The infamous "Butcher" cover inspired near-universal shock and disgust when it appeared as the original cover of The Beatles' Yesterday...and Today album. It was recalled after a single day, and albums with a butcher cover hidden underneath the replacement photo became one of the most highly-sought-after Beatles collectibles. But how much do you really know about the butcher cover? We go through all the twists and turns of this fascinating story, including: The incredible way the photographer, B...
Jan 24, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 66
This week, we're exploring the Beatles' fashion sense and influence with Deirdre Kelly, author of the new book Fashioning the Beatles: The Looks that Shook the World. Deirdre is a Canadian journalist, author and arts critic. Other books include the best-selling Paris Times Eight and Ballerina: Sex, Scandal and Suffering Behind the Symbol of Perfection. Deirdre previously served as dance critic, pop music reviewer, and fashion reporter at The Globe and Mail, Toronto’s flagship newspaper. In 2017,...
Jan 17, 2024•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 65
The Beatles’ Anthology yielded more than an audio trip through the group’s history, it also produced the first “new” Beatles song since the band’s breakup in 1970. Utilizing a demo recorded by John Lennon in the 1970s, “Free As a Bird” became a sensation, with many fans likening its premiere to the Beatles on The Ed Sullivan Show. This is the story of how that track came to be, its reception, and the history behind its iconic music video. --------------------- +Follow us on Facebook , Instagram ...
Jan 10, 2024•59 min•Ep. 64
For our last holiday hiatus episode, we’re going back to our archives again, to look at a New Year's day that may have been one of the most pivotal moments in the Beatles’ career. After just one month of being their manager, Brian Epstein arranged something that was unthinkable even weeks before — an audition with Decca, one of the UK’s top record labels. So on a freezing New Year's Day in 1962, the Beatles made a treacherous trip down to London, playing an eclectic mix of rock, standards, and L...
Jan 03, 2024•37 min•Ep. 63
For the last episode of 2023, we're re-living the most exciting thing to happen in the Beatles world this year: the release of "the last Beatles song," 'Now and Then.' When 'Now and Then' was released in November, Allison joined a roundtable discussion with friends from two other Beatles podcasts: Tommy, Becker, and RB from Blotto Beatles; and Jonathan from Ranking the Beatles . They talked about everything — the arrangement, the song’s history, Peter Jackson’s video, the Red and Blue releases, ...
Dec 27, 2023•1 hr 28 min•Ep. 62
We’re taking a break for the holiday season, so we pulled a fun and timely discussion from our back catalog. In this episode from December, 2018, we look at the two most famous—and most polarizing—holiday songs from the solo Beatles: Paul's "Wonderful Christmastime" and John's "Happy Xmas (War is Over)." Are these two songs as far apart from each other as they seem? Other songs/versions we reference in the episode: “Wonderful Christmastime” — Shins cover (2012) “Wonderful Christmastime” — Monkee...
Dec 20, 2023•38 min•Ep. 61
Mal Evans is best known as the Beatles’ roadie, but he was much more: a trusted confidant, driver, Mr. Fix-It, drug procurer, and, most importantly, husband and father. Today, we’re joined by Mal’s son, Gary, and the author of the new biography Living the Beatles’ Legend: The Untold Mal Evans Story, Kenneth Womack, to discuss Mal’s life, legacy, hidden talents, and why the Beatles wouldn’t have been the same without him. CW: gun violence; death by suicide --------------------- +Follow us on Face...
Dec 13, 2023•59 min•Ep. 60
Did you know that George and Giles Martin have their own action figures? When Giles Martin saw the action figure that designer David McGurk created of his father, George Martin, he liked it so much that he arranged for it to sell in the Abbey Road store. That limited run of 100 action figures sold out within hours. David McGurk makes a variety of retro pop culture action figures through his company, Lightening Boltz Action figures. And George and Giles Martin aren’t the only Beatles-related figu...
Dec 06, 2023•35 min•Ep. 59
We’re so excited to welcome poet and editor Paul Muldoon to the podcast, to talk about his work on Paul McCartney’s book, The Lyrics: 1956 to the Present, and the companion podcast, Paul McCartney: A Life in Lyrics. Paul Muldoon has been described as “the most significant English-language poet born since the second world war.” He is a recipient of the Pulitzer prize for poetry, holds ten honorary doctorates, and is currently the sitting Ireland Professor of Poetry. Additionally, he served as poe...
Nov 29, 2023•33 min•Ep. 58
We continue our track-by-track deep dive of the Beatles’ “Red” (1962–1966) and “Blue” (1967–1970) albums. In part two, we look at the second half of the Red album and the new tracks on Blue. Fifty years after their original release, Giles Martin has remixed these albums using the groundbreaking “MAL” audio technology, developed by Peter Jackson’s team for the 2021 Get Back film. These sets expand on the original track list, for a total of 75 songs which include some of their earliest cover track...
