Something About the Beatles

The author of Shout: The Beatles In Their Time has brought out his third Beatles individual biography, forty plus years after the publication of his group one. George Harrison: The Reluctant Beatle was put together tapping Norman's body of old interviews (with witnesses now beyond reach) as well as fresh research and new conversations (including his star witness, Pattie Boyd). The complexity of the subject matter is matched by the complexity of the narrator, who through series of unforced errors has led many a Beatle fan to view him with scorn. But SATB has always been about opening doors rather than shutting them, and if one is prepared to listen without prejudice, one can make up one's own mind on the value of what he has to say about George in this book. 

The release of a new Beatle recording in our lifetime warrants a special approach. To that end, I assembled a group of some of your favorite podcast guests, plus a few new ones to discuss, critique, and analyze the new Beatle record. Folks representing a number of geographical and generational perspectives weigh in with their insights and observations. In alphabetical order, they are: Nancy Lee Andrews (Photographer and Author, A Dose of Rock 'n' Roll)  Dr. Allison Bumsted  Ray Connolly (British journalist and Beatles insider, author of Born At The Right Time and Being John Lennon, etc.) Richard Courtney (Beatles radio host and author, From Me To You) Dennis Diken (The Smithereens) Dr. Duncan Driver (University of Canberra) Dr. Christine Feldman-Barrett (Author, A Women's History of The Beatles)  Debbie Gendler (Author, I Saw Them Standing There) Glenn Greenberg (Author of Beatles bookazines) Cameron Greider (Musician and musicologist, RPM-School.com ) Jerry Hammack  Chip Madinger Skylar Moody Dr. Sibbie O'Sullivan Dan Rivkin Luther Russell Arion Salazar Pat Sansone Carol Tyler Erin Weber Gary Wenstrup  

      Influential

1. Red and Blue albums

2. The Beatles: An Illustrated Record by Roy Carr and Tony Tyler

3. Shout!

4. Lennon Remembers

5. Here, There and Everywhere by Geoff Emerick

1. Important

1. The Beatles and The Historians by Erin Torkelson Weber

2. Lewisohn Chronicles/Tune In

3. Love Me Do by Michael Braun

4. The Beatles: An Authorized Biography

5. A Women's History of The Beatles

Between 1970 and 1979, George issued six studio albums (plus one triple-live one), followed by a second draft of his 1980 album the following year. Rock scribe Eoghan Lyng and I re-examine these works with fresh ears - we hope you will too.  Eoghan's book: https://www.amazon.com/George-Harrison-70s-Eoghan-Lyng/dp/1789521742 

The Beatles were the end result of an array of confluences, circumstances and influences. On the short list near the very top (if not THE top) was American rocker Buddy Holly. In his short career, he wielded his influence on the budding Liverpool rockers in an array of ways, which returning guest Luther Russell and I discuss here. Though his time on earth was brief, the impact he made casts a long shadow, as he provided an unwitting blueprint on what a successful rock artist looked like, sounded like and could aspire to.  

Conversations about a familiar subject with guys who know what's what are invaluable, because the depth of knowledge shared will always shed new light and get you to listen with fresh ears. My guests are the returning trio of pro musicians and musicologists: Cameron Greider (Sean Lennon), Jack Petruzzelli (Fab Faux) and Walter Everett (The Beatles as Musicians Vol 1 and 2). You've heard their insights on previous shows, and this time they counter some myths that have grown about The Beatles' most acclaimed album, focusing on the guitars.  Their Sgt. Pepper online class at RPM-School begins October 2 - you can see about registration and other details here.

• May Pang
• Fred Seaman
• Early 1970s US politics and its coverage in Observation Post
• His upcoming book, tentatively titled No Future
• John's opinion of Double Fantasy
• Jack Douglas 
• John's murder
• The Manchurian Candidate Theory 
• Robert's purported role in John Lennon's murder

• What well-known event coincided with the day John Leckie interviewed for a position at EMI

• Quick takes on George Martin - Norman Smith - Geoff Emerick - Ken Scott - Ken Townsend - Alan Parsons - Peter Bown and other EMI staffers

• Stealing from Mick Jagger

• Their takes on Get Back

• The 1971 Wings Launch Party

• Phil Spector

• Sessions for "All You Need is Love" and "You Know My Name"

• Seventeen Watts by the late Mo Foster

• In the studio with Paul and Wings

• IRA bomb scares of the 70s

• John and Yoko's curry

• plus loads more...

Hired as a tape op by EMI in February 1970, Leckie quickly found himself among rock royalty when his career began with work on Ringo's Sentimental Journey, followed quickly after with McCartney. But his major immersion with the cream of rock's musicians soon came with the All Things Must Pass project, placing him at the service of George Harrison and Phil Spector and with a team that included Ringo, Klaus Voormann, Eric Clapton, The Dominoes, Gary Brooker, Peter Frampton, Phil Collins, Gary Wright, Billy Preston and Badfinger, among others.  This conversation focuses on that landmark album. Joining as co-host is author/producer Jerry Hammack (The Beatles Recording Reference Manual series), with a cameo from Luther Russell. Jerry's latest book has just been published: Home Studio Recording - The Complete Guide.  John was a previous guest discussing the making of John and Yoko's respective Plastic Ono Band albums, as well as alongside his previous collaborators Derek Forbes (Simple Minds) and Ian McNabb (Icicle Works) for a conversation on Peter Jackson's Get Back film. His excellent recall of events he witnessed as well as insights as someone with some amazing career achievements (Roy Harper, Be Bop Deluxe, Pink Floyd, Wings, Radiohead, XTC, Stone Roses, and so on) to his credit make this conversation something special.   

Tony King was general manager of Apple US in the early 70s, but thereafter worked directly with John and Ringo, promoting their work from 1973 through 1975. Beyond that, he was a true British rock Zelig figure, partying with The Beatles the night before they flew to America for their 1964 Ed Sullivan Show debut; working with Andrew Oldham and the Stones during their "Satisfaction" heyday; thereafter for George Martin and AIR Studio, and then Apple. He also befriended Elton John (before he was) as well as tons of others. His story has just been published in "The Tastemaker: My Life with the Legends and Geniuses of Rock Music." (He's also in the May Pang doc, The Lost Weekend: A Love Story.) You can get his backstory here: https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/music/article/tony-king-interview    and see him as "the Queen" in this 1973 Mind Games TV ad: https://youtu.be/lx-DNpoKfVg We covered a ton of topics, including all the aforementioned plus the AIDS tragedy and his favorite music.  

Author Susan Shumsky first appeared on SATB in 2019, upon the publication of her memoir, The Maharishi and Me, which detailed her twenty years living at his ashram (including six years working directly for his organization). We discussed her knowledge of The Beatles' Rishikesh sabbatical then, but with her new book, The Inner Light, she goes deep with an exploration of how their interactions with Indian culture and the TM movement impacted their lives and their art. In the course of over 500 pages, she gives chapter and verse on the manifestations of these interactions, sometimes hiding in plain sight, that appeared in their music. 

Between 1963 and 1969, The Beatles issued ephemeral holiday greetings to members of their fan club on flexidiscs. These were collected onto an LP in 1970, but for the most part, escaped a proper issue for the masses (excepting the 2017 limited edition set).  In this holiday edition of SATB, Gary Wenstrup (Beatles Olympiad shows) and I take a deep dive into the history of these recordings, providing context and analysis. In their way, the seven messages serve as a microcosm of the group's career, reflecting the state of the band each year.  You can hear the entire collection here: https://tinyurl.com/23v8vuwe   "Beatles Christmas Supermash" by Tom Teeley.  This podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Go to betterhelp.com/satb for10% off your first month of treatment.  

An entire book dedicated to a single song may strike some as bewildering, but not if the song in question is both The Beatles' longest single (in length) as well as one of their most successful (quadruple platinum): 1968's "Hey Jude." Deceptively simple and universally appealing, the Apple Records debut marked an astonishing launch to their label while serving as an anthem of healing during a tumultuous year - in the world as well as within the band.  Author James Campion (Take A Sad Song: The Emotional Currency of Hey Jude) discussed the song with returning guest Jeff Martin and I for nearly two hours. You too will discover what James did - that uncovering the magic and pull of this recording is something that will take you farther than you can imagine.  This podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Go to www.betterhelp.com/satb for 10% off your first month. 

In which the worlds of three returning guests collide to discuss 1) is there (or should there be) a common starting point for all critiques of art and 2) the world of rock criticism generally - what's the purpose and where does it go wrong?  Dr. Allison Bumsted is a popular music scholar, specializing in teen magazines (Teen Set in particular) and has written extensively on rock criticism on the 60s and 70s. She appeared on SATB here and here. 

Are you Get Back-ed out yet? No? Good, because there are still plenty of avenues to explore within the scope of January 1969. Featured today is something from the vaults: the conversation reuniting three witnesses to the events on Savile Row on 30 January, 1969: Apple press office deputy Chris O'Dell, Beatles equipment manager Kevin Harrington, and EMI tape operator Alan Parsons; yes, the eventual producer and recording artist himself.  This was taped live at the Fab4ConJam event in February 2021 and therefore before Peter Jackson's film had been screened. Therefore, their recollections come purer: what they remembered and how they remembered it, unaffected by any more recent info coming their way. They all experienced the day from different perspectives, but over 5 decades on cannot help but be moved by what the were a part of, all these years later. Co-hosting is Beatles author and podcaster Anthony Robustelli.  This podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Go to betterhelp.com/satb for 10% off your first month of treatment. 

In which Gary Wenstrup and I continue the discussion of Revolver, followed by a thorough analysis of the group's OTHER 1966 UK release, A Collection of Beatles Oldies (But Goldies!).  This podcast is sponsored by Betterhelp. Go to betterhelp.com/SATB for 10% off your first month of treatment.  

Taking a detour from some of the heavier SATB topics of late for end-of-summer light entertainment, Gary Wenstrup and I return to the series of gold, silver and bronze rankings of Beatle cuts through their catalog. We're at the halfway point now as The Beatles turned the page from a touring to a studio band, but not before a final blast of nostalgia by years' end. 

In the time since publishing his memoir, The Redhead on the Roof and first appearing on SATB (160), Beatles equipment manager Kevin Harrington has now become known to millions of fans by his ubiquitous presence captured on film and presented in the eight hours of Peter Jackson's Get Back. It therefore was time to bring him back to get his reaction to the film and drill down deeper on his experiences working with The Beatles. 

He's known to millions, in the words of Arthur C. Clarke, as “The most famous unknown actor in the world.” Richter was a mime (and a poet) during the 1960s, but also gained cinematic immortality as "Moonwatcher" in the iconic "Dawn of Man" sequence in Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey. This in itself would be enough to stir our interest, but Dan was also intimately involved with John and Yoko as a personal assistant for five years, during which time he helped manage their film and recording projects while kicking his heroin habit. He tells his story in compelling detail in his book, The Dream is Over: London in the 60's, Heroin and John and Yoko.  Joining the conversation is guest co-host Ian McNabb (see SATB 234). The conversation covers Dan's time with the Lennons, as well as work on 2001 with Stanley Kubrick.   

