Shows
When They Was Fab: Electric Arguments About the Beatles2025.30 The Gab Four - Covers the Beatles could and Should(?) have done? Part Two!Lonnie and Jon get their turn at speculating on the covers that might've been, and we all get to flip our records for side two! We also talk about the news of the day, and editorialize (and reminisce) a bit about the Ed Sullivan Theater! Not quite from CBS Studio 50, but definitely from somewhere over the rainbow, more Gab Four!
2025-07-281h 07
When They Was Fab: Electric Arguments About the Beatles2025.29 The Gab Four - Covers the Beatles could and Should(?) have done? Part One!Lonnie, Jon Stone, Marv and I together again for another Gab Four! After a somewhat lengthy news segment, we start in on our next topic - "12 covers the Beatles Should (and Could) have done!" We also discuss where these versions might have been released. More singles? More B-sides? Maybe an album somewhere along the way? We start today, with much more coming next week! #MadeonZencastr
2025-07-2158 min
When They Was Fab: Electric Arguments About the Beatles2025.24 Edgar Winter, Gary Wright, Rick Derringer, Wally Palmer, Richard Page and Greg BissonetteThis week Lonnie and I go back to 2010/2011 and consider the most recent world tour of Ringo and the All Starr's. From "Hang on Sloopy" to "Frankenstein" to Kyrie, and lots from Ringo's then new record! All we are saying is Give Peace a Chance with a Little Help from Your Friends.
2025-06-161h 15
When They Was Fab: Electric Arguments About the Beatles2025.21 The Gab Four - Alternate albums from the Get Back Sessions! Part TwoMore from the Gab Four. Jon, Lonnie, Martin and I continue our thoughts on Beatles 1969 - Abbey Road and ??? What else might the sessions of January 1969 become? Each of us assembled significantly different album(s) from the multitudes of songs rehearsed, jammed or half-remembered by the Beatles (and captured for us on the nagras). Tune in and see who you agree with, or who you don't! A cameo from the Queen of all Beatles Media herself (defending her title) as some of us discuss the Beatles news!
2025-05-261h 01
When They Was Fab: Electric Arguments About the Beatles2025.20 The Gab Four - Alternate albums from the Get Back Sessions! Part OneGab Four together again. Jon Stone, Lonnie Pena, Martin Quibell and myself sit down to consider alternate albums that might've come out of the January 1969 sessions. Beware, the ripples through time extend well beyond a single record. What happens to the film? Abbey Road? Do all roads lead to "For You Blue?" George Martin, Glyn Johns and others guest. More next week!
2025-05-181h 05
When They Was Fab: Electric Arguments About the Beatles2025.16 John Lennon One to One in IMAXLonnie Pena and I (separately) saw "One to One: John & Yoko" in IMAX from Magnolia Pictures during it's recent run (it is still available in selected theaters, and pay streaming in May). Our first thought? They really should have emphasized that "Year in the Life" subtitle a bit more. Other than that? Tune in and find out!
2025-04-211h 19
When They Was Fab: Electric Arguments About the Beatles2025.15 Olivia Arias, Los Angeles, the Knack, Harry and Holsteins!More from Lonnie's Scrapbook as we shoot back to the late nineteen seventies and consider the Knack (the band, not the noun or the film), George Harrison's wedding to Olivia, the 1979 fire at Ringo's residence, the aftermath of Paul McCartney / January 1981, and the farms of John and Yoko - including their Holstein cattle (Mango the cow!).
2025-04-141h 14
When They Was Fab: Electric Arguments About the Beatles2025.14 Gab Four March - Beatles Character and Story Songwriting, Pt.2More from the Gab Four! Lonnie, Jon, Martin and I wander from Revolver through the Beatles era, passing by landmarks including "Teddy Boy", "Ms. L.", "Goodnight Vienna", "Lavatory Lil", Mr. Double-It-Up", and the "Dark Sweet Lady". Stories and characters you know and love, and maybe some you should discover! Who doesn't want two girls [or young men] in the back, calling them Daddy?
2025-04-071h 14
When They Was Fab: Electric Arguments About the Beatles2025.13 Gab Four March - Beatles Character and Story Songwriting, Pt.1A Gab Four spectacular! Jon Stone, Lonnie Pena, Martin Quibell and I gathered to talk about the characters and stories in Beatles songs. They started with covers of folks like Long Tall Sally, and this episode takes us through Rubber Soul, where the band gives us Michelle, the Nowhere Man, and asks about the possibility of exchanging golden rings in favor of getting behind the wheel to "Drive My Car!"
2025-03-311h 01
When They Was Fab: Electric Arguments About the Beatles2025.11 Ringo at the Ryman on CBSLonnie and I chat about the CBS version of "Ringo and Friends at the Ryman" which aired on Monday, March 10, 2025. Jack White, Sheryl Crow, and even Larkin Poe honor the man, the music, the COUNTRY legend that is Ringo Starr.
2025-03-171h 17
When They Was Fab: Electric Arguments About the Beatles2025.05 There's Only One Paul McCartney (BBC 2002 review/overview)2022. Sir Paul McCartney was recovering from the passing of Linda, preparing for a tour backing his "Driving Rain" album, and celebrating fifty years of Queen Elizabeth II. The BBC gathered together a number of interesting and important figures (including Astrid Kirchherr, Jurgen Vollmer, Arthur Kelly and Kermit the Frog?) in advance of his appearance at the Jubilee (and a little thing at Castle Leslie in Glaslough, Ireland). Lonnie and I look back and discuss the documentary and how well it tells (at least some of) Paul's story.
