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Greetings, Fab listeners!
I am feverishly working to complete two shows to close out the year. Why two? Because one is certain not to be everyone’s idea of pleasant listening, and so as not to leave a SATB-shaped hole in anyone’s listening habits, I present a much more fun conversation alongside it, with the lovely May Pang. This is an episode-sized edit of our talk, with more to come for a third installment down the road a bit. (Episode one, in case you missed it, is here.) The first time we talked was just as the documentary about her life with John was beginning to circulate, and if anyone here hasn’t yet seen it, I strongly urge you to.
During our talk, we discussed the 1972 Imagine film, not to be confused with the 1988 documentary or anything else. Rather, it was an extended form music video drawing from John’s same-titled album as well as Yoko’s concurrent Fly release. For anyone who hasn’t seen it, here it is. A lot of this footage, including the St. Regis stuff we talk about with Palance, Astaire, Cavett and Jonas Mekas, as well as various bits filmed at Tittenhurst and in NYC will be awfully familiar. But this was the original context.
Episode 297 is the conversation with authors David Whelan (Mind Games: The Assassination of John Lennon) and Robert Rosen (Nowhere Man). Some might characterize it as a “debate,” others an argument and still others a pissing match. It’s all in the ear of the beholder, and I am well aware that there are listeners for whom the subject is just one big drag, to borrow a phrase from Paul, and I get that. For others, it is fascinating, but in any event, I thought it was valuable to present opposing views and see what we could make of it. Along for the ride is attorney Carole Krohn, a longtime listener with some familiarity with MK/ULTRA as well as a broader legal perspective. I have no expectations of returning to the subject anytime soon, barring any unforeseen break in the case, but: for those who are interested, I strongly urge you to check out the author’s blogs linked above for their updated writings on things, including this show.
On the subject of current events: there was the onstage reunion in London of Paul and Ringo onstage this week as the Got Back tour wound down. There are plenty of YouTube videos of the event and their performance of “Sgt Pepper reprise” and “Helter Skelter” – posted here is one of them. (Ronnie Wood also made an appearance on “Get Back,” as did Paul’s recovered 1961 bass.)
Also this week, the less joyous news of Julian’s emergency treatment for skin cancer. Sean was also in the news, explaining his reasoning behind the re-presentations of his father’s work. I’m sure there will be plenty to talk about, especially when he gets around to Walls and Bridges.
Elsewhere, the Elliot Mintz book is getting reviewed.
And then there’s this beast: an AI-generated version of Rubber Soul as depicted by Motown. I know, terrifying right? But I dare you to listen and not find something to enjoy.
I’m hoping everyone has a joyous holiday celebration in whatever form. We as fans have had plenty to celebrate this year, and as always, there is no end in sight.