Are you Ready for the Sex Girls, Money, Love Me Do, Groovin', Ode to Billie Joe, Anytime At All, Billie Jean, Don't Let The Stars Get in Your Eyes, Mooning, It's A Shame I'm missing one: IS it Good King Wenceslaus?
I'm 75 and each LP that came out was a mental education in music for me. The transformation in those 8 years is astounding. I am totally impressed with your analysis and interpretation of their music. Your depths of knowledge about music is in contrast to my pure experience of it for the first time. There is no other group like them. Introduce my daughter to your channel she is very impressed as well. I paid your greetings from Cornwall UK. Thank you.
75 is pretty much the right age for someone who could have their young mind filled and enriched by what was going on around them in a vibrant era of screaming inventiveness. I grew up in a home with a hifi system with about 10 records anyone would choose to sample. I listened to the first side of "Meet the Beatles" (yes, I'm a Yank) 50x before I ever bothered to flip it over. I was hooked.
Thank you for helping me appreciate this song more. I've always felt it paled next to John's 'And Your Bird Can Sing', 'She Said She Said' and 'Tomorrow Never Knows'. I never skip it but now I'll enjoy it more.
Just want to say that I read through all these comments - and it's nice to see so many great fans finding Nancy's videos. She deserves a huge audience.
Pop/rock music abounds with plagal cadences rather than perfect cadences. One of the reasons so many fade out rather than end with the stronger resolution of the perfect cadence.
Well well well would also be one of the key tracks in John Lennon's first real solo album, plastic Ono band, and he repeats the phrase several times in a primal scream that grows more & more intense with every repetition....
These videos make be feel like I’m not alone with the Beatles and I can watch other people geek out with their music, instrumentation, harmonies and everything that comes with the Beatles lore. Appreciate you guys! Great video, love the part where you guys as a trio singe the “Well Well Well” part! 😭 my favorite part of the song
I just want to thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for the sheer joy you have brought to this installment of the series. The Beatles were always about joy, the joy of two or three voices discovering what they can produce together. So when you and your sister (and your off-screen "third" sister) delightedly warble together on the choral bridge of Dr Robert, you recreate something of the Beatles that no other channel on TH-cam can. Nancy, you should get your own TV series and I will read any book you care to write on the Beatles. Your analyses far surpass those of the Good Book in explaining why Revolver's songs are so beautifully wrought and have the effect they do. (Plus, as a homesick expat New Zealander living in India, the hint of a Kiwi twang in your voice makes me want to listen even more!)
Hi F: I've written to you before and revealed that I'm "sufficiently ancient" to have lived through the whole Beatles thing in real time. One point about them that can be overlooked is that the boys were really, really charming. (The reality that two of the best singing voices of that generation were both in the same band; and two of the best songwriters of that generation were in the same band, shouldn't be overlooked of course.) I bring up the "charm" thing because you are also a real charmer (so is your sister). And, you love the Beatles, and bring really interesting musical analysis to the Beatles songbook. I'm so happy to have found your podcast. All the best. Cheers.
This video just appeared randomly in my feed. I REALLY enjoyed it. This is easily my favorite Revolver song, and you two have a great dynamic and love the music theory stuff. Damn good ears, too. You know what? I'm kind of embarrassed to admit that I never noticed that they don't actually go back to the original key. This is SUCH a bouncy song, and thanks for showing exactly why AND HOW the bassline is so bouncy. I'm learning to play bass now and that's probably my most useful bass lesson this week, no joke. I have definitely subscribed! BTW, the way you two sing together reminds me of how my mother and her sisters used to harmonize together. There was always so much joy in that.
LOVE your harmonies here. GREAT. When you do the three part - incredible. Your breakdown is fabulous. The "problem" that we had on the first release was that it wasn't on Revolver in the States but Yesterday and Today. Keep em' coming. NOT a skip over.
Wow! Not only is your harmony singing a real treat - you two also gave me back my love for this piece that I had lost somewhere along the way. You unveiled what is the Beatles´real secret weapon (to me): The combination of boogie and churchlike hymns.
One of the things l most love about John's musicality is those left field lower harmonies he slides under the main melodies. Check his choice of pitch for the word tour on magical mystery tour. Thrillingly threatening. Love this channel.
I've loved this song since I was 14 years old. As an old man of 58, you two fantastic musicians have absolutely made my day. Absolute mind blowing breakdown of this hidden gem. Thank you❤
I've hit the BELL as you entertained me so well here and this has always been one of my favorite FAB tunes! I think your explantation took me where I never thought I'd go with this song too!
This was even more fun than usual! When you two did the John and Paul harmony, then slowed it down and stopped at the most dissonant point I nearly lost my mind over how cool you two are. You should have your sister on more often!
@@fathommusicnz - It must be hard for you two to be "so far away" (love Carole King) almost all the time. It is so obvious how much you love each other and what a great time you have when you are together. I hope somehow you both end up nearer to each other at some point down the road. You should have your own weekly tv show. That is how entertaining, educational, smart, fun interesting and silly you two are together.
Nice analysis of a great song. I would just add a thought to your commentary on the "well well well" part; while I get the churchy, religious vibe you talk about, (its certainly there in the melodic/chordal construction), I would also point out that this section's tonal shift very effectively demonstrates the change in perception and feeling when certain "medications" take effect on the brain. Again, great, fun analysis.
