sings Nilsson, which we recommend you download/stream/buy as soon as you’re done listening to this episode. Topics explored in this episode range from the adventures of starting a band, doing music on your own terms, working for pay versus being paid for your work, The Beatles being the blueprint for what a band should be, ugly crying at Paul shows, to a shared love of the Monkees, and all points in between.

Non-Beatles songs included in this episode: Harvey Danger – “Flagpole Sitta” from Where Have All The Merrymakers Gone? Paul & Linda McCartney – “Backseat of My Car” from Ram Archie Bell & The Drells – “Tighten Up” from Tighten Up Harvey Danger – “Little Round Mirrors” from Little By Little Sean Nelson & Seattle Rock Orchestra – “Helter Skelter” (live) Sean Nelson – “Gotta Get Up” from Nelson Sings Nilsson What do you think? Too high? To low? Just right? Be sure to follow along, leave your comments, and join in on the discussion on the rankings at Facebook (facebook.com/rankingthebeatles), on Twitter at @rankingbeatles, and on Instagram @rankingthebeatles. Enjoying the show and want to show your support? Check out https://anchor.fm/rankingthebeatles/support!