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Between 1963 and 1969, The Beatles issued ephemeral holiday greetings to members of their fan club on flexidiscs.

Returning SATB guest favorite Ray Connolly (journalist, Beatles insider, screenwriter) penned what remains the finest Lennon bio in print, Being John Lennon: A Restless Life. On this, Ray’s 82nd birthday, we celebrate John’s life and Ray’s as well as we discuss a wide array of topics with someone who knew John well: a journalist friend and confidant. In this far-reaching conversation, we touch on topics including the Get Back film – drug use – Michael X and James Hanratty – the abominable behavior of Phil Spector’s entourage – skiffle – Mimi and Yoko – the “Working Class Hero” project – the Lennon-McCartney creative partnership – Ray’s interactions with the Lennons during the last hours of John’s life – and more. Ray’s works can be found on his website here. Ray’s miraculous COVID story here.

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. Check out James’ writings here: https://www.jamescampion.com/ This podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Go to www.betterhelp.com/satb for 10% off your first month.

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? 

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.

Returning guest Robert Rosen (Nowhere Man) penned an essay last year discussing a phenomenon called “catch-and-kill,”

Luther Russell and I roll into the next hour of discussion and analysis of the intent behind Double Fantasy; about Yoko’s standing in the rock world, and how The Beatles might better have dealt with her entry into their world. The album is ripe for a fresh listen, and no matter how you may rank it in the canon, is certainly worthy of an extended discussion as a release so heavy with meaning.

Given the unique circumstance of Double Fantasy – John Lennon’s first work in five years and his slaying within a few short weeks of its release

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!).

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.