I asked for a return of the dynamic duo in last wk's comments, and that request was manifested in the most wonderful way today! What I think I like best is that you 2 give hints of what it must'a been like growing up together... Beautiful! Thanx
I'm 73 and grew up a Beatlemaniac. I always loved this little-appreciated cut from Revolver, but you really do it justice! Your analysis is very insightful as well as fun. You know your stuff. You picked up on the Eastern influences they were heavily under at this time, the churchy feel in the bridge, the guru-ization of Dr. Roberts John not so subtlely hints at, and the Kinks' guitar quality that was emblematic of this period. I'm not musically trained, so you taught me some things to enrich my love of this song! I had not considered that Dylan could be Dr. Roberts, but it fits. Maybe a double entendre. Thank you! You are fab, very gear, as the Beatles would have said at that time.👍
There actually was a doctor Roberts in NYC that had wealthy clients and gave scripts to for pills. John was writing about what he knew and was a round him. This thought process followed him for a few years. It’s a simple song, about a doctor they knew who gave out drugs. Period. Nothing deep
Girls love your take on this classic beatles track - Thank you - very entertaining One point you may have missed as the lyrics on line are innacurate in the National Health verse: My friend works for the National Health Doctor Robert You'll pay money just to see yourself With Doctor Robert The 3rd line he actually sings: Don't pay money just to see yourself With Doctor Robert This was a subject very close to John's heart - The National Health Service in the UK has always been FREE at the point of use - John's round glasses were National Health Prescription frames and lenses - they ONLY issued out round frame glasses back in the old days - so that became his trademark - His glasses were FREE Now maybe that verse makes more sense now ?
Also, I always loved that "Well, well.." part. I have a pretty good ear but certain Beatle harmonies are so tight and intricate that I can never get past hearing them as one solid beautiful "block". I love how you broke that apart and sang what is going on there! Only increases my appreciation of the song, the Beatles, and you guys :-)
I can't believe I made it 45 years of being a Beatles fan before I finally saw a Leslie speaker. This is another excellent reason why I love watching these videos. Also, we get readings from the "Good Book." I have always enjoyed Doctor Robert, partly because my name is Robert. I imagined it was John singing about me. Thankfully, I did not grow up to be a pill pusher in New York. Revolver works brilliantly because it is a coherent album versus just a collection of random songs. Doctor Robert fits Revolver like a piece in a jigsaw puzzle. I thought the Mixolidians were an alien race on Star Trek... but I could be mistaken. You could take the Sister Act on the road and I would buy a ticket.
Wonderful video 👌😃 I love the game you play with your sister 👍😅 What a cool way to get to the highlights in a song 🤞😍👏👏👏👏 BTW: Thanks for saying hi to me. I'm Richard 👋😅
Light hearted accurately diagnosed and ultimately full of fun and tremendously interesting to watch. Fathom and twin you guys are cool to listen too.Thank You ! Please keep your posts rolling. Love em .
You guys put up a fun video! It makes my day! You totally make sense and open my ears again to this wonderful music that I am very fortunate to be hearing. Your intelligence is beautiful!
my favourite thing about this song is how drony the bass is in the bridge, sustaining the same note throughout giving it that super floaty ascending feeling, before it suddenly drops back into the bouncing verse, it's such an abrupt feeling in how it suddenly cuts off this sustained heavenly passage, immediately becoming super grounded in the groove again. Such a cool feeling
What a great discussion. What a kick ass song. The riff and the guitars are enough to make this great, but there's so much going on in this short straightforward rocker. And they didn't do a lot of straightforward rockers in this era. I love that you pointed out John's swooping vocals, because I'd never really thought about it before, but it's super cool and I'll never not take note of that again.
Hello. I have recently subscribed to your channel and I am enjoying it immensely. I am also a great Beatles fan. I was listening to Revolver just yesterday. There is, in fact, a Dr. Robert Robert. He appears on my channel (Not the Chair Circle!). In fact, he has his feature slot, Out of My Mind, on the latest episode "Social Anxiety". Please excuse the blatant self-publicising of my programme. Thank you again for a really uplifting show. Love, light and peace, Bob McGowan.
I thought for many years that they sang ” life would be ecstacy, you and me and Lesley”. I always wondered who Lesley was. A great, great song by the way. So glad you mentioned that, and in my misunderstood way. Thanks for another great episode! And please say Hi to your sister from me. She was great as well.
I guess everybody hears that. I could never make sense out of that, but now that I think about it, END-lessly would have the same rhythm as EC-stasy, and would make a poor transition back to the verse - no space to breathe. I'll bet they had a giggle over the way it sounded like "and Leslie".
Maybe my favorite track from this album. I just love the groove the lads have laid down right from the jump. Really enjoyed the energy displayed here while analyzing and dissecting the song. Very enjoyable and informative discussion. Thanks.
I love your show so much, your deconstruction of the Beatles is amazing, but to see you and your sister so passionate and happy about it is really fun!
As many times as I've heard this song, it never occurred to me until you mentioned it that "well well well" is a bit of wordplay (the kind that Lennon was fond of), used first as an interjection and then as a description of what "he'll make you". Thanks!
