309 avsnitt • Längd: 95 min • Månadsvis
Hosted by award-winning author Robert Rodriguez, Something About The Beatles is an intelligent but entertaining examination of The Beatles’ music and career. Smart, funny and surprising – just like the Fab Four.
The podcast Something About the Beatles is created by Evergreen Podcasts. The podcast and the artwork on this page are embedded on this page using the public podcast feed (RSS).
Returning guest May Pang has had a busy couple of years, both with the presentation of her story in the acclaimed documentary, The Lost Weekend: A Love Story, as well as her ongoing touring photographic exhibit of her photos taken fifty years ago. In this conversation, we discuss a number of topics outside the doc, including Allan Klein, Dick Cavett, the Imagine film (1972), and the productive period where she was at John's side, facilitating work that included three US chart-topping singles and collaborations with Mick Jagger, Phil Spector, Harry Nilsson, Ringo, David Bowie, Elton John...and almost, Paul.
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2024 winds down with the merging of two guests that have appeared on the show this year, in a spirited discussion of David Whelan's investigation into John Lennon's murder as presented in Mind Games. Robert Rosen (Nowhere Man) serves as skeptic in a conversation weaving together the bigger picture that converged on December 8, 1980, as well as the sketchy players surrounding the convicted killer both before and after. Joining the conversation is attorney Carole Krohn, presenting her own legal insights into the case.
If all of this is a bit heavy for you in general or at this time of year, by all means check out episode 298.....
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Staten Island is known as the mystifying borough, and it is home to numerous ghosts and eerie tales. The Alice Austin House was once home to a pioneering photographer, but ghostly images of a different sort now appear among the beams. The Moravian Cemetery in New Dorp holds tales of supernatural echoes, while over at the Old Bermuda Inn, the specter of Martha Mersereau, waiting for the return of her dead husband, appears at candlelit windows each evening. On some of the island’s most desolate roads, a spectral hitchhiker appears, vanishing from the car mid-ride, leaving only an eerie chill. Countless travelers have encountered her, a haunting reminder of the thin line between the living and the dead. Local author Marianna Randazzo uncovers the secrets behind Staten Island’s haunted houses, spectral sightings and enduring legends.
Purchase the BOOK
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Many of you have by now seen the new doc, re-presenting the February 1964 footage of The Beatles' two-week jaunt in NYC, Washington and Miami, shot by Albert and David Maysles. As you know, producer Martin Scorsese has a history of music documentaries (including Living on the Material World) but this one is directed by his associate, David Tedeschi and produced by Margaret Bodde, who have worked together many times on on many music films. I got a chance to talk with them about the making of this one and the intent behind it.
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The Olympiad series picks up again, with music scholar Gary Wenstrup on board, picking up where we left off at episode 276, the Filmtrack Olympiad.
Be sure to add your name to the [email protected] Newsletter list to enter the giveaway of the vinyl Beatles '64 Mono Capitol albums.
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Viewed at one level, Paul's 1980's career was bookended by the album triumphs of Tug of War and Flowers In The Dirt. But that would be to overlook the January 1980 Tokyo drug bust, the dissolution of Wings, John's murder, and then a period that may best be described as uneven: duets (of varying quality), the diminishing returns of Pipes of Peace, the lambasting that Give My Regards To Broad Street earned him, the "Frog Chorus," Press To Play, the abandoned Phil Ramone sessions, and the public discord over the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Beatles induction. Plus litigation aplenty.
It was a time that saw his reputation eclipsed by his martyred bandmate and hit records harder to come by, all before he found his feet with a new collaborator (Elvis Costello) that seemed to rejuvenate him, setting the table for a return to world touring. All of this is discussed in my latest conversation with author Glenn Greenberg, where we examine the good and the bad during challenging times.
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An essential component of The Beatles' appeal was their sense of humour, showcased not only in their two feature films (A Hard Day's Night, Help!) but also their TV appearances, interviews and even their music. TV comedy writer (Late Night with David Letterman, The Simpsons) Jeff Martin returns to the show to discuss how this facet of their talents was not only exceptionally developed, but also an element that set them apart from their peers, as well as key to their enduring legacy.
For further reading, check out The Beatles and Humour: Mockers, Funny Paper and Other Play.
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In the 44 years since John Lennon's death, the trauma of that night is still as raw, so much so that, for most people, the facts of what went down are far too painful still to examine closely. But when one does, as returning guest David Whelan has, they depict sometihng far more disturbing and sinister than the story we thought we knew. Whelan's research was presented in his book, Mind Games: The Assassination of John Lennon. Our earlier discussion this year (275) barely scratched the surface on what his research uncovered. Today's discussion goes deeper, and is in part a response to the recent show with Robert Rosen (Nowhere Man), 286.
Check out David's YouTube channel here: http://www.youtube.com/@AssassinationOfLennon
and his SubStack writings here: https://davidwhelan.substack.com/
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In 2023, I hosted writer James Campion with Jeff Martin for a discussion of The Beatles' 1968 mega-hit and Apple Records debut. This time, we're drilling down deep for an analysis of the song's composition (as well as possible sources of inspiration) with the musicologists of RPM School: Walter Everett (author of volumes one and two of The Beatles As Musicians) plus working musicians and recording artists Jack Petruzzelli and Cameron Greider. This is where we get deep into the weeds with musical theory and a breakdown of the song's lyrical construction, as well as elements from other pieces of music that may have influenced the principal author, Paul McCartney.
RPM's new semester (on Let It Be) begins soon - see their site for details:
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With The Beatles' film debut turning 60 this summer, the time was right for a deep dive into the cultural and cinematic significance of it all. Joining the conversation are two new guests: Sarah Pleydell and Moya Luckett. Both were born in the UK, one's a first-gen fan, and both are authors and academics with cred particularly suited to the topic. Rounding out the talk are our three fave 1st-gen fans, Sibbie O'Sullivan, Carol Tyler and Debbie Gendler, authors all.
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My guest, Luca Perasi, first appeared on the show in 2023 (262). He is the McCartney historian based in Italy, whose previous works include Paul McCartney: Music Is Ideas 1970 - 1989 as well as his newest, Paul McCartney and Wings Band On The Run: The Story of A Classic Album. You can check out all his works on his site here.
In this conversation, we discuss the tumultuous creation of Paul's post-Beatles breakthrough album, as well as 1974's One Hand Clapping project, just released as an album in 2024 and soon to be in theatres.
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In the years since Peter Jackson's epic re-imagining of the January 1969 saga landed, SATb has examined it through a number of angles: from Brits - women - musicians - authors - and so forth. But this will be the first time I have actually had a conversation about it with a professional historian, your friend and mine, Erin Weber. This conversation analyzes the film through the prism of (secondary) source material, and brings into focus how the work should be viewed by fans of a more serious scholarly bent.
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In this conversation, my returning guest (see episodes 189 - 245 - 266) discusses his recent visit to Spain, where a belated Beatlemania is in full swing. He also offers his insights on the recent May Pang documentary, The Lost Weekend: A Love Story, as well as his take on David Whelan's investigation into John Lennon's murder and the latter's preoccupation with "lucid dreaming."
Check out Robert's writings at https://www.robertrosennyc.com/index.htm
Highlights of his evening in Sevilla (with Mary Lyn Maiscott) can be found here:
https://youtu.be/qiin_ZOt9gw?si=65MgdhrGvNOUqsmv
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As part of the ongoing campaign in 2024 to look back at 1964, we present another conversation with first-gen fans, this time focusing on the Capitol issues as well as US Top 40 radio. Returning guests Elliot Easton and Dennis Diken (The Cars and The Smithereens respectively) are joined by Lee Abrams, radio visionary and co-founder of Sirius XM. We discuss their fandom as it unfolded in real time, the impact and influence of radio, as well as their takes on the US releases (and the Beach Boys too).
