About this episode
What if the Beatles had chosen "It Won't Be Long" as a single instead of "I Want to Hold Your Hand"? Peter and Kenyon dive into this electrifying album opener, examining its sophisticated use of unusual chord progressions, lyrical wordplay, and high-energy performance. The song captures a transitional moment for the Beatles as they began blending rock and roll vigor with more nuanced compositional techniques. The hosts explore the challenges of its recording process, including John Lennon’s vocal intensity and George Harrison’s precise guitar work. They also touch on the song's historical significance, marking the Beatles' move toward wider critical acclaim and their burgeoning maturity as musicians. Packed with fun anecdotes and keen insights, this episode uncovers how "It Won’t Be Long" sets the tone for With the Beatles and reflects the band’s rapid evolution. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.