I really enjoy your analyses of music and songs overall, not only of Beatles music. Your observations and insight are intelligent and well-rounded; you do your own research and homework, and your analyses are comprehensive, un-hyped, solid and you're not 'trendy,' thank GOD. You're an excellent musician too. I think you're gear, fab, smart, funny and well worth tuning into (and now I see your sis is as well). You're the real deal. Congratulations on a fine channel. Don't stop! Peace and be very well.
Great vid! Very surprised that many people don't like this track (?) What?! This is a great song. The chorus is perfect (and you 3 sister did it lovely! ), and it is a musical treat overall. Those who underrate it must be not very musically advanced, sorry.
Bravo this is informative and it actually pays respect to an otherwise under appreciated song. I have always liked this song and have never skipped it. I love to sing along with it, its fun and also ya'll appear to have a love of The Beatles
A diagram of lungs next to a tiny upside-down framed photo next to a decorative taco plate all on a piano while she cranes her neck to get her face on camera instead of getting a wider shot… I don’t know why, but it totally works!
"Dr Robert" was my least favorite song on Revolver. You guys have really cheered me up about it! It's great to see you so enthusiastic about my lifelong favorite band. I was about 8 when I first heard them, and I knew that things were never going to be the same.
Love Dr Robert. Such a John song, flippant and profound at once. Though my favorite part is the bridge: that “well well well he’ll make you” (sumptuous harmony vox and that quiet rising buzzing sound)- one of the sonic highlights of the entire album. I still think it’s the dentist. John loooved acid in 66-67. “Cup”- acid in his tea. And “Robert keeps him anon. Also Paul wasn’t hip to it at the time this was written (I also think he speculates about John songs)
That was a beautiful illustration of how much the third voice in a chorale really adds so much to it. That chorale and the Bsus4 chord preceding it really make this song for me. My two favorite rock bands, the Beatles and Van Halen, make prodigious and excellent use of sus chords in their music, giving their songs little pops of brightness.
What a fun episode! I’ve always thought Dr. Robert was a refreshing blast of pure rock’n’roll on the otherwise highly experimental and diverse Revolver…lower tier? No chance. A possible historical link…in the late ‘60’s, a Dr. matching our hero’s description gave baseball great Mickey Mantle a shot of B-12 and other ingredients into Mantle’s hip. The shot site became quickly infected, a large abscess formed, and it became another setback in Mantle’s struggles to remain healthy and able to play. Not as much fun…
I'm trying not to comment on every video of yours I watch, but I think I just wish to be in the conversation you're having. I love Ode to Billy Joe, and the B-Side Mississippi. (Anna does that violin thing nicely in the outtake). I think a lot of people would not do the double scoop during that harmony, and when the two of you did it, it felt just right. You can imagine it. One of the Beatles wanted a Pipe Organ at some point, and that's when Martin introduced them to the much cheaper option of the Harmonium. I think on that last Doctor Robert that one of them started to do it, and the other caught on very quickly and jumped in. It definitely has that "don't forget" tone to it. Nice harmonies!! Pull these ladies into one of your songs (if you haven't already). It might be "Bob" but it could be "Doc." Acting? O.o That commenter can take a hike. Everyone is likely to be into the Beatles! This isn't about you or this video, really, because your making the case for a song people have deemed less good, but in general, I wish people wouldn't tier everything, especially songs. Contrary to my own point though, one of the things I love about the Bealtes is that you can watch their growth so easily, so I have to admit a hierarchy exists. It'd be silly for me to say we should consider Ask Me Why to be on par with Doctor Roberts nor Doctor Roberts to be the same quality as A Day in the Life. Maybe my point in this is that even though by some objective standards Strawberry Fields Forever is a better quality song than Doctor Roberts, there's times when the mood is better for Doctor Roberts. Hell, I still want to put on Anna (go to him) some times. The only Beatles song I find skippable is Mr. Moonlight. I just never got into it. It's all subjective after all. George has said he wasn't sure that "Don't Bother Me" was really a song, and it's always been one of my favorites. Shrug. Thanks for the video. -RTA
The unedited version of this episode must be incredible. I cannot imagine how hectic it must have been for your parents on long car rides with you two!
For me the middle eight has always been the song's magic. Something about the way the voices interact. There's something a little raggedy about it that appeals to me. And yes, also that churchy feel as someone else mentioned. Also, I love the way John articulates "newww...youuu." (And Paul's bass of course.) And of course the guitar sound. I just absolutely love this middle period rock sound ("Rain," "She Said, She Said," "AYBCS"). It's the perfect distillation of the band's sound to me. Oh wow! Yes, the earworm-y riff! I never really focused on that before. It's very ("I Feel Fine," isn't it?)
That whack of the snare is the genius of Ringo, finding just the right percussion for the Beatles. I still think Ringo is among the most sensitive drummers, able to suss out the themes and meanings in the songs and support them near perfectly. I like Dr Robert for the tune. It's danceable, singable, and the Lennon and McCartney vocal mix is even better than usual.
