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259-John Lennon 'Mind Games' Deluxe Box: Analysis & Review
In July 2024 Sean Lennon and his team released remixed versions of John Lennon's "Mind Games" album. Originally released after the controversial "Some Time In New York City," "Mind Games" was initially not embraced by critics or fans, who considered it to be mediocre by Lennon standards. In this episode, the Fab 4 Free 4 All welcome Beatles author and Lennon expert, Chip Madinger, as a fourth show panelist. Chip and the F4F4A guys discuss and debate those initial claims of 'inferiority' and also analyze the new release to see if this new version will changes our (or anyone else's) minds about this Lennon "masterpiece," as claimed by Sean. NOTE: The new (CD audio) content of this title is available in both two-disc and six disc packages. And, for those of you watching/hearing this before August 9, 2024, please watch/listen for your chance to win a "Mind Games (The Ultimate Collection) [Deluxe 6 CD/2 Blu-ray]" box set, courtesy of the good folks at Universal and the Fab 4 Free 4 All.
258-Paul McCartney & Wings 'One Hand Clapping': Analysis & Review
In August 1974, Paul McCartney and the latest (recently formed!) version of Wings went into E.M.I. Studios (Abbey Road) for four days. The new band was coming hot off a fruitful trip to Nashville, and the band was smokin'. They performed many songs live in the studio in rehearsal for a possible live album. Paul also recorded some solo tunes in the studio's 'backyard'. These sessions, along with a number of band interviews, were filmed by David Litchfield for a TV special to be called 'One Hand Clapping.' Although promo materials were prepared, the project was scrapped until now, on the fiftieth anniversary of its creation, when 'One Hand Clapping' has finally been officially released. Some of the material has been made available in the past on different 'McCartney Archive' sets, but this is an expanded version of the original project. The guys of Fab 4 Free 4 All review the release and give their opinions on whether it was worth the almost 50-year wait.
257-First Impressions of the 'Let It Be' 2024 Re-release
On Monday, April 29th, 2024, the cast of Fab 4 Free 4 All was among the first group of people in the world to see the newly restored version of the Beatles' film 'Let It Be'. It was, as you would imagine, an incredible experience. And, as they always do when a new Beatles event takes place, the guys recorded an episode in the car on the way back from New York to their secret lairs in the suburbs. A press embargo forced the release of the episode to be held until the film's release on the Disney + Network on May 8th, 2024. So, here it is... the members of Fab 4 Free 4 All offer their first impression of this historic re-release!
256-Paul McCartney and Wings' 'Band on the Run' 50th Anniversary and Underdubbed
The Fab 4 Free 4 All cast members (Mitch Axelrod, Rob Leonard & Tony Traguardo) offer up their thoughts about the recently released 50th anniversary edition of Paul McCartney and Wings' 'Band on the Run,' with a focus on the brand new 'Underdubbed' mix.
255 - Talking Beatles with Lawrence McGowan of Styx
In this very special episode, Fab 4 Free 4 All co-host Mitch Axelrod speaks with Styx co-lead singer Lawrence Gowan about all things Beatles. Among the topics discussed, Lawrence speaks personally about the importance of February 9, 1964 in his life, his dealings with Ringo, his sessions at Tittenhurst Park, and Styx' recording of “I Am The Walrus.” Lawrence is a huge Beatles fan and it shows! We know that you will enjoy his stories, Beatles expertise and his admiration for the Fabs.
254-Reviewing the 2023 Remixed (and Expanded!) Beatles "1967-1970" ("The Blue Album")
The 50th anniversary of "The Beatles 1967-1970" (commonly known as the "Blue Album") brought us a new, expanded version of this classic compilation. With 9 additional songs, included the 2023 single "Now and Then," and 8 of the (now) 37 songs being remixed by Giles Martin using the M.A.L (Machine Audio Learning) software developed by Peter Jackson and his team, we have been treated to a new listening experience. But do the 2023 remixes live up to the hype? And were the 8 additional song added to the album from the Beatles catalog the "correct ones" to add? In this episode, the Fab 4 Free 4 All discuss their highs and not-so-highs of the new version of the album, and have a lively discussion about their personal choices for the additional songs. Enjoy!
