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At the end of 1963, the Beatles were the number one musical group in England. But over in the U.S., resistance from Capitol Records to release the Beatles' singles resulted in limited distribution and promotion for the band's music. A hit record in the States just didn't seem to be in the cards any time soon. And then along came a little song called 'I Want To Hold Your Hand'. Author Allan Kozinn has recently released an eBook titled 'Got That Something! How the Beatles' "I Want to Hold Your Hand" Changed Everything' that details the importance of this song, and the interesting path that led to Capitol Records' release of the single in the U.S. Join the Fab 4 Free 4 All and their special guest Allan Kozinn as they discuss this new eBook release and the phenomena that 'changed everything'.
74-'Somewhere In England': Analysis and Review
In the Fall of 1979 George Harrison began work on what would become his eighth studio album. The album would be submitted to his label, Warner Brothers, and they would deem it unacceptable for release. One of the Beatles now had to face the task of re-tooling a project because of record company demands. They wanted a hit. Before the re-worked project was completed, the world was shocked by the murder of John Lennon. The Beatles had now become ‘the surviving Beatles’. George summoned his friends and completed the recording of a song that was originally intended for Ringo, the John Lennon tribute called ‘All Those Years Ago’. The final release was titled ‘Somewhere in England’, and in this episode the Fab 4 Free 4 All crew analyzes and reviews the album and the four deleted tracks.
73-'Tune In' with Author Mark Lewisohn
Author and historian Mark Lewisohn has provided Beatle fans with some of the most well-researched books on our shelves. And November of 2013 marks the release of Mark Lewisohn's 'All These Years Volume 1: Tune In'. The result of over a decade of exhaustive research, 'Tune In' sheds new light on the Beatles' earliest years. The epic work is the first entry in a trilogy that promises to present the most comprehensive, detailed and definitive story of the most popular group in music history. Laced with humor and a rolling narrative form, combined with a strict attention to facts, Mark Lewisohn's 'Tune In' offers never-before-seen glimpses into the formative years of the individuals who the world would eventually know collectively as The Beatles. In this episode, the guys spend time with Mark Lewisohn discussing the first of what promises to be the three most important books about the Fab Four.
72-Interview: 'BBC Archives' Author Kevin Howlett
The Beatles' appearances on the BBC were crucial to their career. It gave them exposure to teenagers throughout the UK, and provided a platform from which to display their unique wit and personalities. And since the very first appearance of 'long lost' recordings of these BBC performances in the early 1980s, they have also become a treasure trove for hungry fans. The group performed cover songs they never recorded in EMI Studios, and laughed and joked in their inimitable style with BBC comperes. They also gave many revealing interviews to hosts on the BBC radio and TV. Author Kevin Howlett has documented all of these appearances in detail in his exhaustively researched book 'The Beatles: The BBC Archives: 1962-1970'. In this episode, Fab 4 Free 4 All talk with Kevin about the book, and about his role as Executive Producer of the 2013 Apple CD release 'The Beatles On Air Live at the BBC Volume Two'.
71-'New':Analysis and Review
‘New’ is Paul McCartney’s first rock album released under his own name since 2007. So, many fans are wondering: just what has Paul brought to the table after the longest gap between albums in his diverse, thirty-plus year solo career? The Fab 4 Free 4 All crew analyzes and review an album on which a seventy-one year old rocker who has nothing to prove reaches for new heights. Lyrically strong and musically inventive, ‘New’ is a unique chapter in the ongoing career of an artist whose story some people had considered already written.
70-'Traveling Wilburys Volume 1': Analysis and Review
Some time in 1988, while making plans to record a B-side for an upcoming single, a trip to Bob Dylan's house to get a guitar led to George Harrison and Jeff Lyne becoming the founding members of a supergroup who would call themselves The Traveling Wilburys. Joining forces with Tom Petty, and Roy Orbison, Dylan, Harrison and Lynne recorded a debut album that brought out the best in these legendary performers. 'Traveling Wilburys Volume 1' would be much more than a throwaway one-off record. The songs and the camaraderie seemed to bring the joy of recording back to these rock and roll veterans - and it came through in the music. In this episode, the Fab 4 Free 4 All analyze and review this debut from George Harrison's other band, 'Travleing Wilburys Volume 1'.
