Articles by: Kit O'Toole

The Beatles, "Anna (Go to Him)" from Please Please Me (1963): Deep Beatles

The Beatles, “Anna (Go to Him)” from Please Please Me (1963): Deep Beatles

“Anna (Go to Him)” impacted the Beatles’ songwriting, and Arthur Alexander’s heartfelt vocal style influenced John Lennon’s intensely personal performances.

The Beatles, "Two of Us" from Let It Be (1970): Deep Beatles

The Beatles, “Two of Us” from Let It Be (1970): Deep Beatles

The Beatles’ “Two of Us” was meant to celebrate Paul McCartney’s new romance with Linda Eastman, but it also summarized his partnership with John Lennon.

Kit O'Toole's Top Beatles Albums, Books, Collectibles and Movies for 2017

Kit O’Toole’s Top Beatles Albums, Books, Collectibles and Movies for 2017

An expanded gift guide highlighting notable new Beatles-related items, with items that appeal to both the most-casual and hard-core enthusiasts.

The Beatles, "Yes It Is" from Past Masters (1965): Deep Beatles

The Beatles, “Yes It Is” from Past Masters (1965): Deep Beatles

Arguably one of the Beatles’ best B-sides, “Yes It Is” features sophisticated wordplay, deeply reflective lyrics, and unusual chord changes.

The Beatles, "Sexy Sadie" from The White Album (1968): Deep Beatles

The Beatles, “Sexy Sadie” from The White Album (1968): Deep Beatles

The Beatles’ controversial visit to Maharishi Mahesh Yogi inspired one of the most bitter John Lennon compositions.

The Beatles, "Only a Northern Song" from Yellow Submarine (1967): Deep Beatles

The Beatles, “Only a Northern Song” from Yellow Submarine (1967): Deep Beatles

The Beatles’ “Only a Northern Song” may be “a little dark and out of key,” as George Harrison proclaims, but only in the most intriguing sense.

The Beatles, "Not a Second Time" from With the Beatles (1963): Deep Beatles

The Beatles, “Not a Second Time” from With the Beatles (1963): Deep Beatles

“Not a Second Time” may be a hidden gem off ‘With the Beatles,’ but it has also become famous for two other words: “Aeolian cadence.”

Vinyl

Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Moby, Eddie Vedder + others – ‘Change Begins Within’ (2017)

‘Change Begins Within’ shines when these artists appear onstage together, clearly reveling in their collegiality.

Vinyl

Walter Becker of Steely Dan (1950-2017): An Appreciation

Walter Becker’s death invites a renewed appreciation of the unique contributions to music by Steely Dan.

The Beatles, "You Know My Name" from Past Masters (1970): Deep Beatles

The Beatles, “You Know My Name” from Past Masters (1970): Deep Beatles

It may not rank as an all-time fan favorite, but “You Know My Name” reveals the various sources the Beatles drew from in their music.