005 - The McCartney Sound (featuring Rob Collier!)

In this week’s episode of All You Need Is Pod, Jesse and Mike are joined by Rob Collier of Beatles Bass Lines for a deep dive into the endlessly inventive bass playing of Paul McCartney. Together, they trace Paul’s evolution from the straightforward rock ’n’ roll roots of the early Beatles years to the melodic, genre-defying approach that would completely reshape what a bass guitar could do in popular music. Along the way, Rob breaks down some of Paul’s most iconic bass parts, the gear and instruments that shaped his sound, and the unconventional ways he applied music theory — often by instinct rather than formal training. The conversation also wanders into favorite bass moments, recording techniques at Abbey Road, how Paul’s playing interacted with John Lennon and George Harrison, and why McCartney remains one of the most influential bassists in music history. Whether you’re a musician, a Beatles obsessive, or just someone who’s ever found themselves humming a Paul bass line, this is a fun and insightful conversation you won’t want to miss!