69-'Goodnight Vienna': Analysis and Review
In 1974 Ringo Starr began work on the follow-up to his highly successful (and first!) rock-and-roll solo album, the highly ambitious 'Ringo'. This time, the title, 'Goodnight Vienna', would come from an old Livepudlian slang term, something that Ringo was no stranger to.The 'Ringo' album had been made with more than a little help from his friends, the fellow former members of that old pop band he had been with. Other members of the rock cognoscenti had helped too. And on this interesting follow up album some of those friends returned, while some sat this one out. But new buddies, like Elton John, were on board for 'Goodnight Vienna'. There are similarities and differences between the two LPs, but this episode is not all about comparing and contrasting. The guys look at the songs, the guest appearances, the prodcution and ... well ... all of the things that have made the 'Analysis and Review' series of shows some of our listeners' favorites.
68-A Chat with Good Ol' Freda Kelly
In this very special episode, the Fab 4 Free 4 All have a spirited conversation with (Good Ol') Freda Kelly. Freda was just a shy Liverpudlian teenager when she was asked to work for a local band hoping to make it big. Though she had no concept of how far they would go, Freda had faith in The Beatles from the beginning, and The Beatles had faith in her. She worked for the band for 11 years. And while many people came in and out of the band's circle, she remained a staple because of her unfaltering loyalty and dedication. As the Beatles' devoted secretary and friend, Freda was there as history unfolded. And in the fine excellent new documentary 'Good Ol' Freda', Freda tells her stories for the first time in 50 years.
67-Where Do Young Fans Begin?
The Beatles have a huge worldwide fan base. And though the original foursome recorded their final notes in 1970, their fan base continues to grow to this day … and that trend will surely continue. Some fans jumped on board the Beatles bandwagon during resurgences in the 70s, 80s and 90s. In this episode the Fab 4 Free 4 All looks at the future of the Beatles fan base by posing the question, “How does an older Beatle fan encourage a younger fan to get interested in the group considered by many to be the most important rock band of all time?” Which music should we suggest? And what about the other media forms now at everyone’s disposal? It’s a different world for potential fans, and the guys examine how they would use some new … and old … methods to turn a young … or older … person on to the Beatles.
66-The Beatles and The Rolling Stones
It's the age old debate: Who is the cooler, better, more influential,, etc. band, The Beatles or The Rolling Stones? Well, the Fab 4 Free 4 All are here to tell you that the Rolling Stones are ... pretty good, actually. In all seriousness, in this episode the guys look at the connections between two of rock's most important bands. Sure, there are points to compare and contrast, but for the most part this is the story of a friendly rivalry that helped to push two historic bands to continually reach for the next artistic plateau.
65-F4F4A Favorite Collectibles
The Fab 4 Free 4 All had a talk with Julie Andrews, and she said ... "Singles and flexis and 8-tracks and posters ...."
Sorry. That's a fib. Actually, the guys of Fab 4 Free 4 All were talking about some of the unique things that have always excited them ... and still excite them ... about being a Beatles fan and collector. The collecting world is vast, and many Beatle fans worldwide have specific areas of interest that they focus on, which can be a plus when faced with everything from garage sales to eBay! In this spirited but lighthearted episode, the guys tell anecdotes about - and offer their insight into - some of their favorite collectibles.
Sorry. That's a fib. Actually, the guys of Fab 4 Free 4 All were talking about some of the unique things that have always excited them ... and still excite them ... about being a Beatles fan and collector. The collecting world is vast, and many Beatle fans worldwide have specific areas of interest that they focus on, which can be a plus when faced with everything from garage sales to eBay! In this spirited but lighthearted episode, the guys tell anecdotes about - and offer their insight into - some of their favorite collectibles.