You can find Lee's writings here: https://www.leeabramsmediavisions.com/blog
Something About The Beatles is an Evergreen podcast.
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Returning guest (episodes 130 and 174) Ivor Davis is a British journalist who, in 1964, went on tour with The Beatles for the Daily Express, covering their North American dates while ghost-writing a column for George Harrison (having taken over the assignment from Derek Taylor). He did similar duties for the following year, and after which, he settled in California as west coast correspondent. His job saw him cover the Warren Commission findings, the gubernatorial campaign trail for Ronald Reagan (governor) and in 1968, Bobby Kennedy (whose murder Ivor was a witness to). The following year, Ivor was at the center of the Manson Family case when he became the first journalist to visit Spahn ranch, as well as the first writer to publish a book on the Tate-LaBianca murders, Five To Die. (We discussed this in the two previous shows.) Ivor was there when Bob Dylan introduced The Fabs to weed; he was also there when they met Elvis. In short, he's been around.
He first published his memoir of The Beatles' experience as The Beatles and Me On Tour ten years ago for the 50th; it's now been expanded and republished for the 60th anniversary. In his conversation, Ivor offers his observations from the current perspective, post Get Back and "Now and Then," as well as inner-circle personas he came to know along the way.
He also has a new true crime book out, The Devil in My Friend about a 1980s double murder in Malibu. You can find info on all at his website, https://ivordavisbooks.com/
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Beginning with the 2017 Sgt. Pepper 50th anniversary release, a series of deluxe reissues (The Beatles, Abbey Road, Let It Be, Revolver, 1962-1966, 1967-1970) featuring remixing and the application of MAL (“machine-assisted learning”) to deconstruct and re-assemble the master recordings have hit the streets. Supervised by engineer Sam Okell and Giles Martin, these issues have met with mixed reactions from fans, especially those who hold the original recordings sacrosanct. For some they are revelatory; for others, an abomination.
I convened a 2-man panel of returning guests with expert ears to assess them. John Leckie (Abbey Road engineer for John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Pink Floyd and producer for Radiohead, XTC, The Stone Roses, The Verve, New Order) has one of the finest sets of ears in the business, as does producer/engineer/author Jerry Hammack (https://www.beatlesrecordingreferencemanuals.com/), whose newest work, The Beatles’ Recording Techniques: Recreating The Classic EMI Studios Sound In Your Home Studio, has just been published.
This conversation is front-loaded with techie-talk, but soon finds its level with an analysis of the work done for these new sets and whether or not they achieved a clear-cut goal.
For Jerry’s newest: https://www.beatlesrecordingtechniques.com/
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YEAH YEAH YEAH, we’ve been waiting 88 episode for this and it’s finally here!! In the 60s, The Beatles’ rise to fame would change the landscape of pop music and fandom forever. People were so excited to watch them, they’d urinate and scream so loud you’d struggle to hear the music. No one had ever seen fan culture or heard music like it. So it’s no surprise that we’re absolutely ecstatic to chat to Mark Lewisohn, arguably the world’s LEADING authority on the Beatles! So ecstatic that we’ve made a two part episode, so make sure you listen to that once you’re done with this one.
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My guests are three very special ladies whom have all appeared on the show before, but this time, all three have memoirs out. Debbie Gendler was the first to appear on SATB (121: New York Stories) and her story as the 1st US fan (as far as I’m concerned) was initially laid out there. But now HER memoir has been published, I Saw Them Standing There: Adventures of an Original Fan During Beatlemania and Beyond.
Debbie joins returning guests Carol Tyler (146: Fab 4 Mania) and Sibbie O’Sullivan (273: My Private Lennon) as they react to each other’s books. What ensued though was something bigger than what we anticipated, as the notion of collating their stories and those of other 1st-generation fans into something bigger and grander took shape.
Something About The Beatles is now an Evergreen podcast.
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Of the 73 million Americans who viewed The Beatles’ live debut on The Ed Sullivan Show in February 1964, we know with absolute certainty that a high percentage had their lives changed forever – this is not hyperbole. And of those, many were moved to take up instruments or start bands. And of that fraction, a handful went on to stellar careers in music, producing art that became a part of our lives in the years to come.
Today’s guest is one such example. Elliot Easton was the lead guitarist in The Cars, but he was put on a path to music as a livelihood at the tender age of three; The Beatles merely codified the trajectory he was on. Elliot went on to hit virtually every checkmark a musician could desire: a successful career with hit singles and albums, induction into the Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame, even recording with a Beatle. And Elliot also happens to be student of music and rock history, The Beatles especially. He comes to the show as a fellow fan as well as an artist inspired by The Beatles to live his dream.
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As the first insider Beatles tell-all (not counting Francie Schwartz’s Body Count – because why would I) – 1983’s The Love You Make, a collaboration between Brian Epstein’s protege Peter Brown and today’s guest, shocked fans with what was perceived as an airing of dirty laundry. Drug use, infidelity, betrayal, wife-swapping, and overall bad behavior was chronicled in detail, and Brown’s insider status gave credence to the reporting.
But many Beatle historians recognize the inaccuracies and questionable decision making, rendering what was once a best-selling book into something with considerably less esteem, to put it one way. But the original interviews with an array of insiders, many of them now dead, has arrived as a sort of unfiltered access to the source material. All You Need is Love is out now, and presents many witnesses, sum of questionable veracity, but with little comment, allowing the reader to judge their truthfulness for themselves.
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At last: the SATB conversation with the man who brought The Beatles’ road manager’s long missing manuscript to press. Living The Beatles Legend is the story Mal wanted to tell before his life ended at 40 in Los Angeles in a hail of gunfire in 1976. But perhaps the wait was worth it to get his insider eye-witness story augmented by research and interviews Ken has conducted to fully flesh out the story.
This talk covers the first volume of this must-read book. Another volume, presenting the Evans photo archive and diaries, is due out later this year
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Listeners: you may recall my conversation with Robert Rosen (245), detailing the blocking of a pair of books by reputable authors that detailed the "househusband" years of John's life; it evolved out of an essay Robert wrote. Well, one of those writers is here to tell his story himself. Michael Meideros was hired in 1977 to work on the indoor gardening at the Lennon's Dakota apartments. But as he performed his assigned tasks, his role grew to ad hoc personal assistant and eventually, archivist. His memoir, Barefoot in Nutopia, remains unpublished - yet. But Michael wanted to share some stories and insights and we're happy to have him, in what we project to be the first of at least two conversations. Subjects include day-to-day life, Yoko, Bermuda, Fred Seaman, and the night the unspeakable occurred, and its aftermath.
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There's no joy to be had in this subject, but it is an important topic for an open discussion. We have been fed a narrative for 43 years regarding the murder of John, yet there were aspects that either lacked detail or, upon closer inspection, made little sense. At least a couple of of authors have published books on the case, but documentary-maker David Whelan has approached the subject with fresh eyes, resulting in three years of research and interviews that he presents in Mind Games: The Assassination of John Lennon. He makes the case that virtually nothing we were ever told about what happened is supported by evidence and much is substantially contradicted. We managed to touch on only part of his research in this conversation, but you can learn more through the book, David's Substack site, and his YouTube channel.
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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.
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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
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Influential
Red and Blue albums
The Beatles: An Illustrated Record by Roy Carr and Tony Tyler
Shout!