Ah, that's so much fun - thank you for cheering up a gloomy Thursday lunchtime! You work so well together! I don't believe there are any bottom-tier songs on Revolver, for me they're all tier one or two. And what kind of monster skips Beatles songs?! I used to be on a Beatles facebook group and the subject came up of which songs we skipped. An anathema! Heck, I don't even skip The Long and Winding Road. Doctor Robert was a favourite on Revolver when I was little because it was a rare Beatles song whose lyrics I understood completely. Just a niiiice innocent song about a friendly doctor, yes sir. None of this creepy, "She said I know what it's like to be dead" stuff. Plus I liked the churchy harmonium bit. I'm also a big fan of songs when there are too many syllables and the words start tripping over each other . I think my favourite example is George Harrison's That Which I Have Lost. Cramming, "The mirrors of understanding they need cleansing and polish away the dust of desire before pure light will reflect in them" into four bars is a thing of wonder. A big "what the heck?" to the viewer comment at the end. Is he saying what I think he's saying with "type of people"? Women of colour can't possibly be into rock'n'roll, the genre created by women of colour?
As a Beatles fan for the last 60 years, I never understood why this song has gotten kind of a bad rap. I've always like it. Especially the guitars. It's really fun to play. (do I get a point for that?)
I have to think it's largely cuz of them writing & recording so many brilliant, stand out songs, that one like "Dr. Robert", while perfectly fine, can seem underwhelming in comparison. But as a wise writer pointed out, comparisons are odious. Had most any other band/act written this song, it would likely be considered a real gem in their catalog(ue).
This was a good time. I've always had a tenuous relationship with this song, probably because it wasn't even on Revolver when I was a kid--the Capitol Records release left three Lennon tracks (Robert, "I'm Only Sleeping," and "And Your Bird Can Sing") off, and they wound up on "Yesterday and Today," which I did eventually get, but didn't listen to as much. This also made the USA Revolver album the only Beatles record I can think of that had more songs by Harrison than Lennon. It was also less than a half hour long. Despite this, or perhaps because of it, I absolutely loved Revolver and couldn't get enough of it. Of the three, "Bird" is my favorite, "Sleeping" plods a bit, but nails the vibe it's going for (and the backwards solo is groovy), and "Robert" struck me as lyrically interesting, but not very catchy musically, with the vocal harmony breaks being the best bit. This video makes me like it more, though. Also, Lennon making some lines longer than others is a recurring thing with him; "Good Morning" and "Don't Let Me Down" are good examples.
Can you name all the featured songs that this episode is NOT about?
bobbiegentrybilliejogoodking Wenceslausyoureallygotmenowlovemedoi'mtheurbanspacemansubterraneanhomesickblues - no i don't are you kidding 😮?
Are you Ready for the Sex Girls, Money, Love Me Do, Groovin', Ode to Billie Joe, Anytime At All, Billie Jean, Don't Let The Stars Get in Your Eyes, Mooning, It's A Shame
I'm missing one: IS it Good King Wenceslaus?
"Love Me Do", "You Really Got Me", "Money", "I Feel Fine", "Ode To Billie Joe", "You Know My Name"...
@@KieopVery good 👌😃 But you missed "You Know My Name" 😟
I'm 75 and each LP that came out was a mental education in music for me. The transformation in those 8 years is astounding. I am totally impressed with your analysis and interpretation of their music. Your depths of knowledge about music is in contrast to my pure experience of it for the first time. There is no other group like them. Introduce my daughter to your channel she is very impressed as well. I paid your greetings from Cornwall UK. Thank you.
75 is pretty much the right age for someone who could have their young mind filled and enriched by what was going on around them in a vibrant era of screaming inventiveness. I grew up in a home with a hifi system with about 10 records anyone would choose to sample. I listened to the first side of "Meet the Beatles" (yes, I'm a Yank) 50x before I ever bothered to flip it over. I was hooked.
60 year old UK guy here. I love your show. Your love of the Beatles fill my heart with joy. You and your sis are wonderful. Thank you so much ❤
72 year old,same deal.
I am 59 and a lifelong Beatles fan from the age of 5 and I love love love this channel, also. It's thoroughly joyous!
Informed girls that know about 1960s music means a definite subscribe.
Thank you for helping me appreciate this song more. I've always felt it paled next to John's 'And Your Bird Can Sing', 'She Said She Said' and 'Tomorrow Never Knows'. I never skip it but now I'll enjoy it more.
Wow. Your guys's harmony singing is celestial. Your voices just blend so perfectly.
Just want to say that I read through all these comments - and it's nice to see so many great fans finding Nancy's videos. She deserves a huge audience.
The chords in the “well well well” also include the “amen” plagal cadence adding to the churchy feel
Pop/rock music abounds with plagal cadences rather than perfect cadences. One of the reasons so many fade out rather than end with the stronger resolution of the perfect cadence.
Well well well would also be one of the key tracks in John Lennon's first real solo album, plastic Ono band, and he repeats the phrase several times in a primal scream that grows more & more intense with every repetition....
These videos make be feel like I’m not alone with the Beatles and I can watch other people geek out with their music, instrumentation, harmonies and everything that comes with the Beatles lore. Appreciate you guys! Great video, love the part where you guys as a trio singe the “Well Well Well” part! 😭 my favorite part of the song
“Lower tier tracks” - there are no lower tier tracks on Revolver! This song is so catchy and the guitar tone is snappy!
Yellow Submarine 😂
@@ramilopez6921 What!!? YS is a beloved classic! Never mind that it's sappy nonsense, it's clever sappy nonsense.