253-Reviewing the 2023 Remixed (and Expanded!) Beatles "1962-1966" ("The Red Album")
The 50th anniversary of "The Beatles 1962-1966" (commonly known as the "Red Album") brought us a new, expanded version of this classic compilation. With 12 additional songs, and 30 of the (now) 38 songs being remixed by Giles Martin using the M.A.L (Machine Audio Learning) software developed by Peter Jackson and his team, we have been treated to a new listening experience. But do the 2023 remixes live up to the hype? And were the 12 additional song choices the "correct ones" to add? In this episode, the Fab 4 Free 4 All discuss their highs and not-so-highs of the new version of the album, and have a lively discussion about their personal choices for the additional songs. Enjoy!
252-Now and Then
The saga of the single that is being called "the last Beatles song"began with a cassette tape of John Lennon demos that was given by Yoko Ono to Paul McCartney. Nearly 30 years after George Harrison, Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr began work on completing the track, the song was finally finished by the two surviving Beatles and released on November 2, 2023. It appears on a double A-side single with a brand new mix of the band's first single, "Love Me Do"; bookends to the band's incredible career. Fab 4 Free 4 All castmates Mitch Axelrod, Rob Leonard and Tony Traguardo were invited to a listening party to hear the new single, and in this episode they discuss that event and offer their feelings on the new, final Beatles song.
251-Beatles Exploitation Records
1964 was an incredible year for Beatles fans, particularly in America. But it was also a weird, wacky and confusing time for those fans! Not only were there several releases featuring actual Beatles music on several different labels, but there were even more albums released to "Capitol-ize" on the mania. (See what we did there!) Referred to as 'Beatles exploitation' or 'covers' albums, these releases were simply a money grab for wanna-be entrepreneurs who thought they could make a quick buck. Buyers of these albums were often duped into thinking that they actually contained music by the Fabs, usually because of deceptive album covers, song titles and descriptions of the content. In this fun and informative episode, the Fab 4 Free 4 All are joined by historian Bob Koenig, who has meticulously researched this often overlooked part of Beatlemania. Grab a copy of the magazine featuring Bob's article HERE.
250-Talking Beatles With Air Supply
Mitch and Rob of the Fab 4 Free 4 All were honored to speak with 80's music legends, Russell Hitchcock and Graham Russell, better known collectively as Air Supply. They have sold over 20 million albums worldwide, and they credit much of their success to The Beatles. In this exciting episode, the F4F4A find out how the guys from Air Supply first heard of the Fabs while living in the UK and Australia, and discuss their admiration for the songwriting of Lennon and McCartney and all things Fab. And even though the Air Supply guys are extremely modest, there's even some talk about their own group, and how they have sustained their successful partnership for so long.
249-Paul McCartney's Five Best Beatles Vocals
Paul McCartney has one of the greatest voices in music history. Throughout his tenure in the Beatles, Paul's vocal chops shone through on everything from soft ballads to hard-edged screamers. In this fun and informative episode, the Fab 4 Free 4 All give their subjective opinions and justifications on what they feel are Paul's five best vocal performances in the Beatles' catalog. Keep in mind that the songs they pick as his best vocal are necessarily considered by them to be his best Beatles songs! Can you guess which songs they picked? We know that fans will have their own choices, so we can almost guarantee that at various points you will be shaking your head in agreement OR yelling at your during this episode!
248-John Lennon and May Pang "The Lost Weekend: A Love Story"
In the Summer of 1973, Yoko Ono kicked John Lennon out of their home and "set him up" with their young secretary, May Pang. The subsequent 18 month period of self-introspection and productivity became, somehow, known as “The Lost Weekend.” Yet May gave John the confidence and freedom to record and produce great music, rekindle his relationship with Julian, and even hang out with old friends like Paul McCartney. John was hardly "lost" at all. In this episode of Fab 4 Free 4 All, the guys have a candid conversation with May Pang about her time as John Lennon’s partner. They also discuss the new documentary “The Lost Weekend: A Love Story," and the exhibit of May's photos launching in 2023.