Lennon Remembers
Here, There and Everywhere by Geoff Emerick
Important
The Beatles and The Historians by Erin Torkelson Weber
Lewisohn Chronicles/Tune In
Love Me Do by Michael Braun
The Beatles: An Authorized Biography
A Women's History of The Beatles
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Kyle Driscoll is a writer for Medium.com and this article is where the conversation began: https://medium.com/@kpdriscoll33/the-art-of-quantifying-art-663729c02c89 He was on SATB here. Bill Wyman has been writing and reviewing art and music for 30 years for outlets ranging from the Chicago Reader to NPR, EW, WSJ and currently with New York and Vulture.com His ranking of The Beatles list can be found here. His SATB appearances include this and this. Check out the Beatles Song Sorter here.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
I think, is so overlooked, both message-wise and musical construction-wise. It's one of those songs, first of all, musically, based on piano. Not a lot of guitar, except those little stabbing, which was a 1965 sound in other people's records that year. Nice block harmonies. Then John breaking out his own for the verses, starting this implicitly spiritual song, the first words out of his mouth of the verse in the beginning. Nice touch. That's beautiful. It's this precursor to certainly, All You Need is Love and Give Peace A Chance. It's him. It's messianic John for the first time, really wanting to use his platform to promote something good. They'd said that they're all potheads at this point. I mean, they'd taken acid a couple of times at this point, but not the full immersion by the time of Revolver. That has to be what's informing his wanting to evangelize on behalf of love at this point. It's interesting that they didn't use this one for Yellow Submarine, because that whole love thing at the end in pepper land, in the face of the mayonnaise, it seems like it would be enmeshed right in there. I guess, they had All You Need Is Love. That was what they went with. I think, it's a great message, a great performance, nice arrangement. I love that organ. Then there's that whole musical, we're going to build a song around one note and it's got that drone throughout it, so you've got that musical experimentation going on at the same time. Not a song that got a lot of airplay. I don't know if anybody ever covered it. One, they never seemed to look back at it, but it's an early clue to the new direction. It's just this forerunner of lots of things that would come and they just pull it off. They don't sound like you're being preached to. It works as a pop ditty, but also, it's like, wow, it's got a really good message to it, that's bigger than boy-girl relationships.
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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:
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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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I got something to say that won't cause you pain... Contact
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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.
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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.
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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/
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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/
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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.
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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.
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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...
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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).
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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.
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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.
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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...)
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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).
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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
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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"
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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/
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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
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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).
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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)
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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.
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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.
Check out their work (and current tour dates) here: http://www.thoseprettywrongs.com/ https://lutherrussell.com/ https://www.ardentstudios.com/
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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[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
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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.
But reporter and Beatles confidant Ivor Davis is back, with a new book summarizing his investigation into the case, which dates back to day one. Manson Exposed: A Reporter’s 50-Year Journey into Madness and Murder has just been published, and he's here to present a timely summation of the case, just as public interest has been again raised with director Quentin Tarantino's latest, Once Upon A Time...in Hollywood. Not only is Ivor uniquely placed to discuss the film, but also to talk about a couple of Beatles events he'd personally witnessed while accompanying them on tour: their 1964 meeting with Bob Dylan, as well as their 1965 visit with Elvis. Check out all his works at ivordavisbooks.com
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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.
We discuss John as he knew him, abetted by Lennon biographer Jude Kessler. Ray's site: https://www.rayconnolly.co.uk/ "In My Life" performed by Mary Ruane (Talent scouted by Lisa Kasco)
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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/
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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.
My guests: https://www.beatlesrecordingreferencemanuals.com/ https://www.anthonyrobustelli.com/
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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's releases and tour news can be found here: http://www.jessicaleemorgan.com/
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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 Beatle Track was released in 2009: 1. I'm In Love 2. Tip Of My Tongue 3. Love Of The Loved 4. You Know What To Do 5. I'll Be on My Way 6. I Don't Want To See You Again 7. Nobody I Know 8. I'll Keep You Satisfied 9. It's For You 10. Hello Little Girl 11. Like Dreamers Do 12. Bad To Me 13. A World Without Love 14. From A Window 15. One And One Is Two
Off The White Album was released in 2018: 1. Not Guilty
2. Child of Nature 3. Goodbye 4. Step Inside Love 5. The Rishi Kesh Song 6. Cosmically Conscious 7. India, India 8. Sour Milk Sea 9. What’s the New Mary Jane 10. Circles 11. Suicide https://applejamband.com/home
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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...).
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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
Check out Ken's site here
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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.
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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.
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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/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheyMayBeParted Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theymaybeparted/
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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!”
Some links for Who’s The Redhead on the Roof?US: https://www.amazon.com/Whos-Redhead-Roof-life-Beatles-ebook/dp/B00XRCZDD2 UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Whos-Redhead-Roof-life-Beatles-ebook/dp/B00XRCZDD2 plus https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/KevinHarrington and https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/who-s-the-redhead-on-the-roof
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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.
Lennonology: A Scrapbook of Madness, by Chip and Scott Raile, can be found here.
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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
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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
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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:
Paul GeorgeVinnie’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
Mashups courtesy of BDJ – hear his work here: https://bdj.podomatic.com/ Twitter: @MichaelSalfino Bill Wyman: @hitsvilleThe post 145: Something About The Rolling Stones (and The Beatles) appeared first on Something About The Beatles.
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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.
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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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Television writer Jeff Martin makes his third appearance on the show, this time focusing the conversation on one of his vocations – playing keyboards in a band – and how The Beatles (Paul mainly) utilized an array of instruments in the studio: piano – electric piano – organ – harmonium – Mellotron – synthesizer, and so forth; and how their use evolved from doubling instrumental parts to adding color to forming the basis of some of their finest compositions.
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In which we welcome back to the show historian Erin Torkelson Weber. In this episode, we pick up where we left off; this time discussing older canon works like Ian MacDonald’s Revolution in the Head and Peter Doggett’s You Never Give Me Your Money; (also Peter McCabe’s outdated Apple To The Core and the problematic memoir of Geoff Emerick) as well as new essential works like Riding So High by Joe Gooden. We also talk about how the Beatles’ historic narrative was shaped, countered and re-evaluated as Mark Lewisohn’s works represented a true revolution in Beatles scholarship. Erin’s previous appearance: http://somethingaboutthebeatles.com/116-beatles-historians/
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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It was 45 years ago that Beatle confidant and Apple Press Officer Derek Taylor published his first memoir, As Time Goes By. Long out of print, it has recently been re-published, this time with a contextualizing foreword penned by rock journalist Jon Savage (Mojo magazine, England’s Dreaming: Sex Pistols and Punk Rock, 1966: The Year The Decade Exploded, plus much more). Jon sat down with me to discuss Derek, As Time Goes By, The Beatles, the White Album, 1966, plus an array of offshoot topics. Check out Jon’s As Time Goes By playlist here: https://open.spotify.com/user/fabersocial/playlist/5q60ISNL0EZAhgP0vdrRQa Here’s Jon’s write-up on The Residents’ “Beyond the Valley of a Day in the Life” from The Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/music/musicblog/2010/jun/21/savage-song-residents-beatles
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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.
Songs heard in whole or in part: 1. Mary Hopkin – Those Were The Days 2. The Perishers – How Does It Feel 3. Coconut Mushroom – Any Day Now 4. Grapefruit – Dear Delilah 5. Jackie Lomax and Elvis Presley – How The Web Was Woven 6. Jackie Lomax – Sour Milk Sea 7. Grenville and Weston – Aeroplane (acetate) 8. Slow Dog – Little Girl 9. Crosby, Stills and Nash – Blackbird 10. Contact – Round and Round 11. Chris Hodge – We’re On Our Way 12. White Trash – Golden Slumbers/Carry That Weight 13. The Iveys – I’ll Kiss You Goodnight 14. The Iveys – I’m In Love 15. John Tavener – excerpt from The Whale (Melodrama and Pantomime) 16. Elastic Oz Band – God Save Us 17. Brute Force – King of Fuh 18. Bojoura – Everybody’s Day 19. Jackie Lomax – New Day (BBC) 20. Contact – Lovers From The Sky For more on the projects produced by Axel Korinth and Ed Dieckmann, see http://www.apcor.net/ For volume 1: http://www.apcor.net/a-is-for-apple-reprint/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/
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To call the stunningly-talented musician/singer/songwriter a “Beatles sideman” is to sell short his tremendous gifts and the tangible effect he had on the group when they most needed a spark plug. Billy Preston was a keyboard savant for sure, but he was also someone the Beatles embraced as an equal; going so far as to float him as an actual “fifth Beatle.”