I gave it my best defense! th-cam.com/video/lBZfKkC1YuQ/w-d-xo.html
not every song on an album is on the same level
@@jk4675And
I just want to thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for the sheer joy you have brought to this installment of the series. The Beatles were always about joy, the joy of two or three voices discovering what they can produce together. So when you and your sister (and your off-screen "third" sister) delightedly warble together on the choral bridge of Dr Robert, you recreate something of the Beatles that no other channel on TH-cam can. Nancy, you should get your own TV series and I will read any book you care to write on the Beatles. Your analyses far surpass those of the Good Book in explaining why Revolver's songs are so beautifully wrought and have the effect they do. (Plus, as a homesick expat New Zealander living in India, the hint of a Kiwi twang in your voice makes me want to listen even more!)
Special shout out to Leslie. The world would be a far worse place without her beautiful warble and grace. Way to go Leslie!
I loved that too. Way to go Leslie! :D
Hi F: I've written to you before and revealed that I'm "sufficiently ancient" to have lived through the whole Beatles thing in real time. One point about them that can be overlooked is that the boys were really, really charming. (The reality that two of the best singing voices of that generation were both in the same band; and two of the best songwriters of that generation were in the same band, shouldn't be overlooked of course.)
I bring up the "charm" thing because you are also a real charmer (so is your sister). And, you love the Beatles, and bring really interesting musical analysis to the Beatles songbook.
I'm so happy to have found your podcast. All the best. Cheers.
You must put so much effort into these!
Just know that your fans appreciate it :)
I appreciate how deep and nerdy this is
This video just appeared randomly in my feed. I REALLY enjoyed it. This is easily my favorite Revolver song, and you two have a great dynamic and love the music theory stuff. Damn good ears, too. You know what? I'm kind of embarrassed to admit that I never noticed that they don't actually go back to the original key. This is SUCH a bouncy song, and thanks for showing exactly why AND HOW the bassline is so bouncy. I'm learning to play bass now and that's probably my most useful bass lesson this week, no joke. I have definitely subscribed! BTW, the way you two sing together reminds me of how my mother and her sisters used to harmonize together. There was always so much joy in that.
LOVE your harmonies here. GREAT. When you do the three part - incredible. Your breakdown is fabulous. The "problem" that we had on the first release was that it wasn't on Revolver in the States but Yesterday and Today. Keep em' coming. NOT a skip over.
I always love your show! But you and your sister together is so much fun! Love it!!❤❤
Doctor Robert is so underrated
Oh yes. Great chord riff (which takes two players to play, in order to get the sustain). Also great guitar sound.
Absolutely love Dr. Robert. Always have. Guitars, harmonies, overall vibe. Brilliant.
Great video, I learned a lot about Dr. Robert! It's always fun when you collaborate with your sister. Your harmonies are awesome!
Wow! Not only is your harmony singing a real treat - you two also gave me back my love for this piece that I had lost somewhere along the way. You unveiled what is the Beatles´real secret weapon (to me): The combination of boogie and churchlike hymns.
One of the things l most love about John's musicality is those left field lower harmonies he slides under the main melodies. Check his choice of pitch for the word tour on magical mystery tour. Thrillingly threatening. Love this channel.
I cannot wait for tomorrow never knows
Should listen with Lucy in attendance
I've loved this song since I was 14 years old. As an old man of 58, you two fantastic musicians have absolutely made my day. Absolute mind blowing breakdown of this hidden gem.
Thank you❤
I've hit the BELL as you entertained me so well here and this has always been one of my favorite FAB tunes! I think your explantation took me where I never thought I'd go with this song too!
Thank you! I'd completely forgotten that was a feature for TH-cam 🤣
You guys are awesome. You take an album which I know inside out and make me listen to it with fresh ears. This channel is amazing!
This was even more fun than usual! When you two did the John and Paul harmony, then slowed it down and stopped at the most dissonant point I nearly lost my mind over how cool you two are. You should have your sister on more often!
I would LOVE to, but she lives about 18 hours away by plane!
@@fathommusicnz - It must be hard for you two to be "so far away" (love Carole King) almost all the time. It is so obvious how much you love each other and what a great time you have when you are together. I hope somehow you both end up nearer to each other at some point down the road. You should have your own weekly tv show. That is how entertaining, educational, smart, fun interesting and silly you two are together.
Nice analysis of a great song. I would just add a thought to your commentary on the "well well well" part; while I get the churchy, religious vibe you talk about, (its certainly there in the melodic/chordal construction), I would also point out that this section's tonal shift very effectively demonstrates the change in perception and feeling when certain "medications" take effect on the brain.
Again, great, fun analysis.
One point from me would be how it fades out, but also has an ending! Can’t remember any other song that does that.
…Followed by the fade-in for “I Want to Tell You”. It’s a clever transition.
Really enjoy the fun vibe of your videos. So much fun to watch! ❤️
I asked for a return of the dynamic duo in last wk's comments, and that request was manifested in the most wonderful way today! What I think I like best is that you 2 give hints of what it must'a been like growing up together... Beautiful! Thanx
I really love your videos. You really get into the music you love, and I love that. Keep up the good work!😊👍
I'm 72, and you guys are blowing my mind...amazing! Happy to subscribe, thanks.