In the latest effort in a line of works presenting his side of his own history (which include Many Years From Now, Wingspan, the McCartney 3 2 1 docuseries as well as Anthology), Paul McCartney published The Lyrics: 1956 to the Present in 2021. It was in collaboration with Irish poet Paul Muldoon, an as-told-to project where he got deep into his recollections about a selection of his works, pre, during and post-Beatles. But the book is deeper than that: his observations detailing his entire life from boyhood in Liverpool onward were sparked by the 25 hours of conversations he and Muldoon had.  My guest is Terry Zobeck: a first-generation Beatles fan and collector who reviewed the book for Doug Sulpy's 910 newsletter. The most recent issues also feature the first two parts of his three-part critique of The Beatles Get Back docuseries. All of Doug's writings, including the indispensable Drugs, Divorce and a Slipping Image (revised edition) can be found at www.dougsulpy.com  

After shows post-Get Back with guests representing American musicians, multi-generation female fans, and the film's maker (Peter Jackson), conspicuously missing from the SATB conversation to this point has been the POV of British fans/musicians. No longer: today's guests are drawn from the UK music scene and ALL have a deep fandom for The Fabs - some have even worked with one or more.  Producer John Leckie first came to SATB in late 2020 to discuss his experiences working on John and Yoko's 1970 Plastic Ono Band albums; thereafter, he appeared at Fab4ConJam to recall working on All Things Must Pass. Afterward, his career during the '80s and beyond included working as producer for some top UK talent, including, Stone Roses, XTC, Radiohead...and Simple Minds. By sheer happenstance, John has worked with BOTH of his co-guests, who are new to SATB: bassist Derek Forbes worked with a number of Scottish acts, including The Subs, Simple Minds, Big Country, etc, while Ian McNabb fronted The Icicle Works: "Birds Fly (Whisper to a Scream)." ALL are hardcore Beatle fans going back a ways, and each fully immersed themselves in the 8 hours of Get Back. But the conversation ran far broader, covering their fandom during the 70s, working with an ex-Beatle, the Liverpool scene post-Beatles, Stiff records, musical influences, Dan Richter, Mickie Most, Wings, and a lot more. It's a freewheeling conversation and you haven't heard the last of these guys on the Something About The Beatles podcast.   

The conclusion of the discussion Gary Wenstrup and I had in rating individual tracks on the albums named here, as well as the 1966 Capitol release, "Yesterday"...and Today. 

• The role of women in setting examples for The Beatles when they were young.
• The effects that The Beatles had on the women who enjoyed watching them.
• Perspectives on screaming at concerts and what it expressed.
• How The Beatles held themselves played a role in changing cultural norms for women.
• How The Beatles have helped people to see the beauty in everyday life.

In this continuation of the conversation with Debbie Gendler (1st US Beatles fan) and cartoonist/author Carol Tyler (Fab 4 Mania), Dr. Allison Bumsted and I explore the 1st generation fan's perspectives on:

• Supporting players in Get Back Mal Evans and Billy Preston
• How Get Back may influence future generations
• The life-changing force of The Beatles
• Carol's missing original albums 

In which returning guest Gary Wenstrup and I continue our ranking conversation of faves, discussing A Hard Day's Night and Beatles For Sale.  Along the way, we analyze their vocals and blendings, as well as what personal experiences may inform the writing. 

In which we pull away from the Get Back film for a while and converse about something completely different. Returning guest Gary Wenstrup and I conduct a conversation going through the first four Beatles albums, selecting our picks for Gold, Silver and Bronze status. Along the way we examine our criteria for what constitutes "favorite" songs, and how the criteria is fluid and evolving.  

Dan Rivkin (They May Be Parted blog) and I continue our conversation with director Peter Jackson about the innovation used to create the film -  some technique used to advance the story - and a number of other observations gleaned from viewing so many hours of footage, both in and outside of the final cut. The history of the Get Back project is at last coming into focus, challenging a number of previously held assumptions. 

In June and again in July, the director of the upcoming The Beatles: Get Back series gave interviews - in Vanity Fair and in GQ - holding forth on what to expect from his re-tooling of the Beatles Let It Be project. Though there was a certain amount of rehashing what had already been said, there were also things that provided much to discuss and analyze as we approach the countdown to broadcast.  I therefore reconvened Dr Duncan Driver and Dan Rivkin (They May Be Parted blog) for a discussion on the latest and how what Peter Jackson had to say - and didn't say - suggests where the project is going and what to expect. 

In late summer 2020, my guest Kyle Driscoll penned this wonderful analysis of the three 1970 releases by three artists whose paths had intertwined and who, as it happened, all found themselves at similar crossroads at the time. You can read it here (which I strongly urge you do) and then listen to the deeper discussion we had on these artists and their impact on each other's work. 

You may recall my returning guest from his first appearance in late 2020: Mike Pachelli is an accomplished jazz guitarist and recording/performing artist, as well as a major Beatles fan. His series of popular Youtube videos deconstruct Beatle songs and show each guitar and vocal component. He's back now with a new release: 16 Beatles songs performed instrumentally, Beatles on Guitar.  In this conversation, he details his insights into the challenges of selecting and presenting their music and doing it justice without vocals. 

There's been loads of speculation as to the exact nature of the friendship between John Lennon and Paul McCartney; during and after The Beatles. And when I say "loads," it runs the gamut from former bandmates who recalled each other fondly from a distance to something encompassing a physical nature. What does seem clear is that between the two of them, while Paul's descriptions of their relationship stayed pretty constant, John's went from demonizing Paul in print and song to describing him as his best (male) friend. Somewhere in there lies a truth, and to help unearth it, my guest today is journalist and author Glenn Greenberg, who recently penned an 80th birthday magabook on John. 

In this discussion, Dr. Duncan Driver (SATB 205, Fab4ConJam, One Sweet Dream podcast) springboard off of the title Paul McCartney quote, in which he asserted that each Beatle was as important as another to the group's success. We explore the shifting power dynamics within the group and the question of leadership; we also discuss Duncan's thesis of the four distinctive elements of the Beatles collective identity: live performers - singles makers - album makers - songwriters.

My guest Tim English (Sounds Like Teen Spirit, Popology) discuss his newest book, examining the artists that John was listening to in the last few years of his life and how certain artists and records influenced the recordings he (and Yoko) made during the summer of 1980. Some of the acts we've known about for awhile (B-52s, Lene Lovich, etc) but many others were less obvious (The Selecter, Christopher Cross, The Doobie Brothers).  John Lennon: 1980 Playlist is out now.  

Back in SATB 205, Dr. Duncan Driver (showcased 2+xs at Fab4ConJam) and discussed his article on the timeline to The Beatles break-up.  In this episode, returning guest Gary Wenstrup and I dissect the subject further: when exactly did The Beatles - or individual members within - decide they were quits exactly? The answer - like so much else in Fab history - is not as straightforward as you might think. 

In which Luther Russell and myself detail our picks for the things in the vault known to exist, group and solo, that we one day hope for Apple to release, in well-presented packages. This episode was the live round-the-world broadcast we did from Chicago back in September 2020, powered by in.live (thanks David Simon!) and that is why you get to hear a bit of the city in the background, along with loads of rare audio detailing what we're talking about.  Happy Holidays to all and onward and upward in 2021!

If you aren't already aware of this veteran jazz/blues guitarist's Youtube channel with loads of deconstructions of their music, by all means, check it out. Mike has been performing and recording for decades (18 solo albums), as well as with artists ranging from Phil Keaggy to Micky Dolenz. Like so many others, his life was changed on the evening of February 9th, 1964. Much of the what he absorbed beginning then became the basis for his career, which he now shares in the form of informative videos.  In this discussion, he offers his insights into what The Beatles' primary guitar players were up to and the basis of their brilliance.  Check out MikePachelli.com, and his most recent project - High Standards - which features Tony Levin and Danny Gottleib.

This episode features a conversation between Luther Russell and I with producer John Leckie - if you aren't familiar with his name, you may be with the acts he's worked with (working backwards chronologically): My Morning Jacket - New Order - Radiohead - Robyn Hitchcock and The Egyptians - The Posies - Stone Roses - XTC - Dukes of Stratosphear -  Human League - Simple Minds - Magazine - Be Bop Deluxe - Wizzard - Mott The Hoople - Barclay James Harvest - Syd Barrett - Pink Floyd - Roy Harper - Paul McCartney and Wings.  For the purposes of our discussion, we focus on three key albums he worked on at the onset of his career: the pair of Plastic Ono Band releases by John and Yoko, and All Things Must Pass. It's those first two that we examine in detail, fifty years on (well, a little Pink Floyd too). John has the stories and the insights - it was our honor to host him (and keep him from his dinner).    

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With so many conflicting accounts and blame laid for the series of events that led to The Beatles' split, it's hard to detect a coherent narrative that, fifty years on, makes any sense as to exactly what went down and how. But Dr. Duncan Driver, in an article published earlier this year in Beatlefan magazine, has laid out a timeline detailing the sequence of events, from which some measure of patterns emerge. You can (and should) read the full-length piece here.  We discuss the direction that things were moving in during the last years of the group (and past that point, too), toward a greater understanding of how events played out, maybe not exactly as we'd been led to believe. 

Back in May 2020, my guest Gary Wenstrup and I presented the first half of our conversation, where we offered up our respective lists of what people in Beatle world we would like to be able to sit down and interview: insiders who knew The Beatles well - worked with and for them - and essentially operated as part of the infrastructure; people who haven't been tapped out as interview subjects.  Here are more names we came up with of folks still among the living that may end up on the show yet - time will tell.  Gary is a lecturer and adjunct professor at College of DuPage, specializing in Beatles and classic rock.     PS: Guess who's on an upcoming episode of the Fans on the Run podcast?  Ethan Alexanian and I just had a lengthy sit down.   Also, remember Luther Russell evoking the Yesterday and Today podcast? He and I both contributed to their upcoming 100th episode. 

As you may recall: back in July, SATB featured the first part of a conversation covering The Beatles in the studio in 1968, during the White Album sessions and just before. Here's the continuation, featuring SATB semi-regular Luther Russell (singer-songwriter/producer/performing artist). As always, the talk goes where it goes, covering a lot of Beatle ground.  Jerry's volume 5 of The Beatles Recording Reference Manual series will be out later this year; it covers all of the 1969 recordings, including the Let It Be sessions, the Yellow Submarine soundtrack and Abbey Road.    Luther's music here: https://lutherrussell.bandcamp.com/ 

You may know her as the award-winning veteran rock journalist (Creem, Kerrang!, Mojo, and so forth) who also penned the best-selling biography of Leonard Cohen: I'm Your Man: The Life of Leonard Cohen (2011), as well as Debbie Harry's memoir, Face It (2019). But as a music-stricken child growing up in London during the 1960s, she became what she'd describe later as "Beatle damaged" at an early age.  Here, Sylvie recounts that backdrop when music was absolutely everything; so much so that, starting in 2014 and after a successful career as one of rock's most thoughtful scribes, she became a recording artist: first with Sylvie and now - six years later - Blue on Blue. Her musical endeavors have won her further praise, but on this show, she offers up her perspective and insights on the Beatles as a group and solo, through the eyes (and ears) of a journalist and fan.    Her books, archive and interviews can be found here: http://sylviesimmons.com/ 

In which this returning SATB fave (The Beatles and The Historians) and I expand from previous discussions focusing on books to cover the media specifically around the time of the break-up, and how the nonsensical "John vs Paul - who was the greater genius?" discussion got fueled and put forth into the world. The role of Allen Klein in their break-up is also discussed, in this two-hour conversation that drills deep into the dynamic between these two and hour the world viewed it.  

For SATB's 200th episode (more or less), we're doing something special: returning with guest photographer/writer Ethan Russell, one of this most storied individuals in rock history through his iconic visual documentation of The Beatles, the Rolling Stones and The Who, to name three (scores more as well). Ethan was the official rock photographer of the Rock 'n' Roll Circus, the Let It Be sessions, the final Beatles group photo shoot, as well as behind tons of other classic images, most of which have been gathered up and published in his latest book, Photographs - a singular monograph of superlative visuals presented in stunning quality. It's available only at his website: www.ethanrussell.com  I spoke with Ethan last year and this follow on covers more details of his work with the Fabs: his impressions of them individually - of Yoko - of the Let It Be project and Michael Lindsay-Hogg, as well as of Peter Jackson (of whose upcoming work Ethan got a peek). Ethan came of age in San Francisco and went to London in 1967 - within a year he was in the orbit of the top British acts of the day. As a chronicler of the times, his work and observations are impeccable.   