2025-02-031h 19
When They Was Fab: Electric Arguments About the Beatles2025.03 Look Up Review and OverviewThe definition of a "hit record" in 2025 is fairly difficult to determine, but by the "old fashioned" metrics, Ringo certainly has one with his country album "Look Up." Lonnie Pena and I go through the album, track-by-track and talk about the songs, guests, and the directions the career of Ringo Starr might head in. We close the show discussing the (mostly positive) reviews, where even the most negative reviewers can only niggle on the songwriting of T-Bone (when they could have used ALL of THAT unknown NASHVILLE TALENT!), and how Ringo is quite possibly too genial to be successful!
2025-01-201h 05
When They Was Fab: Electric Arguments About the Beatles2024.51 Director David Tedeschi - Beatles '64Marv, Lonnie and I sit down with Director David Tedeschi to talk Beatles '64 - the documentary newly available on Disney+ presenting 17 minutes of new Maysles Brothers footage. The Documentary also features greatly cleaned up footage, complete with new audio stems and remixes from the 1964 Ed Sullivan shows, the Washington Coliseum, and newly restored interviews from "The Beatles Anthology". All this and chat covering Tedsechi's entire career that goes from "The Shield" to "Vinyl" to "No Direction Home" and plenty more!
2024-12-161h 09
When They Was Fab: Electric Arguments About the Beatles2024.50 The McCartney Legacy Volume 2, Pt.2Part Two of our discussion with Allan Kozinn and Adrian Sinclair covering the McCartey Legacy, Volume 2. All four of us (Lonnie, Jon, Ed and Marv) are still in on the conversation, as we pick up the McCartney story in New Orleans, visit John Lennon in the Dakota ("Live From New York, It's Saturday Night!") travel around the globe on a world tour, record on the high seas, record in a castle, complain about Pete Townshend (he wouldn't wear the suit), and end up in Japan...
2024-12-091h 09
When They Was Fab: Electric Arguments About the Beatles2024.49 The McCartney Legacy Volume 2, Pt.1Part One of our discussion with Allan Kozinn and Adrian Sinclair covering the McCartey Legacy, Volume 2. All four of us (Lonnie, Jon, Ed and Marv) are in on the conversation, as we proceed from the McGear album to Paul's time in Nashville, with stops along the way at Rembrandt, Printer's Alley and that room Jimmy McCulloch hung out while he was working with Paul in Scotland.
2024-12-021h 09
When They Was Fab: Electric Arguments About the Beatles2024.46 Midas Man (overview and Review)Lonnie and I review "Midas Man". We discuss the good (production and set design), the bad (dancing around the relationship the NEMS acts including the Beatles had with Brian's homosexuality), and the downright odd (the height difference between Jonah Lees' "smaller-than- John Lennon" and Jacob-Fortune Lloyd's "taller-than-Brian Epstein".
2024-11-111h 26
When They Was Fab: Electric Arguments About the Beatles2024.44 The Murky Times.A "Gab Four" show! Martin, Lonnie, Jon and I are together chatting on what Jon has named "The Murky Times". The period between the end of the "Get Back" sessions and McCartney's "Self Interview" in the "McCartney" promotional package!
2024-11-041h 29
When They Was Fab: Electric Arguments About the Beatles2024.43 John, Paul, Ringo ... and Lonnie?News, updates and discussion on the last few weeks. Ringo Starr has a new country album. A very nice stream (both video AND audio) of Paul McCartney in Buenos Aires. Answers to some of our questions regarding John and Yoko on Mike Douglas, and a bit of "Lonnie's Scrapbook", mostly a couple of pieces from the seventies (and the Houston Post) covering John and Yoko's trip to Houston in 1971 (while dealing with custody and visitation rights over Kyoko Chan Cox), 1979, and how things were finally settled in the early nineties!
2024-10-281h 03
When They Was Fab: Electric Arguments About the Beatles2024.42 Daytime Revolution Review pt.2 + Interview with Director Erik NelsonMarv, Lonnie and I finish our review of "Daytime Revolution" (and to a certain extent, more generally John and Yoko's week on Mike Douglas). Following that, we are joined by Erik Nelson, the man behind "Daytime Revolution", who gives his own thoughts on the the week of shows (filmed over five weeks), the process of editing 7+ hours of television down to less than ninety minutes, locating and filming new interviews with the guests still with us, and choosing representative elements (bumpers, etc) to keep that "1972 television" feel.
2024-10-211h 09
When They Was Fab: Electric Arguments About the Beatles2024.41 Daytime Revolution (review, pt.1)Marv and Lonnie join me for our discussion of the first few days of the Lennons on the Mike Douglas show in 1972, particularly as the days are represented in the new documentary "Daytime Revolution." John, Yoko, Jerry Rubin, Bobby Seale and Mike Douglas? How did millions of American housewives react to the counterculture entering their avocado-colored breakfast nooks? The review concludes next week, which will also feature a discussion with director of the film Erik Nelson.
2024-10-141h 14
When They Was Fab: Electric Arguments About the Beatles2024.40 One Hand Clapping (Theater) ReviewLonnie joins as we review the theatrical presentation of "One Hand Clapping", combined with the first ever appearance of the full (?) "Backyard" film. Paul, Linda, Denny, Geoff and Jimmy. Also in the studio were two other musicians, an orchestra and a dog. One of the musicians was called Howie Casey and played a saxophone. The other was called Del Newman and he conducted the orchestra. The dog was called Poppy and didn’t really do much at all. The studio at number 3 Abbey Road, London is where The Beatles recorded their first album Please Please Me in 1963 and the studio hasn’...2024-10-071h 10
When They Was Fab: Electric Arguments About the Beatles2024.39 Revival 69Lonnie and I spend this week looking at the Ron Chapman film "Revival 69." How much did we really know about the Toronto Rock and Roll Revival Festival? This fil goes into the nitty gritty of September 13, 1969 - and exactly how John Lennon ended up in Canada premiering "Cold Turkey".