I'm 73 and grew up a Beatlemaniac. I always loved this little-appreciated cut from Revolver, but you really do it justice! Your analysis is very insightful as well as fun. You know your stuff. You picked up on the Eastern influences they were heavily under at this time, the churchy feel in the bridge, the guru-ization of Dr. Roberts John not so subtlely hints at, and the Kinks' guitar quality that was emblematic of this period. I'm not musically trained, so you taught me some things to enrich my love of this song! I had not considered that Dylan could be Dr. Roberts, but it fits. Maybe a double entendre. Thank you! You are fab, very gear, as the Beatles would have said at that time.👍
There actually was a doctor Roberts in NYC that had wealthy clients and gave scripts to for pills. John was writing about what he knew and was a round him. This thought process followed him for a few years. It’s a simple song, about a doctor they knew who gave out drugs. Period. Nothing deep
The sisters are back! Twice the insight, fun and adorableness, for the price of one. Thanks young artistes.
Girls love your take on this classic beatles track - Thank you - very entertaining
One point you may have missed as the lyrics on line are innacurate in the National Health verse:
My friend works for the National Health
Doctor Robert
You'll pay money just to see yourself
With Doctor Robert
The 3rd line he actually sings:
Don't pay money just to see yourself
With Doctor Robert
This was a subject very close to John's heart - The National Health Service in the UK has always been FREE at the point of use - John's round glasses were National Health Prescription frames and lenses - they ONLY issued out round frame glasses back in the old days - so that became his trademark - His glasses were FREE
Now maybe that verse makes more sense now ?
It does, thank you!
Also, I always loved that "Well, well.." part. I have a pretty good ear but certain Beatle harmonies are so tight and intricate that I can never get past hearing them as one solid beautiful "block". I love how you broke that apart and sang what is going on there! Only increases my appreciation of the song, the Beatles, and you guys :-)
I can't believe I made it 45 years of being a Beatles fan before I finally saw a Leslie speaker. This is another excellent reason why I love watching these videos. Also, we get readings from the "Good Book." I have always enjoyed Doctor Robert, partly because my name is Robert. I imagined it was John singing about me. Thankfully, I did not grow up to be a pill pusher in New York. Revolver works brilliantly because it is a coherent album versus just a collection of random songs. Doctor Robert fits Revolver like a piece in a jigsaw puzzle. I thought the Mixolidians were an alien race on Star Trek... but I could be mistaken. You could take the Sister Act on the road and I would buy a ticket.
My name is Robert, and I love this song!...and your video is great!
Great video! Something that makes this song special for me is the way it seems to both fade out and have a "proper" ending at the same time.
Wonderful video 👌😃 I love the game you play with your sister 👍😅 What a cool way to get to the highlights in a song 🤞😍👏👏👏👏
BTW: Thanks for saying hi to me. I'm Richard 👋😅
Light hearted accurately diagnosed and ultimately full of fun and tremendously interesting to watch.
Fathom and twin you guys are cool to listen too.Thank You ! Please keep your posts rolling. Love em .
Sisters well know each other...it s fantastic !
Very harmonious at every level
You guys put up a fun video! It makes my day! You totally make sense and open my ears again to this wonderful music that I am very fortunate to be hearing. Your intelligence is beautiful!
my favourite thing about this song is how drony the bass is in the bridge, sustaining the same note throughout giving it that super floaty ascending feeling, before it suddenly drops back into the bouncing verse, it's such an abrupt feeling in how it suddenly cuts off this sustained heavenly passage, immediately becoming super grounded in the groove again. Such a cool feeling
I LOVE Doctor Robert, ESPECIALLY in mono.
Most enjoyable video. Delightful between you two ( and sometimes three.)
Brilliant editing on this video! I am becoming a fan!
You 2 are amazing and I can't believe I just found you today. Automatically subscribed!
What a great discussion. What a kick ass song. The riff and the guitars are enough to make this great, but there's so much going on in this short straightforward rocker. And they didn't do a lot of straightforward rockers in this era. I love that you pointed out John's swooping vocals, because I'd never really thought about it before, but it's super cool and I'll never not take note of that again.
Thanks to two very sharp, lovely ladies for this highly entertaining tryst with the good doctor. And yes, that Leslie rocks.
Hello.
I have recently subscribed to your channel and I am enjoying it immensely. I am also a great Beatles fan. I was listening to Revolver just yesterday.
There is, in fact, a Dr. Robert Robert.
He appears on my channel (Not the Chair Circle!). In fact, he has his feature slot, Out of My Mind, on the latest episode "Social Anxiety". Please excuse the blatant self-publicising of my programme.
Thank you again for a really uplifting show.
Love, light and peace,
Bob McGowan.
I thought for many years that they sang ” life would be ecstacy, you and me and Lesley”. I always wondered who Lesley was. A great, great song by the way. So glad you mentioned that, and in my misunderstood way. Thanks for another great episode! And please say Hi to your sister from me. She was great as well.
Yes! The Rascals “Leslie” reference! 😅 Although…Felix did indeed play Hammond organ…maybe he really did mean Leslie! 🤔
I guess everybody hears that. I could never make sense out of that, but now that I think about it, END-lessly would have the same rhythm as EC-stasy, and would make a poor transition back to the verse - no space to breathe. I'll bet they had a giggle over the way it sounded like "and Leslie".
Another possibility is that it’s a reference to Leslie West! The Rascals and The Vagrants were playing the same NYC/LI club circuit in those days…
@@jazzzman8050 Ahh, must be him then 😉 Anyway, a groovy song.
let's go see is what I thought it was.