In which my returning guest and I discuss this: what if The Beatles' songwriting credits were more accurately apportioned to reflect actual significant contributions from not-credited bandmates? Their recording career began with a singular "McCartney-Harrison" credit for "In Spite of All The Danger" - one can make the case (and we do) that their career was book-ended by "I Me Mine," which might have rightfully have bore the same credit.  Anyway, as always, it leads down many rabbit holes... 

Presented as forerunner of the inevitable show revisiting John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band to come later this year as part of the 50th anniversary, returning guest Chip Madinger (Eight Arms To Hold You, Lennonology) and I discuss some of the assorted odds and sods produced (or proposed) by John Lennon under the Plastic Ono Band brand circa 1969/1970. The POB debut year gave us the singles "Give Peace A Chance" and "Cold Turkey," but what about the other announced releases? ("Laughing"/"Whispers"; "You Know My Name"/"What's The New Mary Jane," and the mysterious instrumental, "Rock Peace").  Chip knows the work and chronology better than anyone when it comes to the solo Beatles and John Lennon in particular. He presents some astonishing information about what was originally planned for 1970 (and about the original form of "How Do You Sleep"). This one's a treasure trove for Lennononistas... Check out his work at https://www.lennonology.com/ (including the current special).   

Previous guest Russ Lease returns with stories from the world of top end collecting: vehicles (including the Magical Mystery Tour bus), attire (shoes, boots, jackets), paper (a Brian Epstein contract) and vinyl. Russ was the founder of Beatles Suits, the go-to resource for Fab tailoring; he was also the auctions columnist for Beatleology magazine. Lastly: he is a partner in Fab Four Exhibitions, the traveling Beatles museum of artifacts.   Russ has a lot to say about the back story on a lot of familiar Beatle items that have come up for auction.  

In his return to the show, we discuss 1968 and the making of the "White Album" (mostly), as explored in his most recent work, The Beatles' Recording Reference Manual Volume 4. Joining us is another returning guest, recording artist/performer/producer Luther Russell (Those Pretty Wrongs, The Freewheelers, solo). Because we covered so much ground, I am presenting the conversation spread over two parts (the conclusion to follow later....)   Check out Jerry's work here.

It seems particularly fitting at the time we find ourselves in to be discussing the art and career of rock pioneer Little Richard, who passed recently at 87. He represented a marginalized group in society, and his breakthrough, as unlikely as it was, carried with it resonance relevant to the present day. Add to that his absolutely key role in the development of The Beatles - going back to The Quarry Men days, really - and you can see why he is a subject worthy of a deep discussion.  But the springboard for this show is the article published online at Vulture just after Richard's passing; it was written by returning guest, journalist Bill Wyman and really is essential reading:  https://www.vulture.com/2020/05/little-richard-put-wild-sex-into-the-top-40-for- good.html  The salacious aspects of Little Richard's life must be discussed in any thorough conversation about his life, but there's much more to the story. And as this is SATB, you can count on any number of other topics coming up, including Motown - touring - Elton John - David Bowie - the record industry - even The Replacements and The Ramones. (We also sneak in a word or two about The Beatles...)  

So an idea came up: who would SATB like to talk to in Beatle world and sit down for an interview? Qualifications: first, they have to be among the living (as of this taping); Second, they have to be completely honest and not fall back on deflection or "professional Beatle fan" chatter: stories they've entertained with for years that may or may not be factually accurate. Last, they have to be people on the inside who have either not told their stories at all or not told them to death. Though mortality hangs over us all, there are still folks out there who, to the best of my knowledge, range to speaking on record only sparingly or not at all; have written books, but if we discussed them here, it's because their books didn't go deep enough or raised more questions.) Joining in the conversation is a returning guest (182 and 188), retired academic Gary Wenstrup. He came up with his list, I came up with mine, and together we covered as much ground as we could in this, the first of a two-parter (at least). 

The continuation of my conversation with musician/singer/songwriter/producer Luther Russell - whom you may recall (SATB 192) as one half of Those Pretty Wrongs, a duo with Jody Stephens (ex-Big Star). As a devout fan from birth and a drummer himself, Luther possesses considerable insight into what made Ringo the essential Beatle: how a combination of unique skills, background and chemistry with the others made him the band's most valuable player in a very real sense. This sprawling conversation addresses Ringo's singular gifts that not only served his band so well over the course of their live and studio career but also how he built the vocabulary that countless others followed in his wake.  Luther's thesis here Heard in this show: "Everything You Do" by Luther Russell from the album The Invisible Audience 

My guest today is musician/singer/songwriter/producer Luther Russell - you may recall him (SATB 192) as one half of Those Pretty Wrongs, a duo with Jody Stephens (ex-Big Star). As a devout fan from birth and a drummer himself, Luther possesses considerable insight into what made Ringo the essential Beatle: how a combination of unique skills, background and chemistry with the others made him the band's most valuable player in a very real sense. This sprawling conversation addresses Ringo's singular gifts that not only served his band so well over the course of their live and studio career but also how he built the vocabulary that countless others followed in his wake.  Luther's thesis here Heard in this show: Luther on drums with Liam Hayes on "Eat In Sin"  

You may know her as the muse who inspired Donovan's "Jennifer Juniper"; maybe you know her as Pattie Boyd's sister who went to Rishikesh with The Beatles. She may be known to some as the one-time flat-mate of Magic Alex or the two-time wife of Mick Fleetwood, but above all, she was a perceptive observer with a ringside seat at some of the most momentous events in 60s youth culture; wise beyond her years but in tune with the zeitgeist as it shifted around her. Meet (Dr.) Jenny Boyd, author of the newly-published Jennifer Juniper: A Journey Beyond The Muse. She also authored Musicians In Tune, republished and expanded as It's Not Only Rock 'n' Roll: Iconic Musicians Reveal The Source of Their Creativity; a fascinating exploration into the creative process with some of her best friends. In this conversation, we discuss her life and times, along with a lots of familiar personas in her circle.  Check out all things Jenny Boyd here: http://www.thejennyboyd.com/

My guest today is best known in Beatles world for having published Nowhere Man (originally in 2000 but since revised in 2015), a book in part drawn from Rosen's exclusive access to John Lennon's diaries. He is also the author of the newly-published memoir, Bobby in Naziland, a telling of his coming of age in Flatbush during the late 50s and early 60s. Rosen's work captures the essence of time and place, with an eye for detail and an ear for the rhythm; true for both of the aforementioned titles.  Nowhere Man is a fascinating synthesis, based on interviews and original research as well as a reconstruction of the Lennon diaries. Rosen fleshes out a unique perspective on who John was during his last five years, drawn from John's own privately expressed words. You won't want to miss this illuminating discussion.  Check out Robert's works and events here: http://www.robertrosennyc.com/blog 

In a follow-up to 171 (An Accidental Studio), I revisit the story of George Harrison: Filmmaker with Gary Wenstrup. Coming off the heels of the recent losses of both Neil Innes and Terry Jones, there was certainly more to discuss about George's relationship with the Pythons, encompassing Life of Brian as well as The Rutles and side issues like Dennis O'Brien (and his archetype, Allan Klein).  

My (returning) guest is Andrew Grant Jackson, author of the newly-published 1973: Rock at the Crossroads. He makes the case for this period being a time of tremendous conflict: AM vs FM - 60s giants vs emerging upstarts - mainstream vs underground, all achieving levels of success whether at the time or in years later as influences. Against this backdrop, the four ex-Beatles issued five all albums of new material in total; all of which made the Top Ten (while three scored US number one hit singles, two of them back-to-back). We discuss where The Beatles as a collective and individually fit into the picture and how this year set the table for arguably greater triumphs in the year that followed.   

In which SATB listener favorite Jeff Martin returns, and where we honor you, the listener, by running down nearly three hours' worth of your suggested events to revisit (as winged insects).  Loads here covering The Beatles' career from start to finish - loads of music - and a nice way to spend holiday leisure time, while traveling or escaping boredom; posted in time to wrap up 2019 (and to salute Jeff's birthday, too). Thank you, each and every listener! 

In what will be an ongoing feature of SATBs going forward, I welcome to the show Gary Wenstrup. In addition to being a regular listener, Gary is a college-level teacher and lecturer, whose expertise encompasses an array of 1960s music acts. He saw an opportunity for following up shows to dig deeper, in ways that might not have been possible given time constraints. This episode uses as the starting off point my interview with Susan Shumsky, detailing The Beatles' 1968 visit to Rishikesh; but it also encompasses the White Album, Lennon Remembers, and other ancillary subjects.

It's the return of our favorite Fab historian. In this lengthy dialogue, we discuss an array of literature from the Beatles historical canon: among the works, Many Years From Now - The Love You Make - John Lennon: In My Life - Ray Coleman's bios of John and of Paul - Mike McCartney's The Macs: A Family Album, and others as well. As usual, Erin employs the methodology of a trained historian to assess how reliable these works are, in terms of presenting research and history that are worthy of our time as fans.  Be sure to check out her book, The Beatles and The Historians, as well as her blog.  

Last year - upon the 50th anniversary of the release of The Beatles; that eponymous double album issued as the group's Apple debut - a symposium was convened at Monmouth College in New Jersey, as many of you know. An ad hoc band performed some tunes from the record as the accompaniment to a discussion convened for the podcast featuring Jack Petruzelli, multi-instrumentalist/producer/recording artist best known for his membership in the Fab Faux. His insights as a musician who has performed these very songs live many times helps us understand what the Beatles were going for in their unique approach to recording this particular project, a philosophy that spilled over into their next project.  Thanks to Jack - Vinnie Zummo (heard in the Monmouth segment) - Marc Pepin - Marc Muller - Dan Eisenberg - Joe Rapolla - Kenneth Womack.  (Field recording by BJ Rowling)

Fifty years on and the "Paul is dead" hoax has lost none of its power to fascinate on so many levels. Perhaps the most compelling angle for examination is how did something so clearly nonsensical in the light of day get disseminated so widely and not just dismissed out of hand? It seems that a perfect storm of circumstance gave it traction and resonance, with both what was happening within The Beatles and within the community most receptive to believing that truth was not what authority figures told us.  Helping unpack all of this is sociologist Candy Leonard, author of Beatleness. Her book covers the subject in some detail.

What happens when the surviving member of a legendary American power pop band and a Los Angeles musician whose lineage includes two giants of the Great American Songbook, both steeped in Beatles, get together to make music? The result is now two albums deep in a band called Those Pretty Lies. Jody Stephens, formerly of Big Star and Golden Smog is a singer/songwriter/drummer and Luther Russell is a singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist/producer, formerly of The Freewheelers. Their latest release as Those Pretty Wrongs, Zed For Zulu, has just been released.  Their insights into making music and what they gleaned from The Beatles makes for a fascinating discussion.  

The host of the longest running Beatles program on US radio, Carter's passion for The Beatles has taken many forms through the years: buying the records as a child - becoming a musician himself - getting involved in Beatlesque bands - taking on a job as a broadcaster. He has now hosted the Los Angeles franchise of Breakfast with the Beatles since 2001; since its inception in 2018, Chris has also hosted the program on the Sirius XM Beatles channel.  Chris is also a producer and documentary filmmaker; a rock writer and a Beatles consultant (connected to the All Things Must Pass reissue in 2000). Mostly though, Chris is a fan like us. Few of us wouldn't exchange places if we could, if just for a little while.   