2024-09-301h 17
When They Was Fab: Electric Arguments About the Beatles2024.33 Reunion a Rock 'n Roll Fairy Tale (Discussion with author Gary Burr)Marv, Lonnie and I sit with Nashville HOF songwriter, author and man who worked with a Beatle about his lifelong love of the Fabs, touring (and writing!) with Carole King, his Brian Epstein-themed song on the new Billy J. Kramer record, collaborating (and recording) with Ringo and the forthcoming Ringo country album. We also dig into his new novel ("Reunion"), which imagines a universe where John Lennon's fate changed, and all four were still present when Paul (at the urging of his daughters) decides to approach the others, as "the right four people" is one of the ways he migh...2024-08-191h 25
When They Was Fab: Electric Arguments About the Beatles2024.30 Mind Games Ultimate Box Review (Disc Two - The Elemental Mixes)Lonnie and I roll on with part two of our "Mind Games" SDE review. This week, disc two - the Elemental mixes (not to be confused with the Elements mixes). Lonnie also unveils his initial thoughts on the Mind Games (Ultimate Collection) Super Deluxe Box Set! Roll the I-Ching and see if it advises you to drop the cash!
2024-07-291h 08
When They Was Fab: Electric Arguments About the Beatles2024.29 Mind Games Ultimate Box Review (Disc One - The Ultimate Mixes)Lonnie Pena, Jon Stone and I sit down to discuss the first disc of the "Mind Games: Ultimate Collection" Deluxe Box set. When asked about the release, Sean Lennon says: "People were having trouble adjusting to the 'new' John Lennon. So, I think Mind Games fell through the cracks for a number of reasons. The fact that the mixes were a bit thin didn’t help either." Does that apply to Jon, Lonnie (who picked up the disc at release) and me (who didn't get turned on to it until the early eighties and the half-price bin)? Tune in and find out!2024-07-221h 09
When They Was Fab: Electric Arguments About the Beatles2024.27 The Lonnie Pena ScrapbookThe Last Houston storm resulted in Lonnie Pena uncovering his Seventies Beatles scrapbook. Festival Seating in the Houston Summit! Ringo, "I Dream of" Jeannie, Jim Backus and one of the hippest looking sexagenarians captured in a photograph. Also, more "Got Back 2024" dates, preparations for the "Mind Games" box, and the wonder of AI "Get Back Sessions".
2024-07-081h 11
When They Was Fab: Electric Arguments About the Beatles2024.25 One Hand Clapping (Disc One Review - Overview)Lonnie and I review the first disc of the "One Hand Clapping' set (available on Vinyl, Vinyl + single, CD and streaming), the new mix of the 1974 Paul McCartney and Wings Favorite. Just how good a drummer was Geoff Britton?
2024-06-241h 05
When They Was Fab: Electric Arguments About the Beatles2024.24 You Are Here (Lennon Video) and more.Lonnie and I discuss the new Mind Games-related "You Are Here" video with new footage of John and Yoko from the Robert Fraser Gallery, talking about the WWF (not the wrestling one), balloons, charity boxes and tiny badges. We also discuss Ringo's summer 2024 tour (and Lonnie's visit to Hidalgo, TX), the McCartney 2024 tour, the Blue plaque at 12 Arnold Grove and several other items from the news bucket.
2024-06-171h 06
When They Was Fab: Electric Arguments About the Beatles2024.20 Let It Be (Disney+, 2024)As with practically every other Beatles podcast in the multiverse, the topic of the week is the 2024 release of "Let It Be" on Disney+. Lonnie Pena and I sit down, discuss the VHS, Laserdisc, new streaming version and more.
2024-05-201h 22
When They Was Fab: Electric Arguments About the Beatles2024.19 Mind Games EP, McCartney Life in Lyrics 9-10Marv, Lonnie and I talk the new Record Store Day Mind Games EP and two more episodes from the "Life In Lyrics" podcast. A nice preview of the box set coming later this summer, and we return to Paul McCartney's Life in Lyrics podcast for episodes covering "Here There and Everywhere" and "Give Ireland Back to the Irish."
2024-05-131h 07
When They Was Fab: Electric Arguments About the Beatles2024.16 Wings in Kampuchea - December 29, 1979Lonnie Pena and I discuss Wings at the Hammersmith Odeon - the Concert(s) for the People of Kampuchea. Through circumstance, December 29, 1979 would end up being the final Wings concert ever. Got to Get You Into My Life, Coming Up, Maybe I'm Amazed, Mull of Kintyre and Let It Be. One-Two-Three-Four!
2024-04-221h 07
When They Was Fab: Electric Arguments About the Beatles2024.10 Blue Suede Shoes: A Rockabilly SessionWelll...It's one for the money, two for the show, three to get ready now go cat go! George "Don't Call It a Comeback" Harrison joined his buddy Carl Perkins and his other buddies Ringo Starr and Eric Clapton to pay tribute to their friend and mentor Carl Perkins in a Cinemax special filmed in 1985 and aired in the UK (and later in the US) in 1986. Lonnie Pena co-hosts.