Maybe my favorite track from this album. I just love the groove the lads have laid down right from the jump. Really enjoyed the energy displayed here while analyzing and dissecting the song. Very enjoyable and informative discussion. Thanks.
Never thought it was a bad song - always considered it a hidden gem
I love your show so much, your deconstruction of the Beatles is amazing, but to see you and your sister so passionate and happy about it is really fun!
The "well, well, well" bridge is the moment the drug kicks in.
You two are adorable! Glad you don't let the haters get you down.
As many times as I've heard this song, it never occurred to me until you mentioned it that "well well well" is a bit of wordplay (the kind that Lennon was fond of), used first as an interjection and then as a description of what "he'll make you". Thanks!
Well done! I like the correspondent series/ bits. Creative, fun, smart. The "Well Well Well" part sounds like Xmas music.
I really enjoy your analyses of music and songs overall, not only of Beatles music. Your observations and insight are intelligent and well-rounded; you do your own research and homework, and your analyses are comprehensive, un-hyped, solid and you're not 'trendy,' thank GOD. You're an excellent musician too. I think you're gear, fab, smart, funny and well worth tuning into (and now I see your sis is as well). You're the real deal. Congratulations on a fine channel. Don't stop! Peace and be very well.
So cute, love that you have a sister and that you share the same culture and humour!
Great vid!
Very surprised that many people don't like this track (?) What?! This is a great song. The chorus is perfect (and you 3 sister did it lovely! ), and it is a musical treat overall. Those who underrate it must be not very musically advanced, sorry.
Bravo this is informative and it actually pays respect to an otherwise under appreciated song. I have always liked this song and have never skipped it. I love to sing along with it, its fun and also ya'll appear to have a love of The Beatles
A diagram of lungs next to a tiny upside-down framed photo next to a decorative taco plate all on a piano while she cranes her neck to get her face on camera instead of getting a wider shot… I don’t know why, but it totally works!
"Dr Robert" was my least favorite song on Revolver. You guys have really cheered me up about it! It's great to see you so enthusiastic about my lifelong favorite band. I was about 8 when I first heard them, and I knew that things were never going to be the same.
Love Dr Robert. Such a John song, flippant and profound at once. Though my favorite part is the bridge: that “well well well he’ll make you” (sumptuous harmony vox and that quiet rising buzzing sound)- one of the sonic highlights of the entire album.
I still think it’s the dentist. John loooved acid in 66-67. “Cup”- acid in his tea. And “Robert keeps him anon. Also Paul wasn’t hip to it at the time this was written (I also think he speculates about John songs)
Love the video today. Have you done a video on the American version of "Rubber Soul"? It has a very folkie feel.
Not an American version, but I covered the British one last year: th-cam.com/play/PLxvWXlhtRxVMVykjH-XfcvsuTW8Vgoo0h.html
That was a beautiful illustration of how much the third voice in a chorale really adds so much to it.
That chorale and the Bsus4 chord preceding it really make this song for me. My two favorite rock bands, the Beatles and Van Halen, make prodigious and excellent use of sus chords in their music, giving their songs little pops of brightness.
When you commented on the chuchiness of the wel-well-well part, I thought you’d make the connection of his “ special cup” to communion.
Absolutely fantastic episode! Great song, and album. Thank you!
What a fun episode! I’ve always thought Dr. Robert was a refreshing blast of pure rock’n’roll on the otherwise highly experimental and diverse Revolver…lower tier? No chance. A possible historical link…in the late ‘60’s, a Dr. matching our hero’s description gave baseball great Mickey Mantle a shot of B-12 and other ingredients into Mantle’s hip. The shot site became quickly infected, a large abscess formed, and it became another setback in Mantle’s struggles to remain healthy and able to play. Not as much fun…
I'm trying not to comment on every video of yours I watch, but I think I just wish to be in the conversation you're having.
I love Ode to Billy Joe, and the B-Side Mississippi. (Anna does that violin thing nicely in the outtake).
I think a lot of people would not do the double scoop during that harmony, and when the two of you did it, it felt just right.
You can imagine it. One of the Beatles wanted a Pipe Organ at some point, and that's when Martin introduced them to the much cheaper option of the Harmonium.
I think on that last Doctor Robert that one of them started to do it, and the other caught on very quickly and jumped in. It definitely has that "don't forget" tone to it.
Nice harmonies!! Pull these ladies into one of your songs (if you haven't already).
It might be "Bob" but it could be "Doc."
Acting? O.o That commenter can take a hike. Everyone is likely to be into the Beatles!
This isn't about you or this video, really, because your making the case for a song people have deemed less good, but in general, I wish people wouldn't tier everything, especially songs. Contrary to my own point though, one of the things I love about the Bealtes is that you can watch their growth so easily, so I have to admit a hierarchy exists. It'd be silly for me to say we should consider Ask Me Why to be on par with Doctor Roberts nor Doctor Roberts to be the same quality as A Day in the Life.
Maybe my point in this is that even though by some objective standards Strawberry Fields Forever is a better quality song than Doctor Roberts, there's times when the mood is better for Doctor Roberts. Hell, I still want to put on Anna (go to him) some times. The only Beatles song I find skippable is Mr. Moonlight. I just never got into it. It's all subjective after all. George has said he wasn't sure that "Don't Bother Me" was really a song, and it's always been one of my favorites. Shrug.
