Podcast

Now that there’s been an ending to the story, it seems like a good time to examine the intersection between artists who stood for love and peace and a career criminal/sociopath who will forever be tied to them, by virtue of the demented “gospel” ripped straight from their albums. It may be unfathomable from this distance that a group of young people could be persuaded by Charles Manson to commit unspeakable acts, but that’s exactly what happened in the summer of 1969, when seven innocents (and an unborn baby) were brutally slain, purportedly to ignite a race war. I’m joined for this discussion by a friend of the show, whom many of you are doubtless familiar with: journalist Ivor Davis, who penned his memoirs of touring with The Beatles across America during the 1960s. But did you know that he was at the center of covering the Tate-LaBianca case and even penned the first book on the crimes, Five To Die (1970)? It was his findings that provided a roadmap to the prosecution, later chronicled in Vincent Bugliosi’s best-seller, Helter Skelter (co-written by Curt Gentry).

Back in September, I first talked Beatles with this Renaissance man, in the context of The Beatles with The Simpsons. As you listeners will remember, Dave had a lot to say about the Beatles well beyond the parameters of that TV show. Well he’s back, and the subject we set out to discuss was the Beatles’ use of acoustic instruments – something Dave is well-versed in. But as conversations will, we went far afield from that, covering subjects ranging from sincerity to darkness versus happiness to re-arranging songs on the fly to what the Beatles were doing alongside their contemporaries. And as the momentum mounted, I realized that there were more things discussed than any one show could reasonably contain. So enjoy 129A; 129B coming up (so to speak)! “I Am The Walrus” acoustic excerpt by Laurence Juber: https://www.amazon.com/LJ-Plays-Beatles-Vol-2/dp/B003U8O2OY Revolver mash-up by Douglas Grant: https://beta.prx.org/stories/11512

In 1978 – the year he joined Elvis Costello in The Attractions – bassist Bruce Thomas was personally selected by Paul McCartney to participate in the Rockestra – an all-star ensemble assembled for a pair of Back To The Egg tracks. The collective gathered onstage a year later as part of Wings’ finale at the Kampuchea benefit. But Bruce Thomas is more than an inventive bass player: he’s a veteran musician (with roots in Britain’s 60s Blues Boom) as well as an acclaimed author of fiction and non-fiction both. His newest project – a collaboration with Spencer Brown – includes a Beatles cover. Check out Back To The Start here: https://spencerbrownbrucethomas.bandcamp.com/releases Check out Bruce’s works here: https://www.brucethomas.co.uk/

SATB began as a conversation between two Beatle friends who happened to be writers; this episode began as a conversation about being a Beatles fan in the 70s. But in both instances, some unexpected twists and turns along the way led to other destinations… I’d like you all to meet Andrew Vaughan – a good friend of mine, a music writer and hardcore Beatle fan. He’ll be helping out with the show, and in this episode, we try our best to stay on topic. Results may vary. Songs include recordings by The Damned, The Optimists and The Residents.

The unexpected loss of The Heartbreakers’ leader (and “Charlie T./Muddy Wilbury”) presents an opportunity to look back on the career of the accidental supergroup: the Traveling Wilburys, whose debut album issued almost thirty years ago represented an unimaginable musical collaboration among some of rocks’s giants. Presenting their back story is rock journalist Jeff Slate (http://jeffslatehq.com/index/), whose newly-published Roy Orbison: The Authorized  Biography traces the career of a singular artist who, truth be known, served as an unwitting catalyst in the group’s formation. His ties to The Beatles as an artist and a friend are likewise traced. Check out http://royorbison.com/ for more on the book. “Please Please Me” by “Roy Orbison” recorded by Jared Lekites: jaredlekites.bandcamp.comJared’s band, The Lunar Laugh: thelunarlaugh.bandcamp.com

  You may already know the author of Liddypool  and The Fab 104 for his meticulous research in already well-trod grounds. But with his latest work, David Bedford reveals new revelations – some of them shocking. In Finding The Fourth Beatle, David brings a fresh interpretation and critical new analysis to Beatles scholarship, going where the evidence leads him regarding the truth behind Pete Best’s parting ways with the group, as well as the process of recruitment that (eventually) led to Ringo. There is also new light shed on the 18 (!) Beatle drummers, the Decca audition, Brian’s unsigned managerial contract and those who might have been Beatles – but weren’t. David is also working on an accompanying documentary and a companion CD release. Find out more at  https://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/finding-the-fourth-beatle

In something of a departure from the usual, SATB presents a conversation with Arion Salazar, original bass player with Third Eye Blind (“Semi-Charmed Life” – “Losing A Whole Year” – “How’s It Going To Be” – “Never Let You Go”) and this year on tour with XEB. As you will hear, he is an accomplished recording artist whose life path was impacted virtually from birth by The Beatles (who, as it happened, had just split up while he was in utero). Arion offers up his insights as a fan and as a student of the Beatles on the group, on Paul (certainly as a bassist) as well as on Klaus Voormann.

