Episodes

#136 – Michelle with guest Janice Mitchell (author, “My Ticket To Ride”)

Perhaps the ultimate song written for the purpose of playing it on a beat up old acoustic at a party so you can meet girls (apologies for that run on sentence), “Michelle” was written by Paul back in 1959 for just that purpose. You can easily imagine him brooding in a smokey corner, wearing a turtle neck, and singing an early version of this tune. It get shined up and completed for inclusion on 1965’s Rubber Soul, and has become a much-loved, though often maligned Macca classic. I think it’s got a whole lot going for it, personally. A fantastic melody, impeccable playing, brilliant vocals…and honestly, I think I blew it on this ranking. I even say so in the episode. Maybe I was just in a mood when I ranked it, but whatcha gonna do?

Joining us this week is Janice Mitchell, author of the brilliantly-titled book My Ticket To Ride: How I Ran Away to England to Meet the Beatles and Got Rock and Roll Banned in Cleveland. Jan’s lead a pretty amazing life and experienced some pretty amazing things, and we touch on a whole bunch of them, including this fantastic story her book is based on. Together we discuss her book, this amazing wine & cheese song, Below Deck, and Jonathan butchers the beautiful French language.

Get a copy of Jan’s book anywhere you pick up books, and get a signed copy here! 

What do you think? Too high? Too low? Just right? Let us know in the comments on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/rankingthebeatles, Instagram @rankingthebeatles, or Twitter @rankingbeatles! Be sure to check out RTB’s official website, www.rankingthebeatles.com and our brand new webstore!! RANK YOUR OWN BEATLES with our new RTB poster!  Pick up a tshirt, coffee cup, tote bag, and more! Enjoying the show, and wanna show your support? Buy Us A Coffee!

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Reviews

Judge Timbers

Ranking the songs of the Beatles? What could possibly go wrong? But somehow this podcast gets it just right thanks to the wit and charm of the co-hosts and their guests. The listener quickly discovers the rankings are used not to incite heated arguments but rather as a starting point to spark a positive deep dive into every Beatle song. Put simply, Ranking The Beatles is a welcome addition to the Beatle podcast universe.

spazaru

Required listening if you like The Beatles at all. Great guests every week and Jonathan and Julia are fun and genuinely funny (even the tired Mike Love jokes). I listen every Tuesday morning as soon as I wake up. One week around Christmas they took the week off so I just slept the whole week until there was a new episode. It was worth the wait.

finfan64

Nice to see a truly excellent new Beatles podcast. This one is hosted by a very appealing young couple, who along with their well selected guests, have a winning combination of professional musical knowledge and the enthusiasm of fans. It’s an interesting format that by definition promises to only get better as it goes along. If they can make the “Only a Northern Song” episode good then they’re unstoppable

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