When They Was Fab: Electric Arguments About the Beatles

Frequent and beloved guest Darin Murphy (Skyrocket, HeartByrne, Cotton Mather) joins us to obsess a bit more on the guitars that The Beatles used on "The Beatles" (aka: "The White Album"). Diversions into the Fender VI (bass), Ringo and his attempt at using a double bass kit, and even a bit of Andy Summers, Eric Clapton and the "Blues Breakers with Eric Clapton" (aka: "The Beano Album")

Aubrey "Po" Powell and Storm Thorgerson were once known as "Hipgnosis". It is not an exaggeration to say that their collective was responsible for much of the significant album cover artwork of the 1970's. This includes Wings from "Band on the Run" through "Back to the Egg", and Aubrey Powell would continue on-and-off with McCartney through "Off the Ground" and his 1992 World Tour.

Martin and I sit down to go through the rest of Paul McCartney's "1964: Eyes of the Storm". Liverpool, London, Paris, New York, DC and Miami. A Beatle's eye view of a much too serious world. We also get a brief drop-in from Kit O'Toole as we discuss the news - Penn Jillete's revelations concerning the "new" Beatles single, Paul McCartney and Paul Muldoon's forthcoming podcast, and some mumblings on Shankar Family and Friends, the lack of an announcement of the next "Archive Edition" from Paul McCartney and Wings, and more...

Stuart Sutcliffe is remembered as the one-time bass player of the Beatles, and artist who happened to die under tragic circumstances, but is that all their is to the young man? Jon Stone and I look at a BBC Four Documentary from 2005 (a decade after the story was fictionalized in "Backbeat") which features interviews with many of the participants telling Stuart's story in their own words.

Paul McCartney has done two major interviews supporting his show at the National Portrait Gallery in London, and the global release of "1964: Eyes of the Storm" We look at the highlights of his program with Stanley Tucci, and the Tribeca Film Festival interview with Conan O'Brien (now available in audio in full from the "Conan O'Brien needs a Friend" podcast.

Ringo Starr hits 83. Download this episode and start it at 11:45 AM local time and we will guide you to the big moment at noon on July 7!

Ringo Starr, Rod Argent, Sheila E, Billy Squier, Edgar Winter, Hamish Stuart. On July 16, 2006 Ringo and the All-Starrs joined the High Rollers at the Mohegan Sun, transforming another Sunday night at the tables into a bit of rock and roll history. Martin Quibell joins the co-host roster officially, and we talk about this tour, the assembled talent, and eighties MTV pretty boys.

Lonnie Pena co-host as we discuss (mostly) Beatles fathers and father figures. "It Takes a Village", and John, Paul, and Ringo are examples of what that phrase means. Jim, Johnny, Charles, Richard, Freddie, Harry, Harry, Henry, and Harold as well as several others!

One, Two, Three, Four. Can I have a little more? Yes, you can. Jon Stone, Lonnie Pena and Martin "Marv" Quibell are all here for the start of WTWF, Mk. IV (or is it V?). We chat about a number of things in Beatle-land, and settle on some lightly edited "as nature intended" chat!

People don't necessarily think of the role of keyboard instruments in the Beatles beyond Billy Preston and a few other obvious examples. This week, we dive a little deeper, starting with Roy Young, through the harmonium, the mellotron, the moog onto the synthesizer revolution and "Band on the Run."

Filmmaker Jon Lefkovitz has just released his 2014 SXSW film "Rubber Soul" on YouTube. Jon and I review. Quoting his description: "In December 1970, John Lennon and Yoko Ono were interviewed for "Rolling Stone" prior to the release of their "Plastic Ono Band" albums. Ten years later, in September 1980, the couple granted their first in-depth interview in five years to "Playboy" while they were in the process of recording "Double Fantasy". RUBBER SOUL reconstructs portions of these two historical interviews based on available transcripts and audio, juxtaposing them in order to explore the dynamic nature of identity over time."

John Lennon did two major interviews acting as bookends to the 1970's. This week, we look at Rolling Stone, Playboy and their relationship to John Lennon, Yoko Ono (and to a lesser extent Paul McCartney). Did Jann Wenner have any ulterior motives? Did David Sheff? Do any of us?