Thanks for the video.
-RTA
The unedited version of this episode must be incredible. I cannot imagine how hectic it must have been for your parents on long car rides with you two!
Your three part harmonies were perfect! Great song! Greater album!!
For me the middle eight has always been the song's magic. Something about the way the voices interact. There's something a little raggedy about it that appeals to me. And yes, also that churchy feel as someone else mentioned. Also, I love the way John articulates "newww...youuu." (And Paul's bass of course.)
And of course the guitar sound. I just absolutely love this middle period rock sound ("Rain," "She Said, She Said," "AYBCS"). It's the perfect distillation of the band's sound to me.
Oh wow! Yes, the earworm-y riff! I never really focused on that before. It's very ("I Feel Fine," isn't it?)
I love to hear you and your sister(s) harmonizing.
Nice singing and piano playing.
What a gas - you ladies are hilarious! Very good points you make - I've always loved this song but never analyzed why. Singing's good too.
That whack of the snare is the genius of Ringo, finding just the right percussion for the Beatles. I still think Ringo is among the most sensitive drummers, able to suss out the themes and meanings in the songs and support them near perfectly. I like Dr Robert for the tune. It's danceable, singable, and the Lennon and McCartney vocal mix is even better than usual.
you guys are big fun. have you listened to the deconstructed version of this. it's great.love your 60s references.
I love your content!
Ah, that's so much fun - thank you for cheering up a gloomy Thursday lunchtime! You work so well together!
I don't believe there are any bottom-tier songs on Revolver, for me they're all tier one or two. And what kind of monster skips Beatles songs?! I used to be on a Beatles facebook group and the subject came up of which songs we skipped. An anathema! Heck, I don't even skip The Long and Winding Road. Doctor Robert was a favourite on Revolver when I was little because it was a rare Beatles song whose lyrics I understood completely. Just a niiiice innocent song about a friendly doctor, yes sir. None of this creepy, "She said I know what it's like to be dead" stuff. Plus I liked the churchy harmonium bit.
I'm also a big fan of songs when there are too many syllables and the words start tripping over each other . I think my favourite example is George Harrison's That Which I Have Lost. Cramming, "The mirrors of understanding they need cleansing and polish away the dust of desire before pure light will reflect in them" into four bars is a thing of wonder.
A big "what the heck?" to the viewer comment at the end. Is he saying what I think he's saying with "type of people"? Women of colour can't possibly be into rock'n'roll, the genre created by women of colour?
Great points all around. And as for that mean comment, right?! Tell that to Big Mama Thornton!
@@fathommusicnz Exactly. Big Mama Thornton, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Ruth Brown and all the rest. The boy's a fool!
Dr Robert is a very underrated song!! One of my favorite Beatles album.
Always loved 'Dr. Robert.' It is VERY tumbly. Great analysis of an underrated track, Thanks. Great sister act!
As a Beatles fan for the last 60 years, I never understood why this song has gotten kind of a bad rap. I've always like it. Especially the guitars. It's really fun to play. (do I get a point for that?)
I have to think it's largely cuz of them writing & recording so many brilliant, stand out songs, that one like "Dr. Robert", while perfectly fine, can seem underwhelming in comparison. But as a wise writer pointed out, comparisons are odious. Had most any other band/act written this song, it would likely be considered a real gem in their catalog(ue).
The first Blood Sweat and Tears album credits Leslie Gurgle, so point well taken about the importance of Leslie.
One of my favorite features of the song is the Outro. The guitar is really kicking as the track is closing out.
You know your stuff and make it fun!
Great breakdown.....thanks. It's a cracking song, BTW, as you both point out. And no "fillers" on this album....every one's a winner......
I would talk about beatles song with you for months, night and day.
This was a good time. I've always had a tenuous relationship with this song, probably because it wasn't even on Revolver when I was a kid--the Capitol Records release left three Lennon tracks (Robert, "I'm Only Sleeping," and "And Your Bird Can Sing") off, and they wound up on "Yesterday and Today," which I did eventually get, but didn't listen to as much. This also made the USA Revolver album the only Beatles record I can think of that had more songs by Harrison than Lennon. It was also less than a half hour long. Despite this, or perhaps because of it, I absolutely loved Revolver and couldn't get enough of it.
Of the three, "Bird" is my favorite, "Sleeping" plods a bit, but nails the vibe it's going for (and the backwards solo is groovy), and "Robert" struck me as lyrically interesting, but not very catchy musically, with the vocal harmony breaks being the best bit. This video makes me like it more, though. Also, Lennon making some lines longer than others is a recurring thing with him; "Good Morning" and "Don't Let Me Down" are good examples.
This song often reminds me of my favourite overlooked double A side “Rain”
Definitely going to be my new Beatle's song that i can't stop listening to
I’m very much in love with The Beatles, but perhaps even more in love with Fathom!
Love Doctor Robert!! Such a great song so overlooked!!
Subscribed, you know your music really well. Thanks for a great video. PS: You should be in a band.
Great analysis.
Gotta say I’m not a Fab Four fan fan but Dr Robert is one of my favorites of all time
It really fits in on yesterday and today
Smart and beautiful ❤❤❤❤