#61/#60/#59 – Mean Mr. Mustard/Polythene Pam/She Came In Through The Bathroom Window with Sean Nelson
We told you we’d be back, and here we are! To make up for the absence, we’re returning with our first every TRIPLE EPISODE! As part of side 2 on Abbey Road, “Mean Mr. Mustard,” “Polythene Pam,” and “She Came in Through The Bathroom Window” represent an amazing joining of John and Paul’s sensibilities firmly in what we now usually consider Paul’s territory of character songs. These fragments from the year before get joined together in a brilliant streak of creativity and self-editing, and showcase the band at some of their finest playing of the hour (esp. George and Ringo on “Pam”). Was this an attempt to beat The Who at their A Quick One-iest, or was it a way to pull together whatever was lying around to finish up the album? Whatever it is, it’s gosh darn great.
Joining to dive into all this is our old pal and bon vivant Sean Nelson, making his way into the 5 Timers Club of RTB (not quite as prestigious as the one on SNL, but it’s what we got). We catch up with the former Harvey Danger frontman to discuss, well, all kinds of stuff. It’s a long one, cuz we’re talking about a LOT of music here, but it’s a good one.
What do you think about these songs coming in at #61, #60, and #59 respectively? Too high, too low or just right? Let us know in the comments on Facebook, Instagram (be sure to follow our new account, @rankingthebeatlespod), or find us now on Bluesky! Be sure to check out www.rankingthebeatles.com and grab a Rank Your Own Beatles poster, some of our new Revolver-themed merch, a shirt, a jumper, whatever you like! And if you’re digging what we do, don’t forget to Buy Us A Coffee!!
Check out the new album by The Walrus, A New Orleans Beatles Experience Elysian Fields Forever! 12 Beatles classics reimagined through the wide lens of New Orleans music. Available on vinyl and CD and streaming everywhere!
Catch up with all our previous rankings here!