Anybody hear anything about a newly-revealed taped Apple meeting from September 1969 that's been public knowledge since the 1970s? You will now, with the return of journalist/writer Ray Connolly. Ray was tight in The Beatles' orbit during their final years; with John and Paul especially. He was the only one outside their inner circle to learn that John had "quit" the group - his bio of John, Being John Lennon: A Restless Life, is now out in paperback, as is his indispensable collection, The Ray Connolly Beatles Archive. Last: his novella, 'Sorry, Boys, You Failed The Audition' is newly-published. It's a work of "alternative history" and has been presented as a BBC radio play.  Ray and I discuss the end of The Beatles and their relationships going forward, as well as his 'Sorry Boys' project.  

This show represents a deep (3 hour) dive into examining the evolving language of rock criticism: the ideology employed - the fluid definitions of "rock" and "pop" - the application of "authenticity" as a value to an artist's work, in this specific case, Paul McCartney and Wings. The 1970s was a time when rock critics achieved nearly the status of rock icons themselves: everyone from John Mendelssohn and Jon Landau to Simon Frith and Lester Bangs. Paul's post-Beatle career stands as an example of an artist that reviewers struggled to get a handle on, resulting in sometimes unfair assessments.  Leading this exploration is PhD candidate (with an M.A. in Beatles, Popular Music, and Society) Allison Bumsted, currently studying in England at Liverpool Hope University. For ease of listening, the conversation has been split into two 90 minute parts.     

This show represents a deep (3 hour) dive into examining the evolving language of rock criticism: the ideology employed - the fluid definitions of "rock" and "pop" - the application of "authenticity" as a value to an artist's work, in this specific case, Paul McCartney and Wings. The 1970s was a time when rock critics achieved nearly the status of rock icons themselves: everyone from John Mendelssohn and Jon Landau to Simon Frith and Lester Bangs. Paul's post-Beatle career stands as an example of an artist that reviewers struggled to get a handle on, resulting in sometimes unfair assessments.  Leading this exploration is PhD candidate (with an M.A. in Beatles, Popular Music, and Society) Allison Bumsted, currently studying in England at Liverpool Hope University. For ease of listening, the conversation has been split into two 90 minute parts.     

[powerpress]

An area heretofore unexplored on SATB is jazz: specifically, which artists took raw material from The Beatles and took it in a new direction. It is our good fortune to have within reach a true legend of the idiom: Ramsey Lewis, a multi-Grammy-winning keyboardist whose work spans decades and genres. In late 1968 - mere weeks after The Beatles' "White Album" was released - Ramsey issued a 10-song collection drawing from the Beatles' fresh work. Mother Nature's Son was hailed as a classic, with bold re-imaginings of songs familiar to us fans - but not like this. His reading of "Julia" became a standard in his repertoire, alongside his well-known hit take on "The 'In' Crowd."

Ramsey hosted a jazz show for years on radio, so he is well-familiar with the sonic landscape. But joining us to shed further light is a friend to both me and to Ramsey, going back years: Radio Hall of Fame deejay Terri Hemmert. In addition to spinning records on WXRT since the 1970s until announcing her retirement this year, she also hosted a jazz program for many years (and many of you know her as the MC in Chicago at The Fest for Beatles Fans). Together, listen to these two explore the intersection between Beatles and jazz.

Artists heard in this show:

The Beatles - Ramsey Lewis Trio - Ella Fitzgerald - Count Basie - Duke Ellington - Louis Armstrong - Wes Montgomery - Ramsey Lewis - Esther Phillips - Vince Guaraldi Trio - George Benson - Earth, Wind and Fire - Paul McCartney - Rahsaan Roland Kirk - Fats Domino - John Scofield - Danger Mouse

1969 was a tremendous year, in the world generally and with The Beatles as well. We find ourselves commemorating (if not celebrating) a number of 50th anniversaries this year, among them the infamous Tate-LaBianca murders; tangentially tied to the "White Album" by Charles Manson's (mis)reading of certain lyrics. That he was able to incite a bunch of confused misfits into sociopathy remains a fascinating area of study, and SATB has previously explored the purported ties between Charlie's "gospel" and what the rest of the world heard as simply great music.

He later scripted the films That'll Be The Day and Stardust; he also wrote radio plays and biographies.  In 2018, he published Being John Lennon: A Restless Life. His e-book, The Ray Connolly Beatles Archive is essential.

The full story of The Beatles' Rishikesh visit and their relationship with Maharishi Mahesh Yogi had never been explored in detail and from the inside before - until now. Susan Shumsky spent over twenty years studying TM, including seven working directly with the Maharishi. The author of 14 books, her newest - Maharishi and Me: Seeking Enlightenment with the Beatles' Guru - sheds light on the Rishikesh experience and how it impacted The Beatles' lives and art. Years of misinformation is cleared aside by her direct knowledge and insider accounts of the good, the bad and the ugly of the Maharishi experience.

Susan Shumsky's site: http://www.divinerevelation.org/

In which I resume the conversation with engineer/producer Jerry Hammack, begun earlier this year. This time, our sounding board is writer/musician/engineer/producer/podcaster/returning guest Anthony Robustelli. We discuss the specifics of their studio work throughout 1967 and into 1968, encompassing Magical Mystery Tour and then some.

Jerry's third volume of The Beatles' Recording Reference Manual series was recently published.

The first break-out star at Apple Records was, of course, Mary Hopkin with "Those Were The Days." A huge international hit, it typed her as a cheery ingénue, somewhat removed from her folk roots (and aspirations). Other hits followed, diverging from her preferred stylistic path, until her second Apple album, Earth Song / Ocean Song (produced by her future husband, Tony Visconti) at last gave her some artistic satisfaction. Her story - at Apple and beyond (including session work for David Bowie, Linda McCartney...and The Beatles) - is recounted here by her daughter, Jessica Lee Morgan (herself a recording artist).

Check out Mary's releases - including archival studio and live recordings, as well as recent work - here: http://www.maryhopkin.com/

Jessica live in Belgium 2018

Apple Jam is a Seattle-based recording and performing outfit specializing in Beatles music; specifically, songs written by Lennon-McCartney and Harrison that, for the most part, went unrecorded/released as "Beatles" product.

My guests today are Richard Lovrovich, Jaekal Tristram and Doug Kilishek. In this conversation, they discuss the curation of obscure Beatles material: the selection process (what makes the cut - and what doesn't), the recording and the performance of this music.

Off The White Album was released in 2018: 1. Not Guilty

It is not a unique observation to note that bandleader Duke Ellington and The Beatles shared some commonalities, creativity-wise. They were unclassifiable musically, and a great deal of what made their art magic came from the collaborative process, hardwired into their working method. My guest, musicologist Thomas Brothers, has written a terrific new book - Help: The Beatles, Duke Ellington and the Magic of Collaboration. This conversation provides an overview of his thesis (to be followed up with a deeper exploration soon...).

More about Sound Pictures: The Life of Beatles Producer George Martin (The Later Years 1966 - 2016) here

More about Ken's new novel, I Am Lemonade Lucy here 

He’s back, and with a terrific topic: each of us choosing 7 moments in the history of The Beatles that we would’ve liked to have been around to witness as a fly on the wall. The criteria being, occasions where the history is unclear, or simply moments that would’ve been amazing to witness.

This ended up as an interesting Rorschach exercise, mapping out our respective concentrated areas of interest as well. You’ll hear ours but we want to hear yours: leave ’em for consideration on Twitter, Facebook or on the site. We’ll take ’em up for a future show.

You know him as the photographer responsible for one Beatles album cover (two in the US); their last group photo shoot, and as the official photographer on the “Get Back” / Let It Be project (his photos filled the book packaged with the original issue). But Ethan Russell also produced iconic images for the Rolling Stones and The Who, as well as album covers and short films for an array of artists, plus wrote several books (including Dear Mr. Fantasy).

His latest is in the works as part of a Kickstarter campaign – check out EthanRussell.com for details.

In this first conversation, we present an overview of his life and career. More detailed Beatle-centric recollections will come in the second installment.

This is the second part of a discussion begun with Doug Sulpy (co-author of Drugs, Divorce and a Slipping Image/Get Back), this time with blogger Dan Rivkin. His blog, They May Be Parted, is a detailed examination of the Nagra tapes of the “Get Back”/Let It Be project. Dan adds detail, analysis and context to the recordings, and we dive deep into what all there is to be gleaned from the extant record (and speculate on what to expect from Peter Jackson).

Part one of January 1969 here.

Dan’s blog: https://theymaybeparted.com/

You know him as the human music stand kneeling before John Lennon for “Dig A Pony” during the rooftop session of January 1969. But Kevin Harrington was much more than that: coming into The Beatles’ orbit beginning in January 1966 as an office boy at NEMS; an employee of the Saville Theatre the following year, and lastly, a roadie/gofer at Apple from 1968 on, setting up their musical gear for recording sessions (and hanging out otherwise).

Kevin’s stories are entertaining and insightful: The Beatles as seen up-close from day-to-day through the eyes of a teenager.

“What a Beatle wants, a Beatle gets!”

Back in 2000, Chip Madinger and Mark Easter produced an exhaustive study of every extant recording of the solo Beatles, up to that very year: studio sessions, live concerts and broadcasts. Eight Arms To Hold You was a one-of-a-kind detailed examination of what the four ex-Beatles did musically, when and with whom. The book went out of print, but the good news is, it’s back (in PDF form) and updated with another 20,000 words, further detailing the ground covered (though it still ends at 2000).

I talked with Mark and Chip about the lay of the land, unreleased recording-wise; what else is out there and what we can make of what we have been given.

Eight Arms To Hold You: The Solo Beatles Compendium (2018 edition) can be found here.

Two words: Peter Jackson

Remember the “Winter of Discontent”? My guest today is Doug Sulpy, co-author (with Ray Schweighardt) of Drugs, Divorce and a Slipping Image (AKA Get Back: The Unauthorized Chronicle of the Beatles’ “Let It Be” Disaster.)

With the announcement of the long-desired fresh look at the Let It Be project being in the works, we discuss what can be learned from a close study of the Nagra reels, and where the common perceptions have missed the mark. This episode is an overview: we take a deeper dive in January 1969 part two.

The revised version of Drugs, Divorce and a Slipping Image can be found at dougsulpy.com

Check out Doug’s 910 newsletter here

It’s the return of Jerry Hammack – creator of the Beatles Recording Reference Manual series. Volume 3, covering the end of 1966 (“Strawberry Fields Forever”) through the whole of Sgt. Pepper (plus Magical Mystery Tour) has just been published. Producer Ben Rowling and I discuss the high level of studio innovation that typified the post-touring era, and though we didn’t get to Magical Mystery Tour in this conversation (part two to come), we did discuss elements of their work habits through the White Album, Let It Be and Abbey Road. (Plus, Jerry tips his hand as to what’s next…)

Check out Jerry’s work here

Twitter Facebook

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In a slight departure from the SATB norm, I present an account of the career of a Beatles peer: session guitarist Vic Flick, whose work appeared in 1960s music charts alongside The Beatles. Every Fab fan will know his soundtrack work on their first two United Artist films, but in addition to this, he contributed to a McCartney solo project, worked with George Martin (and Beatle acolytes Peter and Gordon), as well as scores of other “British Invasion” acts.

And yes – it was he who played the iconic 007 James Bond theme guitar riff.

Check out his memoir, Guitarman, on Amazon or direct from Vic (http://vicflick.com/).

Special thanks to Bob Rush!

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First off, listeners: kindly indulge the first 15 minutes, which represents an audio document of 1968 (January through end of August). It’s one thing to know what happened that year, but it’s quite another to hear the immediacy of actual sound, both news and music. 1968 was a convulsive stream of history and it is with that context in mind that we can come to a better understanding of the world The Beatles operated in.

Second: this conversation was an attempt to discuss how the Beatles and their audience interacted at a critical moment: between the triumph of Sgt. Pepper and the year of breakdown. Candy Leonard, author and sociologist, is ideally suited to illuminate this dynamic. Her book, Beatleness, explores “how The Beatles and their fans remade the world.” As always in such discussions, a certain amount of meandering occurs, and therefore a lot more than 1968 is fair game in this conversation.

