#167 – I’m Looking Through You with Mark Bryan (Hootie & The Blowfish guitarist, songwriter)

It’s our 50th Episode! Thanks to everyone who’s been along for the ride so far. We’re so glad you’re here! On to this week! Paul McCartney sometimes is (unfairly) criticized for not bearing himself in his songs in the more upfront ways John often did. While he usually wraps his emotions in bigger stories and concepts, there have been times he’s been extremely candid about his life in song. Late 65-66 saw him bearing his thoughts on the struggles of his relationship with Jane Asher in a handful of tracks, especially on Rubber Soul, which is where we find ourselves this week with the song “I’m Looking Through You.” The band worked on this song in several arrangement styles over the sessions, before landing on a somewhat loose, fun, folksy track featuring an absurdly great Paul melody, scorching organ in the chorus and some interesting percussion from Ringo (and George on tambourine!). And while the track is undoubtedly great (aren’t they all), I sometimes wonder if the Anthology version may have been a bit more interesting and thought out?

To get to the heart of this tune, we’re joined by our old friend Mark Bryan, guitarist and songwriter of kajillion-times platinum selling band Hootie & The Blowfish. We chat about all manner of things, from Mark and the band’s early songwriting and harmony influences, the Beatles material output speed versus the output in modern music, the unspoken language of the Beatles, and Paul’s brilliance in writing songs that can be shaped to any style. Mark’s new solo album, Midlife Priceless, is out know everywhere, and is a masterful rock and roll/pop album. Stream it everywhere, or buy a cd or record at https://www.markbryanmusic.com. Follow Mark on Facebook and Instagram @markbryanmusic.

Songs in this episode from Midlife Priceless include:
“Gotta Get Outta Town”
“Wanna Make You Feel Something”
“A Little More Rock and Roll”

Also featured:
“I’m Looking Through You” – Steve Earle

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