247-The Beatles '20 Greatest Hits' vs. '1'
Throughout the course of the past 50+ years since the Beatles' break-up, Apple Records has released many different compilations of the group's songs, but only two true "greatest hits packages"; “20 Greatest Hits” and “1.” While 1982's “20 Greatest Hits” sold fairly well, the 2000 release “1” outsold it many times over. In this informative and thought provoking episode, the guys of Fab 4 Free 4 All examine the two packages, and offer their theories of why “1” has become one of the biggest selling albums of all time, while “20 Greatest Hits” has become an out of print footnote in the Beatles history.
246-For the Beatles... What's Next?
The Fab 4 Free 4 All crew discuss what could... possibly... may... hopefully be in store for future Beatles and solo releases for 2023 and beyond. The guys speculate on what the next 'treat' is that Apple and each solo Beatle could potentially free from their respective vaults. Some pieces discussed are, of course, things that fans in general may naturally expect, while others are visions that the members of the Fab 4 Free 4 All cast want to see as releases. Bear in mind that these speculative releases could be both musical and non-musical in nature! ... And only time will tell if they are correct... or even CLOSE.
245-'Revolver' (Super Deluxe) 2022: Analysis and Review
The cast members of Fab 4 Free 4 All review and analyze the Apple release of the super deluxe edition of the Beatles 1966 album 'Revolver'.
244-The 'Roots' of John Lennon's 'Rock and Roll' Lawsuit (with Jay Bergen)
In 1970 music publisher and mobster Morris Levy sued John Lennon for copyright infringement, due to perceived similarities between ‘Come Together’ and ‘You Can’t Catch Me.’ Years later, to settle the suit, Lennon agreed to put three Levy-owned songs on his next album; a collection of cover versions of 'oldies but goodies'. A set of bizarre circumstances led to Levy acquiring rough mixes of the oldies album, and to the release of the album ‘Roots’,which was sold by mail order and through TV commercials. This rushed the release of John's own 'Rock and Roll' album. Jay Bergen was John Lennon’s lawyer throughout the ensuing legal battle. In this informative and entertaining show, the Fab 4 Free 4 All cast interviews Jay, who’s book “Lennon, the Mobster and the Lawyer” is a fascinating read.
243-Beatles 'Revolver' 2022 with Giles Martin
In this unique episode, Mitch Axelrod and Rob Leonard of Fab 4 Free 4 All offer up their first impressions of the Beatles' upcoming (as of this recording) 'Revolver' deluxe edition box set, following a 'listening party' in New York City. Their conversation is followed by an interview with Giles Martin, the producer of this (and all of the previous) exciting new expanded edition of one of the Beatles' classic albums. The cast of Fab 4 Free 4 All wishes to thank their friends at Apple Records and Universal Music for their continuing kindness.
242-Visiting the Beatles' Fab 4 Cities
In this episode, the Fab 4 Free 4 All virtually “visit” Hamburg, Liverpool, London and New York as they speak with David Bedford, Richard Porter and Susan Ryan, the authors of the book, “The Beatles: Fab Four Cities: Liverpool - Hamburg - London - New York". The lively discussion delves into the connection between the Fabs, their fans and the cities most notable for events that occurred during The Beatles' career.
241-Fab 4 Free 4 All Talks With Patrick O'Connell
In this very special episode, Mitch Axelrod chats with Patrick O'Connell, patriarch of the O'Connell family, which also includes actress, screenwriter, and philanthropist, Maggie Baird (aka 'Mom') and music superstars, Billie Eilish and Finneas O'Connell. Patrick is an actor, a fellow podcaster, and a huge Beatles fan. In this chat, Mitch and Patrick discuss all things Beatles, including parallels between the Beatles' and his children's careers, and keeping the Beatles legacy alive through the younger generation. They also discuss the family's philanthropic efforts. We hope you enjoy it! For more information about the organizations that Patrick and his family support, please visit: http://www.supportandfeed.org, http://www.amnesty.org and http://www.plannedparenthood.org
240-Solo Beatle 'Comebacks'
Unlike The Beatles as a group, each Fab had a period (or periods) in their solo career when they were far from being at the top of the musical food chain. In this insightful episode, the cast of Fab 4 Free 4 All explore releases or events in each solo Beatles' career that they consider a “comeback” that brought that band member back to the musical forefront once again. Towards the end of the show, they also explore, to a much lesser degree, some of the post break-up “comebacks” for the group as well.
