When They Was Fab: Electric Arguments About the Beatles

2023.16 Produced By George Martin (Arena Special - a review)

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!

2023.15 The Beatles US Singles

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.

2023.14 Paul McCartney Unplugged (The TV Experience reviewed)

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.

2023.13 Viewer Mail

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?

2023.12 George Fest, review, pt.2

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."

 

 

2023.11 George Fest review, pt.1

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.

2023.10 Two Buddies on Holly Days (overview, ”Holly Days” and ”John Lennon at the St.Regis: Clock”)

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".

2023.09 The Rutles Archaeology (Review)

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.

2023.08 The Rutles (Soundtrack Review)

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.  

2023.07 LennoNYC (Documentary Review)

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.