One of the best things about the White Album is seeing so many different sides of each Beatle. To close out the first disc, we get a rare glimpse of the really vulnerable and sensitive John, a side we really haven't seen laid bare prior to this. It's a gorgeous track, lead by an almost hypnotic finger picking pattern, with a single note, bare lead vocal practically forcing you to listen to what he's singing about. Of course Julia was his mother, but is this just a song to/about her? I'd always thought so, until this conversation.
Joining us this week is the always wonderful Jude Southerland Kessler, the author of The John Lennon series. Jude always seems to know just how to blow our minds with her knowledge and telling of John's story, and this episode is no different. The newest book in the series, Volume 5.2, which is called Some Forever ,Shades of Life Pt 2 covers August of 1965-1966 and contrary to what we discuss in the episode, will be out around August of this year (darn printing delays!). These books are fantastic, we can't wait to dive it and suggest you do the same as well! Check it out at johnlennonseries.com.
What do you think about "Julia" at #74? Too high? Too low? Let us know in the comments on Facebook, Instagram, or find us now on Bluesky! Be sure to check out www.rankingthebeatles.com and grab a Rank Your Own Beatles poster, some of our new Revolver-themed merch, a shirt, a jumper, whatever you like! And if you're digging what we do, don't forget to Buy Us A Coffee!
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