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?
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....
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.
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.
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 ?
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.
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.
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.
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!
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 CZcams 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!)
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
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
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?)
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.
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".
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❤
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'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!
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'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
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.
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 .
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
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.
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 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.
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?)
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)
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?
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!
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.
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.
"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.
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 :-)
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.
Great video again.I just subscribed so I thought I’d comment on your What’s Going On review.I dusted it off and gave it a couple of plays.Nice album but not by any measure the greatest of all time.I think it’s Rolling Stone Magazine thinking that if they make the Beatles no.1 they won’t have anything to feel clever about.
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!
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.
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!
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.
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
Your sister is beautiful and your three-part rendition of "well well well" even prettier. I'm not so sure that the song is an advert for Dr Robert, however. I've always detected a note of sarcasm in it. Or is it that John was always sarcastic?
the changes of pace, the arrangement, is what you would expect from masters of the art. the guitars are smartly dressed as they are a across R. but it's the beatles and just compare it with glass onion when thinking of how they really cook up a tasty treat from a basic ingredients kit. dr robert is ok. just keeping myself sharp for the final argument thet R is the best beatles album. keeping things up my sleeve. showing my moves staying focused... fancy a pie for tea. loved this fun video. 🤍
I know I never underrated Dr. Robert. It was one of my favorites from "Yesterday and Today" (That's how we got it in the States; I envy all the people who were hit with the "full" Beatle albums like "Rubber Soul" when they came out.)
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?
“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! czcams.com/video/lBZfKkC1YuQ/video.html
not every song on an album is on the same level
@@jk4675And
Informed girls that know about 1960s music means a definite subscribe.
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!
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.
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....
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.
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.
I cannot wait for tomorrow never knows
Should listen with Lucy in attendance
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
I appreciate how deep and nerdy this is
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.
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.
Wow. Your guys's harmony singing is celestial. Your voices just blend so perfectly.
Absolutely love Dr. Robert. Always have. Guitars, harmonies, overall vibe. Brilliant.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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!
I always love your show! But you and your sister together is so much fun! Love it!!❤❤
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 CZcams 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!)
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
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
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?)
Great video, I learned a lot about Dr. Robert! It's always fun when you collaborate with your sister. Your harmonies are awesome!
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.
You must put so much effort into these!
Just know that your fans appreciate it :)
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.
Never thought it was a bad song - always considered it a hidden gem
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❤
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'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 CZcams 🤣
Sisters well know each other...it s fantastic !
Very harmonious at every level
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 love your videos. You really get into the music you love, and I love that. Keep up the good work!😊👍
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
My name is Robert, and I love this song!...and your video is great!
The "well, well, well" bridge is the moment the drug kicks in.
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!
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.
I'm 72, and you guys are blowing my mind...amazing! Happy to subscribe, thanks.
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 .
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
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.
Dr Robert is a very underrated song!! One of my favorite Beatles album.
So cute, love that you have a sister and that you share the same culture and humour!
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.
I LOVE Doctor Robert, ESPECIALLY in mono.
Most enjoyable video. Delightful between you two ( and sometimes three.)
Really enjoy the fun vibe of your videos. So much fun to watch! ❤️
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 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.
The first Blood Sweat and Tears album credits Leslie Gurgle, so point well taken about the importance of Leslie.
The sisters are back! Twice the insight, fun and adorableness, for the price of one. Thanks young artistes.
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?)
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)
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
"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.
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.
The How Now, Brown Cow song! (Feeling fine, was the cow according to my 6 yr-old ears.)
That's funny.
Always loved 'Dr. Robert.' It is VERY tumbly. Great analysis of an underrated track, Thanks. Great sister act!
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 :-)
You 2 are amazing and I can't believe I just found you today. Automatically subscribed!
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.
Well done! I like the correspondent series/ bits. Creative, fun, smart. The "Well Well Well" part sounds like Xmas music.
Definitely going to be my new Beatle's song that i can't stop listening to
I love your content!
Your three part harmonies were perfect! Great song! Greater album!!
One of my favorite features of the song is the Outro. The guitar is really kicking as the track is closing out.
This song often reminds me of my favourite overlooked double A side “Rain”
Great video again.I just subscribed so I thought I’d comment on your What’s Going On review.I dusted it off and gave it a couple of plays.Nice album but not by any measure the greatest of all time.I think it’s Rolling Stone Magazine thinking that if they make the Beatles no.1 they won’t have anything to feel clever about.
I love to hear you and your sister(s) harmonizing.
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 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!
I actually know a guy called Bob Robert and he has a PhD. So he is Dr Bob Robert.
Does he give out happy pills?
No way! That's fantastic!
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.
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!
Brilliant editing on this video! I am becoming a fan!
I’m very much in love with The Beatles, but perhaps even more in love with Fathom!
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.
definitely feel there is a 'spin-off' option here - based on the last four minutes and completely free of context !!!
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
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
I think this is my favourite Beatles song
These two are like a modern version of the Brontë sisters…
I could never understand the hate for this song. I love it.
Always loved this song. Jellyfish’s “He’s My Best Friend” has echoes of this, with a prominent b7 feel.
"Well, well, well ..." is also classic Beatles double meaning word play.
genius move to praise the song by making it a contest
Your sister is beautiful and your three-part rendition of "well well well" even prettier. I'm not so sure that the song is an advert for Dr Robert, however. I've always detected a note of sarcasm in it. Or is it that John was always sarcastic?
Sarcasm was the air John breathed.
Absolutely fantastic episode! Great song, and album. Thank you!
Subscribed, you know your music really well. Thanks for a great video. PS: You should be in a band.
Dr. Robert was a famous New York doctor who provided "pick me up" prescriptions to his high-end clients. Fashion model Edie Sedgewick among them.
There is some kind of effort masculinity to John’s voice.. The sisters are great together.
the changes of pace, the arrangement, is what you would expect from masters of the art. the guitars are smartly dressed as they are a across R. but it's the beatles and just compare it with glass onion when thinking of how they really cook up a tasty treat from a basic ingredients kit. dr robert is ok. just keeping myself sharp for the final argument thet R is the best beatles album. keeping things up my sleeve. showing my moves staying focused...
fancy a pie for tea. loved this fun video. 🤍
I know I never underrated Dr. Robert. It was one of my favorites from "Yesterday and Today" (That's how we got it in the States; I envy all the people who were hit with the "full" Beatle albums like "Rubber Soul" when they came out.)