Something About The Beatles

114: A Week In The Life – July 1969

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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.

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July 22, 2017

113: Liverpool Stories

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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.

July 16, 2017

112 77 on 7-7: Ringo Starr and The Beatles Beat

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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.

July 6, 2017

111: It Was 60 Years Ago Today

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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.

June 30, 2017

110: Take Me To The Bridge – Beatles Middle 8s Examined

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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.

June 26, 2017

109: Desert Island Solo Discs

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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.

June 20, 2017

108: The Beatles and Ed Sullivan

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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.

June 10, 2017

107: Sgt. Pepper at 50 – A Conversation

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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.

June 2, 2017

106: Deconstructing The Beatles – Revolution 9

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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.

May 30, 2017

105: Marshall Crenshaw, The Beatles and Power Pop

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:25:51 — 196.5MB)

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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.

May 22, 2017

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