239-Conversation with Beatles Author Janice Mitchell
Janice Mitchell's unique, personal adventure took place on two continents during the height of Beatlemania, and they are chronicled in her book 'My Ticket to Ride: How I Ran Away to England to Meet the Beatles and Got Rock and Roll Banned in Cleveland (a True Story from 1964)'. Join the cast of the Fab 4 Free 4 All as they talk with the author about her fascinating story.
238-Collecting the Beatles
Do you love the music of the Beatles? You probably do, or you wouldn't be reading this. Do you have all of the music they released as a group? Mono and Stereo? What about the solo releases? Do you want a Beatles lunchbox? Do you NEED TO HAVE a Beatles lunchbox? Keeping these questions in mind, the cast of Fab 4 Free 4 All talk about what it means to 'collect the Beatles'. They also discuss how they began as Beatles collectors, if and why they continue to collect different Beatles-related items, and what could possibly happen to those collections as time marches on!
237-The Beatles' 'Get Back' Part 3: Analysis and Review
236-The Beatles' 'Get Back' Part 2: Analysis and Review
235-The Beatles' 'Get Back' Part 1: Analysis and Review
Over the Thanksgiving weekend of 2021, The Beatles organization released 'Get Back'. The unprecedented three-part film project presents Peter Jackson's edits culled from the 50+ hours of footage recorded of the Beatles at work in the studio in January of 1969. It is an intimate look at the greatest musical group in history at work writing, performing and recording brand new music. What are some of the new perspectives and insights that this film provides us with regards to this incredible and unique time in the Beatles' musical history? In these episodes the Fab 4 Free 4 All crew provide their thoughts about that question during their analysis and review of 'Get Back'.
234-Giles Martin Talks About the 'Let It Be' Box Set
The cast of Fab 4 Free 4 All, Mitch Axelrod, Rob Leonard, and Tony Traguardo, had the opportunity to speak to producer Giles Martin about the upcoming (as of this recording) release of the Beatles' 'Let It Be' album remaster and box set.
233-'McCartney 3, 2, 1' Reviewed
The Fab 4 Free 4 All cast (Mitch Axelrod, Rob Leonard & Tony Traguardo) talks about the recent Hulu-exclusive documentary 'McCartney 3, 2, 1'. In the unique six-part presentation, Paul McCartney sits down for an in-depth one-on-one conversation with music producer Rick Rubin and discusses his work with the Beatles, Wings and as a solo artist with an unprecedented level of candor. In this episode, the guys talk about some of the highlights of the series, and whether or not it's a 'must-view' for Beatles fans and popular music historians.
232-'Cousin Brucie' Morrow Talks Beatles!
In this very special episode, the Fab 4 Free 4 All cast members are joined by legendary DJ, author and entertainment personality ‘Cousin Brucie’ Morrow for a spirited, entertaining and informative conversation. Cousin Brucie has been a mainstay of New York hit radio for more than 40 years, and he has remained one of its most popular personalities. He has been heard on New York-based stations WINS, WABC-AM, WNBC-AM and at WCBS-FM, once the nation’s No.1 oldies station. It was during Cousin Brucie’s stint at WABC-AM when the station became W-A-BEATLES-C and embraced ‘Beatlemania’ and the Beatles themselves with open arms! The boys trusted Cousin Brucie, and let them into their inner circle. In August 1965 he even had the distinction of joining Ed Sullivan to introduce the Beatles at their legendary Shea Stadium show. Cousin Brucie shares stories with Fab 4 Free 4 All that originate from inside the eye of the incredible hurricane of ’Beatlemania’, offering us a unique perspective of our favorite band.
