Michelle
Summary
Paul McCartney and poet Paul Muldoon explore the origins of "Michelle," tracing its roots to McCartney’s attempts to appear French at art school parties. The episode details how a jazz chord from a Liverpool guitar shop and Edith Piaf’s "Milord" inspired the track’s melody and lyrics. McCartney also recounts switching to bass in Hamburg and the song’s quick recording session for Rubber Soul.
Topics discussed
Intro and sponsor messages
Paul Muldoon introduces the episode and McCartney
Learning jazz chords from Jim Gretty at Hesse's
Inspiration from Edith Piaf and creating 'Michelle'
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Finding French rhymes with Ivan Vaughan's wife
Recording session and melodic bass line inspiration
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Freezing during a solo and switching to piano
Stuart Sutcliffe leaving and Paul taking bass
The slowing tempo trick and performing for the Obamas
Outro, preview of next episode, and final ads
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