06/19/2026
#63 - Bad Boy
Out now at rankingthebeatles.com or wherever you get podcasts!
When the suits in America came asking the Beatles for some market exclusive songs, they reached back into the bag o' tricks, in particular their (John's) affection for Larry Williams, and knocked out a particularly racuous cover of "Bad Boy." It's one of those covers that smokes the original, and it's lead by John, doing his full-throated, rip-out-yer-larynx vocal. This is one of those tracks that could've been a career-maker for a lesser band, and that it lost out on an album spot to Dizzy Miss Lizzy is maybe the main reason it's not as well known or well loved.
We're joined this week by a very special guest, guitarist/songwriter/producer/Jonathan's brother Brian Pretus! His band Bad Operation has a killer new album out, Everything Must Go, and they're on the road right now! Check out tour dates at badoperationneworleans.com and go see them dudes live! We talk about the Beatles to punk and ska pipeline, scented records, the best band names of all time, and more!
What do you think about "Bad Boy" at #63? Too high, too low or just right? Let us know in the comments below!
