34: John Lennon – Vocalist

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In this extended episode, Richard and Robert examine the singing of John Lennon, commemorating the thirty-five years since his passing with a look at his unique vocal artistry, as a Beatle and solo.

Songs include: “Twist and Shout” and “Happiness is a Warm Gun.” 

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Comments

9 responses to “34: John Lennon – Vocalist”

  1. Marlon

    Great show on John’s voice. I always thought it interesting that John didn’t do his “Rock and Roll” voice for the albums “Rubber Soul” (except for the Day Tripper single), “Revolver” or “Sgt. Pepper”, then started using his rock voice again for the White Album.

  2. Keith Moore

    I always thought The White Album was some kind of peak for John’s vocals in all aspects of his voice.
    My other thought is that I wish he still had his 1962/3 voice when he recorded Rock n Roll album. His voice had changed in the 70’s and become somehow lighter and higher.
    You didnt mentioned the half hearted guide vocal to Yes It Is
    Merry Crimble to you guys, my fave Beatles broadcasters.

    1. Robert

      I totally agree about what happened to John’s voice. In fact it happened as soon George Martin stopped producing him. It got lighter thinner and less on pitch. Could Martin really have made that much of a difference?

    2. Maryellen

      I COMPLETELY agree about John’s voice changing in the 1970’s. Yes it was lighter and higher. Did you say that Robert and Richard? I’m wondering if it was not so much as Geo Martin production as it was his health, drugs and also, as we know, he was also a heavy smoker. He lost the heart and soul in his voice that you discussed and that I loved so much. Aging can change a voice but he was only in his 30’s at that point. Thank you for saying that “Don’t Let Me Down” one of my absolute favorites — the line that also makes me uncomfortable though is that same line: “I’m in love for the first time.” I totally agree also that Rock and Roll would have been fantastic with a little more edge. It was over “Spectorized.” In my humble opinion, I don’t think Spector was such a genius on the Beatles music. Theirs wasn’t music to be over produced.

  3. Great subject matter and great job lads. Er, was there a ‘dropped tambourine moment’ at 11.00 by Rich which made Robert laugh (in a Maxwell way)?? Richard’s lead-in to If I Fell brought tears to my eyes when the track followed – a great track is made superb by the best combination of J&P’s vocals ever. Always thought John’s vocal tricks in the middle of “my..days..are so lonely” was the highlight of the Rock N Roll album.

  4. Michael C

    John’s inner agony really came out in the Beatles late phase such as Yer Blues and Don’t Let Me Down. Also, his lyrics were more existential especially on Plastic Ono Band

  5. Chris

    One of the best vocalists to ever trot this earth.

  6. Jimjo

    A whole episode on Lennon’s vocals and no mention of Girl, which has to be one of his all time best performances or the intro to Mr. Moonlight? Great episode anyway!!

  7. An all time favourite episode.

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