Podcasts

In this extra-length edition, I speak with Dr. Bob Hieronimus and Laura Cortner. The two have worked together for decades researching the Yellow Submarine film; interviewing every available participant in its creation.

Television writer Jeff Martin makes his third appearance on the show, this time focusing the conversation on one of his vocations – playing keyboards in a band – and how The Beatles (Paul mainly) utilized an array of instruments in the studio: piano – electric piano – organ – harmonium – Mellotron – synthesizer, and so forth; and how their use evolved from doubling instrumental parts to adding color to forming the basis of some of their finest compositions.

In which we welcome back to the show historian Erin Torkelson Weber. In this episode, we pick up where we left off; this time discussing older canon works like Ian MacDonald’s Revolution in the Head and Peter Doggett’s You Never Give Me Your Money; (also Peter McCabe’s outdated Apple To The Core and the problematic memoir of Geoff Emerick) as well as new essential works like Riding So High by Joe Gooden. We also talk about how the Beatles’ historic narrative was shaped, countered and re-evaluated as Mark Lewisohn’s works represented a true revolution in Beatles scholarship. Erin’s previous appearance: http://somethingaboutthebeatles.com/116-beatles-historians/ Her blog: https://beatlebioreview.wordpress.com/   Erin in action:

It isn’t often that we are given a firsthand account from somebody who set in motion events that literally changed the world. But there we are and here it is: Michael Hill was a classmate and friend of John Lennon’s, beginning at age 5. A keen observer and articulate narrator, he has set his recollections down for all of us in his book, John Lennon: The Boy Who Became A Legend. As Michael himself points out, lots of boys went to school with John Lennon but only one – this one – stirred something inside the directionless 15 year-old and set him on the path to rock – and conquer the world in the process. Check out Michael’s story – and his book – here: http://www.johnlennonlegend.com/

It was 45 years ago that Beatle confidant and Apple Press Officer Derek Taylor published his first memoir, As Time Goes By. 

50 years: in the first of what will be a series throughout this year and next, we examine the start-up of The Beatles’ Apple enterprise

To call the stunningly-talented musician/singer/songwriter a “Beatles sideman” is to sell short his tremendous gifts and the less tangible affect he had on the group when they most needed a spark plug.

Ben Rowling and I resume our conversation with the author of The Beatles Recording Reference Manuals series. In this episode, we talk gear (amps and guitars), as well as examine some long-held beliefs about certain recordings. Check out Jerry’s series here.

Even if we don’t write them down, we all make lists (if only mentally). Back in June 2017, rock journalist Bill Wyman boldly committed his ranking of every Beatles canon recording from worst to best. It was a move certain to stir the pot of debate, and so it did. On this show, we discussed not only his list, but also the role of the rock critic – the role of radio in shaping tastes, and how it’s evolved – and how we as fans quantify Beatle music. Bill’s list can be found here. Other works can be found here and here. Follow him on Twitter here. The Sirius XM list as selected by fans is here.