64-A Conversation with Beatles Historian Jim Berkenstadt
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Author Jim Berkenstadt joins Fab 4 Free 4 All for a sprited discussion of 'The Beatle Who Vanished'. Jim also offers insight into some of his other, varied work as an author, archivist, and historian within (and outside of) the Beatles 'family'. 'The Beatle Who Vanished' explores the unique and strange life and career of Jimmy Nicol. Nicol spent thirteen days as a member of the Beatles, performing ten shows with them in three countries during their first world tour in 1964.
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63-1974: The Year In Review with Mark Lewisohn pt. 2
62-1974: The Year In Review with Mark Lewisohn
Four years after the break-up of the Beatles, the former members of the group were all in interesting situations. Paul was now having hits as the leader of the highly successful group Wings. Ringo Starr was still having hit singles in the U.S., which came as a surprise to many of his detractors. John Lennon was in something of a sales slump, but was enjoying his relationship with May Pang and a renewed friendship with his former writing partner. And George ... well, there's enough to write a book about George (wink!). Join the Fab 4 Free 4 All crew with their very special guest, noted author and historian Mark Lewisohn, as they review the solo-Beatle-related happenings of 1974 in a very special two-part episode!
61-'Pipes of Peace': Analysis and Review
Paul McCartney's album 'Tug of War' was both a critical and commercial success. The writing and demo sessions that resulted in that 1982 release also yielded a number of songs that Paul would hold back for his next album. George Martin was back at the helm as producer when Paul began work in earnest on that follow-up, titled 'Pipes of Peace'. Sessions for some songs had taken place as early as late 1980, but the completed LP also included a number of songs recorded with Paul's new friend, Michael Jackson. And there were two singles, each with brilliant videos intended for the nascent MTV network. But was this project a worthy 'partner' album to Paul's highly successful 'return to form' that was 'Tug of War'? The Fab 4 Free 4 All give their opinion on 'Pipes of Peace' in this spirited episode.
60-'Ringo': Analysis and Review
After having released an album of standards, and a country album, in 1970, followed by a string of highly successful singles, Ringo Starr embarked on the creation of his first rock album in the early part of 1973. When the album ‘Ringo’ was completed – with a little help from all three of the other former Beatles – the “underdog” of the band had a record that placed him in Top Ten album charts all over the world. And did we mention the two number one U.S. singles and one Top 5? ‘Ringo’ surprised the music world, and it is still considered Starr’s shining moment. But does it live up to the hype, and does it still hold up musically? The guys in the Fab 4 Free 4 All review and analyze the album in this spirited episode.
59-'The Beatles Again' / 'Hey Jude': Analysis and Review
In 1970, Allen Klein conceived a project for Apple Records that would help him - and, allegedly, the Beatles - to capitalize (pun intended!) on their recently re-negotiated ... and increased ... royalties deal. He directed Allan Steckler of Abkco/Apple to work on a compilation album of career-spanning songs that had not appeared on a Capitol album in the United States a. He also focused more on recent singles than on earlier material. The resulting album was originally titled 'The Beatles Again', but last-minute changes found the album named for the recent monstrous hit single, 'Hey Jude'. The album is unique to the Beatles catalog, and was released - contrary to the memories of many - before the 'Let It Be' album, and before the final word that the Beatles, as a group, were no more. Most American fans who discovered the Beatles in the 60s and 70s have distinct feelings about this collection, and the Fab 4 Free 4 All crew discuss theirs in this lively episode.