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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Ben Rowling and I resume our conversation with the author of The Beatles Recording Reference Manuals series. In this episode, we talk gear (amps and guitars), as well as examine some long-held beliefs about certain recordings. Check out Jerry’s series here.
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Even if we don’t write them down, we all make lists (if only mentally). Back in June 2017, rock journalist Bill Wyman boldly committed his ranking of every Beatles canon recording from worst to best. It was a move certain to stir the pot of debate, and so it did. On this show, we discussed not only his list, but also the role of the rock critic – the role of radio in shaping tastes, and how it’s evolved – and how we as fans quantify Beatle music. Bill’s list can be found here. Other works can be found here and here. Follow him on Twitter here. The Sirius XM list as selected by fans is here.
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In which we (Ben Rowling and I) discuss the Beatles’ approach to their work in the studio – their creativity, work ethic and use of technology to push the boundaries of their art – with author/producer/engineer/musician Jerry Hammack. Check out Jerry’s series – The Beatles Recording Reference Manuals – here.
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In the first installment of what will, over time, serve as a commemoration of the 40th anniversary of the All You Need is Cash TV film, I spoke with director Gary Weis. In addition to his career as a documentary filmmaker, SNL short film creator and music video director, he recalls his work on The Rutles’ long-form “rockumentary,” as well as his interactions with George Harrison throughout his career. [SNL sound clips owned by NBC and Broadway Video]
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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.
Our conversation centered on the Lennon-McCartney partnership and the way that their unique combination of talents and temperaments created something far bigger than the sum of its parts. More on Jeff’s career here. (The article he referenced – The Power of Two by Joshua Wolf Shenk – was published in The Atlantic in July 2014 and can be found here.)The post 132: John and Paul – Truth and Beauty appeared first on Something About The Beatles.
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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.
Our conversation encompasses his new album, By George – By Bachman, but much more, including production tricks, Beatle secrets, touring with Ringo, Winnie the Pooh and a deeply personal discussion of spirituality and how George directly impacted his life. Check out Randy’s activities here: http://randybachman.com/ and his deconstruction of the “A Hard Day’s Night” opening chord here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gwfH9oAiPH0The post 131: The Beatles and Randy Bachman, By George! appeared first on Something About The Beatles.
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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).
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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.
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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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In 1978 – the year he joined Elvis Costello in The Attractions – bassist Bruce Thomas was personally selected by Paul McCartney to participate in the Rockestra – an all-star ensemble assembled for a pair of Back To The Egg tracks. The collective gathered onstage a year later as part of Wings’ finale at the Kampuchea benefit. But Bruce Thomas is more than an inventive bass player: he’s a veteran musician (with roots in Britain’s 60s Blues Boom) as well as an acclaimed author of fiction and non-fiction both. His newest project – a collaboration with Spencer Brown – includes a Beatles cover. Check out Back To The Start here: https://spencerbrownbrucethomas.bandcamp.com/releases Check out Bruce’s works here: https://www.brucethomas.co.uk/
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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.
In this episode, I talk with musician/producer Ben Rowling, who breaks down John’s unsung contribution to The Beatles’ sound, as well as the impact he had on the rhythm guitarists that came after. With isolations and recreation, no one will ever again think of John’s instrumental Beatles work as “invisible.”The post 127: John Lennon, “Invisible Guitarist” appeared first on Something About The Beatles.
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SATB began as a conversation between two Beatle friends who happened to be writers; this episode began as a conversation about being a Beatles fan in the 70s. But in both instances, some unexpected twists and turns along the way led to other destinations… I’d like you all to meet Andrew Vaughan – a good friend of mine, a music writer and hardcore Beatle fan. He’ll be helping out with the show, and in this episode, we try our best to stay on topic. Results may vary.
Songs include recordings by The Damned, The Optimists and The Residents.
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The unexpected loss of The Heartbreakers’ leader (and “Charlie T./Muddy Wilbury”) presents an opportunity to look back on the career of the accidental supergroup: the Traveling Wilburys, whose debut album issued almost thirty years ago represented an unimaginable musical collaboration among some of rocks’s giants. Presenting their back story is rock journalist Jeff Slate (http://jeffslatehq.com/index/), whose newly-published Roy Orbison: The Authorized Biography traces the career of a singular artist who, truth be known, served as an unwitting catalyst in the group’s formation. His ties to The Beatles as an artist and a friend are likewise traced.
Check out http://royorbison.com/ for more on the book.
“Please Please Me” by “Roy Orbison” recorded by Jared Lekites: jaredlekites.bandcamp.comJared’s band, The Lunar Laugh: thelunarlaugh.bandcamp.comThe post 125: Roy Orbison, Tom Petty and the Traveling Wilburys appeared first on Something About The Beatles.
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You may already know the author of Liddypool and The Fab 104 for his meticulous research in already well-trod grounds. But with his latest work, David Bedford reveals new revelations – some of them shocking. In Finding The Fourth Beatle, David brings a fresh interpretation and critical new analysis to Beatles scholarship, going where the evidence leads him regarding the truth behind Pete Best’s parting ways with the group, as well as the process of recruitment that (eventually) led to Ringo. There is also new light shed on the 18 (!) Beatle drummers, the Decca audition, Brian’s unsigned managerial contract and those who might have been Beatles – but weren’t. David is also working on an accompanying documentary and a companion CD release. Find out more at https://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/finding-the-fourth-beatle
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In something of a departure from the usual, SATB presents a conversation with Arion Salazar, original bass player with Third Eye Blind (“Semi-Charmed Life” – “Losing A Whole Year” – “How’s It Going To Be” – “Never Let You Go”) and this year on tour with XEB. As you will hear, he is an accomplished recording artist whose life path was impacted virtually from birth by The Beatles (who, as it happened, had just split up while he was in utero). Arion offers up his insights as a fan and as a student of the Beatles on the group, on Paul (certainly as a bassist) as well as on Klaus Voormann.
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In 1989, Paul McCartney hit the road again for the first time in a decade. That same year, the longest running sitcom in US TV history debuted, and like Sir Paul, The Simpsons is still in action today. In addition to the high-calibre talent involved from day one, the show has made frequent references to The Beatles, culminating with three episodes featuring guest appearances by the three ex-Beatles. In this special expanded edition, we hear from writer/producer Jeff Martin, who wrote “Homer’s Barbershop Quartet” (which featured George); and writer/director/show runner David Mirkin, who went to Sussex to record the McCartneys (for “Lisa the Vegetarian”) and experienced something every Beatle fan can only imagine…
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.
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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.
Find Richard’s books here. Find Robert’s books here.The post 121: New York Stories appeared first on Something About The Beatles.
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49 years ago, The Beatles launched their Apple label with one of rock’s most successful single releases. Paul’s “Hey Jude,” backed with John’s “Revolution” – if not officially a double A-side release – surely ranks as among the finest 7″ records the group ever produced. It was also, as George observed years later, a real turning point in the band’s fortunes: a high point after which things could only go downhill. In this episode, Richard and Robert discuss the context of this record, as well as the writing, the recording and the public presentation of Apple’s first issue: a record that spent two weeks atop the UK charts and nine at number one in the US. Find Robert’s books here. Find Richard’s books here.