Capitol spent much of the seventies repackaging the Beatles under a variety of concepts and song orders. As we pass the fiftieth anniverary of the first (and possibly the best), 1962-1966 and 1967-1970; we take the time to look at those collections, and propose our own!

1964 was the year the Beatles took over the world. However, the foundations for that were laid in 1963. The Beatles visited Sweden and planned trips to France, Australia, New Zealand and the United States before anyone knew for certain there was gold to be found. This week we tune in to a documentary covering their June 1964 visit to New Zealand, from its origins in the summer of 1963 to the run of shows and their eventual return to the UK.

Disc six of Lord Reith's "Live at the BBC" series. Saturday Club, Two episodes of "Pop Go The Beatles" and more. We contemplate Decca, Brian Poole and the Tremeloes, Bernie Andrews, Ian Grant, Phil Tate and consider "The Mersey Sound and the life of being several hairdressers."

AI. Nothing to get hung about, the beginning of something else, or just another piece in the puzzle of change and progress that the Beatles were always striving for, and usually succeeded in driving to the mainstream. This week, the real Jon Stone and I (AI versions are under development) discuss the possibilities, think on ChatGPT, and are virtually joined by the Queen of All Beatles Media, Martin Quibell, and another, different version of me (alas, done the old-fashioned way, no AI or multiverse here)

May Pang's film finally hit theaters (for a day in most places) on April 13, 2023. Lonnie Pena and I were among those who attended the screening, and we review the project in this week's WTWF. Is this another retelling of a story available for over forty years, or is there something new and insightful among the clips and classic interviews?

This week we look at the "not-quite-a-Biography" about George Martin produced by the Arena folks in 2011. A young Giles, the previous iteration of Beatles history, and some interesting tales concerning the comics, musicians and others George Martin encountered during his youth, military career and adult life within Parlophone and AIR Studios. Lots of Judy Martin as well!

This show starts out with discussion on the "Stowe" tape, and what such an exciting discovery means to the world of Beatles fandom and scholarship. This is followed by our main topic - the US Singles. VJ, Swan, Tollie, MGM, Capitol and ATCO (oh my). What did the abundance of 45's mean to the average fan, and what has "collectibility" meant to the world of Beatles singles.

What's the best way to break in a new drummer? Take him with you on a high-profile television appearance. Paul McCartney was coming off his World Tour, lost a drummer (was Paul a model for Spinal Tap?) and agreed to appear on MTV's new-ish television show (interesting performances, moderate audience) called "Unplugged". This week we go back a little over thirty years to talk about the performances, the songs and see how well the TV special holds up for modern audiences.

Letters, we've got letters! We've got stacks and stacks of letters! Viewer mail, where Jon and I answer questions from our listeners. Who needs facts when you've got opinions for miles?

Our review of the second set from "George Fest" in Los Angeles, September, 2014. Weird Al, the Flaming Lips, Perry Farrell and more keep the tributes rolling celebrating the "The Quiet One." Dhani then leads the ensemble through a final two numbers as we fade into the sunset with Dhani "and friends."

On 28 September, 2014 Dhani Harrison hosted a charity concert celebrating the life of George. Conan O'Brien, members of Spoon, the Cult and Killers took the stage to play favorites written by George (and a select few others) backed by a top-notch group of session musicians. This week, the first set of that show with thoughts on the news of the week.

One of the first things John Lennon did when landing in New York City was an "art film" named "Clock" that was promptly locked away. While the film remains in limbo, the soundtrack found its way to the public, first through the "Lost Lennon Tapes", and later (in a more complete form) from the "Dutch Import" market. Four years later (after buying the Holly catalog), Wings (in the form of Paul, Linda and Denny) would go into Rude Studios in Scotland and attempt something conceptually similar, if with a little studio finesse. While the album remains in limbo, we are hopeful a release is possible. Tune in to hear Lonnie Pena and I talk about both projects and the benefits and detractions of going "homespun".