231-Paul's Not So Silly Love Songs
From 1963 to 1967 Paul McCartney was in a relationship with actress Jane Asher. The young Beatles grew close to Jane's family, and at one point she became his fiance. And of course, during this period that saw the couple go from romance to heartbreak, Paul McCartney was continually writing songs. Fab 4 Free 4 All analyzes the "love songs" composed by Paul McCartney during his time with Jane Asher, and how the relationship as a muse contributed to them.
230-Little Steven Talks Beatles From Macca to Mecca
He is the leader of The Disciples of Soul. He is Bruce's right hand man in the legendary E-Street Band. He is a noted actor who played Sylvio in 'The Sopranos' and is the star of 'Lilyhammer'. And Little Steven Van Zandt is also a first-generation Beatles fan who has a great new live album called 'From Macca To Macca'! Join the Fab 4 Free 4 All crew as they talk with Little Steven about how a Beatles fan from New Jersey ended up Jamming with Paul and recording a set at the Cavern in Liverpool.
229-Ringo Starr's 'Zoom In': Analysis and Review
In December of 2020, Ringo Starr (and Beatles) fans were treated to an uplifting, catchy, anthem-like new song called 'Here's to the Nights'. The tune came with the promise that it was from a "forthcoming album". In this episode, the Fab 4 Free 4 All cast members 'Zoom In' on the diverse five-song EP (not quite an album ... but that's OK) that Ringo released to fulfill that promise in March of 2021.
228-The Beatles' 1964 North American Tour
In this informative and entertaining episode the guys look at the extensive back story behind the Beatles 1964 North American tour. They also analyze and review the setlist of the bands' touring show, offering up their opinions on the Beatles' choices of songs.
227-Author Bruce Spizer's 'The Beatles Finally Let It Be'
In this episode the Fab 4 Free 4 All crew catch up with author Bruce Spizer. Bruce's latest book covers the Get Back/Let It Be sessions, the unreleased Get Back albums, the Let It Be album and film, the noteworthy Get Back bootlegs, the Anthology tracks from the sessions and Let It Be…Naked. The group also discusses the upcoming 'Get Back' film, which fans have gotten a taste of thanks to director Peter Jackson's incredible 'sample clip'!
226-'McCartney III': Analysis and Review
Years from now, someone may ask you, "What did you do during the 2020 lockdown?" When they ask Paul McCartney he'll be able to say "Well, I went into my home studio and rocked out on an album that I recorded almost completely by myself, and then I released in dozens of color and packaging variations. Oh, and it debuted at #1 on the UK charts!" Such is the story of 'McCartney III', the follow-up ... forty years later ... to his second 'solo' album, 1980's 'McCartney II'. In this episode, the Fab 4 Free 4 All cast reviews and analyzed this diverse new release from Paul McCartney.
224-John Lennon's 'Gimme Some Truth' 2020
On October 9, 2020, the day that would have been John Lennon's 80th birthday, the Lennon estate released a collection of what they consider to be "his most vital and best loved solo recordings ... completely remixed". The set, remixed by Sean Lennon and Paul Hicks, is subtitled 'The Ultimate Mixes'. In this spirited episode, the Fab 4 Free 4 All cast members offer up their opinions about the new set, and whether or not they consider these versions to truly be the 'ultimate' mixes.
223-Paul Saltzman: 'Meeting the Beatles in India'
In this very special episode of Fab 4 Free 4 All, the cast talks with Paul Saltzman, a two-time Emmy Award-winning, Toronto-based director-producer of over 300 film and television productions. In 1968, he learned meditation at the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi’s ashram in India, an experience that changed his life. There, he photographed the Beatles, Jane Asher, Cynthia Lennon, Patti Boyd Harrison, Maureen Starkey, Mia Farrow, Donovan, Mal Evans and Mike Love. His intimate photos are the only record of their time in this sacred retreat; a time when the Beatles were at another peak of their creative power. Paul's experiences are the basis of a new film, 'Meeting the Beatles in India'. In the film, Paul tells his story and returns to India, along with Beatles' historian Mark Lewisohn, to bring himself and viewers even closer to understanding the significance of this historic personal and cultural event.