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For too many years, the role of Skiffle in The Beatles’ development as artists has been glossed over or diminished. Not anymore: in his new book, Roots, Radicals and Rockers: How Skiffle Changed the World, singer/songwriter/activist Billy Bragg presents an examination of the musical and sociological history of skiffle – where it came from; what it meant to a generation in post-war Britain, and how it paved the way for the British Invasion – while also restoring Lonnie Donegan to his rightful place as a true cultural revolutionary.
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 Shine A Light project: http://shinealight-joehenry.billybragg.co.uk/ For more on Billy: http://www.billybragg.co.uk/ Find Richard’s books here. Find Robert’s books here.The post 119: Skiffle, The Beatles, and Billy Bragg appeared first on Something About The Beatles.
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In a recent show, we profiled a pair of Liverpudlians who witnessed the Beatles up close and personal during their ascent to greatness. This time, we feature conversations with two personas – one English, one American – who likewise had a series of most memorable encounters with The Beatles; by this time, greatness achieved. Richard and Robert talked with the two Davids: the Brit is David Stark; the Yank goes by “Mr. Bonzai.” Check out David Stark’s online Beatles archive here and Songlink International here. Check out John Lennon’s Tooth here – Mr. Bonzai’s site here, and his podcast pilot here. Find Robert’s books here. Find Richard’s books here.
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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.
Find Richard’s books here. Find Robert’s books here.The post 117: George Martin – Maximum Volume appeared first on Something About The Beatles.
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A show on Beatle books is a fine idea but at the same time a little too broad: without some sort of focus, the confines of a single episode will not allow for a thorough examination. But with the arrival of this recent work by Erin Torkelson Weber, Richard and Robert are able to narrow the discussion to some key works, selected for their power in shaping public perceptions of the Beatles’ story. Applying a strict historiographic methodology, Erin’s book examines where various authors have succeeded or (mostly) failed in presenting accurate and essential tellings of their history. Authors discussed include Mark Lewisohn, Philip Norman, Albert Goldman, Bob Spitz, Hunter Davies, Barry Miles and Jann Wenner. About Erin’s book: https://www.mcfarlandbooks.com/2016/04/newly-published-beatles-historians/ Find Robert’s books here. Find Richard’s books here.
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The Beatles remain the most collected rock band on the face of the planet: records of every kind – books – art – toys – and so forth. That’s just for the mainstream fandom; for the more serious collectors, there are promotional items, rare pressings, autographs, etc. Beyond even this, there rare those who’ve made it their pursuit to acquire items of a more personal nature: clothing – glasses – instruments – teeth. Of those in the latter two categories, Robert and Richard spoke with Todd Jackson and Russ Lease, both of whom have assembled what must be described as world-class collections. You can see items from Russ’s collection (along with a few others) on tour – click here for info. Find Richard’s books here. Find Robert’s books here.
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While echoes of 1967 live on this year with 50-year commemorations of Sgt. Pepper and the Summer of Love, the events of two summers later were, if anything, even more portentous as far as the Beatles’ story goes. In this episode, Richard and Robert examine one specific week: July 1 through July 9, 1969. These eight days marked the resumption of the Abbey Road sessions after a month-long break. During this time, several tracks were recorded or developed – John crashed his car in Scotland – Brian Jones died – the Rolling Stones performed a free concert in Hyde Park – “Give Peace A Chance,” the Plastic Ono Band’s debut single was released, and John returned to work (along with Yoko – and her bed). The period saw the group compartmentalizing a 3-1 business split while striving to remain functionally harmonious musically. Songs include “You Never Give Me Your Money” and “Give Peace A Chance.” Find Robert’s books here. Find Richard’s books here.
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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.
Songs include “That Was Me” and “Liverpool 8.” Find Richard’s books here. Find Robert’s books here.The post 113: Liverpool Stories appeared first on Something About The Beatles.
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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.”
Find Alex and Terry’s book here. Find Gary’s site here. Find Robert’s books here. Find Richard’s books here.The post 112 77 on 7-7: Ringo Starr and The Beatles Beat appeared first on Something About The Beatles.
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July 6, 1957 is the day that should be commemorated in Beatledom for all that sprang from it: not only in terms of the Beatles’ career, but in 1960s popular culture as well. In this special (nearly) 60-minute show, Robert and Richard discuss not the events of that day per se, but really, what it meant when the first of a series of minor miracles occurred: Paul was introduced to John.Songs include “Be Bop A Lula” and “20 Flight Rock.” Find Richard’s books here. Find Robert’s books here.
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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.”
Find Robert’s books here. Find Richard’s books here.The post 110: Take Me To The Bridge – Beatles Middle 8s Examined appeared first on Something About The Beatles.
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Suggested by a listener, your hosts, Robert and Richard divulge their favorite post-Beatles desert island discs (and books and videos, too), in a follow-up to their earlier Beatles Desert Island Discs show. Songs include…well, listen and find out! “Sleepy Lagoon” performance by Martin Wheatley – check out his music here. Find Richard’s books here. Find Robert’s books here.
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In this special episode, Richard and Robert take listeners back to 1964 and the life-changing live TV debut of The Beatles in America before 73 million viewers.
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.”
Find Robert’s books here. Find Richard’s books here.The post 108: The Beatles and Ed Sullivan appeared first on Something About The Beatles.
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In what’s likely to be the first of a series of Sgt. Pepper discussions, Robert and Richard attempt to sort out their feelings toward a most complicated and singular Beatles release; one that stirs powerful emotions within those who were there at the time – and more than a few that weren’t. (Be sure to listen for the bonus observations by a fan who was there in ’67.) Songs include “Good Morning, Good Morning” and “A Day in the Life.” Find Richard’s books here. Find Robert’s books here.
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Before you roll your eyes, take a second: in this special episode, Richard and Robert dissect what is easily the most polarizing recording of The Beatles’ entire canon: the musique concrète produced by John, with assistance from Yoko and George, issued on their wildly expansive 1968 self-titled double album. Adding to the conversation: Jack Petruzzelli from The Fab Faux – a rare ensemble who have actually performed the piece live. No matter what you think of “Revolution 9,” there’s a lot here worth discussing: the inspiration – the intent – the influence (yes, there is that).
Songs include “Your Feet’s Too Big.”
Find Robert’s books here. Find Richard’s books here.The post 106: Deconstructing The Beatles – Revolution 9 appeared first on Something About The Beatles.
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Said Allmusic about our guest: “He writes songs that are melodic, hooky and emotionally true, and he sings and plays them with an honesty and force that still finds room for humor without venom.” (See any commonality with The Beatles?) In this episode, Robert and Richard sat down and talked Beatles (and music generally) with Marshall Crenshaw, before discussing the meanings of “power pop” and “Beatlesque,” citing some favorite artists along the way. Songs include “Crying, Waiting, Hoping” and “Soldier of Love.” Find Richard’s books here. Find Robert’s books here.
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“Are The Beatles on their way out now?,” asked The Daily Sketch. Said a critic at The Sunday Mirror: “They have, to put it bluntly, goofed. ‘Paperback Writer’ would have gone into my junk box had it been by another group.” They were speaking of this, The Beatles’ 12th single: a work signaling the transition from their rock ‘n’ roll era into psychedelia. Though not an official double-A-side release, both songs warrant a detailed examination by Richard and Robert. Find out if they concur with the contemporaneous words of producer George Martin: “A pretty ordinary rock beat…As far as I’m concerned, there are other tracks I much prefer to it.” Find Robert’s books here. Find Richard’s books here.
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Setting aside the thematic full album works like Run Devil Run, Rock ‘n’ Roll or Sentimental Journey, the former Beatles recorded a fair amount of material written by others. Naturally, Ringo – the least prolific writer among them – relied on covers the most, but each of them had favorite tunes that they took on, mostly (but not always) for official release. Robert and Richard present some of their favorites (and some, not so much). Songs include Randy Newman’s “Have You Seen My Baby,” Bob Dylan’s “If Not For You” and Ian Dury’s “I’m Partial To Your Abracadabra.” Find Richard’s books here. Find Robert’s books here.