Check out more of Candy’s writings here: http://beatleness.com/beatleness-blog/

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The long-awaited conversation with producer Chris Thomas, recorded at the White Album Symposium in Monmouth University. Audio deficiencies with the sound due to the electrical system; deficiencies in my voice due to an ill-timed tribute to George’s Dark Horse Tour.

Thanks to Ben Rowling Joe Rapolla, Dr. Kenneth Womack and everyone at Monmouth University.

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In general, you can tell how well a conversation went by how long the show runs. At just past the two hour mark, you get an idea of how well things went with Lon Van Eaton, one-time Apple recording artist and protege of George Harrison. In addition to being one half of the Van Eaton brothers, who issued an album and single in the US in 1972, he did session work for Ringo beginning with the 1973 self-titled release (and performed live with him on TV), as well as other 1970s acts produced by Richard Perry.

He went on to good works with his charitable organization, Imagine A Better World, inspired by examples gleaned from The Beatles. While this may be the most spiritual discussion yet had on SATB, it is also perhaps one of the most lighthearted. One can easily see how Lon connected with George and Ringo particularly: being equal parts deep-thinker/philosopher and everyman comedian.

Lon witnessed life with the ex-Beatles (and acolytes like Klaus Voormann, Pete Ham and Harry Nilsson) up close. He has the stories and the insight – you don’t want to miss this one.

Lon’s new album is called Cupid. Find it at Imagineabetterworld.com

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As a sonic landscape to accompany your holiday season demands: driving places – online shopping – gift-wrapping, and so forth, SATB presents an end-of-year look at the highlights of this years’ shows. We had some terrific guests this year, ranging from notables like Randy Bachman and the Mona Lisa Twins to SATB favorites like Erin Weber and Jeff Martin.

Tons of great discussions and explorations – more to come in the New Year.

Special thanks to: Ben Rowling – Vinnie Zummo – Jeff Martin – Erin Weber – Jack Petruzzelli – Ivor Davis – Axel Korinth – Jon Savage – Bill Wyman – Michael Salfino – Andy Martino – Candy Leonard – Ken Mansfield – Carol Tyler – Tom Murray – Jerry Hammack – Michael Hill – Bob Heironimus – Laura Cortner – Randy Bachman – Michaela Wagner – Anthony Robustelli – Kenneth Womack

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In the 2nd of a quartet of shows recorded (in part) at the White Album Symposium at Monmouth University (as well as the 2nd in a trio of shows covering Apple in its 50th year), I speak with my friend, Ken Mansfield: former manager of US operations of Apple, as well as author of several books, including two published this year: a novel, Philco and a memoir, The Roof: The Beatles’ Final Concert.

Ken is a natural storyteller as well as a confidant of the Beatles, whose accomplishments include work with artists ranging from the Beach Boys to Waylon Jennings. We cover it all here.

NOTE: as pointed out in the show’s intro, field recordings are susceptible to issues beyond our control, in this case a fluctuation in the current every time the heat came on in the room we were in. That’s why you hear crackling/static noise throughout the first half hour. Like Live At Leeds, do not attempt to correct – Ben Rowling and I have already tried.

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In the first of what will be a series of shows originating from the White Album symposium held at Monmouth University in West Long Branch, New Jersey, I am presenting my opening remarks, followed by a brief Q&A. For those who couldn’t attend, it gives you a good flavor of how these events go down. Asked to present on the Kinfauns recordings, newly remastered and issued as part of the 50th anniversary White Album package, I opted to offer my take on what the recording of these songs meant to The Beatles, as a way of getting back to where they once belonged.

Special thanks to Ben Rowling for capturing this field recording and to Dr. Kenneth Womack for making the event possible.

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You may know his name from his years on tour and in the studio with Joe Jackson; possibly from his series of solo projects (Swinging Guitar Sounds of Young America Vol 1-3, plus The Coyote and two Christmas collections – find them here). But this multi-instrumentalist has been a lifelong Beatle fan, and as he says here, the group served as proxy tutors, as he learned ALL the instrumental parts of their records as they were released.

This show began as an examination of George’s evolution as a guitarist, as seen by a professional musician, but it became much more than that, with observations on band dynamics, Ringo’s drumming, John’s guitar, personal interactions (Vinnie’s sister worked at ABKCO) and much more!

Vinnie’s musical tributes to each Beatle can be found here:

John

Ringo

Vinnie’s works on Spotify

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If all you know about this sister act out of Austria is an array of Beatles covers on Youtube, then you don’t know the Mona Lisa Twins. They are the present-day embodiment of the ripples of waves begun when the Beatles entered popular consciousness over half a century ago; a manifestation of what Geoff Baker called “a good way of looking at the world.”

Lots of great artists emerged from the sixties and afterward, inspired by a force that The Beatles embodied and then set into motion. This puts the Mona Lisa Twins in good company. Listen and discover.

Home site: https://monalisa-twins.com/

Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/MonaLisaTwins

Thanks to Rick Wey and Trevor Beaumont

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There is no real perfection, a much-loved artist once sang. But in Beatle world, where excellence is the common consensus, the act of assessing how well they executed their art as distinguished by individual releases is – at the very least – ripe for a thoughtful discussion. Returning to the show is TV writer Jeff Martin (4th time around!), and new to SATB is sports reporter Andy Martino. It was his stray observation on the Shea Anything podcast that prompted this conversation.

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Ever wonder what the lives of those screaming legions of fans were like? Wonder no more: today, I speak with award-winning cartoonist, Carol Tyler, whose memoir of her Beatles adoration, Fab 4 Mania: A Beatles Obsession and the Concert of a Lifetime, has just been published. The book builds on the diary that she kept as 13-year old, vividly chronicling her devotion with the art and journals she kept from back in the day. Her journey articulates the fan experience of someone who grew up with The Beatles, while also serving as a love letter to the city of her birth (and mine): Chicago, and how local top 40 radio (WLS, WCFL, WVON) impacted young lives while shaping tastes.

Carol’s richly illustrated book transports readers back in time, capturing the immediacy of anticipating and witnessing a Beatles concert during those all-too-brief touring years. It features an Introduction written by Beatles biographer Hunter Davies.

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At last: SATB takes on a long-requested topic, comparing and contrasting two of the biggest acts out of the UK during the 1960s. Quantifying art is a fool’s errand, yet here we are because we can’t help ourselves. The conversation takes this article by Michael Salfino as a starting point, along with our Bill Wyman’s recent piece on the membership of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame. These accomplished journalists join me and Ben Rowling in a conversation tracing the respective internal band dynamics and the arc of their respective artistry into the decades that followed.

Check out Bill’s work here:

http://www.vulture.com/author/bill-wyman/

Check out Michael’s work here: https://www.pastemagazine.com/writers?name=michael+salfino

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As an end-of summer two-fer, SATB presents a double bill: two different ways of “seeing” the Beatles.

First, on the 50 years since the Mad Day Out, my guest is photographer Tom Murray; author of the newly-published book, The Beatles: Tom Murray’s Mad Day Out – a colorful revisit to a summer’s day when all was Fab in the world.

Second, meet John Pring and Rob Thomas: graphic artists and authors of Visualizing The Beatles. Their book presents the Beatles’ story visually, laying out all manner of data in the form of colorful graphics, enabling the reader to grasp a lot of information quickly.

Tom Murray’s site

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In this expanded episode, I speak with Dr. Bob Hieronimus and Laura Cortner. The two have worked together for decades researching a number of topics, but in this instance: the Yellow Submarine film; interviewing every available participant in its creation. Dr. Bob published Inside the Yellow Submarine: The Making of The Beatles’ Animated Classic in 2002 – it remains the definitive telling, but they are preparing a follow-up volume of new research and interpretation later this year.

Check out their latest info and YS books here: https://yellowsubmarinebook.com/

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Her blog: https://beatlebioreview.wordpress.com/

Erin in action:

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It isn’t often that we are given a firsthand account from somebody who set in motion events that literally changed the world. But there we are and here it is: Michael Hill was a classmate and friend of John Lennon’s, beginning at age 5. A keen observer and articulate narrator, he has set his recollections down for all of us in his book, John Lennon: The Boy Who Became A Legend.

As Michael himself points out, lots of boys went to school with John Lennon but only one – this one – stirred something inside the directionless 15 year-old and set him on the path to rock – and conquer the world in the process.

Check out Michael’s story – and his book – here: http://www.johnlennonlegend.com/

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50 years: in the first of what will be a series throughout this year and next, we examine The Beatles’ Apple enterprise; focusing here on the start-up and in articular on Apple Publishing and the array of what-if talents drawn to the corps.

My guest is Axel Korinth, co-author of the two volumes of A is For Apple books – mammoth richly illustrated histories of Apple.

For volume 2: http://www.apcor.net/a-is-for-apple-volume-2-the-winter-of-discontent-jan-mar-1969/

For the CD A is for Acetates: http://www.apcor.net/a-is-for-acetates/

The post 138: A Is For Apple appeared first on Something About The Beatles.

I’m joined by multi-instrumentalist/producer/recording artist/Beatles author Anthony Robustelli for a conversation covering not just the “Get Back”/Let It Be sessions, but also Billy’s collaborations with the ex-Beatles going into the solo years (and with the Rolling Stones).

Check out Anthony’s work here: https://www.anthonyrobustelli.com/

https://www.thebeatlesiwanttotellyou.com/

https://www.shadybear.com/

https://shadybearbklyn.podbean.com/

and the video I referenced here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OXSPZd9hYy4

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Returning as a SATB guest is Jeff Martin, whom you will remember from 122 – The Simpsons episode. In addition to his writing on that show as well as Late Night with David Letterman beginning in the 1980s, he is also a musician and therefore speaks the language of The Beatles specifically, as well as creativity generally.

The post 132: John and Paul – Truth and Beauty appeared first on Something About The Beatles.

Yes, he’s the guy who sang “Takin’ Care of Business” and “You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet,” but if that’s all you know about this accomplished artist, then you are missing out on a lot. Randy has penned #1 hit singles for two different recording acts; toured as an All Starr; hosted a popular radio show in his native Canada; published several books, and much, much more.

The post 131: The Beatles and Randy Bachman, By George! appeared first on Something About The Beatles.

Now that there’s been an ending to the story, it seems like a good time to examine the intersection between artists who stood for love and peace and a career criminal/sociopath who will forever be tied to them, by virtue of the demented “gospel” ripped straight from their albums. It may be unfathomable from this distance that a group of young people could be persuaded by Charles Manson to commit unspeakable acts, but that’s exactly what happened in the summer of 1969, when seven innocents (and an unborn baby) were brutally slain, purportedly to ignite a race war.

I’m joined for this discussion by a friend of the show, whom many of you are doubtless familiar with: journalist Ivor Davis, who penned his memoirs of touring with The Beatles across America during the 1960s. But did you know that he was at the center of covering the Tate-LaBianca case and even penned the first book on the crimes, Five To Die (1970)? It was his findings that provided a roadmap to the prosecution, later chronicled in Vincent Bugliosi’s best-seller, Helter Skelter (co-written by Curt Gentry).

The post 130: The Beatles and Charles Manson appeared first on Something About The Beatles.

Picking up where we left off, we discuss an array of topics and songs, mostly adhering to the “acoustic Beatles” theme. (For some reason, we seemed to gravitate to the White Album a lot…)

But there’s also much about the impact of success; the level of support the Beatles gave each other; George and the Traveling Wilburys; the US albums and the inherent comedy in and around their work.

Songs in no particular order include: “I Feel Fine” – “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” – “Junk” – “Two of Us” – “Norwegian Wood” – “Blackbird.”