2024-03-111h 08
When They Was Fab: Electric Arguments About the Beatles2024.09 Life in Lyrics Season 2 - episodes 3_4 and_5A grand old painter died last night. I must've done something wrong. More life, more lyrics from McCartney and Muldoon. Lonnie Pena and I run through three more episodes of the "Life in Lyrics" podcast, talking about their talking, but also presenting some general chat about "Maxwell's Silver Hammer", "Yesterday" and "Picasso's Last Words."
2024-03-041h 14
When They Was Fab: Electric Arguments About the Beatles2024.06 Beatles and the BBC (review/overview)Lonnie Pena and I consider the recent production "The Beatles and the BBC". An interesting collection of BBC clips ranging the Beatles years and beyond with some effort putting the "Threetles" in the historic context of the band they once were.
2024-02-051h 07
When They Was Fab: Electric Arguments About the Beatles2024.04 John Lennon - Life in Ten Pictures (review)Lonnie Pena and I sit down to consider the John Lennon episode of "A Life in Ten Pictures". One hour is barely enough time to give an overview of a "regular person's" life, much less a complex superstar. How well did the BBC accomplish that task, and are the photos chosen really representative of a chameleon-figure like John Lennon?
2024-01-221h 05
When They Was Fab: Electric Arguments About the Beatles2023.49 Red Album 2023 CD1 Overview and ReviewNow we are channeling the SuperDeluxeEdition energy! Nineteen new mixes on the first CD of 1962-1966. Hear Ringo playing the bongos on "A Hard Day's Night". Claves, handclaps, and drums as far as you can hear. Martin Quibell (and a bit of Lonnie Pena) join as we talk the wonders of MAL and the ears of Giles Martin.
2023-12-041h 13
When They Was Fab: Electric Arguments About the Beatles2023.45 Now and ThenI know it's true. There's a new Beatles song and video and short documentary out in the wild. Lonnie and I are joined by Kit O'Toole (Queen of all Beatles Media!), Tom Hunyady (one of the two legs) and Erika White (BC the Beatles), as we go through the single (does clear count as a color?), the song, the documentary, the video and the T-shirt.
2023-11-041h 24
When They Was Fab: Electric Arguments About the Beatles2023.44 A Life in Lyrics podcast (review, overview, summary)Lonnie Pena and I go through the first four episodes of the Paul McCartney and Paul Muldoon podcast "A Life in Lyrics". Paul goes through Eleanor Rigby, Back in the USSR, Let It Be, When Winter Comes and Mull of Kintyre. Old stories, new stories and you might even learn something!
2023-10-301h 14
When They Was Fab: Electric Arguments About the Beatles2023.40 The Space Within Us Commentary Track, Pt.2Lonnie and I return to talk more about 2005, as we finish up our "Space Within US" commentary track. More about the crowd and families, a little bit of Steve Jobs (before the iPhone took him to the "topermost" of the CEO's), and our thoughts on songs Paul should and shouldn't bring back into the live show.
2023-10-021h 11
When They Was Fab: Electric Arguments About the Beatles2023.39 The Space Within Us Commentary Track, Pt.1Lonnie and I celebrate the (separate) returns of the twotles to the concert stage by looking back to 2005/6, and the US (pronounced "us", not "U.S.") tour from 2005, as represented by the 2006 concert film. Paul, Wix, Abe, Brian, Rusty, those "No More Landmine" T-shirts and a whole boatload of celebrities in cameo and longer appearances.
2023-09-251h 10
When They Was Fab: Electric Arguments About the Beatles2023.36 Stowe School Show - part 1The "Gab Four" come together (and join the party). Lonnie Pena, Jon Stone and Marv Quibell join me for the first of a two-parter where we go in depth on Ringo's new release ("Rewind Forward"), his appearance in the Nils Lofgren video, and the dual autumn/winter tours. (The All-Starr's and Sir Macca). This leads into the beginning of our usual in-depth look at the Stowe school tape, which managed to grow legs and crawl out of the British Library in the recent past!
2023-09-041h 00
When They Was Fab: Electric Arguments About the Beatles2023.35 Kent Blazy - From the Beatles to the BluebirdThis week, Lonnie Pena and I are joined by Nashville Hall of Fame songwriter Kent Blazy. We discuss his recent trip to Liverpool, and how visiting the Beatles sites inspired him to write and record his new collection: "From the Beatles To the Bluebird." We also touch on his thoughts on fame (one of his frequent collaborators is country superstar Garth Brooks), the uniqueness of the 12-string, and how he frequently tries to channel Lennon/McCartney when he starts a new project.
2023-08-281h 11
When They Was Fab: Electric Arguments About the Beatles2023.26 Fathers and SonsLonnie 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!
2023-06-261h 06
When They Was Fab: Electric Arguments About the Beatles2023.25 One-Two-Three-FourOne, 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!
2023-06-191h 08
When They Was Fab: Electric Arguments About the Beatles2023.17 The Lost Weekend - A Love Story (Review)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?
2023-04-241h 17
When They Was Fab: Electric Arguments About the Beatles2023.10 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 hopefu...2023-03-061h 12
When They Was Fab: Electric Arguments About the Beatles2022.r45 Revolver SDE Pt. 2 (Kit O’Toole, Lonnie Pena)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).
2022-11-071h 15
When They Was Fab: Electric Arguments About the Beatles2022.r44 Revolver SDE Pt. 1 (Kit O’Toole, Lonnie Pena)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.
