Something About the Beatles

There's been loads of speculation as to the exact nature of the friendship between John Lennon and Paul McCartney; during and after The Beatles. And when I say "loads," it runs the gamut from former bandmates who recalled each other fondly from a distance to something encompassing a physical nature. What does seem clear is that between the two of them, while Paul's descriptions of their relationship stayed pretty constant, John's went from demonizing Paul in print and song to describing him as his best (male) friend. Somewhere in there lies a truth, and to help unearth it, my guest today is journalist and author Glenn Greenberg, who recently penned an 80th birthday magabook on John. 

In this discussion, Dr. Duncan Driver (SATB 205, Fab4ConJam, One Sweet Dream podcast) springboard off of the title Paul McCartney quote, in which he asserted that each Beatle was as important as another to the group's success. We explore the shifting power dynamics within the group and the question of leadership; we also discuss Duncan's thesis of the four distinctive elements of the Beatles collective identity: live performers - singles makers - album makers - songwriters.

My guest Tim English (Sounds Like Teen Spirit, Popology) discuss his newest book, examining the artists that John was listening to in the last few years of his life and how certain artists and records influenced the recordings he (and Yoko) made during the summer of 1980. Some of the acts we've known about for awhile (B-52s, Lene Lovich, etc) but many others were less obvious (The Selecter, Christopher Cross, The Doobie Brothers). 

John Lennon: 1980 Playlist is out now.  

Back in SATB 205, Dr. Duncan Driver (showcased 2+xs at Fab4ConJam) and discussed his article on the timeline to The Beatles break-up.  In this episode, returning guest Gary Wenstrup and I dissect the subject further: when exactly did The Beatles - or individual members within - decide they were quits exactly? The answer - like so much else in Fab history - is not as straightforward as you might think. 

In which Luther Russell and myself detail our picks for the things in the vault known to exist, group and solo, that we one day hope for Apple to release, in well-presented packages. This episode was the live round-the-world broadcast we did from Chicago back in September 2020, powered by in.live (thanks David Simon!) and that is why you get to hear a bit of the city in the background, along with loads of rare audio detailing what we're talking about. 

Happy Holidays to all and onward and upward in 2021!

If you aren't already aware of this veteran jazz/blues guitarist's Youtube channel with loads of deconstructions of their music, by all means, check it out. Mike has been performing and recording for decades (18 solo albums), as well as with artists ranging from Phil Keaggy to Micky Dolenz. Like so many others, his life was changed on the evening of February 9th, 1964. Much of the what he absorbed beginning then became the basis for his career, which he now shares in the form of informative videos. 

In this discussion, he offers his insights into what The Beatles' primary guitar players were up to and the basis of their brilliance. 

Check out MikePachelli.com, and his most recent project - High Standards - which features Tony Levin and Danny Gottleib.

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).