When They Was Fab: Electric Arguments About the Beatles

Marv and I sit down with Ringo's new record and discuss the eight new songs (along with some chat on the previously available tunes) 

Too much news!    Marv and I virtually wander the halls of 30 Rock as we learn that Paul will be the musical guest that closes out the 51st season of SNL.     Is it a coincidence the "five timers club" was just opened to musical guests as Sir Macca climbs on for his fifth (official) "musical guest" spot?     Our attention is slightly split though, as we also finish out our look at the tracks on side B of John Lennon's Rock 'n' Roll, and the bonuses from that era that have been uncovered post-"Milk and Honey".   

Marv and I discuss the songs on side A of John Lennon's Rock 'n' Roll.     While we wait for the (fingers crossed) eventual Ultimate Collection, we talk the original versions of the tunes, a bit about how the songs fit into Beatles/Lennon history, and some thoughts on how John chose to modify (or not) the arrangements.     Part 2 (side B + the "others") next week.    #madeonzencastr.

Jon Stone and Marv sit down as we discuss the fun that is the promotion for "The Boys of Dungeon Lane".    Mike Mac, his son Josh, BBC Merseyside, Google, Target and Talk Shop Live all join MPL on introducing and promoting Paul McCartney's new album "The Boys of Dungeon Lane."     Remember, 211 Hale Road at Dungeon Lane! #madeonzencastr.

Marv and I go through some news, and then the power of a new McCartney song summoned Jon Stone from the ether, so the three of us discuss the song, the radio reveal, and lead into next week where we talk about the "Taylorization" (and that's not a negative thing!) of music promotion, even for former Beatles!   #madeonzencastr

Film maker Chris Purcell joins to discuss his new documentary, "Evolver 62" and some of his previous Beatles-related work ("The Beatles and Us").    Along the way we chat about why some Beatles docs work, and others ... not so much.   #madeonzencastr 

Marv and I discuss the Evolution Mixes of the re-christened "New York City" album.     Nine tracks running the demos, early versions, breakdowns and modifications that became "Some Time in New York City" (and then evolved into just "New York City").    #madeonzencastr.   

Following a news segment, more of George Harrison's guest appearances on other people's records.    The "Romanian Angel" collaboration with Eric has just been rereleased, we look through the Wilburys adjacent Del Shannon and Jeff Lynne releases, and wonder just how effective rabbits are at playing cricket!    #madeonzencastr.

Ethan Alexanian and I discuss the theatrical (now streaming) incarnation of Morgan Neville's McCartney documentary "Man on the Run".      Incomplete, but highly entertaining.     Lots of Bert too!  #madeonzencastr

Bonus episode!    A little news, but mostly Marv and I celebrate George Harrison 83 years after his birth.  A reminder of the "British Double Summer" during the second world war, some thoughts on where the new Dark Horse might be headed, and more!    #madeonzencastr.

While we wait for the Amazon premiere of "Man on the Run", we update the news.    Lots of filming on the Beatles quadrology.     A soundtrack for "Man on the Run", and some new zoetrope LPs from George Harrison for record store day!    #madeonzencastr.

Tom Hunyady joins as we look at the decade after Paul was a "Man on the Run".     Tug of War through Flowers in the Dirt.     Paul and Linda.    Paul and Stevie.    Paul and Michael.   Paul and Declan.        More than just    Tom Hunyady (2 Legs) joins for a chat on the decade bookended by the tour that wasn't and the tour that was.   #madeonzencastr.

It is Sixty Years since "The Beatles at Shea Stadium" (the TV production) was completed.    This week, we discuss many different aspects.      Why was the premiere on the BBC, and why did it take "A-Beatle-C" eighteen months to bring the special to American screens.   We talk the re-records, the fun and excitement and the evening at large! #madeonzencastr.

Marv and I go back to 2010 - and actually a bit before, as we briefly sum up the 16-disc "Paul McCartney Collection".     November of this year will mark the fifteenth anniversary of the debut of the McCartney Archive series.    If we don't get another disc in the series by summer, it will be six years since the most recent one entered our lives.    Marv and I consider the past, present and future of McCartney/Wings reissues, and contemplate a physical-media-less reissue future. #madeonzencastr.

Sam Whiles (Paul or Nothing), and "our own" Ethan Alexanian (Fans on the Run) join for a crossover, since none of us want to devote that many episodes to the revised Anthology!      We join the boys in progress, as they move from August of 1964 all the way through a visit to the Philippines! #madeonzencstr

A news update (all best wishes to Lonnie Pena and family), some chat about "rethinking" the Fest for Beatles Fans, which leads into Marv and I chatting about some more of George Harrison's guest appearances from the eighties and into the early nineties. 

News, more of George's guest appearances (some Duane Eddy, some Ravi Shankar, and a bit of Sylvia Griffin), and an interview from Summer 2025 with the one and only Billy J. Kramer.  Marv co-hosts and Kit O'Toole magically appears, filling out our Toppermost trio (http://www.toppermostofthepoppermost.net) on Fab. #madeonzencastr.