Nov 22, 2023•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 57
The newly-mixed Beatles’ “Red” (1962–66) and “Blue” (1967–70) albums are here! We start our two-part deep dive with the first half of the “Red” album. Fifty years after their original release, Giles Martin has remixed these albums using the groundbreaking “MAL” audio technology, developed by Peter Jackson’s team for the 2021 Get Back film. These sets expand on the original track list, giving us a whopping 75 songs. New additions include some of their earliest cover tracks, and add a number of Ge...
Nov 15, 2023•55 min•Ep. 56
Beatles producer Giles Martin is back! Giles joins us to talk “Now and Then,” the new Red and Blue re-releases, and… his personalized action figure? About Giles: Giles Martin is the mastermind behind the recent remixes of Sgt Pepper, the White Album, Abbey Road, Let it Be/Get Back, and Revolver, and the son of legendary producer George Martin. Most recently, he co-produced the last Beatles song “Now and Then” with Paul McCartney, and remixed the "Red" (1962–66) and "Blue" (1967–70) compilation a...
Nov 10, 2023•18 min•Ep. 55
We’re back with our first impressions of the new “last Beatles song,” "Now and Then." ‘Now and Then’ began as one of three demo recordings John Lennon made in the ‘70s, which Yoko gifted to the three surviving Beatles during the 1994 Anthology sessions. Work began on the track, with the goal of creating the first new Beatles song in decades, but it was abandoned due to the demo’s poor sound quality. Thanks to the magic of Peter Jackson’s groundbreaking Machine Audio Learning (“MAL”) technology, ...
Nov 02, 2023•35 min•Ep. 54
The happy day is finally here: the new Giles Martin remix of 'Revolver' is out, and we're breaking it all down. We go track-by-track, analyzing the new mixes, the Super Deluxe extras, and some of our favorite outtakes. Listen along with us as we dive into this fabulous new addition to the Beatles' remix catalogue. Check out the '00s-era "Help" and "Ticket to Ride" flash games here: https://www.hawkenking.com/helpgame/ and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sZKrLjH62Pg --------------------- +Follow ...
Oct 28, 2022•1 hr 26 min•Ep. 53
We continue our look at some of the pivotal touring moments in The Beatles' early career. This time, we're looking at their February 1963 tour backing teenage singing sensation Helen Shapiro, which intersected with the beginnings of Beatlemania as we know it. Plus, latest happenings in The Beatles' world (there are many) and our current obsessions, which include Ringo's feet and Paul's headstand. -------------------- +Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for photos, videos, and more fro...
Oct 10, 2022•55 min•Ep. 52
In remembrance of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, we’re taking a look back on the times when the Beatles—collectively and individually—met the Royal Family, including their Royal Command Performance in 1963, MBE ceremony in 1965, Paul and Ringo’s knighthoods, and beyond. Plus, we’ll recap our ‘Revolver’ listening parties (with Giles Martin!), talk about Ringo’s new EP, and much more. -------------------- +Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for photos, videos, and more from this episod...
Sep 19, 2022•1 hr 23 min•Ep. 51
After the HUGE announcement about the forthcoming ‘Revolver’ releases and Super Deluxe box sets, we had to discuss what we’ve got to look forward to: brand new Giles Martin remixes, outtakes, demos, rarities, and so much more! -------------------- Stream “Taxman” (New stereo mix & Dolby Atmos mix): https://TheBeatles.lnk.to/Taxman2022MixPR Rob Sheffield’s ‘Revolver’ preview in ‘Rolling Stone’: https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/the-beatles-revolver-unheard-archives-sheffield-1...
Sep 07, 2022•32 min•Ep. 50
This episode, we're looking at the Beatles' earliest professional tour, a week-long gig backing singer Johnny Gentle, in 1960. We trace how this first professional tour was the first real step that put them on the trajectory to Beatlemania. We also discuss the fascinating story of drummer Tommy Moore, the origins of Paul's pseudonym "Paul Ramon," and listen to the little-known first instance of a Beatles' composition in a professionally-recorded song. Plus, we celebrate the birthday of a special...
Aug 15, 2022•54 min•Ep. 49
Allison recounts her up-close-and-personal account of Ringo’s birthday celebration, plus a mailbag and speculation on some exciting Beatles-related news! ___________________ Episodes we mention! How to REALLY Pronounce Brian Epstein’s Last Name Talkin’ About “Freedom” (and Paul’s Concert for New York City) "A Women's History of The Beatles" featuring author Christine Feldman-Barrett Why the Beatles Loved… the Monkees? With Special Guest Andrew Sandoval Paul is Weird...and We Love it! (Our First ...
Jul 25, 2022•40 min•Ep. 48
They say it's his birthday! To celebrate Paul McCartney's milestone 80th birthday, we list 80 things we love most about him. Some funny, some poignant, plus one incredibly dirty joke. _________________ +Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for photos, videos, and more from this episode & past episodes — we’re @bcthebeatles everywhere. +Follow BC the Beatles on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you’re listening now. +Buy us a coffee! www.ko-fi.com/bcthebeatles +Contact us at bcthe...