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Throughout the years, The Beatles’ music was repackaged in ways beyond counting, notwithstanding their aversion to anyone tampering with their presentation. In this episode, Richard and Robert examine the myriad ways their work was re-imagined and compiled: from A Collection of Oldies to Rarities to 1, from Alpha-Omega to Reel Music. Songs include “Bad Boy,” “Things We Said Today” and “Girl.” Find Robert’s books here. Find Richard’s books here.
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Throughout the course of their career, The Beatles freely tapped the talents of a number of outside musicians to add color to their musical palette. Many (string and brass players, mostly) were professionals toiling in relative obscurity, but a handful were well-known personas in their own right: Eric Clapton – Brian Jones – Billy Preston – Nicky Hopkins – Ronnie Scott. In this show, Robert and Richard examine the contributions these men provided; names that many of us are familiar with for work issued under their own names. Songs include “Don’t Pass Me By,” “Lady Madonna” and “Waiting For The Band.” Find Richard’s books here. Find Robert’s books here.
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Comedy was an aspect of The Beatles’ personas that came through loud and clear from day one. In this milestone episode, Richard and Robert discuss the comedic influences on the group that manifested themselves in the Beatles’ presence, songs and in John’s books. Comedians include Ted Ray, Ken Dodd and Stanley Unwin. Find Robert’s books here. Find Richard’s books here. Find their Playboy interview here.
The post 100: Something About The Beatles’ Humour appeared first on Something About The Beatles.
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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.
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The post 99: Autumn ’74 – Walls and Bridges and Dark Horse appeared first on Something About The Beatles.
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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.”
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The post 98: I’ve Seen That Road Before – Beatle Influencers and Inspirations appeared first on Something About The Beatles.
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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.
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The post 97: Chuck Berry and The Beatles appeared first on Something About The Beatles.
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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.
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The post 96: Ex-Beatles Helping Ex-Beatles (in the studio) appeared first on Something About The Beatles.
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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.
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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]
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The post 94: The Man Who Gave The Beatles Away – Allan Williams Remembered appeared first on Something About The Beatles.
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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.
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The post 93: Strawberry Fields Forever / Penny Lane At 50 appeared first on Something About The Beatles.
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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.
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The post 92: The Beatles – A Day In Their Lives appeared first on Something About The Beatles.
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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.
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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.
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The post 90: George and Paul appeared first on Something About The Beatles.
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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.
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The post 89: Post-Beatles Albums That Never Were appeared first on Something About The Beatles.
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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.
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The post 88: Compiling McCartney appeared first on Something About The Beatles.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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The post 85: Magical Mystery Tour – The Film appeared first on Something About The Beatles.
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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.
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The post 83: John Lennon Memorialized appeared first on Something About The Beatles.
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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.
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The post 82: Our Favorite Solo George Songs appeared first on Something About The Beatles.
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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.
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The post 81: SATB’s Beatles Live Anthology appeared first on Something About The Beatles.
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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.
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The post 80: Blueprinting The Beatles’ White Album appeared first on Something About The Beatles.
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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.
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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.
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The post 79: Beatle Politics appeared first on Something About The Beatles.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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):
The post 74: Lennonology with Chip Madinger: The Interview appeared first on Something About The Beatles.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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The post 70: Late 1970 appeared first on Something About The Beatles.
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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.
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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.
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The post 68: Beatle George, Guitarist – Our Favorite Moments appeared first on Something About The Beatles.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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(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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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In this special extended episode, Richard and Robert provide a thorough day-by-day overview of the first two weeks of the “Get Back” / Let It Be sessions, including George’s walk-out. Songs include: “Get Back,” “All Things Must Pass,” “Let It Be,” and “Madman.” February 2016 is here and so is the Something About The Beatles 2016 calendar – get one of the copies in stock now here and specially priced!
The post 40: “Winter of Our Discontent” Part One – Twickenham appeared first on Something About The Beatles.
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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.
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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.
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In this special memorial remembrance, Robert and Richard look back at the career of David Bowie: The Beatle/ex-Beatle influences, as well as direct interactions. In addition to an exclusive interview clip with the man himself, songs include “Fame” and “Across The Universe.”
January 2016 is here and so is the Something About The Beatles 2016 calendar – get yours here
ATTENTION CHICAGO AREA SATB LISTENERS: With your support, we may be able to make possible something we can all be thankful for: Something About The Beatles on terrestrial radio (and regularly scheduled besides…).
MeTV FM is a fabulous new radio station, playing loads of forgotten hits from back in the day. They’re also very Beatle-centric – that makes them the perfect radio home for Something About The Beatles. We have been advertising on them, but what would be fantastic is if we could get all of you to show your interest in such a venture.
Do you want to hear Something About The Beatles weekly, on the radio? Then shoot them an email – let them know that you love the show, and that you appreciate the sponsorship of Rode Brothers Fine Wood Flooring.
That’s the kind of support that makes things happen – can we count on you?
The post 37: Bowie and The Beatles appeared first on Something About The Beatles.
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Hear Richard Buskin’s entire 1987 interview with George Martin here.
In this 90th birthday commemoration, Richard and Robert discuss the Beatles’ producer, courtesy of some isolations as well as an exclusive interview recorded in 1987 by one of your hosts. Songs include “Anytime at All,” “Because” and “Pepperland.”
The post 36: George Martin and The Beatles appeared first on Something About The Beatles.
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At holiday season, your hosts – Robert and Richard – present a stroll down memory lane, presenting some favorite clips from the over 30 episodes of Something About The Beatles they’ve presented. Heard here: rare tracks – isolations – live cuts – guest interviews – bells.
Christmas is coming and the Something About The Beatles 2016 calendar is here
ATTENTION CHICAGO AREA SATB LISTENERS: With your support, we may be able to make possible something we can all be thankful for: Something About The Beatles on terrestrial radio (and regularly scheduled besides…).
MeTV FM is a fabulous new radio station, playing loads of forgotten hits from back in the day. They’re also very Beatle-centric – that makes them the perfect radio home for Something About The Beatles. We have been advertising on them, but what would be fantastic is if we could get all of you to show your interest in such a venture.
Do you want to hear Something About The Beatles weekly, on the radio? Then shoot them an email – let them know that you love the show, and that you appreciate the sponsorship of Rode Brothers Fine Wood Flooring.
That’s the kind of support that makes things happen – can we count on you?
The post 35: A Collection of SATB Oldies appeared first on Something About The Beatles.
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In this extended episode, Richard and Robert examine the singing of John Lennon, commemorating the thirty-five years since his passing with a look at his unique vocal artistry, as a Beatle and solo.
Songs include: “Twist and Shout” and “Happiness is a Warm Gun.”
Christmas is coming and the Something About The Beatles 2016 calendar is here
ATTENTION CHICAGO AREA SATB LISTENERS: With your support, we may be able to make possible something we can all be thankful for: Something About The Beatles on terrestrial radio (and regularly scheduled besides…).
MeTV FM is a fabulous new radio station, playing loads of forgotten hits from back in the day. They’re also very Beatle-centric – that makes them the perfect radio home for Something About The Beatles. We have been advertising on them, but what would be fantastic is if we could get all of you to show your interest in such a venture.
Do you want to hear Something About The Beatles weekly, on the radio? Then shoot them an email – let them know that you love the show, and that you appreciate the sponsorship of Rode Brothers Fine Wood Flooring.
That’s the kind of support that makes things happen – can we count on you?
The post 34: John Lennon – Vocalist appeared first on Something About The Beatles.
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Fifty years ago this week, Rubber Soul was released in the UK and US. But the differences between the two editions were striking, and are worth a discussion. Robert and Richard examine the differences, as well as the context of the times and what might have been.