2022-10-2954 min
When They Was Fab: Electric Arguments About the Beatles2022.43 Ringo Starr on ”Saturday Night Live”, December 8, 1984.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.
2022-10-241h 08
When They Was Fab: Electric Arguments About the Beatles2022.r26 A Day in Their Life -- Kit O’Toole, Lonnie Pena, Eric HowellThe King Mixer joins the Queen of all Beatles media and Lonnie Pena himself as we discuss his podcast/audio drama "A Day in Their Life." A brand new (yet also classic) way of sitting down and considering the history of the Fab Four.
2022-06-271h 12
When They Was Fab: Electric Arguments About the Beatles2022.r25 Paul McCartney’s Got Back Tour 2022 - Lonnie Pena, Kit O’TooleLonnie Pena and Kit O'Toole join us as we wrap-up coverage on Paul McCartney's "Got Back" tour. Not quite a birthday episode (although the momentous 80th is mentioned), but certainly one which celebrating the man, his life, and maybe a little bit of Chris Holmes and Ticketmaster too!
2022-06-201h 07
When They Was Fab: Electric Arguments About the Beatles2021.r36 Peter Jackson‘s: The Beatles - Get Back. Days 12-14, January 21-23, 1969 - Lonnie and Susan Cooke PenaLonnie Pena (and the one-time Mrs. Lonnie) return this week as we continue our look at Get Back. George has returned to the band and the sessions are ready to begin in earnest at Apple Studios. Billy Preston wanders down to the basement (after an invitation?), and is swept up into the world of the Fab Four.
2021-12-271h 12
When They Was Fab: Electric Arguments About the Beatles2021.b02 Peter Jackson‘s: The Beatles - Get Back. First impressions. pt.1Happy Thanksgiving everybody. Jon spent the holiday with family, so we will wait for the forthcoming "Deep Dive" to hear his thoughts. In the meantime, I was joined by Nick Anthony of the "Winter of Discontent" podcast (Nagras, nagras and more nagras!) for our first impressions of the nearly eight hours that is "The Beatles: Get Back". Part two will be arriving as soon as I can make it happen.
2021-11-2750 min
When They Was Fab: Electric Arguments About the Beatles2021.r32 Let It Be and spring 1969Jon and I talk a bit about the original Michael Lindsay-Hogg "Let It Be" and the comings and goings of the Beatles in the studio as Ringo began work on "The Magic Christian". George Martin, Glyn Johns production and overdubs were the order of the day, making one wonder if they were continuing on from January, moving on to the next project or still figuring it all out.
2021-11-2257 min
When They Was Fab: Electric Arguments About the Beatles2021.r31 Let It Be SDE - Disc 3 (Rehearsals and Apple Jams)Week 4 of the WTWF review of the Let It Be Superdeluxeedition. This week, Disc 3: Rehearsals and Apple Jams. Quite different from George Harrison's "Apple Jams". Eric Clapton is only whispered about here, John's safety net if George doesn't return. Have a sit, pull up a bowl of cauliflower with cheese sauce, and let us know what you think of what we thing. All through the day....
2021-11-151h 01
When They Was Fab: Electric Arguments About the Beatles2021.r30 Let It Be SDE - Disc 2 (Apple Sessions)Week 3 of the WTWF look at the "Let It Be" SDE box. This week, Apple Sessions. Chat and sessions from January 1969. The Beatles are working on their next project with the start date on filming for "The Magic Christian" looming. Jams, recording sessions on EMI's portable in the basement and more!
2021-11-0859 min
When They Was Fab: Electric Arguments About the Beatles2021.r29 Let It Be SDE - Disc 4 (Glyn Johns Mix)Continuing our look at the "Let It Be" box set. This week, a bit of recap on the history of the "Get Back" LP. Glyn Johns mixes, radio airplay, bootlegs and other artifacts from 1969. We then follow this up with a look at Disc 4. We ponder the mystery of the "Japanese mixes", and discuss how an unreleased, unmastered tape went on to become something nearly as well-known as Phil Spector's "overproduction".
2021-11-0157 min
When They Was Fab: Electric Arguments About the Beatles2021.r28 Let It Be SDE - Discs 1 and 5 (The EP)The "Giles Martin" Let It Be is finally here! This week Jon and I start our dive into the project with the remix of the main record (*waving fist at Phil Spector*) and the EP. More to come as we do our usual thorough job on the fun and excitement to be found within the bits of cardboard.
2021-10-2558 minWhen They Was Fab: Electric Arguments About the Beatles2021.c08 The Beatles, Vaudeville and George Formby (2019) -- Martin QuibellA repost of our first visit with Martin Quibell from 2019. More ukuleles and banjoleles than you can shake a stick at! Remember, The ukulele is a type of lute class that is quickly becoming the primary choice of instrument for musicians everywhere.
2021-10-2442 min
When They Was Fab: Electric Arguments About the Beatles2021.r27 Get Back Trailer analysis and breakdown.Kit O'Toole - the Queen of All Beatles Media (Talk More Talk), and Martin Quibell (Pods Like Us) join the show this week as we go deeper in-depth on the trailer to the forthcoming Peter Jackson's "The Beatles: Get Back" than some might have thought possible. Roll on November!
2021-10-171h 00
When They Was Fab: Electric Arguments About the Beatles2021.r26 Around a Hard Day‘s NightA peek behind the scenes of A Hard Day's Night. Richard Lester, Walter Shenson, Wilfrid Brambell, Alun Owen and many others came together at the behest of United Artists to shape a movie around the Beatles. Owen and George Martin would even be nominated for an Academy Award in their respective areas. A long way away from "Gutter Girls!"