222-Favorite Recorded Beatle Guest Appearances
The Fab 4 Free 4 All cast member talk about their favorite guest appearances by individual Beatles on other people's recordings. There may be some surprises on this list, and perhaps even some gems that you've never heard!
221-'George Harrison' (1979): Analysis and Review
In 1979, after a three year break from the industry, George Harrison, with the help of co-producer Russ Titelman and a number of musical friends, released what some consider to be '33 1/3 part two' ... which is a good thing, by the way. As part of our ongoing 'Analysis and Review' series, the Fab 4 Free 4 All crew discusses the many ways that this album distinguishes itself as a jewel in the Harrison catalog.
220-F4F4A Answers Your Calls Vol. 7
In the seventh installment of this recurring feature of Fab 4 Free 4 All the guys take calls from their listeners. In this installment the show's fans lead the guys to a talk about the seeds of the break-up, elusive collectibles, the Beatles' worst recordings, and the pre-EMI recordings.
219-Please Release Me ... or Don't!
The cast of the Fab 4 Free 4 All discusses the material deemed 'unworthy' for release for various reasons during the Beatles' career. Many outtakes have been released since on the three Anthology volumes and on various box sets. Did we need to hear it all? Does 'weaker' material harm the Beatles' legacy? Is there more that we want to hear? The ensuing debates lead to some interesting deliberation, conclusions .... and agreements to disagree.
218-'Un-Love Me Do': The Beatles 'Un-Love' Songs
The Beatles were all about love, love, love, right? Well ... that was surely true MOST of the time. But what about those instances when the sentiments reflected in Beatles' songs were not quite so ... loving? On this episode of Fab 4 Free 4 All the guys look at some of what they think are the Beatles' 'Un-Love' songs.
217-F4F4A Answers Your Calls Vol. 6
In the sixth installment of this recurring feature of Fab 4 Free 4 All, we take calls from our listeners. In this installment we take on topics like 'Dexterization', Record Store Day, Beatles collaborations, and more!
216-'Meet the Beatles': Analysis and Review
In 1963, EMI's American distributor, Capitol Records, had refused to pick up the option on a hot British singing group that bore the unusual moniker 'The Beatles'. So, a string of singles came out on labels like Tollie and VJ (or VeeJay) in the U.S. They flopped. But after quite a bit of coaxing from several different sources, Capitol corporate heads finally gave in, and money was put into promoting this supposedly hot new singing group. With the reception to the release of the group's first Capitol single, 'I Want to Hold Your Hand', the label realized it had lightning in a bottle! And so, the album 'Meet the Beatles' would, essentially, become the recorded launching point for 'Beatlemania!' in the U.S. In this unique episode, the Fab 4 Free 4 All crew review and analyze 'Meet the Beatles'. IMPORTANT NOTE: Since we were unable to use our usual studio equipment, the audio on this episode may not be up to our usual standards ... but we think you'll still enjoy it! (Many thanks to our listener and friend Dave Thomas for quality control testing!)
215-Getting In Front of 'Get Back'
Apple recently announced the title and release date ... along with some preliminary details ... of 'The Beatles: Get Back', Peter Jackson's upcoming film culled from over 55 hours of footage of the Beatles from January of 1969. As fate would have it, the Fab 4 Free 4 All were in the studio a few days earlier recording a show that found them speculating about the film and the related 'Let It Be' box set. What does each cast member want to ... or not want to ... see in the film? How should the film be formatted? What will be in the audio box set and how will it be arranged? These are just some of the 'Get Back' and 'Let It Be'-related mysteries that will not be solved until the film is released in September of 2020, but for now, have fun with the Fab 4 Free 4 All as they speculate on the possible answers!
214-Unique Beatles Singles Released After 1970
Record sales and chart action certainly didn't stop after the final Beatles single of new music was released in 1970. In the mid-70s, the folks at Capitol Records began developing new tie-ins, anniversary celebrations and thematic album releases that helped keep the Beatles on the charts. In this spirited episode of Fab 4 Free 4 All the guys look at the many ways since the group's break-up that songs from the Beatles catalog ... along with some previously released songs ... have been combined, released, and marketed to fans new and old on 7" singles.
