Something About the Beatles

“Are The Beatles on their way out now?,” asked The Daily Sketch. Said a critic at The Sunday Mirror: “They have, to put it bluntly, goofed. ‘Paperback Writer’ would have gone into my junk box had it been by another group.” They were speaking of this, The Beatles’ 12th single: a work signaling the transition from their rock ‘n’ roll era into psychedelia. Though not an official double-A-side release, both songs warrant a detailed examination by Richard and Robert. Find out if they concur with the contemporaneous words of producer George Martin: “A pretty ordinary rock beat…As far as I’m concerned, there are other tracks I much prefer to it.” Find Robert’s books here. Find Richard’s books here.

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Setting aside the thematic full album works like Run Devil Run, Rock ‘n’ Roll or Sentimental Journey, the former Beatles recorded a fair amount of material written by others. Naturally, Ringo – the least prolific writer among them – relied on covers the most, but each of them had favorite tunes that they took on, mostly (but not always) for official release. Robert and Richard present some of their favorites (and some, not so much). Songs include Randy Newman’s “Have You Seen My Baby,” Bob Dylan’s “If Not For You” and Ian Dury’s “I’m Partial To Your Abracadabra.” Find Richard’s books here.
Find Robert’s books here.

The post 103: Solo Beatle Covers appeared first on Something About The Beatles.

Throughout the years, The Beatles’ music was repackaged in ways beyond counting, notwithstanding their aversion to anyone tampering with their presentation. In this episode, Richard and Robert examine the myriad ways their work was re-imagined and compiled: from A Collection of Oldies to Rarities to 1, from Alpha-Omega to Reel Music. Songs include “Bad Boy,” “Things We Said Today” and “Girl.” Find Robert’s books here.
Find Richard’s books here.

The post 102: Compiling The Beatles appeared first on Something About The Beatles.

Throughout the course of their career, The Beatles freely tapped the talents of a number of outside musicians to add color to their musical palette. Many (string and brass players, mostly) were professionals toiling in relative obscurity, but a handful were well-known personas in their own right: Eric Clapton – Brian Jones – Billy Preston – Nicky Hopkins – Ronnie Scott. In this show, Robert and Richard examine the contributions these men provided; names that many of us are familiar with for work issued under their own names. Songs include “Don’t Pass Me By,” “Lady Madonna” and “Waiting For The Band.” Find Richard’s books here.
Find Robert’s books here.

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Comedy was an aspect of The Beatles’ personas that came through loud and clear from day one. In this milestone episode, Richard and Robert discuss the comedic influences on the group that manifested themselves in the Beatles’ presence, songs and in John’s books. Comedians include Ted Ray, Ken Dodd and Stanley Unwin. Find Robert’s books here. Find Richard’s books here. Find their Playboy interview here.

The post 100: Something About The Beatles’ Humour appeared first on Something About The Beatles.

Ten years after The Beatles’ North American debut, at least three former members of the group battled an array of personal problems. John, George, and Ringo went through marital break-ups in 1974, which along with other issues, informed releases by at least two of the three ex-Beatles. In this episode, Robert and Richard discuss the parallels between albums issued by George and John that year.

Songs include “Nobody Loves You When You’re Down and Out” and “Dark Horse.”

Find Richard’s books here.

Find Robert’s books here.

The post 99: Autumn ’74 – Walls and Bridges and Dark Horse appeared first on Something About The Beatles.

Like all successful artists, The Beatles drew from sources all over the place, some obvious; some not so much. In this detailed discussion, Richard and Robert provide a precise rundown of songs and artists whose work directly impacted particular Beatle recordings.

Songs include “Albatross” and “The Inner Light.”

Find Robert’s books here.

Find Richard’s books here.

The post 98: I’ve Seen That Road Before – Beatle Influencers and Inspirations appeared first on Something About The Beatles.

The esteem held by The Beatles for Chuck Berry is obvious if one considers that they performed more songs penned by him than any other single artist. This musical icon’s shadow looms large: as a performer – as a songwriter – as a guitarist. Not for no reason were his songs among the first learned by aspiring rock guitarists, and the Beatles were no exception. In this show, Robert and Richard examine the admiration they had for him and how it manifested itself through the years.

Songs include “Roll Over Beethoven” and “Rock ‘n’ Roll Music.”

Find Richard’s books here.

Find Robert’s books here.

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Covering the period of John’s lifetime, Richard and Robert examine the recordings produced by the formerly Fab foursome and how their individual artistry contributed to each other’s work.

Songs include “I’m The Greatest and “Oh My Love.”

Find Robert’s books here.

Find Richard’s books here.

The post 96: Ex-Beatles Helping Ex-Beatles (in the studio) appeared first on Something About The Beatles.

This episode features Robert and Richard in conversation with singer/songwriter Ann Wilson from Heart, who reveals how her deep love for The Beatles set her and sister Nancy on their life path from childhood. Also featured is Heart’s guitarist Craig Bartock (his second appearance), who offers insight into how a female singer approaches Beatles music. (Lastly, your hosts present some of their favorite Beatle covers by female artists.)

Songs include “Across The Universe.”

Find Richard’s books here.

Find Robert’s books here.

Look for the Ann Wilson of Heart tour dates here.

The post 95: Heart’s Ann Wilson Talks Beatles appeared first on Something About The Beatles.