Songs include: “I’m Looking Through You” and “The Word.”
Christmas is coming and the Something About The Beatles 2016 calendar is here
ATTENTION CHICAGO AREA SATB LISTENERS: With your support, we may be able to make possible something we can all be thankful for: Something About The Beatles on terrestrial radio (and regularly scheduled besides…).
MeTV FM is a fabulous new radio station, playing loads of forgotten hits from back in the day. They’re also very Beatle-centric – that makes them the perfect radio home for Something About The Beatles. We have been advertising on them, but what would be fantastic is if we could get all of you to show your interest in such a venture.
Do you want to hear Something About The Beatles weekly, on the radio? Then shoot them an email – let them know that you love the show, and that you appreciate the sponsorship of Rode Brothers Fine Wood Flooring.
That’s the kind of support that makes things happen – can we count on you?
The post 33: Rubber Soul at 50 appeared first on Something About The Beatles.
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In this special holiday week edition of Something About The Beatles, Richard and Robert offer up their takes on The Beatles’ “turkeys” – missteps, bad ideas or otherwise lesser efforts. (Here’s a clue: it’s their shortest episode yet!)
Christmas is coming and the Something About The Beatles 2016 calendar is here
ATTENTION CHICAGO AREA SATB LISTENERS: With your support, we may be able to make possible something we can all be thankful for: Something About The Beatles on terrestrial radio (and regularly scheduled besides…).
MeTV FM is a fabulous new radio station, playing loads of forgotten hits from back in the day. They’re also very Beatle-centric – that makes them the perfect radio home for Something About The Beatles. We have been advertising on them, but what would be fantastic is if we could get all of you to show your interest in such a venture.
Do you want to hear Something About The Beatles weekly, on the radio? Then shoot them an email – let them know that you love the show, and that you appreciate the sponsorship of Rode Brothers Fine Wood Flooring.
That’s the kind of support that makes things happen – can we count on you?
Thanks!
The post 32: Beatles’ Turkeys appeared first on Something About The Beatles.
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In this episode, Robert and Richard analyze the new CD/DVD package: the good – the bad – the phoned in. They are joined by their friend and yours, Mark Lewisohn, as well as video archivist Erik Taros, who worked on the new promos set. (He also contributes to the upcoming Ron Howard live documentary project.)
Songs include: “Real Love” and “Eight Days A Week.”
Christmas is coming and the Something About The Beatles 2016 calendar is here
The post 31: The Beatles 1+ appeared first on Something About The Beatles.
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In this episode, Richard and Robert explore the origins of The Beatles, through an examination of the Skiffle phenomenon in post-war Britain; the Quarry Men and the core of John, Paul and George coming together.
Songs include: “Mama Don’t Allow,” “In Spite of All the Danger,” and “I’ll Follow The Sun.”
Do check out this.
Christmas is coming and the Something About The Beatles 2016 calendar is here!
The post 30: The EARLY Beatles appeared first on Something About The Beatles.
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In this special expanded edition, Robert and Richard discuss their choices of eight Beatle tunes, plus 1 book and one film/documentary, all Beatle related, in the spirit of the long-running BBC radio series.
Songs include: “Boys,””Tomorrow Never Knows” and “Beyond the Valley of a Day in the Life.”
The Something About The Beatles 2016 calendar is here!
(Check out the video here)
The post 29: Desert Island Beatle Discs appeared first on Something About The Beatles.
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Richard and Robert discuss the events leading up to Paul’s April 1970 bombshell, reported as the Beatles’ breaking up.
Songs include “Instant Karma” and “Early 1970.”
Check out the Something About The Beatles 2016 calendar here and here.
The post 28: Early 1970 appeared first on Something About The Beatles.
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This is a new phase SATB podcast…essential to the content of the Beatles at the Ridge festival, SOMETHING ABOUT THE BEATLES was performed live before an audience; in comes the warmth and the freshness of a live performance, as reproduced by Thomas Repetny.
Thanks to Dr. Michael Bowman/Melany Bowman/Jude Kessler/Rande Kessler/Danny West/Mayor Charles Snapp/Carrie Snapp.
Art by Rick Wey.
Songs include: “Leave My Kitten Alone,” “Soldier of Love,” “Don’t Pass Me By,” and the sounds of Chuck Berry, Little Willie John, Booker T and the MGs, and so forth.
In this episode, Robert (he of the hot mic) and Richard (he of the dead mic but the live turntable) discuss the rich heritage of artists of Southern origin that influenced The Beatles’ by song and example.
Visit the Something About The Beatles’ shop here.
The post 27: The Beatles’ Southern Roots appeared first on Something About The Beatles.
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Richard and Robert welcome special guest Chuck Gunderson (interviewed at The Fest For Beatles Fans), author of the spectacular double volume Some Fun Tonight, chronicling The Beatles’ three North American Tours, 1964 – 1966.
Songs include “If I Fell” and “Things We Said Today.”
Check out Chuck’s site and Facebook page.
Our Facebook page is here.
Robert’s books and Richard’s books.
The post 26: Some Fun Tonight – The Beatles’ American Tours appeared first on Something About The Beatles.
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In this special episode – taped before a (presumably) live audience at the 2015 Fest for Beatles Fans in Rosemont, Illinois – Robert and Richard discuss their picks for solo Lennon and McCartney compilations.
Songs heard include: “This One,” “Beautiful Night,” “Imagine” and “I Know (I Know).”
Richard’s Paul compilation picks: Robert’s John compilation picks – the hits: And the deep tracks: Robert’s two volumes on the solo years are available in print and Kindle editions here and here.
Check out Richard’s Lennon bio here.
Richard’s newest book, Beatles 101, is available in print and Kindle here.
Coming soon: the 2016 Something About The Beatles double-art calendar….
The post 25: The Solo Creative Peaks of Lennon and McCartney appeared first on Something About The Beatles.
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In this episode, Robert and Richard explore, through the wonder of isolated tracks, the group’s individual and collective talents as on their instruments as well as their innovations.
Songs include: “And Your Bird Can Sing,” “Paperback Writer,” “Dear Prudence” and “The End.”
For a detailed discussion of the “Dear Prudence” drumming, check out this.
Robert’s award-winning book, Revolver: How The Beatles Re-Imagined Rock ‘n’ Roll, is available in print and Kindle editions here.
Richard’s newest book, Beatles 101, is available in print and Kindle here.
The post 23: The Beatles as Instrumentalists appeared first on Something About The Beatles.
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In this episode, Richard and Robert take questions and offer answers on an array of topics. We won’t get too specific here, but you’ll here about Mal Evans, piano prowess, the identity of the walrus and an awful lot of speculation.
Songs include: “Love,” “In My Life,” ”Lovely Rita” and “Only A Northern Song.”
Richard’s newest book, Beatles 101, is available in print and Kindle here.
Robert’s newest book, Solo in the 70s, is available in print and Kindle here.
The post 22: Questions From Listeners #1 appeared first on Something About The Beatles.
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In this episode, Robert and Richard discuss their picks for what songs should’ve been issued on the Beatles’ first four UK albums, in place of some of the material that was. (Not a lot of overlap in agreement here…)
Songs include: “Some Other Guy,” “Soldier of Love,” ”Little Child” and “Ain’t Nothing Shakin’.”
Robert’s newest book, Solo in the 70s, is available in print and Kindle here. Richard’s newest book, Beatles 101, is available in print and Kindle here.
The post 21: Second Guessing The Beatles #1 appeared first on Something About The Beatles.
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In this episode, Richard and Robert examine the tumultuous backdrop against which The Beatles created the “White Album” amidst a world of change.