Ethan Alexanian joins to complete the six-pack of former hosts as we consider the last 12 months (and a little bit more) in the world of the Beatles.    Ringo hit number one on the UK country charts, Paul played three shows in a small New York City venue all the way through the tours, box sets, books, films and more.   #madeonzencastr

More from (almost) all the Fab Guys.   Dave Persails, Jon Stone, Lonnie Pena, Martin Quibell and me.    We move from our discussion last week of the past ten years to the present (Ringo at 85/86 on the road, Paul "Getting Back" to San Antonio, New Orleans and other places, and then a little bit of future-gazing to our thoughts on where things will go in the next decade and beyond.    #madeonzencastr.

In 1974, Capitol records celebrated "The Beatles Decade."    This week, next (and sort of the one after that), we are celebrating "The Fab Decade."     Original "Beatling About" co-host Dave Persails joins the Gab Four this week and next as we discuss a decade of highlights in the Beatles world  - along with multiple reminders that "we did a show about that."   (Hey, we have to be a little self-congratulatory).    This week, "Get Back", box sets and Jon Stone goes his own way (sorry, wrong band).     #madeonzencastr.

For those of us above a certain age, the biggest expectation of the 2025 Disney+ (sort of, but not quite "A-Beatle-C") Beatles Anthology would be the new episode.    Now we have it!    Does it live up to expectations, is it a disappointment or somewhere in-between.    Tune in for the opinion of Two of Us (writing letters on a Facebook wall!).   #madeonzencastr

Marv and I are joined (for the second time this year) by Luca Perasi, as he has released a new book "Back to the Egg: The Story of Wings' Last Album".     The break between Turkey and Ham (or Green Beans and Tofu) is the perfect opportunity to enjoy a look back at 1979, and some Eggs (or two or three)!  #madeonzencastr.

As promised, our thoughts on the second CD of "Anthology 4" (sides 4-6), along with details on Paul's Canada run surprises, the closing shows in Chicago including a report from "The Queen of All Beatles Media" Kit O'Toole, and a blink-and-you'll miss him cameo from Martin Quibell himself! #madeonzencastr 

Mitch Axelrod joins Jon Stone and I as we discuss the first CD of "Anthology 4" (aka: "The one with most of the new stuff").        Plenty of George Martin discussion, thoughts on "Nowhere Man" and "In My Life", along with the ultimate question - "What was up with George's guitar on [both the rehearsal and released] 'All You Need is Love'".   #madeonencastr.

Lonnie and I discuss the many aspects of fandom and the Beatles with Director/Producer/Author Simon Weitzman.    His new film: A Love Letter to the Beatles is available on Amazon, and will be streaming in other places very soon!    #madeonzencastr   A Love Letter to the Beatles: Official Trailer:  https://bit.ly/4o7Jhcn DVD:  https://bit.ly/ALLTTBdvd  Fandango: https://bit.ly/ALLTTB  Prime Video US: https://amzn.to/4o7egWc  Prime Video UK: https://amzn.to/4nEpYYt  

A "Toppermost of the Poppermost" crossover!     Jon Stone, Martin Quibell, and friend of the show Darin Murphy join me as we discuss the Beatles and Bob Dylan.       From 1967 to the 2020's, the Beatles (both solo and together) have crossed pass with Zimmy.     We consider their interactions, both live and studio, including (of course) the Wilburys!         The full conversation will be available for patreons on the Toppermost of the Poppermost Patreon in the near future!    https://www.patreon.com/toppermostpodcast   #madeonzencastr.    

"Help!"    No longer "Coming Up" in the South, sir Paul and the Got Back tour.      Lonnie and I discuss Sir Paul in San Antonio, both recent and through the mists of time.     Has the Alamodome held up as well as Sir Paul over the thirty-plus years?     What about the Tobin Center?     Maybe even some thoughts on Hotel Emma.      #madeonzencastr!

Marv and I continue our look at the next two discs of the "Power to the People" set before we take a bit of a break from this topic!     We review, compare and contrast the evening show, and look at the relationship between "New York City" (disc four) and the original version of the album.   

Sean Lennon provides an interesting look at the political Lennons from the early 1970's.     Disc One (which we are not covering) is a modern "reimagining" of "John Lennon: Live in New York City" - a "best of" combination of the afternoon and evening shows.    We start on the afternoon show.    The mix, the setlist and more.   

More fantasizing, hypothesizing and Beatle-izing on what might happen were Paul and Ringo to decide to go on tour together.    Not advertised as "a Beatles reunion", just two old rock and roll friends joining their talents to play some music (both together and separately), and to pay tribute to some of their comrades in guitar-based arms.

Lonnie Pena and I dive into YouTube (and BluRay/DVD) as we consider the 2018 Documentary "Looking For Lennon".    David Bedford and Roger Appleton consider the Lennons as they came to Liverpool from Ireland, through to Alf and Julia, and then young John's unconventional upbringing from Mimi and Julia, and how all this would lead to Lennon's reaction to schooling and authority, which would eventually lead to meeting one James Paul McCartney, and changing the world.

