Something About the Beatles

For too many years, the role of Skiffle in The Beatles’ development as artists has been glossed over or diminished. Not anymore: in his new book, Roots, Radicals and Rockers: How Skiffle Changed the World, singer/songwriter/activist Billy Bragg presents an examination of the musical and sociological history of skiffle – where it came from; what it meant to a generation in post-war Britain, and how it paved the way for the British Invasion – while also restoring Lonnie Donegan to his rightful place as a true cultural revolutionary.

In this episode, Robert and Richard host this special guest, discussing his book as well as his recent release, Shine A Light – a collection of railroad songs recorded on the road across the US.

The Shine A Light project: http://shinealight-joehenry.billybragg.co.uk/ For more on Billy: http://www.billybragg.co.uk/ Find Richard’s books here. Find Robert’s books here.

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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.

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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. But with the arrival of this recent work by Erin Torkelson Weber, Richard and Robert are able to narrow the discussion to some key works, selected for their power in shaping public perceptions of the Beatles’ story. Applying a strict historiographic methodology, Erin’s book examines where various authors have succeeded or (mostly) failed in presenting accurate and essential tellings of their history. Authors discussed include Mark Lewisohn, Philip Norman, Albert Goldman, Bob Spitz, Hunter Davies, Barry Miles and Jann Wenner. About Erin’s book: https://www.mcfarlandbooks.com/2016/04/newly-published-beatles-historians/ Find Robert’s books here. Find Richard’s books here.

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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. Beyond even this, there rare those who’ve made it their pursuit to acquire items of a more personal nature: clothing – glasses – instruments – teeth. Of those in the latter two categories, Robert and Richard spoke with Todd Jackson and Russ Lease, both of whom have assembled what must be described as world-class collections. You can see items from Russ’s collection (along with a few others) on tour – click here for info. Find Richard’s books here. Find Robert’s books here.

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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.

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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. But they did grow up in Liverpool; being a few years younger than the Beatles, they were uniquely situated in the right place at the right time to witness history up close.

In this episode, Jim (from Huyton) and Rita (West Derby) share their memories with Robert and Richard, representing two sides of the community that made up the group’s earliest fans and supporters.

Songs include “That Was Me” and “Liverpool 8.” Find Richard’s books here. Find Robert’s books here.

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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.

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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, but in 1960s popular culture as well. In this special (nearly) 60-minute show, Robert and Richard discuss not the events of that day per se, but really, what it meant when the first of a series of minor miracles occurred: Paul was introduced to John.Songs include “Be Bop A Lula” and “20 Flight Rock.” Find Richard’s books here. Find Robert’s books here.

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In another listener suggested topic, Richard and Robert examine this aspect of song craft and how it evolved in Beatles recordings over time. Songs include “All I’ve Got To Do,” “With A Little Help From My Friends,” and “I Me Mine.”

Find Robert’s books here. Find Richard’s books here.

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Suggested by a listener, your hosts, Robert and Richard divulge their favorite post-Beatles desert island discs (and books and videos, too), in a follow-up to their earlier Beatles Desert Island Discs show. Songs include…well, listen and find out! “Sleepy Lagoon” performance by Martin Wheatley – check out his music here. Find Richard’s books here. Find Robert’s books here.

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