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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 70s
Richard’s latest book is Beatles 101
Never sacrificing quality for quantity, another great show….it’s taken me 57 years but I finally made it – name checked on the web by the fine Robert Rodriguez! And that wasn’t even my fave part of the show – there were many lol moments but my my fave was Yoko making FLY to wind up Mo – TOP gag Rich!
That IS in fact a mandolin in “Child of Nature”!
Pretty sure it’s a Mellotron on mandolin setting, actually.
Brilliant discussion which I enjoyed very much. I must say though that IMO the ‘Jet landing’ effect was a brilliant way to open the White Album, with ‘Back in the USSR’ a fitting song to attach that to. What I’ve never seen written though, is that if you listen carefully to the ‘jet landing’at the start of the track you will detect that there is a ‘nod’ to Sgt Pepper style production – as the plane’s wheel skids on the tarmac it is edited to a bent guitar note. That’s very reminiscent of the ‘Chicken cluck/Guitar edit linking Good Morning, Good Morning with the Sgt Pepper reprise.
Good point, Jordan! Props to them for that, then.
The funny thing about bands is that often the reason you started it in the first place (playing , gigging etc)is forgotten and real life overtakes! The Beatles achieved megastardom as they were growing up and all in the public eye! Their music reflects this which adds an extra dimension to it all! The pleasing thing for me was charting how Georges songwriting blossomed over the years especially on the white album and then equalling anything John and Paul had written by Abbey Road with Something and Here Comes The Sun…………………
I am loving this podcast. Amazing insights and audio clips. Thank you.
Not sure if that really a true story about Paul writing the post card. Aside from her book, where else is it documented?
Just found these podcasts and am enjoying them.
Was 8 when I saw them on the Ed Sullivan and never stopped loving them!
Just a note on who plays bass on “Back In The USSR.” It not John OR George, it’s John AND George. On the isolated track you featured, I can clearly hear John playing the Fender Bass VI (strumming as he would a guitar) while George is playing a conventional bass line (probably) on the Fender Jazz Bass. It’s a little more difficult to hear than you would two guitars, as bass notes are more prone to phase cancellation due to lower frequency and relative lack of harmonics.