Dave Mirkin, who first guest appeared on SATB 122, needs no introduction.

The post 129B: “Acoustic Beatles” with Dave Mirkin 2 (This Time It’s Personal) appeared first on Something About The Beatles.

Back in September, I first talked Beatles with this Renaissance man, in the context of The Beatles with The Simpsons. As you listeners will remember, Dave had a lot to say about the Beatles well beyond the parameters of that TV show. Well he’s back, and the subject we set out to discuss was the Beatles’ use of acoustic instruments – something Dave is well-versed in.

But as conversations will, we went far afield from that, covering subjects ranging from sincerity to darkness versus happiness to re-arranging songs on the fly to what the Beatles were doing alongside their contemporaries. And as the momentum mounted, I realized that there were more things discussed than any one show could reasonably contain. So enjoy 129A; 129B coming up (so to speak)!

“I Am The Walrus” acoustic excerpt by Laurence Juber: https://www.amazon.com/LJ-Plays-Beatles-Vol-2/dp/B003U8O2OY Revolver mash-up by Douglas Grant: https://beta.prx.org/stories/11512

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The post 128: The Beatles, Paul McCartney (and added Attraction) appeared first on Something About The Beatles.

John once observed that, in his opinion, Paul was “…an egomaniac about everything else about himself, but his bass playing” – which was as influential as it was innovative. It is therefore a delicious irony to report the same was true of John: while he touted his status as an artist (not to mention “genius”) at every opportunity, he could be surprisingly reserved / conflicted about his own technical abilities on his chief instrument.

The post 127: John Lennon, “Invisible Guitarist” appeared first on Something About The Beatles.

Songs include recordings by The Damned, The Optimists and The Residents.

The post 126: 70s Beatle Fandom, etc… appeared first on Something About The Beatles.

Check out http://royorbison.com/ for more on the book.

The post 125: Roy Orbison, Tom Petty and the Traveling Wilburys appeared first on Something About The Beatles.

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This is a NEW PHASE SATB episode….

Making his final appearance is our original co-host. Making a cameo in this episode is upcoming guest, Arion Salazar – original bassist with Third Eye Blind and on tour this year with XEB.

The post 122: Simpsons Stories appeared first on Something About The Beatles.

Our guest’s 13 year-old face has left an indelible impression upon the memory of every Beatles fan who has ever watched their debut appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show. Deb Supnik (nee Gendler), dubbed “the first fan” by director Andrew Solt, is much more than just an attendee of The Beatles’ first live TV performance in America: her life changed forever that evening. Over the next several years, she worked tirelessly on behalf of the group (and their US fans) while maintaining relationships with members of the group’s organization (and even the odd Beatle parent or two).

Deb has shared her amazing stories in documentaries before, but here she gets to present them full-length and in exquisite detail.

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In this episode, Robert and Richard host this special guest, discussing his book as well as his recent release, Shine A Light – a collection of railroad songs recorded on the road across the US.

The post 119: Skiffle, The Beatles, and Billy Bragg appeared first on Something About The Beatles.

The post 118: London Stories; ’67 – ’68 appeared first on Something About The Beatles.

The first volume of a new biography detailing the life of the late Sir George Martin has just been published. Kenneth Womack has been responsible for a number of fine volumes covering aspects of the Beatles’ career, but with Maximum Volume: The Life of Beatles Producer George Martin, he takes on a figure whose background and story have long lacked a detailed telling.

Backstage at the Paramount Theatre in Asbury Park, Robert and Richard sat down with Kenneth to discuss what’s in volume 1, as well as George’ Martin’s working relationship with The Fabs.

The post 117: George Martin – Maximum Volume appeared first on Something About The Beatles.

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The post 114: A Week In The Life – July 1969 appeared first on Something About The Beatles.

Our guests in this episode – Jim Mawer and “Rita” – are not likely anyone you’ve ever heard of before. They’ve haven’t written books or appeared as guest speakers at any Beatle fan gatherings. But they did grow up in Liverpool; being a few years younger than the Beatles, they were uniquely situated in the right place at the right time to witness history up close.

In this episode, Jim (from Huyton) and Rita (West Derby) share their memories with Robert and Richard, representing two sides of the community that made up the group’s earliest fans and supporters.

The post 113: Liverpool Stories appeared first on Something About The Beatles.

In honor of his birthday, Richard and Robert honor Ringo by focusing an entire show on his drumming (as well as that of his predecessor). Aboard for the discussion is Gary Astridge, Ringo’s drum historian and archivist, as well as Alex Cain and Terry McCusker, authors of Ringo Starr and The Beatles Beat. We’ll be exploring the kits he used as well as his evolution as a drummer and percussionist.

Songs include “Boys” and “Dear Prudence.”

The post 112 77 on 7-7: Ringo Starr and The Beatles Beat appeared first on Something About The Beatles.

The post 111: It Was 60 Years Ago Today appeared first on Something About The Beatles.

In another listener suggested topic, Richard and Robert examine this aspect of song craft and how it evolved in Beatles recordings over time. Songs include “All I’ve Got To Do,” “With A Little Help From My Friends,” and “I Me Mine.”

The post 110: Take Me To The Bridge – Beatles Middle 8s Examined appeared first on Something About The Beatles.

The post 109: Desert Island Solo Discs appeared first on Something About The Beatles.

Sharing their impressions of the Sullivan experience are director/writer/filmmaker Andrew Solt (Heroes of Rock N Roll,This Is Elvis!, Imagine: John Lennon), whose Sofa Entertainment owns the Sullivan archive of shows, as well as CBS executive Vince Calandra, who occupied a unique perspective: directly working with the group.Songs include “She Loves You” and “Long Tall Sally.”

The post 108: The Beatles and Ed Sullivan appeared first on Something About The Beatles.

The post 107: Sgt. Pepper at 50 – A Conversation appeared first on Something About The Beatles.

Songs include “Your Feet’s Too Big.”

The post 106: Deconstructing The Beatles – Revolution 9 appeared first on Something About The Beatles.

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The post 100: Something About The Beatles’ Humour appeared first on Something About The Beatles.

Ten years after The Beatles’ North American debut, at least three former members of the group battled an array of personal problems. John, George, and Ringo went through marital break-ups in 1974, which along with other issues, informed releases by at least two of the three ex-Beatles. In this episode, Robert and Richard discuss the parallels between albums issued by George and John that year.

Songs include “Nobody Loves You When You’re Down and Out” and “Dark Horse.”

Find Richard’s books here.

Find Robert’s books here.

The post 99: Autumn ’74 – Walls and Bridges and Dark Horse appeared first on Something About The Beatles.

Like all successful artists, The Beatles drew from sources all over the place, some obvious; some not so much. In this detailed discussion, Richard and Robert provide a precise rundown of songs and artists whose work directly impacted particular Beatle recordings.

Songs include “Albatross” and “The Inner Light.”

Find Robert’s books here.

Find Richard’s books here.

The post 98: I’ve Seen That Road Before – Beatle Influencers and Inspirations appeared first on Something About The Beatles.

The esteem held by The Beatles for Chuck Berry is obvious if one considers that they performed more songs penned by him than any other single artist. This musical icon’s shadow looms large: as a performer – as a songwriter – as a guitarist. Not for no reason were his songs among the first learned by aspiring rock guitarists, and the Beatles were no exception. In this show, Robert and Richard examine the admiration they had for him and how it manifested itself through the years.

Songs include “Roll Over Beethoven” and “Rock ‘n’ Roll Music.”

Find Richard’s books here.

Find Robert’s books here.

The post 97: Chuck Berry and The Beatles appeared first on Something About The Beatles.

Covering the period of John’s lifetime, Richard and Robert examine the recordings produced by the formerly Fab foursome and how their individual artistry contributed to each other’s work.

Songs include “I’m The Greatest and “Oh My Love.”

Find Robert’s books here.

Find Richard’s books here.

The post 96: Ex-Beatles Helping Ex-Beatles (in the studio) appeared first on Something About The Beatles.

This episode features Robert and Richard in conversation with singer/songwriter Ann Wilson from Heart, who reveals how her deep love for The Beatles set her and sister Nancy on their life path from childhood. Also featured is Heart’s guitarist Craig Bartock (his second appearance), who offers insight into how a female singer approaches Beatles music. (Lastly, your hosts present some of their favorite Beatle covers by female artists.)

Songs include “Across The Universe.”

Find Richard’s books here.

Find Robert’s books here.

Look for the Ann Wilson of Heart tour dates here.

The post 95: Heart’s Ann Wilson Talks Beatles appeared first on Something About The Beatles.

In this special expended edition of SATB, Richard and Robert sit down with Beatles historian and author Mark Lewisohn to review the life and times of the Beatles’ first manager (yes, manager), who passed away late last year. Songs include “Ramrod” and “Shimmy Shimmy.”

[Art assistance by Mary Ruth Webb]

Find Robert’s books here.

Find Richard’s books here.

The post 94: The Man Who Gave The Beatles Away – Allan Williams Remembered appeared first on Something About The Beatles.

Half a century ago, The Beatles ushered in the second half of their career – the studio years – with this landmark double A-side release. Though the single’s commercial fortunes might not have reflected it, the Lennon-McCartney songwriting team was at its zenith in terms of creativity and desire to break new ground. In this episode, Robert and Richard trace how the band utilized their newfound freedom, no longer restrained by the requirements of touring. Songs include a performance of SFF by Rosalie Cunningham – check out the video here.

Find Richard’s books here.

Find Robert’s books here.

The post 93: Strawberry Fields Forever / Penny Lane At 50 appeared first on Something About The Beatles.

In which Richard and Robert trace the rather momentous events of February 11th (give or take) throughout the entirety of The Beatles’ career. As with their Christmas messages, each fixed date saw major developments, mostly positive ones. Songs include “There’s A Place,” “Woman” and “Instant Karma.”

Find Robert’s books here.

Find Richard’s books here.

The post 92: The Beatles – A Day In Their Lives appeared first on Something About The Beatles.

What if the events of December 8, 1980 played out completely differently and somehow, an unscathed John Lennon – bereft of any obstructions – was able to join his former bandmates in a live concert situation; perhaps more than one? In a subject suggested by a listener, Robert and Richard discuss the form that such a concert might take: what the set list and the staging might have looked like. Songs include “Here, There and Everywhere” and “While My Guitar Gently Weeps.”

Find Richard’s books here.

Find Robert’s books here.

The post 91: The Beatles’ Live Reunion appeared first on Something About The Beatles.

Within the Beatles, there were any number of complex inter-personal dynamics. Those between the group’s lead guitarist and bassist were among the most convoluted: the Pisces fish vs. Gemini twin. In this episode, Richard and Robert discuss, examine and otherwise attempt to interpret this most volatile relationship as it evolved over time. Songs include “Don’t Ever Change, “I Me Mine” and “All Things Must Pass.”

Find Robert’s books here.

Find Richard’s books here.

The post 90: George and Paul appeared first on Something About The Beatles.

Not what you might think: collations of solo Beatle songs, if they’d been recorded for collective Beatle albums. Instead, Robert and Richard focus on albums that were conceived and/or recorded by each ex-Beatle that, somehow, never made it to release. Songs include “I Can Help,” “Sat Singing,” “Tennessee” and “Tragedy.”

Find Richard’s books here.

Find Robert’s books here.

The post 89: Post-Beatles Albums That Never Were appeared first on Something About The Beatles.

Last year’s Pure McCartney compilation set stirred some debate among fans: how could a career spanning 46 years and over 500 recordings be adequately compressed down to 67 tracks? Beatlefan magazine’s Tom Frangione weighed in with an alternate 100 track set, and he is our guest, making the case for the choices he made, In this episode, Richard and Robert offer up their thoughts on what should go into a career-spanning representative set.