In 1989, Paul McCartney hit the road again for the first time in a decade. That same year, the longest running sitcom in US TV history debuted, and like Sir Paul, The Simpsons is still in action today. In addition to the high-calibre talent involved from day one, the show has made frequent references to The Beatles, culminating with three episodes featuring guest appearances by the three ex-Beatles. In this special expanded edition, we hear from writer/producer Jeff Martin, who wrote “Homer’s Barbershop Quartet” (which featured George); and writer/director/show runner David Mirkin, who went to Sussex to record the McCartneys (for “Lisa the Vegetarian”) and experienced something every Beatle fan can only imagine… This is a NEW PHASE SATB episode…. Making his final appearance is our original co-host. Making a cameo in this episode is upcoming guest, Arion Salazar – original bassist with Third Eye Blind and on tour this year with XEB.

  Our guest’s 13 year-old face has left an indelible impression upon the memory of every Beatles fan who has ever watched their debut appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show. Deb Supnik (nee Gendler), dubbed “the first fan” by director Andrew Solt,  is much more than just an attendee of The Beatles’ first live TV performance in America: her life changed forever that evening. Over the next several years, she worked tirelessly on behalf of the group (and their US fans) while maintaining relationships with members of the group’s organization (and even the odd Beatle parent or two). Deb has shared her amazing stories in documentaries before, but here she gets to present them full-length and in exquisite detail. Find Richard’s books here. Find Robert’s books here.

49 years ago, The Beatles launched their Apple label with one of rock’s most successful single releases. Paul’s “Hey Jude,” backed with John’s “Revolution” – if not officially a double A-side release – surely ranks as among the finest 7″ records the group ever produced. It was also, as George observed years later, a real turning point in the band’s fortunes: a high point after which things could only go downhill. In this episode, Richard and  Robert discuss the context of this record, as well as the writing, the recording and the public presentation of Apple’s first issue: a record that spent two weeks atop the UK charts and nine at number one in the US. Find Robert’s books here. Find Richard’s books here.

For too many years, the role of Skiffle in The Beatles’ development as artists has been glossed over or diminished.

In a recent show, we profiled a pair of Liverpudlians who witnessed the Beatles up close and personal during their ascent to greatness. This time, we feature conversations with two personas – one English, one American – who likewise had a series of most memorable encounters with The Beatles; by this time, greatness achieved. Richard and Robert talked with the two Davids: the Brit is David Stark; the Yank goes by “Mr. Bonzai.” Check out David Stark’s online Beatles archive here and Songlink International here. Check out John Lennon’s Tooth here – Mr. Bonzai’s site here, and his podcast pilot here. Find Robert’s books here. Find Richard’s books here.

The first volume of a new biography detailing the life of the late Sir George Martin has just been published. Kenneth Womack has been responsible for a number of fine volumes covering aspects of the Beatles’ career, but with Maximum Volume: The Life of Beatles Producer George Martin, he takes on a figure whose background and story have long lacked a detailed telling. Backstage at the Paramount Theatre in Asbury Park, Robert and Richard sat down with Kenneth to discuss what’s in volume 1, as well as George’ Martin’s working relationship with The Fabs. Find Richard’s books here.  Find Robert’s books here.

A show on Beatle books is a fine idea but at the same time a little too broad: without some sort of focus, the confines of a single episode will not allow for a thorough examination.

The Beatles remain the most collected rock band on the face of the planet: records of every kind – books – art – toys – and so forth. That’s just for the mainstream fandom; for the more serious collectors, there are promotional items, rare pressings, autographs, etc.

While echoes of 1967 live on this year with 50-year commemorations of Sgt. Pepper and the Summer of Love, the events of two summers later were, if anything, even more portentous as far as the Beatles’ story goes. In this episode, Richard and Robert examine one specific week: July 1 through July 9, 1969. These eight days marked the resumption of the Abbey Road sessions after a month-long break. During this time, several tracks were recorded or developed –  John crashed his car in Scotland – Brian Jones died – the Rolling Stones performed a free concert in Hyde Park –  “Give Peace A Chance,” the Plastic Ono Band’s debut single was released, and John returned to work (along with Yoko – and her bed). The period saw the group compartmentalizing a 3-1 business split while striving to remain functionally harmonious musically. Songs include “You Never Give Me Your Money” and “Give Peace A Chance.” Find Robert’s books here. Find Richard’s books here.

Our guests in this episode – Jim Mawer and “Rita” – are not likely anyone you’ve ever heard of before. They’ve haven’t written books or appeared as guest speakers at any Beatle fan gatherings.

  In honor of his birthday, Richard and Robert honor Ringo by focusing an entire show on his drumming (as well as that of his predecessor). Aboard for the discussion is Gary Astridge, Ringo’s drum historian and archivist, as well as Alex Cain and Terry McCusker, authors of Ringo Starr and The Beatles Beat. We’ll be exploring the kits he used as well as his evolution as a drummer and percussionist. Songs include “Boys” and “Dear Prudence.” Find Alex and Terry’s book here. Find Gary’s site here.  Find Robert’s books here. Find Richard’s books here.

July 6, 1957 is the day that should be commemorated in Beatledom for all that sprang from it: not only in terms of the Beatles’ career,

In another listener suggested topic, Richard and Robert examine this aspect of song craft and how it evolved in Beatles recordings over time.

Suggested by a listener, your hosts, Robert and Richard divulge their post-Beatles desert island discs (and books and videos, too) favorites, in a follow-up to their earlier Beatles Desert Island Discs show.

In this special extended episode, Richard and Robert take listeners back to 1964 and the life-changing live TV debut of The Beatles in America before 73 million.

In what’s likely to be the first of a series of Sgt. Pepper discussions, Robert and Richard attempt to sort out their feelings toward a most complicated and singular Beatles release