This week we play a little "What If" and consider what Paul might choose to play were he and Ringo to decide to go on the road for a tour of indeterminate length.      More Beatles?    More solo?    Would he take advantage of the "Wings-mania" that (hopefully) will be running the country in the next few months?    Marv and I consider the possibilities and playlists, with Ringo's side (eventually) to follow!

Lots of funny costumes this month, as George, Eric, Neil, the Splinter Boys, Hall and Oates all hang out together.      They are joined by Macca, Spinal Tap, news concerning Paul's additional tour dates, Ringo talking about Mae West (but not her sweaty vest), and others!

The next disc in "Looney" turns into a discussion of the "Wings Anthology".       We talk, clips of Paul (and friends) covering many of the songs on the LP, and chat concerning John and Paul in the seventies.     We do finally get to "George and..." (it will be completed next week), as we talk about songs George guests on from Splinter (their second album, including ... a bit of Japanese), Tom Scott, "Legs" Larry Smith, and his namesake Larry Hosford.      A Paul and George week, with some John and Ringo too!   #madeonzencastr.   

Martin and I go back a bit more than twenty years to a time before Superdeluxe Editions, when the Lennon estate was uncertain of the best way to proceed.    Their decision?    An album called "Acoustic."    Part "Unplugged", part "Live", part "Unreleased"     Unfortunately, too much of it felt like "Sampler for the Lennon Anthology we just released."    Has time helped, hurt, or not changed the reputation, feel and listen-ability of this release.    We give it a spin and let you know what we think!

Lonnie Pena and I talk Anthologies 1-3, the previous video releases, and fun with Disney+.    We follow with thoughts on the last twenty years of "Revolver" and "Sgt. Pepper".     Rolling Stone Magazine has had Pepper on a bit of a downward trajectory (it was "the greatest album of all time in 2003"), while Revolver has maintained a higher standing.     Why?   Was it the standardization of the catalogue?   CDs?    Streaming?   Psychedelia?    All this and more...   #madeonzencastr.

Jon Stone, Marv and I chat about the elephant in the room concerning the new Lennon "Power to the People" box, contemplate the original "Some Time in New York City", and (with a little help from our friendly neighborhood Tarot card reader) do some divination on the newly announced "Anthology 4".     #madeonzencastr.    

Paul or Nothing's own Sam Whiles guests for a discussion/review of the recently released "Wings over Nottingham" upgrade tape.     We get to hear every song (although not every version) played on what is genuinely the "test flight" of Paul McCartney's new band in 1972.     Blues jams, "My Love", "Lucille" and some little Richard, along with the new single he wrote AND recorded in the weeks prior to this impromptu afternoon!

Jon Stone, Lonnie Pena and I sit down to chat about the inserts, posters and album covers of the Solo Beatles through the years.    Tune in as we chat about the visual side of LPs, our faavorites, and ... less so!

From April 2017, in honor of friend of the show Jamie Daruwala joining the Fab 5, I revive a retro episode first aired in April of 2017, where I was joined by what will now be "Nurk Twins - mania".     If you have ever wanted to know about the life of local and regional musicians and becoming a "Tribute Paul McCartney" - Tune in and Enjoy!

More of the songs George was involved in that did not come out under his own name.    This week we look at the first Splinter album, Alvin Lee, Cheech and Chong, Monty Python, Son of Schmilsson (did you know that cover was taken at Friar Park!) and more!     #maadeonzencastr.

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!       

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

Our super-chat with The Ajjancy and Fernando Perdomo continues.    More on covering Beatles songs, Fernando's "Brush With Beatles-doc greatness", and Marv and I consider a number of different covers of "All My Loving", and how they fit in with many of he things we've discussed through out chat! #madeonzencaster

Start this at 11:45 AM, and celebrate Peace and Love with Ringo Starr on July 7, 2025.    Happy 85th Birthday!

Marv and I have three special guests to discuss the business of discussing Beatles songs.    The ajjancy has just released his cover of "Blackbird", which features Fernando ("RAM ON tribute") Perdomo, and Laurence ("needs no introduction") Juber.   Some diversions, some music theory and plenty of chat on reharmonization, simplification and some of the different ways to cover the Beatles and solo Beatles songs.    #madeonzencastr.

Marv and I are joined by Luca Perasi, as we discuss one of his latest books, "Press to Play: That Unmistakable 80s Sound."    We talk about his book, the album, the single "Spies Like Us" and many other things going on in McCartney land, post Broad Street, and before things moved toward "Flowers in the Dirt" and the eighties run!

In honor of Paul's Birthday, Marv and I look at Paul with others.    Sometimes it was at a big event, sometimes it was at a McCartney show with the McCartney band, and sometimes in the shows of folks like Bruce, Neil or the Foo's.     #madeonzencastr

In honor of Brian Wilson's posting, a bonus episode.     Queen of All Beatles Media Kit O'Toole joins Marv and myself as we honor and remember two musical giants, on the occasion of the anniversary of Brian Wilson's birth.   A bit off topic, but there is plenty of Beatles content, and there is no question the Beatles as we know them would've been very different without Brian Wilson and the Beach boys spurring them through the mid-sixties.

This 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.