213-Ringo's 'What's My Name': Analysis and Review
In October of 2019 Ringo Starr released his 20th studio album, 'What's My Name'. The title is familiar to fans as the first half of a call-and response that ends with the crowd shouting 'RINGO!'. And in this episode, the Fab4Free4All answer the question: Does the new album give fans something to shout about? Ringo and Bruce Sugar have assembled an album that includes guest appearances by Paul McCartney and members of the All-Starrs, with songs written by or co-written by folks like Steve Lukather, Colin Hay, Dave Stewart and Joe Walsh. Throw in a cover of a John Lennon song and a Motown classic and you have an interesting mix of material. But how well does it all work together?
212-From Us To You: An F4F4A Holiday Message
HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL OF YOU,
OUR WONDERFUL LISTENERS AND FRIENDS!
Here's a little audio 'Greeting Card' ... 'From Us To You'!
OUR WONDERFUL LISTENERS AND FRIENDS!
Here's a little audio 'Greeting Card' ... 'From Us To You'!
211-The Beatles: Around the World In 7 Inches
In the Fall of 2019, the Beatles and our friends at Apple and Universal Music released a boxed set collection of Beatles 45s that take fans 'around the world in 7 inches'. (Yes. There are too many jokes there ... so we shall acknowledge that and move on.) This fascinating package compiles replicas of the twenty-two Beatles singles released in the UK during the group's career, and a bonus, unique coupling of 'Free as a Bird' and 'Real Love'. Incredibly, twenty-two countries are represented! In this episode the Fab 4 Free 4 All crew take a look at this creative release, and talk about some of their other favorite 7" releases from around the world.
210-'Abbey Road' 2019 'Sessions' Discs: Analysis and Review
209-'Abbey Road' 2019 Remix: Analysis and Review
On September 27, 2019 the Beatles and Apple Corp. celebrated the 50th anniversary of the legendary album 'Abbey Road' with a number of different releases, including a deluxe boxed set with three audio discs and a blu-ray, and a special 2 double-CD edition. Both versions include a new 2019 stereo remix of the album by Giles Martin. In episode 209, the Fab 4 Free 4 All cast analyze and review the new mix. In episode 210, the guys take a close look at the two sessions discs that are included in the deluxe edition.
208-Favorite Mark Hudson Ringo Tracks
Mark Hudson rose to stardom in the 1970s as a member of The Hudson Brothers. When the trio disbanded, Hudson began making a name for himself as a producer. His roster of hit records includes tracks by groups as diverse as Aerosmith and Hanson. Between 1998 and 2007, Hudson produced five studio albums for Ringo Starr. Many fans considered this something of a renaissance for Ringo as a solo artist, and the albums received fairly positive critical reviews. In this episode, each of the guys talk about their favorite Mark Hudson-produced Ringo tracks. After you've listened to the episode, please check out the Spotify playlist to hear the tunes the guys have selected!
207-'Abbey Road' 2019 Preview
Well, we kind of had a feeling last year that this was going to happen, didn’t we? But it didn’t make it any less fun or exciting! On September 27, 2019, the Beatles’ Apple Corps Ltd. and Universal Music will release a boxed set deluxe anniversary edition of ‘Abbey Road’. On Tuesday, August 20, 2019, The Fab 4 Free 4 All crew was invited to a New York studio to hear choice pieces from the upcoming release. And, as we’ve been with the last two releases, we were psyched! We couldn’t get to a diner afterwards, but while the experience was still fresh in our minds, we managed (despite some interesting interruptions from Mitch’s GPS!) to record a show about our experience, and our thoughts on some of the new remixes and bonus material, on the car ride back to our secret underground lair. We would like to thank our friends at Universal Music for the incredible opportunity to get a sneak peek at what will definitely be a fantastic year-end package, the 50th anniversary deluxe box set edition of ‘Abbey Road’.