Songs include “Put It There,” “Wanderlust” and “Daytime Nightime Suffering.”

Find Robert’s books here.

Find Richard’s books here.

The post 88: Compiling McCartney appeared first on Something About The Beatles.

The New Years Day 1962 showcase at Decca Records in London did not pan out as The Beatles and Brian Epstein had hoped. But the decision to turn down the Beatles has long been regarded in rock history as one of the most bone-headed executive decisions ever made. But was it? Should it more properly be regarded as a lucky break? Find out what Robert and Richard have to say as they analyze the material performed and what it said about the group’s thought process. Songs include “Like Dreamers Do,” “Hello Little Girl” and “Silence is Golden.”

Find Richard’s books here.

Find Robert’s books here.

The post 87: The Beatles’ Decca Audition appeared first on Something About The Beatles.

In this year-end special, Richard and Robert took a look back at some of the Beatle-related events of 2016: the new releases – the films – the tours – the anniversaries – the passings. While at the moment we may think of this year as ending not a minute too soon, your hosts manage to offer up some lighthearted observations on all things Beatles. Songs include “Now is the Time.”

Find Robert’s books here.

Find Richard’s books here.

The post 86: 2016 In Review appeared first on Something About The Beatles.

The Beatles’ 1967 self-produced TV special/film has been pilloried from day one as their first critical disaster; a creative overreach that critics saw as proof of how lost they were when operating out of their element. But was it that bad? In this episode, Robert and Richard explain its production and contextualize decisions made that resulted in a finished product at odds with expectations.

Find Richard’s books here.

Find Robert’s books here.

The post 85: Magical Mystery Tour – The Film appeared first on Something About The Beatles.

It has been 36 years since the December night when we lost John. On this show, Robert and Richard discuss the array of musical tributes to the slain former Beatle that came from peers and admirers alike, some many years later. Artists presented include Elton John, Queen, Oasis, Gerry Marsden and two of his former bandmates.

Songs include “Empty Garden” and “Here Today.”

Find Richard’s books here.

Find Robert’s books here.

The post 83: John Lennon Memorialized appeared first on Something About The Beatles.

For an artist with such a deep and diverse catalog of top-flight material, George remains “the Quiet Beatle” – as his most familiar songs seem to be those from two albums in particular (while the remaining eight are routinely overlooked). In this episode, Richard and Robert present some of their favorite songs from the post-Beatles Harrison canon, shedding light on the richness of his work from All Things Must Pass through Brainwashed. Songs include “Horse To The Water,” “Give Me Love” and “Cheer Down.”

Find Robert’s books here.

Find Richard’s books here.

The post 82: Our Favorite Solo George Songs appeared first on Something About The Beatles.

It occurred to us, as it must have with everyone else, that the release of Eight Days A Week really called for an accompanying soundtrack, or at least a parallel collection of music spanning the whole of The Beatles’ documented live performing career. Into that void Robert and Richard have stepped, with their proposed collection of live performances ranging from the Star Club to Candlestick. Necessarily, some of the extant audio is rough, but not unlistenable and certainly essential to understanding what kind of live musicians these guys were (and how they did it to an audience).

Locales represented here include Hamburg – Stockholm – London – New York City – Melbourne – Blackpool – Paris – Houston – Tokyo – San Francisco.

Find Richard’s books here.

Find Robert’s books here.

The post 81: SATB’s Beatles Live Anthology appeared first on Something About The Beatles.

At the suggestion of Executive Producer Rick Wey, Richard and Robert discuss “the Kinfauns Tapes” (or “the Esher Demos”): 27 new songs composed by John, Paul and George mostly in Rishikesh, India during the Maharishi’s Transcendental Meditation retreat in early 1968 and taped at George’s home in advance of the studio sessions. Hear how these tunes evolved before their recording and release on the the group’s self-titled double-album. Songs include “Revolution,” “Honey Pie” and “Sour Milk Sea.”

Find Robert’s books here.

Find Richard’s books here.

The post 80: Blueprinting The Beatles’ White Album appeared first on Something About The Beatles.

Reminisce with Robert and Richard through a post-Beatles year where residual mania was still rampant, taking the form of two motion pictures – two television specials – two albums from ex-Beatles – (at least) two new books – and a resurgence of re-releases, re-packaged in visually attractive forms. Songs include “Hard Times,” “With A Little Luck” and “Flying Hour.”

Find Richard’s books here.

Find Robert’s books here.

The post 78: Beatles ’78 appeared first on Something About The Beatles.

Given the imminent wind-down of the current political season, Richard and Robert thought it timely to examine the political interests connected to The Beatles, both during and after their collective career. Songs include “Taxman,” “All You Need Is Love” and “Save The World.”

Find Robert’s books here.

Find Richard’s books here.

The post 79: Beatle Politics appeared first on Something About The Beatles.

In this episode, Robert and Richard explore mortality as experienced by the members of the Beatles: friends, family, acquaintances – the inner circle; and how it was reflected in their music. Songs include “Art of Dying,” “Deep Blue” and “Lonely Road.”

Find Richard’s books here.

Find Robert’s books here.

The post 77: Death and The Beatles appeared first on Something About The Beatles.

In this episode, Richard and Robert talk with the host of the Multitrack Meltdown podcast, author/musician Anthony Robustelli (I Want To Tell You: Volume 1 1962/1963; Steely Dan FAQ). His specialty is revealing what lies beneath the surface of the masters of Beatles and Beatles-related recordings. Here, you’ll get to hear the inner workings of John’s recordings with Elton John and David Bowie (“Whatever Gets you Through The Night” and “Fame” respectively); Paul with Stevie Wonder and Michael Jackson (“What’s That You’re Doing” and “Say Say Say” respectively) and George with Tom Petty (“I Won’t Back Down”).

Check out Anthony’s work here:

http://www.thebeatlesiwanttotellyou.com/multi-track-meltdown

https://soundcloud.com/user-493432193/tracks

Songs include “Act Naturally.”

Find Robert’s books here.

Find Richard’s books here.

The post 76: Solo-Beatle Collaborations Deconstructed with Anthony Robustelli appeared first on Something About The Beatles.

Some day Robert and Richard will devote a show to their favorite covers of songs written BY the Beatles, but in this 90-minute episode, they run down some of their favorite songs written by other artists that they recorded or performed; where recordings exist. Songs include material that originated with Buddy Holly, Chuck Berry, Little Willie John, Larry Williams, Carl Perkins, The Miracles, Mikas Theodorakis…and The Donays!

Find Richard’s books here.

Find Robert’s books here.

The post 75: Favorite Covers BY The Beatles appeared first on Something About The Beatles.

In this episode, Richard and Robert chat with Chip Madinger, co-author of Lennonology: Strange Days Indeed – A Scrapbook of Madness. Chip is also the co-author (with Mark Easter) of the acclaimed Eight Arms To Hold You: The Solo Compendium. (2000).

Songs include “Nobody Told Me” and “Aisumasen (I’m Sorry).”

Find Robert’s books here.

Find Richard’s books here.

Find Chip Madinger’s and Scott Raile’s Lennonology sites here:

http://www.lennonology.com/main.htm

http://www.lennonology.com/Preorder_2015_Live.htm

http://www.lennonology.com/Master%20Quotes%20List%201966-1980%20v1.1.pdf

Photo forum here (no, you don’t need to have bought the book to access; just register):

http://forum.lennonology.com/

The post 74: Lennonology with Chip Madinger: The Interview appeared first on Something About The Beatles.

In this episode, Robert and Richard discuss the reissue of the classic 1977 album of the 1964 and 1965 Hollywood Bowl concerts, concurrent with the Ron Howard Eight Days A Week documentary.

Songs include “If I Fell,” “I Feel Fine,” “I Wanna Be Your Man” and “I’m Down.”

Find Richard’s books here.

Find Robert’s books here.

The post 73: The Beatles At The Hollywood Bowl appeared first on Something About The Beatles.

In this expanded edition, Richard and Robert examine the new film on The Beatles’ performing years, in theaters and on Hulu; as well as the restored Shea Stadium concert film. Joining us are two guests who contributed to the project: renowned archivist Erik Taros and author (”Some Fun Tonight”) Chuck Gunderson, explaining the process from the inside. Their insights offer a glimpse into the project’s evolution and how we got to where we ended up.

Songs include “Act Naturally” and “Long Tall Sally.”

Find Robert’s books here.

Find Richard’s books here.

The post 72: Ron Howard’s Beatles – Eight Days A Week appeared first on Something About The Beatles.

In this expanded episode, Richard and Robert discuss the parallels between the concurrent releases, George’s All Things Must Pass and John’s Plastic Ono Band. Songs include “Beware of Darkness,” “Let It Down,” “Love” and “Mother.”

Find Robert’s books here.

Find Richard’s books here.

The post 70: Late 1970 appeared first on Something About The Beatles.

In this episode, Robert and Richard further the discussion of Revolver, comparing it with the more acclaimed work that followed. Songs include “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” and “When I’m 64.”

Find Richard’s books here.

Find Robert’s books here.

The post 69: Sgt. Revolver – Two Landmark Beatle Albums Compared appeared first on Something About The Beatles.

In this episode, Richard and Robert reveal their picks of George’s finest moments in his traditional Beatle role. Songs include “Till There Was You” and “Here Comes The Sun.”

Find Robert’s books here.

Find Richard’s books here.

The post 68: Beatle George, Guitarist – Our Favorite Moments appeared first on Something About The Beatles.

In this listener-suggested subject show, Robert and Richard lay out the questions they would ask John, Paul, George and Ringo, if given a chance (and total candor). Songs include “Do You Want To Know A Secret” and “You Know My Name (Look Up My Number).”

Find Richard’s books here.

Find Robert’s books here.

The post 67: Questions For The Beatles appeared first on Something About The Beatles.

In this edition, Richard and Robert discuss the creation of what is arguably The Beatles’ collective highest achievement – Revolver. Taped before a live audience, you’ll hear an array of in-progress takes of the album as well as the single recorded during the sessions, “Paperback Writer” / “Rain.” Songs include “Tomorrow Never Knows,” “I Want To Tell You” and Here, There and Everywhere.”

Thanks to Winona Patterson and Xavier Duran.

Check out Robert Rodriguez’s Revolver: How The Beatles Re-Imagined Rock ‘n’ Roll here.

Check out Richard Buskin’s Classic Tracks here.

The post 66: Revolver at 50 appeared first on Something About The Beatles.

In this episode, Robert and Richard examine the whole of band’s career, seen through the prism of one momentous month, from the start to the end of their career. (Notably, were photographed as a “The Beatles” for the first and the last times on the same day – August 22 – seven years apart.) Songs include “Help!” and “Because.”

The post 65: The Beatles of August appeared first on Something About The Beatles.

Remember the last time we did this?

In another extended episode, Richard and Robert take on an array of topics suggested by listeners, ranging from who played what on certain recordings to the upcoming Hollywood Bowl reissue and much, much more!

Songs include “Free As A Bird” and “Eight Days A Week.”

The post 64: Questions From Listeners #2 appeared first on Something About The Beatles.

In this special extended episode, Robert and Richard discuss the group’s career through the prism of their television appearances. Rather than music performances per se, the focus here is on the occasions where they were tapped for their comedic skills, or interview situations that offered viewers insights into how they saw themselves at the time, and how these appearances evolved, along with their artistry and group dynamic.

The post 63: The Beatles on the Telly appeared first on Something About The Beatles.

In this episode, Richard and Robert trace the arc of Paul’s musical development as a Beatle, encompassing singing, writing and instrumental prowess. Songs include “All My Loving,” “Yesterday” and “You Never Give Me Your Money.”

The post 62: The Music and Artistry of Beatle Paul appeared first on Something About The Beatles.