The WTWF guys are firmly in that "easy listenin' mode" this week with our review of "The Rutles Archaeology". How well did Neil Innes manage (artistically) with a second dip into the world of the pre-fab four, and does anyone know where Sony Studios is located? Tune-in and find out.

During ten days in 1977, Neil Innes, Rikki Fataar, Ollie Halsall, John Halsey and Andy Brown recorded twenty+ songs that would last a lunchtime. No time for trousers, but plenty of laughs and maybe a poignant comment or two about the boxing kangaroo's.

Jon and I sit down to review the 2010 documentary "LennoNYC" (aka: Lennon NYC). Lots of interviews, lots of fairly rare footage, a bit of surprisingly candid Yoko Ono, but does it deliver on the stated objective. Hint: "Does Exactly what it says on the tin" may be stretching things. Also a bit of chat about the new single featuring Ringo on drums, Louise Harrison and speculation concerning the announced McCartney/Wings documentary.

George Harrison was quite generous with his talents - not just for friends and relatives, but associates and "friends of friends" as well. Kristof Engelhardt has been chasing such recordings for thirty years, most recently in "The Beatles Fully Uncovered." https://www.amazon.com/Beatles-Fully-Uncovered-Kristofer-Engelhardt/dp/1897350619. The George Harrison corner of that square can be filled in with "Spot the Looney" from FLO records, and we go through some of our favorites from the set, and the enirety of one of the discs.

Part two of our chat with Allan Kozinn (co-author of "The McCartney Legacy" with Adrian Sinclair). Lots more chat about Wings, Thrillington, Bruce McMouse and other oddities from the RAM era. THIS is pure McCartney.

Part 1 of our discussion with Allan Kozinn, co-author (with Adrian Sinclair) of "The McCartney Legacy: Volume 1, 1969-1973". Some might describe this book as "Everything you wanted to know about Sir Macca, but was afraid to ask", but that would be inaccurate, as Allan has asked plenty of Paul when he got the opportunity to speak with him several times during "the Kozinn era" at the New York Times.

This week we look at the 1965 Granada television special "The Music of Lennon and McCartney". Peter Sellers, Billy J. Kramer, The Beatles and a thingie which is not too terribly fiendish. We close out with some additional thoughts on Mary McCartney's "If These Walls Could Sing", which is getting a lukewarm reception from the public at large.

What do "Benny and Joon", "Mad Men" and 1976 (the year) have in common? The VH-1 television movie "Two of Us", which featured two of the leads from those projects in a fictionalized version of what happened when John Lennon and Paul McCartney hung out one evening, and Lorne Michaels (on the then new "NBC's Saturday Night") made an offer to four guys - "The Beatles."

We start 2023 by looking back to 2022. The Revolver box set, Paul and Ringo tours and more! Happy New Year to everybody listening, and thank you for downloading each week and offering up your support.

Merry Christmas everybody! This week, Jon and I talk "Unforgettable" (aka "Paul's Christmas Message"), the Beatles Christmas disks and the finances at Apple.

Episode 2 of Toppermost of the Poppermost! November 1962. More "Love Me Do", Helen Shapiro, Frank Ifield (and Iris Caldwell), The Beach Boys and more. Please like, subscribe, review and give both WTWF and Toppermost five-start ratings on Apple podcasts or your provider of choice. Only one more episodes will be included on the "When They Was Fab" feed. https://zencastr.com/z/nn_rpxPS

Disc five of Lord Reith's "Live at the BBC" series. Three of the four "Pop Goes The Beatles" episodes on this virtual disc were recorded in a single day. Join us as we discuss several incredible performances by Ringo, a performance of that new single "She Loves You", and their guests The Shadows, The Hollies, The Swinging Blue Jeans and Russ Sainty. As always, Rodney Burke, Jon Stone and me too.

Part two of our look at a year of "Get Back". A bit of discussion on the theatrical screening of the rooftop show, a bit more pondering on the future of the Blu-Ray, and lots more chat covering the book (Apple Studios to January 31 and beyond).