Jun 18, 2022•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 47
We welcome back one of our favorite Beatle People, Caitlin Larkin, now the newest host on SiriusXM's Beatles Channel. Caitlin tells us about the innovative TikTok campaign she staged that got the attention of SiriusXM and helped her land a top role in the Beatles broadcasting world. We talk growing up as a second generation Beatles kid, the world of online trolls, and the many ways the Beatles community is growing into more of a family every day. Plus, Allison and Erika compare their ranked list...
Jun 13, 2022•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 46
In this special bonus episode, we return to Russia with Paul along with the incredible Aliona Muchinskaya. Aliona is a Russian-born journalist and event creator who served as Paul’s Russian tutor, translator, assistant, and “chaperone” during his time in Moscow in 2003. She tells Allison about her first meeting with Paul, his prep for the 2003 Red Square concert, and his meetings with Putin and Gorbachev. A fascinating perspective on a singular event in Paul's career! In case you missed it, go b...
May 31, 2022•40 min•Ep. 45
As the Russia/Ukraine conflict continues to rage, we took a look back at the time Paul McCartney brought the Beatles' music to Russia on a groundbreaking gesture of musical goodwill—his 2003 concert in Red Square and accompanying documentary. We indulge in early aughts nostalgia, look back on the astounding meeting between Paul, Heather, and Putin(!!!), and reveal Paul's most pressing question about Russian culture. Plus, we find our favorite Beatles song with the epic Beatles Song Battles site,...
May 23, 2022•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 44
Just like Paul, we’ve GOT BACK! We’re talking all things Paul on tour, including Allison’s rundown of both Oakland shows, setlist spoilers, some off-the-cuff onstage shade from Paul himself, and one person who is glaringly absent this go-round. Plus, we remember Michael Nesmith, who passed away last December while we were on hiatus. To avoid GOT BACK spoilers, skip to 48:15 after our intro. --------------------- +Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for photos, videos, and more from thi...
May 16, 2022•51 min•Ep. 43
We break down our first impressions of the three-part "Get Back" epic (spoiler: we loved it). Plus, remembering George 20 years on, and a little obsessing over replica Beatle clothing and the latest Brian Epstein statue news. ------------------- +Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for photos, videos, and more from this episode & past episodes — we’re @bcthebeatles everywhere. +Subscribe to BC the Beatles on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you’re listening now. +Buy us a coffe...
Dec 03, 2021•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 42
We remember the great, beloved Beatles fan and one of two girls who hung around outside EMI Studios who were asked to contribute vocals to a version of “Across the Universe,” Lizzie Bravo. Meet the Beatles for Real founder Sara Schmidt chats about her friendship with Lizzie and the evolution (and rivalries!) of the ‘60s Beatles fan groups, including the mysterious Apple Scruffs. Plus our obsessions of the week! Visit http://meetthebeatlesforreal.com for more Beatles fan encounters and stories! -...
Oct 25, 2021•54 min
It's finally here! We're discussing (and obsessing over) the new Giles Martin-produced Let it Be album and deluxe box set, track-by-track. ------------------- +Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for photos, videos, and more from this episode & past episodes — we’re @bcthebeatles everywhere. +Subscribe to BC the Beatles on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you’re listening now. +Buy us a coffee! Support the show with a one-time donation at www.ko-fi.com/bcthebeatles +Contact us ...
Oct 19, 2021•1 hr 16 min
Last month marked 20 years since 9/11, and while observing the day itself is pretty grim, we couldn’t let the anniversary pass without talking about how Paul channeled that horrible event into some pretty massive (and divisive) musical moments. ------------------- +Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for photos, videos, and more from this episode & past episodes — we’re @bcthebeatles everywhere. +Subscribe to BC the Beatles on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you’re listening n...
Oct 08, 2021•55 min
Now that October is upon us, we’re all gearing up for the Let It Be bonanza, starting with the newly remixed album and box sets on October 15. So, to give us the scoop on everything from making the Beatles sound “fresh” for a new generation to dealing with haterz on the Internet, we’re so SO excited to welcome Giles Martin to the podcast! --------------------- +Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for photos, videos, and more from this episode & past episodes — we’re @bcthebeatles e...
Oct 01, 2021•40 min
“You breathe in and you breathe out. We feel like doing it and we have something to say.” — John Lennon to David Sheff, Playboy, 1980 We’re baaaack! After a bit of a hiatus, we return with something of an explanation — plus, we discuss (and justify our absence with) lessons John Lennon learned during his late-1970s house-husband days. --------------------- + Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for photos, videos, and more from this episode & past episodes — we’re @bcthebeatles ever...
Sep 07, 2021•30 min•Ep. 41