Commemorating the 50th anniversary of the unleashing of the “Pre-Fab Four” on an unsuspecting public, Robert and Richard examine the ties, parallels and overlapping phenomenon between the two acts. Songs include “Paperback Believer” and “Daydream Believer.”

The post 61: The Beatles and The Monkees – It Goes Like This appeared first on Something About The Beatles.

In this episode, Richard and Robert examine the songs that The Beatles drastically re-thought before releasing or abandoned altogether. Featuring insights from singer/songwriter/producer/guitarist Craig Bartock from Heart.

Songs include “I Saw Her Standing There” and “Two of Us.”

Roy Orbison’s “Please Please Me” performed by Jared Lekites of The Lunar Laugh.

More on Craig Bartock.

The post 60: You Say You Want An Evolution: The Beatles’ Left Turns and Re-thinks appeared first on Something About The Beatles.

In this special episode, Robert and Richard explore the possible connections between the Beatles and later generations of artists, whether influenced by or reacting to. Also: an exclusive interview with producer/musician Butch Vig (Nirvana – Smashing Pumpkins – Garbage), offering insights into Nirvana’s particular fascination and latter-day collaboration.

Songs include “And I Love Her” and “Cut Me Some Slack.”

June 2016 has arrived. Six months is plenty long to be looking at the calendar you started out the year with, so why not swap it out for the Something About The Beatles 2016 calendar? It features hundreds of Beatles history dates and 24 full color original illustrations. Get one of the last remaining copies here, specially priced!

The post 59: Beatles Punk and Grunge appeared first on Something About The Beatles.

In this extended episode, Richard and Robert pay tribute to The Beatles’ road manager-turned-producer/songwriter. Evans did more than lift and carry: he contributed musically in the studio and continued assisting and collaborating with them until his sad and tragic end at 40. Hear our analysis, musical clips and – in an interview with Laura Gross taped five weeks before his death – his own words.

Songs include “Lonely Man” and “No Matter What.”

June 2016 has arrived. Six months is plenty long to be looking at the calendar you started out the year with, so why not swap it out for the Something About The Beatles 2016 calendar? It features hundreds of Beatles history dates and 24 full color original illustrations. Get one of the last remaining copies here, specially priced!

The post 58: Beatle Mal – The “Gentle Giant” appeared first on Something About The Beatles.

In this episode, Robert and Richard discuss three (or more) critical errors of judgment that cost The Beatles big time in terms of harmony and longevity. Drugs? Klein? Yoko? Lack of parity between the principle songwriters? Quitting touring? What were the factors that, had they gone another way, might have kept the band on track longer?

June 2016 has arrived. Six months is plenty long to be looking at the calendar you started out the year with, so why not swap it out for the Something About The Beatles 2016 calendar? It features hundreds of Beatles history dates and 24 full color original illustrations. Get one of the last remaining copies here, specially priced!

The post 57: Their Biggest Mistakes appeared first on Something About The Beatles.

In this episode, Richard and Robert provide an overview of their greatest post-break-up year: the music – the collaborations – the possibilities. Includes a special segment from our guest, Bob Ward.

Songs include “You’re Sixteen” and “Junior’s Farm.”

Check out this detailed 1974 timeline here.

June 2016 has arrived. Six months is plenty long to be looking at the calendar you started out the year with, so why not swap it out for the Something About The Beatles 2016 calendar? It features hundreds of Beatles history dates and 24 full color original illustrations. Get one of the last remaining copies here, specially priced!

The post 56: Beatles ’74 appeared first on Something About The Beatles.

No serious discussion of The Beatles’ career is complete without examining their recreational pursuits, and how they impacted their art, as well as their interactions. Robert and Richard trace the history of their drug use, from the club years to the break-up.

May 2016 is nearly over and so too the Something About The Beatles 2016 calendars – featuring hundreds of Beatles history dates and 24 full color original illustrations – will soon be gone. Get one of the last remaining copies here, specially priced!

The post 55: The Beatles On Drugs appeared first on Something About The Beatles.

In this episode, Richard and Robert devote the show to examining the new Paul McCartney bio by the author of 1981’s Shout! Hear an exclusive interview with author Norman as he explains the intent behind crafting a work completely at odds with his oft-stated past opinions about Sir Paul.

Norman’s George Harrison memoriam here and his open letter to Paul McCartney here.

May 2016 is upon us and so are the Something About The Beatles 2016 calendars, featuring hundreds of Beatles history dates and 24 full color original illustrations – get one of the last remaining copies in stock here and specially priced!

The post 54: Philip Norman’s McCartney appeared first on Something About The Beatles.

In this episode, Robert and Richard explore the cinematic opportunities that came their way for group projects that, for one reason or another, went unfulfilled. (These include might-have-beens with Stanley Kubrick and Disney Studios.) Songs include “The Beatles’ Movie Medley.”

May 2016 is upon us and so are the Something About The Beatles 2016 calendars, featuring hundreds of Beatles history dates and 24 full color original illustrations – get one of the last remaining copies in stock here and specially priced!

The post 53: The Beatle Films That Never Were appeared first on Something About The Beatles.

In this episode, Richard and Robert revisit the theme they’d first explored on show 21 – recasting the Beatles’ mid-period albums (Help! – Rubber Soul – Revolver – Sgt.Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band) in their own image. Songs include “Every Little Thing,” “Day Tripper” and “It’s All Too Much.”

Red = dropped tracks Blue = added tracks

May 2016 is upon us and so are the Something About The Beatles 2016 calendars, featuring hundreds of Beatles history dates and 24 full color original illustrations – get one of the last remaining copies in stock here and specially priced!

The post 52: Second Guessing The Beatles #2 appeared first on Something About The Beatles.

In this episode, Robert and Richard discuss the various iterations of the album produced from the fractious “Get Back/Let It Be sessions. Featuring an exclusive interview with Glyn Johns, songs include “One After 909,” “Two of Us” and “Across The Universe.”

April 2016 is upon us and so are the Something About The Beatles 2016 calendars, featuring hundreds of Beatles history dates and 24 full color original illsutrations – get one of the last remaining copies in stock here and specially priced!

The post 51: A “Cardboard Tombstone”? – The Beatles’ Epitaph appeared first on Something About The Beatles.

In this episode, Richard and Robert trace the musical partnership of the Beatles’ two senior members. Songs include “I Saw Her Standing There,” “We Can Work It Out” and “A Day in the Life.”

April 2016 is upon us and so are the Something About The Beatles 2016 calendars – get one of the last remaining copies in stock here and specially priced!

The post 50: “Another Lennon-McCartney Original” – John and Paul as Songwriters appeared first on Something About The Beatles.

In this episode, Robert and Richard delve into the nearly lifelong relationship between the two “economy class” (George’s words) Beatles; from Hamburg to stardom to the solo years to the end of George’s life. Songs include “It Don’t Come Easy,” “Down and Out” and “Never Without You.”

April 2016 is upon us and so are the Something About The Beatles 2016 calendars – get one of the last remaining copies in stock here and specially priced!

The post 49: George and Ringo appeared first on Something About The Beatles.

Some twenty years on from the issue of “Free As A Bird” and “Real Love,” Richard and Robert revisit the Beatles Anthology project and the new performances and recordings that were part of the documentary’s release. Songs include the aforementioned, plus “Ain’t She Sweet” and “Raunchy.”

April 2016 is upon us and so are the Something About The Beatles 2016 calendars – get one of the last remaining copies in stock here and specially priced!

The post 48: Something About The Threetles appeared first on Something About The Beatles.

On the one year anniversary of her passing, Robert and Richard examine the life of the first Mrs. John Lennon, using her own words along the way. Additional insights provided by guest author Jude Southerland Kessler, author of the John Lennon series of narrative biographies. Songs include “In My Life” and “Those Were The Days.”

April 2016 is upon us and so are the Something About The Beatles 2016 calendars – get one of the last remaining copies in stock here and specially priced!

The post 47: The Life of Cyn appeared first on Something About The Beatles.

(Remember part one?)

In this expanded episode, Richard and Robert revisit the second half of January 1969 and the “ill-fated” project that ended up as the Let It Be film and album. Picking up from where they left off, your hosts examine the day-by-day events that culminated in the famous rooftop performance (see it here) as well as the introduction of Billy Preston to the proceedings and how Paul was right when he asserted that given a challenge, the group could rise to the occasion.

Songs include “She Came In Through The Bathroom Window,” “Her Majesty,” “The Inner Light” and “Let It Be.”

March 2016 is still here and so is the Something About The Beatles 2016 calendar – get one of the last remaining copies in stock here and specially priced!

The post 46: “Winter of Our Discontent” Part Two – Savile Row appeared first on Something About The Beatles.

In this episode, Robert and Richard compare and contrast the approaches John and Paul took in the post-Beatles years to revisiting their musical roots. Songs include “Ain’t That A Shame” – “You Can’t Catch Me” – “Be My Baby” – “Lonesome Town.”

March 2016 is here and so is the Something About The Beatles 2016 calendar – get one of the last remaining copies in stock here and specially priced!

The post 45: Rock Devil Roll – John and Paul Get Back appeared first on Something About The Beatles.

In this mostly non-musical episode (imagine!), Richard and Robert take on the “Ballad of John and Yoko” – separating truth from self-spun myth.

March 2016 is here and so is the Something About The Beatles 2016 calendar – get one of the last remaining copies in stock here and specially priced!

The post 44: “Oh Yoko!” (Or: All I Want Is The Truth) appeared first on Something About The Beatles.

In this episode, Robert and Richard discuss the career of engineer/producer Norman “Hurricane” Smith, who worked with The Beatles from “Love Me Do” through Rubber Soul. Hear him in his own words describe the time, in an exclusive interview recorded by Richard in the 1990s.

Songs include: “Devil in Her Heart,” “Don’t Let It End,” and “Oh Babe What Would You Say.”

March 2016 is here and so is the Something About The Beatles 2016 calendar – get one of the last remaining copies in stock here and specially priced!

The post 43: The Beatles Called Him “Normal” appeared first on Something About The Beatles.

In this post-Valentine’s Day episode, Richard and Robert discuss what exactly what a love song meant to The Beatles – the range from purely romantic to outright threatening.

Songs include: “Run For Your Life,” “Getting Better,” “Girl” and “I Will.”

February 2016 is here and so is the Something About The Beatles 2016 calendar – get one of the last remaining copies in stock here and specially priced!

The post 42: Words of “Love” appeared first on Something About The Beatles.

In this expanded edition, Robert and Richard present an array of African-American talent; artists who brought their own unique voices to The Beatles’ material and made it their own, utterly. Talents range from Junior Parker to Stevie Wonder; from Nina Simone to Syreeta Wright. (You’ll even hear the Beatles’ own idols pay them the ultimate compliment.)

Songs include: “I’ve Got A Feeling,” “Tomorrow Never Knows,” “Everybody’s Got Something To Hide” and “Savoy Truffle.”

February 2016 is here and so is the Something About The Beatles 2016 calendar – getone of the copies in stock now here and specially priced!

The post 41: A Beatles Salute to Black History Month (or do you say “R & Beatles”?) appeared first on Something About The Beatles.

The post 40: “Winter of Our Discontent” Part One – Twickenham appeared first on Something About The Beatles.

In this episode, Robert and Richard review the connections between Jimi Hendrix – The Beatles – Paul – and Linda. Songs include “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Heart’s Club Band” and “Hey Joe.”

January 2016 is here and so is the Something About The Beatles 2016 calendar – get yours here

The post 39: The Beatles and Jimi Hendrix appeared first on Something About The Beatles.

In this Mythbusters episode of SATB, Richard and Robert examine an array of commonly believed stories about the Beatles that just don’t stand up to scrutiny. Songs include “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds.”

January 2016 is here and so is the Something About The Beatles 2016 calendar – get yours here

The post 38: Beatles Myths appeared first on Something About The Beatles.