Episode 1 of Toppermost of the Poppermost! "Love Me Do", Elvis, Buddy, Chris Montez and more. Please like, subscribe, review and give both WTWF and Toppermost five-start ratings on Apple podcasts or your provider of choice. Only two more episodes will be included on the "When They Was Fab" feed. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/toppermost-of-the-poppermost/id1656605625

Thanksgiving 2022 brought "The Beatles Get Back" to the world. Not just the monumental three-part documentary from Peter Jackson, but also the book, the SuperDeluxeEdition CD set, the streaming rooftop concert and eventually the unenhanced DVD/Blu-Ray set. This week and next we look all of these, the different ways things play between each unique set of media, and compare the book transcription to the Nagras we have had for "All These Years."

A look into the world of the singles from McCartney, Wings and more along with some thoughts on Ed Rudy, Ken Mansfield and Ringo's latest. In a most un-Thanksgiving mode, we may be a little down on the Liverpool Lads (not the real ones), feet (comma, Ringo's), Freedom (the song), a Wonderful Christmastime (Jon only), and "Peace and Love" (as an overused sentiment in Ringo's lyrics).

A new project from Ed Chen, Kit O'Toole and Martin Quibell. We all know the Beatles dominated the charts in both the UK and US through the sixties, but what of the others. John Lennon described the Beatles as "being in the crow's nest". This new show will look at those that influenced them, the bands they knew, toured and work with and how those songs sat alongside the Beatles own progress. Subscribe soon, but all 2022 episodes will appear in our collective feeds.

We'd like to be ... under the sea ... in a Yellow Submarine, with you. Week four of our look at the Revolver Super Deluxe Editions. This week, sessions disc two. Picking up from Disc One last week, we discuss even more "And Your Bird Can Sing" through to "She Said, She Said", and wonder how song choices were made by Giles, The Beatles and UMe.

Continuing our deep dive into the Revolver Super Deluxe Edition, this week we go into the first Sessions disc. Lots of "Love You To" and "Got to Get You Into My Life", but also both sides of the single ("Rain" at the original speed!), "Doctor Robert" and "And Your Bird Can Sing." While we always want more, this is a nice selection of new, interesting and important material.

Part two of our look at the Revolver SDE. Kit O'Toole and Lonnie Pena return for our dive into the album proper (both the new remix and the mono).

The first part of the WTWF view of Revolver. This week: The book, the cover, assorted memories of the era and the EP. Coming soon - part 2 - the album proper.

Live, from New York! No, not those guys. Not those other guys either. It's Lonnie Pena and me, and we are not even "live on tape". In this show, we travel back to a Saturday Night thirty Eight years ago, when we were invited to see Ringo being sold at a Sotheby's-alike, acting as the foil for Ed Grimley, and engage in "The Pajama Game" with Barbra in Fernando's Hideaway.

An hour with author Madeline Bocaro. Her Book? "In Your Mind - The Infinite Universe of Yoko Ono." Madeline has unique insight into the life and art of Yoko Ono, and ultimately those are the things she delivers in her book, and gives us a taste of in this show!

John Lennon took a portable jukebox filled with some of his favorites on the road with him. After Ringo left Tittenhurst, the KB Discomatic found its way to the world, and is detailed in a documentary and 2-CD set. This week we look at their look at what could be described as "John Lennon's iPod." 80-songs, but nowhere near portable enough for your pocket!

Another bit of alternate (but not too alternate) history. What if the Beatles 1966 tour of the US were delayed, either by circumstances or choice. The Beatles sit down with Brian, determined not to repeat what just happened in the Philippines. How do they accomplish this, and what songs would they choose for the resulting tour? Tune in and hear our opinions!

As the Revolver box (followed by the holiday season) sit on the horizon, both Ringo and Julian have released new music. Ringo fired up Rocabela west, and finished this cycle of 3 EPs (likely to be followed up by the collection as a "full release". Julian, meanwhile has a shiny new one-record deal with BMG, dusted off some old songs, wrote some new ones and put "Jude" out into the world. Tune in to hear what Jon and I think about this. Is it a Revolver Amuse-Bouche, or good releases on their own?