2021-10-111h 01
When They Was Fab: Electric Arguments About the Beatles2021.r25 Change the World and ”Ringo‘s Rock and Roll”Ringo released the "Change the World" EP on September 24. This week, we dive into the songs, songwriters, and how these pieces fall together into the whole that is expected to hear next year. We continue to "Rock Around the Clock" with a playlist of some of Ringo's pre-Beatlemania favorites that he has chosen to cover over the years.
2021-10-0457 min
When They Was Fab: Electric Arguments About the Beatles2021.r24 Apple Singles Pt.2 - The Iveys/Badfinger, James Taylor, Doris Troy,John and Paul and George and RingoPart two of our look at the singles of records. Hits, misses and sounds that definitely fall in-between. Would you believe Apple released a single on 78? Even Allen Klein could not stop the multiple artists that Apple presented to the world during those years. Say hello to Chris Hodge, everybody!
2021-09-2758 min
When They Was Fab: Electric Arguments About the Beatles2021.r23 Thingumybob -- Rutgers University Brass BandWeek one of the "When They Was Fab" look at the singles on Apple Records. This week: Mary Hopkin, Jackie Lomax, Billy Preston, The Black Dyke Mills band and JOHNPAULGEORGE&RINGO - the foursome that started it all. We discuss Richard DiLello delivering copies of this box set to Buckingham Palace, and the unique writing style of Derek Taylor.
2021-09-2058 min
When They Was Fab: Electric Arguments About the Beatles2021.r22 All Things Must Pass part 5 (Sessions and Jams)The fifth (and final) week of our look at the fiftieth anniversary box set of "All Things Must Pass". Sessions and jams. Who is walking down lovers lane while "Those Wedding Bells" play? Why could 2021 possibly be called "The Year of Get Back"? All this and more on this edition of "When They Was Fab".
2021-09-1356 min
When They Was Fab: Electric Arguments About the Beatles2021.r21 All Things Must Pass part 4 (Day 1 Demos) — Katie Skene Andrea Whitt, I Live For YouWeek four of our look at ATMP. This week, the day one demos. Also a bit about the official announcement of the "Let It Be" box set, the songs Apple made available to the public, and Charlie Watts. Hang on, only one more week before this (box set) too shall pass and we get some other topics before the year end rush of even more new product! Om Hare Om!
2021-09-0652 min
When They Was Fab: Electric Arguments About the Beatles2021.r20 All Things Must Pass part 3 (LP2 and Apple Jam Side 2) — Apple Scruffs, The Wall Pennies.We continue our graze through the "All Things Must Pass" box, and this time the wheel stops on LP2 and side 6 (aka "Apple Jam side 2"). We ponder the nature of life, the universe, "Jam Piece", fidelity (as used in both audio and marital terms) and the passing of one of the few remaining fifties rock legends.
2021-08-3058 min
When They Was Fab: Electric Arguments About the Beatles2021.r19 All Things Must Pass part 2 (LP1 and Apple Jam Side 1) -- Pavo Pavo and Friends, Wah WahWeek two of our look at "All Things Must Pass". This week, the first LP and side one of the "Apple Jams" box. George, Eric, Bobby Whitlock and Friends galore. What was George doing in 1970, and how did it end up as a three record set?
2021-08-2356 minWhen They Was Fab: Electric Arguments About the Beatles2021.r19 ATMP part 2 (LP1 and Apple Jam Side 1) -- Pavo Pavo + Friends, Wah Wah.We continue our look at the "All Things Must Pass" 50th Anniversary Edition. This week, the first LP of the album proper and the first side of the Apple Jams. Cpngratulations! It's Johnny's Birthday. 2021-08-2356 min
When They Was Fab: Electric Arguments About the Beatles2021.r18 All Things Must Pass part 1 (disc 4)On August 6, 2021 UMe and George Harrison presented the fiftieth anniversay remix of "All Things Must Pass" in multiple versions. This week, we look at disc four (better known as "Day 2" or "Beware of ABKCO") from the streaming, 5CD, 8LP and Uber editions of this set. Nearly an hour of George Harrison, occsionally a bass player and Phil Spector listening in the booth.
2021-08-1655 min
When They Was Fab: Electric Arguments About the Beatles2021.r17 McCartney 3 2 1 parts 5 and 6Jon and I finish our review of the first series of McCartney 3 2 1. You know the routine. Paul, Rick Rubin, isolated tracks, stories both new and old - while we talk about their discussions, what they missed out on and where exactly the "Paperback Writer" bit from the trailer went!
2021-08-091h 03
When They Was Fab: Electric Arguments About the Beatles2021.r16b You Know My Name (UCLA) + McCartney 3 2 1 part 4Kit O'Toole tunes up for the B-side, as we present our review of episode 4 of McCartney 3 2 1
2021-08-0245 min
When They Was Fab: Electric Arguments About the Beatles2021.r16a Find My Way video and McCartney 3 2 1 pt.3 (Kit O'Toole)Kit O'Toole guests this week as we look at the "Find My Way" video from Paul and Beck, and review pt.3 of "McCartney 3 2 1". Don't stop here though, as Kit also joined us for our review of pt.4, which can be found in the "B-side" of this show.
2021-08-0253 minWhen They Was Fab: Electric Arguments About the Beatles2021.c07 Let It Down (2020) -- Andrew Harrison, Sam Whiles.Part two of Sam Whiles' "classic" visit to When They Was Fab. Further discussion of the Beatles in 1970, and how the lives of John, Paul, George and Ringo continued to intertwine through their early solo efforts.
