Ep. 3: Penny Lane
Penny Lane – and the ‘other song’ to which it is inextricably linked! In this chapter in our podcast series, we explore the genesis of this song and the characters that inhabit Paul McCartney’s memories of his childhood days in Liverpool. We also examine the songwriting elements that make Penny Lane so compelling – including what is called a ‘truck driver’s modulation.’ The third thread in our podcast narrative covers the ‘other song’ that is inextricably linked to Paul’s song, Penny Lane. Get ready for a surprise here! Songs Penny Lane, Lennon and McCartney; performed by Stroll Down Penny Lane…
Ep. 2: Eleanor Rigby – The Counter-Narrative!
In our second chapter in this podcast series, we explore the creation myth surrounding this famous song, Eleanor Rigby. Travel with us, back in time, to the very moment of formation, of… the Beatles. Why this moment in time? Well, because it provides one of several clues we unearth regarding the creation of this song. Join us in our forensic investigation, as we discover what, in the world, a psychological ‘phenomenon,’ known as cryptomnesia, has to do with the creation of Eleanor Rigby. Buckle up, for we are going to visit a very specific graveyard in Woolton, just outside Liverpool.…
Ep. 1: Golden Slumbers
In our first chapter in this podcast series, we explore the creation story that surrounds the song Golden Slumbers, which is found on the second side of the Abbey Road album. In our discovery process, we find ourselves traveling back in time – of all things! Indeed, we need to go back, some 400 – 650 years, to discover the genesis of the lyrics to this song on the Abbey Road album. You might exclaim; 400 – 650 years!? Really? Well, here’s a heck of a question for you. What is the connection of ALL of the following, to Paul…
- Ep. 3: Penny Lane
Penny Lane – and the ‘other song’ to which it is inextricably linked!
In this chapter in our podcast series, we explore the genesis of this song and the characters that inhabit Paul McCartney’s memories of his childhood days in Liverpool. We also examine the songwriting elements that make Penny Lane so compelling – including what is called a ‘truck driver’s modulation.’
The third thread in our podcast narrative covers the ‘other song’ that is inextricably linked to Paul’s song, Penny Lane. Get ready for a surprise here!
Sources
Rolling Stone Magazine; George Martin; interview; 2001
Recording the Beatles; Kevin Ryan and Brian Kehew; Curvebender; 2006
500 Greatest Songs of All Time; Rolling Stone’s definitive list of the 500 greatest songs of all time; by Rolling Stone; interview with Paul McCartney
The Beatles Anthology; George Martin interview; John Lennon interview
Beatlesongs, William J. Dowling; Simon & Shuster, New York, 1989.
Here, There and Everywhere, Geoff Emerick and Howard Massey; Gotham Books; New York; 2006
Paul McCartney, Many Years from Now, Barry Miles; Secker &Warburg; 1997
McCartney, Christopher Sandford; Carroll and Graf Publishers; 2006
Paul McCartney, the Life, Philip Norman; Little Brown and Company; 2016
Songwriting Secrets of the Beatles, Dominic Pedler; Omnibus Press; 2003
The Beatles, Hunter Davis; McGraw-Hill; 1968
The Complete Beatles Recording Sessions, Mark Lewisohn; Hamlyn (a division of the Octopus Publishing Group); 1988
All You Need Is Ears, George Martin, with Jeremy Hornsby; St. Martin’s Griffin; 1979
This is Your Brain on Music, The Science of a Human Obsession, Daniel J. Levitin; Plume; 2007
Engelbert Humperdinck (singer), Wikipedia
Release Me (Eddie Miller song), Wikipedia
Voice Actors
Joe Anastasi
Mike SugarThanks to the Library of Congress for this episode’s image.
This show is part of Pantheon Podcasts.