#135 – Getting Better with guest Debbie Davis (singer, musician)

The yin and yang of Lennon and McCartney are rarely so perfectly on display as they are in the chorus of “Getting Better.” Paul’s eternal optimist, “I’ve got to admit it’s getting better, a little better all the time” runs right up against the sardonic side of John: “It can’t get no worse.” On this Sgt. Pepper tune, they find meld an upbeat, bouncy melody with darker, quite self-aware lyrics about the worst parts of one’s personality, and the human want to better one’s self when love is involved. Sometimes we forget these guys are actually human, and made mistakes just like all of us. Though it maybe doesn’t add much to the “concept” theme of Pepper, it’s certainly a great and catchy song, and a band moment on a record where those full band moments start to become less frequent.

We’re thrilled to have our friend Debbie Davis back this week! One of the most revered singers in New Orleans, and now part of a touring bluegrass 80s cover band (how wild is that?), Debbie’s knowledge of music and what makes things tick is always a pleasure to get to enjoy. We discuss all matter of issues, from traumatizing kid movies, the worst places to accidentally dose yourself, Jerry Garcia neckties, the lads’ self-awareness, and Julia FINALLY gets with the porridge train! Be sure to follow Debbie’s new band, Frankie Goes to Dollywood to see when they’re headed your way!

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!

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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