Something About the Beatles

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

Sharing their impressions of the Sullivan experience are director/writer/filmmaker Andrew Solt (Heroes of Rock N Roll,This Is Elvis!, Imagine: John Lennon), whose Sofa Entertainment owns the Sullivan archive of shows, as well as CBS executive Vince Calandra, who occupied a unique perspective: directly working with the group.Songs include “She Loves You” and “Long Tall Sally.”

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

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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; one that stirs powerful emotions within those who were there at the time – and more than a few that weren’t. (Be sure to listen for the bonus observations by a fan who was there in ’67.) Songs include “Good Morning, Good Morning” and “A Day in the Life.” Find Richard’s books here. Find Robert’s books here.

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Before you roll your eyes, take a second: in this special episode, Richard and Robert dissect what is easily the most polarizing recording of The Beatles’ entire canon: the musique concrète produced by John, with assistance from Yoko and George, issued on their wildly expansive 1968 self-titled double album. Adding to the conversation: Jack Petruzzelli from The Fab Faux – a rare ensemble who have actually performed the piece live. No matter what you think of “Revolution 9,” there’s a lot here worth discussing: the inspiration – the intent – the influence (yes, there is that).

Songs include “Your Feet’s Too Big.”

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

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Said Allmusic about our guest: “He writes songs that are melodic, hooky and emotionally true, and he sings and plays them with an honesty and force that still finds room for humor without venom.” (See any commonality with The Beatles?) In this episode, Robert and Richard sat down and talked Beatles (and music generally) with Marshall Crenshaw, before discussing the meanings of “power pop” and “Beatlesque,” citing some favorite artists along the way. Songs include “Crying, Waiting, Hoping” and “Soldier of Love.” Find Richard’s books here. Find Robert’s books here.

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“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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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