58-'Extra Texture': Analysis and Review
In 1975, George Harrison was not exactly sitting on top of the world. His most recent album, ‘Dark Horse’ had been ravaged by the critics. And his 1974 North American Tour with Ravi Shankar was crippled by throat problems that plagued him, resulting in mixed reviews and a lukewarm reception from Beatle fans. And in the middle of all of this, the album ‘Extra Texture’ was recorded and released. The malaise that Harrison must have been feeling oozed from the album’s grooves. But is the music good? Does the album work in some way? The ‘Fab 4 Free 4 All’ crew tackles these questions and more in the latest in our ‘analysis and review’ series.
57-'Wings Over America': Analysis and Review pt. 2
56-'Wings Over America': Analysis and Review pt. 1
In 1976, Paul McCartney and his band Wings embarked on a lengthy tour of the United States. Paul had released three successful studio albums in a row - two with his current band - and already had taken them through Europe and Australia. Now it was time to take America as he had with his first band twelve years earlier. The sprawling triple-album set 'Wings Over America', a document of this amazing live event, was released to critical and public acclaim. In 2013 the album is being remastered as part of the 'Paul McCartney Archive Collection'. In this two-art episode the guys review and analyze this unique entry in the solo Beatles catalog.
55-George Harrison: My Sweet Lawsuit
George Harrison finally had his moment to shine! His 'Beatle shirt' was finally off, and he had earned the respect of musicians that he enjoyed working with; folks like Delaney and Bonnie, Eric Clapton and Billy Preston. Most importantly, he had released the sprawling, ambitious, killer album 'All Things Must Pass'. And the Beatle underdog had a single that was racing up the charts: 'My Sweet Lord'. But there was one little problem - the publishers of a song called 'He's So Fine' thought that George's his single was more than slightly similar to the 1963 hit recording by The Chiffons. The resulting lawsuit would plague George for many years to come. The guys dissect this bizarre suit - one that plays out like a bad movie - in this unique episode.
54-Events That Shaped the Beatles - LIVE!
The history of the Beatles is filled with coincidences, synchronicity, and amazing circumstances, all combining to result in the formation of the greatest force that popular music has ever seen. This week, the guys of Fab 4 Free 4 All take turns offering up what they believe are the five most significant events that shaped the course of history, and made the Beatles who and what they were as unique individuals who formed a group entity. This unique episode was recorded before a live audience at the 'Fest For Beatle Fans' in New Jersey on April 6, 2013.
53-An Animated Review of 'Yellow Submarine'
In 1968, the Beatles still owed United Artists another film. Having been disappointed by the script of ‘Help!’, and discouraged by ‘Magical Mystery Tour’, The Beatles were unenthusiastic about making another motion picture. But could an animated film be a way to complete their commitment to United Artists? A crew of animators was assembled by TVC Studios, and fellow Liverpudlian Roger McGough helped to create a script littered with puns, double entendres, and Beatles in-jokes; and ‘Yellow Submarine’ would become the Beatles third feature film. The guys analyze and review this unique film in an animated episode.
52-Paul McCartney: Best and Worst Beatle Vocals
It's a 'given' that the Beatles are four of the finest musicians and vocalists that have ever made popular music. And each of the group's members have their shining moments in the Beatles canon, instrumentally, vocally and as composers. Paul McCartney is sometimes singled out as having the most versatility as a singer and melodicist. And in this episode - part of our 'best and worst' (or 'favorite' and 'least favorite', if you wish) series -the Fab 4 Free 4 All crew talk and debate about Paul McCartney's performances as lead vocalist for the Beatles'.
51-Tom Hartman and the Aerovons Meet Abbey Road ... and the Beatles!
In 1968, a life-changing journey began for a band from St. Louis called The Aerovons. A supportive Mom who became their manager helped put a series of events into play that would lead her son, Tom Hartman, to EMI Studios in London. His group would inevitably record his (very Beatle-y) songs at the studio while the Beatles were at work on their final album, Abbey Road. In this unique episode, Tom Hartman of the Aerovons - a great storyteller and a fine songwriter - joins 'Fab 4 Free 4 All' for a fascinating conversation about that incredible trip.