Songs include: “Maharishi,” “Child of Nature,” ”Sour Milk Sea” and “Long, Long, Long ”
Robert’s latest book is Solo in the 70sRichard’s latest book is Beatles 101
The post 20: 1968 – Triumph of Chaos? appeared first on Something About The Beatles.
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(Or do you say Imagiram?)
In this episode, Robert and Richard discuss the musical interactions between Paul and John as heard on the Ram and Imagine albums of 1971, a year after The Beatles’ split.
Songs include: “Too Many People,” “Crippled Inside,” “Dear Boy” and “How Do You Sleep.”
The post 19: Ramagine – A Musical Dialogue appeared first on Something About The Beatles.
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In this episode, Richard and Robert present an overview of the year and how The Beatles advanced their art. In addition to some rare music, the episode features a two guest authors: Al Sussman and Andrew Grant Jackson. Al is the author of Changin’ Times: 101 Days That Shaped A Generation and the upcoming British Invasion 101: The Need-To-Know Guide. Andrew is the author of Still The Greatest: The Essential Songs of the Beatles’ Solo Careers and the recently published 1965: The Most Revolutionary Year in Music.
Songs include: “You Like Me Too Much,” “That Means A Lot,” “Nowhere Man” and “We Can Work It Out.”
Check out Al on the Things We Said Today podcast
Check out Andrew’s 1965 website here
Department of Corrections: Robert “Freeman,” not Robert “Whitaker”
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In this episode, Robert and Richard discuss the role the Beatles’ manager had in their lives and the effect his 1967 death had on the band’s fate. They also welcome special guest Vivek Tiwary, author of the New York Times best-seller, The Fifth Beatle – soon to be a motion picture. Songs include: “You’ve Got To Hide Your Love Away,” “Baby You’re A Rich Man,” “America” and “Your Mother Should Know.” Check out www.thefifthbeatle.com
The post 17: The Fifth Beatle – Brian Epstein appeared first on Something About The Beatles.
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In this episode, Richard and Robert provide an overview of the seventies-era underground Beatle releases, ranging from live recordings to Twickenham Nagra reels.
Songs include: “Have You Heard the Word,” “You Can’t Do That,” “She Came In Through The Bathroom Window” and “You Never Give Me Your Money.”
The post 16: “Dutch Imports” appeared first on Something About The Beatles.
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In this episode, Robert and Richard discuss the personal and creative dynamic between these two Beatles, both during and after their bandmate years.
Songs include: ”She Said She Said,” “Oh My Love” and “Not Guilty.”
The post 15: George and John appeared first on Something About The Beatles.
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In this episode, Richard and Robert speak to Q104.3’s Ken Dashow, host of the New York Breakfast with The Beatles; and get the lowdown on the origins of Beatlefest, as told by Mark Lapidos himself.
Songs include: “New York City” and “All Together Now.”
Check out: http://www.q1043.com/onair/breakfast-with-the-beatles-16000/ and www.thefest.com
The post 14: New York City appeared first on Something About The Beatles.
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In this episode, Robert and Richard examine the musicality of Ringo’s predecessor in the band. Songs include: “Love Me Do,” “My Bonnie (Lies Over The Ocean),” “Cry for a Shadow,” “Come Together” and “Pete’s Theme.”
Check out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_p_zKrKWFE to see the Pete and Mona interview.
Check out https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QBe-ZfrQ_RA to see the Tony Sheridan interview.
The post 13: The Beatles and Pete Best appeared first on Something About The Beatles.
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In this episode, Robert and Richard get insights into the Beatles’ artistry, including Ringo’s drumming, from The Fab Faux’s Frank Agnello, Rich Pagano and Jack Petruzelli.
Songs excerpts heard include “I Don’t Want To Face It,”Everybody’s Got Something To Hide” “I Am The Walrus” and “Happiness is a Warm Gun.”
Check out
Check THIS out for an explicit side by side of the riff Frank talks about, played by Paul and John: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UxIJPO-Jric
The post 11: The Fab Faux appeared first on Something About The Beatles.
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In this extended episode, Richard and Robert discuss the Beatles’ instruments. Andy Babiuk, bassist with The Empty Hearts (formerly of the Chesterfield Kings) and author of Beatles Gear and the newly-published Rolling Stones Gear, joins the panel to talk about how the Beatles acquired and used various guitars and effects to create magic.
Songs excerpts heard include “I Feel Fine,” “And I Love Her,” “She Said She Said,” “Paperback Writer,” “Back in the USSR” and “I Me Mine.”
Get the newly published Ultimate Beatles Gear here.
The post 10: Beatles Gear with Andy Babiuk appeared first on Something About The Beatles.
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In this special edition, Robert and Richard discuss the merits of the Pepper album, as well as whether John Lennon’s pulling back from the others represented a tragedy of artistic promise gone unfulfilled or simply John being John. Beatle historian Mark Lewisohn (All Those Years: Tune In) then joins them for a lively discussion taped onstage in the ballroom at The Fest for Beatles Fans.
Songs heard in this episode include: “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band Reprise,” “A Day In The Life” (with the “humming” ending), “Hey Bulldog” and Humphrey Lyttelton’s “Bad Penny Blues.”
The post 09: Was Sgt. Pepper The Beatles’ Creative Peak? appeared first on Something About The Beatles.
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In this extra-long episode, Richard and Robert discuss the material the Beatles crafted for others and didn’t record themselves. Also: an interview with singer and NEMS artist Billy J. Kramer, the recipient of quite a few Lennon-McCartney exclusives.
Songs heard in this episode include: “Bad To Me,” “It’s For You,” “Woman,” “Catcall,” “Sour Milk Sea,” “Come and Get It,” “Goodbye” and “From A Window.”
The post 08: The Songs Lennon & McCartney (and Harrison) Gave Away appeared first on Something About The Beatles.
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Robert and Richard delve into a career-spanning array of Beatle isolated vocals, illustrating the distinct and unique sound they possessed up until the very end. Also: a chat with New York Times journalist Allan Kozinn, author of the newly published e-book, Got That Something: How The Beatles’ “I Want To Hold Your Hand” Changed Everything.
The post 07: The Beatles as Singers appeared first on Something About The Beatles.
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In this show, Richard and Robert discuss The Beatles as performers: from the Star-Club to the Savile Row rooftop. Loads of rare live stuff to hear, including songs from each year they toured – and an alternate take from the rooftop show.
The post 06: The Beatles Live! appeared first on Something About The Beatles.
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Mono vs. Stereo/I Want To Hold Your Kozinn
In this show, Robert and Richard discuss some of the mono/stereo variations heard throughout the Beatles recordings, as well as the US vs. UK releases."I Want To Hold Your Hand," issued fifty years ago, is discussed with New York Times writer Allan Kozinn, author of the newly published Got That Something!: How the Beatles' "I Want To Hold Your Hand" Changed Everything.
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03: With The Beatles Live at the BBC 2
In this show, Richard and Robert discuss the group's second album, released fifty years ago. They also talk about the new release of the Beatles Live at the BBC volume 2, as well as a bit about The Korgis and the show's theme song.
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Pilot: The Storm Before the Storm: October 1963
In this edition, Richard and Robert discuss the events of autumn 1963 as the Beatles’ career began to take off fifty years ago, paving the way for their conquest of America. Hear the sounds, discussion and exclusive interviews with Beatle historian Mark Lewisohn, author of All These Years: Volume One—Tune In; and writer Al Sussman, author of the upcoming Changin’ Times: 101 Days That Shaped A Generation.
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In this show, Richard and Robert continue with part two of their exclusive interview with Beatles historian Mark Lewisohn, who talks about the making of his acclaimed new best-seller, All These Years: Volume One—Tune In. Also, the music of John Lennon - in and out of the Beatles - is discussed, as well as the making of the Beatles' first Christmas message fifty years ago.
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En liten tjänst av I'm With Friends. Finns även på engelska.