2021-07-3043 min
When They Was Fab: Electric Arguments About the Beatles2021.r15 McCartney 321 parts 1 and 2."These Things Bring You Together" and "The Notes That like each Other". This week we look at the first two episodes of Paul McCartney x Rick Rubin, also known as "McCartney 321". We go through the tracks and the stories. Is it possible top find new revelations, even among old stories from "The act we've known for all these years?"
2021-07-261h 03When They Was Fab: Electric Arguments About the Beatles2021.c06 It Don't Come Eary (2020) — Afterfab, Sam Whiles"Classic" When They Was Fab. Sam Whiles joined us in 2020 to discuss the Beatles in 1970, and how the lives of John, Paul, George and Ringo continued to intertwine through their early solo efforts. Pt.2 will be posted shortly!
2021-07-2543 min
When They Was Fab: Electric Arguments About the Beatles2021.r14 Beatles and Monkees.The Monkees both were are were not "a weekly dose of A Hard Day's Night." This week, we look at the relationship between the two acts. How did Bob Rafelson come to the concept of "four zany musicians having wild adventures." What did the "Four Kings of EMI" think of their counterparts, and how often did their paths cross?
2021-07-191h 01
When They Was Fab: Electric Arguments About the Beatles2021.r13 It's Only Love (2021) --Alejandro J. SarmientoThis week: The Beatles take drugs! No, nothing surprising about that revelation, so we spend the rest of the hour talking about how the substances changed their mindset (and subsequently songwriting, recording and production). We also examine the different ways substances altered Lennon, McCartney and Harrison - and how each spoke of their drug use without being overtly encouraging (usually).
2021-07-1258 min
When They Was Fab: Electric Arguments About the Beatles2021.b01 Ringo's Birthday Bash 2021.Have fun, cue this episode up and hit start 5 minutes to noon local time (7/7/21). Peace and Love everybody, and the happiest of Birthdays to Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Sir Richard Starkey. Peace and Love everybody!
2021-07-0712 min
When They Was Fab: Electric Arguments About the Beatles2021.r12 Ringo and Alternate All Starrs -- Mindi AbairJon and I consider an alternate set of All Starrs. In the thirty plus years of the band, Ringo has only had one female member. Should Ringo choose to go a different route, what would it look like? Which musicians might fit well in the band - providing and performing "songs you know and love".
2021-07-0555 min
When They Was Fab: Electric Arguments About the Beatles2021.r11 Falling In Love Again -- Hamburg BeatThorsten Knublauch's new book ("The Beatles Mach Schau in Hamburg") and a deep dive into Lord Reith's "Executive Version") of Live at the Star Club inspired this week's topic - a look at the Beatles trips to Hamburg, We trip through the highlights of 1960, 1961 and 1962 and each of the trips John Paul George (and variously Pete, Stu and Ringo) would make along with figures including Bruno Koschmider, Peter Eckhorn and Horst Fascher.
2021-06-2856 min
When They Was Fab: Electric Arguments About the Beatles2021.r10 Apple of My Eye (2021) -- The HullabaloosJon and I spend this week talking about Apple Corps Limited. Publishing, Records, Retail, Manufacturing, Schools, Electronics and maybe even an island off the coast of Greece. They even managed a Recording Studio at 3 Savile Row. Even though the results were questionably successful, many of pieces would be resurrected in the form of Dark Horse Records, Handmade Films, LIPA and even to a certain extent MPL.
2021-06-2155 min
When They Was Fab: Electric Arguments About the Beatles2021.r9 Love (Piano) - Balladial.Jon and I move through the highlights of the remaining discs. Out-Takes, Elements and raw studio mixes for each. We talk through some of our favorite tracks, discuss the more (or less) significant items, and consider what we might have done different. We then close with thoughts on what's coming next - quite possibly Sometime in NYC, and a mention of Dhani and All Things Must Pass.
2021-06-1452 minWhen They Was Fab: Electric Arguments About the Beatles2021.c05 Nowhere to Go (2020) -- Beware of ABKCO review.The George Harrison Estate has announced the fiftieth anniversary edition of "All Things Must Pass", which includes the contents of the beloved "Beware of ABKCO" unofficial release. This classic episode from 2020 features Lonnie Pena and myself reviewing that very disc. Squint, and it might even sound like something from the future (if you ignore the McCartney III and Taylor Swift chat!)
2021-06-1347 minWhen They Was Fab: Electric Arguments About the Beatles2021.c04 Darin Murphy (2018) - Ringo's Drumming StyleA classic WTWF that has always been among the favorites of Lonnie Pena and myself. Darin Murphy sat down behind a drum kit and demonstrated some of Ringo Starr's drum stylings and how Ringo's playing evolved through the years.
2021-06-1358 min
Fans On The Run: A Podcast Made By, For And About Beatles FansFans On The Run - Lonnie Peña (Ep. 65)It’s time for another fab episode of Fans On The Run! This episode is a bit of a reunion of sorts, with special guest Lonnie Peña! We talk Beatles promotional items, the lost joys of Beatle flea-market hunting, working on new music, working in his dad’s car shop to buy 45s, paying tons for bootlegs before somebody else can buy ‘em, Lonnie’s poster collection, an interpretation of my theme song, buying (some) butcher cover(s), and much more!
This episode is available to stream wherever good podcasts can be heard!