206-'Amoeba Gig': Analysis and Review
In July of 2019, Paul McCartney released a newly remastered and expanded edition of his 2007 performance at Amoeba Records in California … a ‘secret gig’ at the time. This ‘definitive’ version includes the complete show, performed by an energetic band and a vocalist at the top of his game in an intimate setting – a record store! In this episode, the Fab 4 Free 4 All crew analyzes and reviews this exciting new addition to Paul McCartney’s catalog.
205-'Yesterday' Film: Reviewing a World Without the Beatles
A world WITHOUT The Beatles? Wait. What?! That could never be! Or could it? The recently released movie 'Yesterday' proposes that a quick dimensional shift could just possibly leave us with a world where no one remembers The Beatles. No one, that is, except for Jack Malik. In this fun 'review and analysis' type episode the guys take a close look at 'Yesterday'. In this spirited, speculative conversation the guys discuss the perspective hardcore as opposed to casual fans might have on the film, where the ending left us, other possible plot lines, and more. But rest easy and press 'play', since they warn you before ANY spoilers are revealed!
204-Best George Harrison Solo Beatle Vocals
Being a member of the most famous band in history sets you up for having one of the most identifiable voices in music. But what makes George Harrison's voice unique is that it is interesting, expressive, soulful, playful, charming, biting, and ... wait ... why are we telling you this? Chances are you agree. But will you agree with the selections that the Fab 4 Free 4 All co-hosts choose as their (individual) favorite George Harrison solo vocal performances? Join the Fab 4 Free 4 All as they explore the many facets of the voice of 'the quiet one'.
203-‘The Beatles’ White Album 2019 Remix
On November 9th, 2018, the second Beatles deluxe box set was released to great fanfare. Despite the heavy press and positive pre-reviews, the six-disc edition of 'The Beatles' ... a.k.a. 'The White Album' did not sell as well as its recent predecessor, the 'Sgt. Pepper' expanded box. Rumor is rampant that an 'Abbey Road' box is now in the works. But there are some questions about these post-'Pepper' deluxe editions, particularly with regards to the remixes themselves: Are they 'necessary'? Do they improve upon the originals? And if not ... well ... are they at least as interesting as the originals? In this episode, the guys take a close look at remixes (only!) of 'The Beatles' deluxe box, and try to answer some of these questions.
202-F4F4A Answers Your Calls Vol 5
“ … And we are back!” And so are YOU! The Fab 4 Free 4 All crew always enjoys hearing from you, our listeners, and since the first four installments of our ‘Answers Your Calls’ series were a lot of fun, we figured that it’s time to do it again. Five of the (many) questions that have been coming in to our Google phone line were randomly selected for this episode and, as always, the guys hear the questions for the first time at the recording session. We hope you have as much fun as we did as your fellow fans lay the groundwork for this episode of Fab 4 Free 4 All.
201-Beatles and Solo Beatle 'Classics and 'Standards'
What makes a song a ‘classic’? What makes a song a ‘standard’? Perhaps the answers to these questions are totally subjective! And when the three co-hosts of Fab 4 Free 4 All try to figure out the answers, wouldn’t it make sense for them to bring the music of the Beatles and solo Beatles into the question?! In this VERY spirited episode – based on a question posed by Mitch to Facebook – the guys try to apply the guidelines of ‘standard’ and ‘classic’ to the Beatles’ catalog. The guys’ comments … and the additional questions that the conversation promotes … may surprise you!
200-'Red Rose Speedway' Archive Collection: The Video
199-'Red Rose Speedway' Archive Collection: The Audio
The end of 2018 was a VERY busy period for the Beatles organization … and a potentially costly time for Beatles fans! Paul McCartney released a new album, ‘Egypt Station’ (which is reviewed in Episodes 195 & 196) and added two more titles to his ongoing Archive Collection. The expanded editions of ‘Red Rose Speedway’ and ‘Wild Life’ were released in multiple formats and configurations. For the first time, two titles were combined to make a ‘Super Deluxe’ box. In these two episodes, the guys review and analyze the audio and video discs included in the ‘Red Rose Speedway’ deluxe edition.
