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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).
Hi Robert.
What a show!
Whilst your introduction absolutely nailed the quality of delivery that John Leckie exhibited, I was still unprepared for just how great the following 2hrs 22 mins would be.
I would place today’s show right at the top of the 200+ you have delivered over the years. There were so many great moments and anecdotes that you and Luther manager to extract from John that made me laugh, reflect and most importantly, learn.
You have managed to interview so many excellent guests over the year however I can not think of another who has been quite so engaging, so believable and yet totally self effacing in their delivery and achievements.
Whilst I am well into my seventh decade, I look forward to your show like an expectant teenager. Thank you for all the effort and thought that you put into ‘Something About The Beatles’. Like all great professionals, you make it look easy whilst the reality must be hours and hours of hardwork and research.
No other Beatles podcast in my view comes close to the quality of work and presentation which you consistently deliver.
From across the pond I can only thank you again. I just couldn’t let this show pass without acknowledgement. At times such as these it was exacty the antidote we require.
Cheers
Paul
Enjoyed the interview and program. Thank you so much.
I loved this episode, another illuminating show! However boy did Mr. Leckie get PRICKLY when you discussed changing any of the production! Like a lot of engineers he is incredibly OPINIONATED and borderline arrogant when you get into their area of expertise. But I mean Picasso….come on! Spectors reverb use hardly qualifies…
also I don’t agree at all LET IT BE NAKED. is awful….not at all I prefer Long And Winding Road stripped down for instance. I do agree on Get Back and the coda but the real problem with the Original Let It Be for me is the paucity of great Lennon material on it and Harrison giving only his C SONGS to the project. The NAKED VERSION helped by putting DON’t Let Me Down on it. Also…I think Paul’s piano material can keep up with Joni Mitchell anyday! He’s done alright for himself! THANKS.