2021-06-121h 06
When They Was Fab: Electric Arguments About the Beatles2021.r8 Working Class Hero (Darin Murphy)Part two of our visit with friend of the show Darin Murphy covering the Demos and Evolution documentaries from the John Lennon / Plastic Ono Band Ultimate Collection. More of the three of us wandering around Beatles topics, while managing to talk about the business of demoing new songs for friends and family, and then turning those demos into the finished recordings we are all familiar with? How well is that process represented in this box?
2021-06-0759 minWhen They Was Fab: Electric Arguments About the Beatles2021.c03 Darin Murphy (2018)The second part of Darin Murphy's first visit with WTWF from 2018. New episode coming on schedule!
2021-06-0538 min
When They Was Fab: Electric Arguments About the Beatles2021.r7 Cold Turkey (Darin Murphy) - Neal FrancisDarin Murphy returns for this week and next. This week we catch up, wander through the discs and start considering the set from the perspective of a singer, songwriter and performer. What surprised us in the demos, and do we think the evolution documentaries are a true representation of John, Yoko and friends in the studio working toward the finished singles (and "Mother")
2021-05-3154 minWhen They Was Fab: Electric Arguments About the Beatles2021.r06 Darin Murphy (2018)WTWF classic. The first appearance of friend of the show Darin Murphy (2005's Lennon: The Musical, Cotton Mather, Trish and Darin). Originally released 2018.
2021-05-2945 min
When They Was Fab: Electric Arguments About the Beatles2021.r5 Long Lost John -- The BlackjacksWe move on to disk 7 - the Jams. John, Klaus, Ringo and Yoko have fun in the studio during the recording of John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band. John leads the band through his favorites - predominantly, but not entirely classic rock and roll.
2021-05-2453 min
When They Was Fab: Electric Arguments About the Beatles2021.r4 Remember -- Plastic Ono Band deluxe week 2Week 2 of the WTWF look at the Plastic Ono Band deluxe box set. We pick up from "Mother" (last week being Mother's Day in the US), and carry through the rest of the record. The cover is courtesy of Miles Zuniga, originally performed for KUTX radio in Austin, TX.
2021-05-1748 min
When They Was Fab: Electric Arguments About the Beatles2021.r3 Mother (review JL/POB deluxe week one)Happy (US) Mother's Day everybody. We slide into our review of the JL/POB slowly, like easing into a warm bath. Some chat about the events of 1969-1970 that resulted in the John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band singles (as featured at the end of the discs), and the first song of the disc proper - dedicated to Mothers everywhere.
2021-05-1054 min
When They Was Fab: Electric Arguments About the Beatles2021.r2 Another Day -- Jon Stone, Steve Wilson, Randy MillerEveryone of us has all we need! Please welcome Mr. Jon Stone to the pocast as the good ship WTWF relaunches for real this time!
2021-05-0351 min
When They Was Fab: Electric Arguments About the Beatles2021.r01 Danny Kristensen -- WTWF classic 01WTWF classic 01. Danny Kristensen of Beatles (and 60's) tribute band "The Fab 5". (https://thefab5.net/). Originally released 2021.
2021-05-0151 min
When They Was Fab: Electric Arguments About the Beatles2021.r00 Get Back!Welcome to a (somewhat delayed) relaunch of "When They Was Fab". We are back! Anything happen in our absence?
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2021-04-1928 min
Pods Like Us031c Pods Like Us Bitesize - Lonnie Pena Part 3The third part of Marv's chat with podcaster, musician, and television producer Lonnie Pena, followed by Marv aptly suggesting five Beatles related podcasts (for the first of probably many times).
Marv's Linktree
When They Was Fab on Podbean
Marv on When They Was Fab
Pods Like Us meets When They Was Fab
Paul Or Nothing Podcast
Fans On The Run Podcast
Beatles Books Podcast
Producing The Beatles Podcast
Winter Of Discontent Podcast
2021-03-1421 minPods Like Us031b Pods Like Us Bitesize - Lonnie Pena Part 2The second part of Marv's chat with podcaster, musician, and television producer Lonnie Pena, followed by Marv suggesting five "celebrity" hosted podcasts.
Marv's Linktree
When They Was Fab on Podbean
Marv on When They Was Fab
Pods Like Us meets When They Was Fab
Brian Blessed's Bedtime Stories
Digging Deep wit Robert Plant
Here's The Thing with Alec Baldwin
Something Rhymes With Purple
The Corona Diaries
2021-03-1128 minPods Like Us031a Pods Like Us Bitesize - Lonnie Pena Part 1Marv presents the first in a new occasional subseries of Pods Like Us, where the show is more compact. In this episode Marv chats with one of the co-hosts of When They Was Fab, Lonnie Pena, about his love of both listening to and performing music, as well as his role in the show When They Was Fab.
Following what is the first part of the conversation with Lonnie, Marv then describes five podcasts that talk about film.
Marv's Linktree
When They Was Fab on Podbean
Marv on When Th...2021-03-0932 min
At The LineSpurs Decade in Review + Motherf'ing Lonnie Walker - At The LineThe Spurs had a pretty damn good decade during the 2010s, and the guys talk about their favorite moment from the past decade. They also discuss the Spurs' latest games as well as the Lonnie Walker Show versus the Marco Show.---At The Line is brought to you by Spurs Zone on News 4 San Antonio & Fox 29 - Follow the Spurs Zone on Twitter at @JeffGSpursZone----You can check out more At The Line at AtTheLinePodcast.com. Also, find us on Twitter @AtTheLinePod.You can find Ty and...2019-12-291h 26