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Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 2:05:26 — 287.1MB)

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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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Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:29:56 — 205.8MB)

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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.

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Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:25:30 — 195.7MB)

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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.”

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Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:10:11 — 128.5MB)

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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.”

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Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:37:06 — 177.8MB)

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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.” 

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Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:18:50 — 180.4MB)

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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.”

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Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:15:05 — 68.7MB)

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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.”     

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Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:37:56 — 89.7MB)

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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.”

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Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:32:45 — 84.9MB)

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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.”

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