#170 – The Fool On The Hill w/ Damon Johnson (singer/songwriter, guitarist, Damon Johnson & The Get Down, Alice Cooper, ex-Thin Lizzy/Black Star Riders, Brother Cane)

A quintessential Paul McCartney track, “The Fool On The Hill” lands in a dreamy haze on Magical Mystery Tour, the tale of someone who lives with their head in the cloud, not a care in the word, inspire of the worries of those who think they’re….a fool. Is the song about the Maharishi? About John? Paul himself? Or maybe all of us? Paul’s never quite owned up to the truth on it, but it doesn’t detract from the fact that this is a beautiful song. But what DOES detract is the peculiar choice of a recorder, the loud, children’s-anyone-can-learn-it-instrument, used for the solo section. Is that enough to take the listener out of the blissed out vibe the song creates?

Joining us to tackle this discussion is Damon Johnson, singer/songwriter and guitarist of Damon Johnson and the Get Ready, and formerly of Alice Cooper, Thin Lizzy (and offshoot band Black Star Riders), and Brother Cane. We chat about The Beatles playing a big part of a child’s first memories, from the spinning of a Capitol label, to crib calls for “Mysterytour!!” We also touch on balancing an ear for melody and pop while holding down a gig in harder rock bands, and his excellent new album, “Battle Lessons,” which is out now, how the pandemic shaped the record and possibly his next like, 10 records. Pickup his new album now at damonjohnson.com, and be sure to follow along on Facebook(https://www.facebook.com/officialdamonjohnson), Instagram(@officialdamonjohnson) and Twitter (@damonjofficial)!

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 @rankingbeatles, and on Instagram @rankingthebeatles. Enjoying the show and want to show your support? Check out https://anchor.fm/rankingthebeatles/support!