When The Beatles ' entire catalogue had been remastered in 2009, I penned a three-part review of the box set for No Ripcord.  For the band's 1966 release, Revolver , this is what I had to say : "In a way, Revolver is a bolder album than Pepper was, an experimental hybrid clashing symphonic string arrangements ('Eleanor Rigby'), rock n’ jolly 'Singin’ In The Rain'-styled ditties ('Good Day Sunshine'), kid-friendly sing-alongs about friendly aquatic transports ('Yellow Submarine'), Eastern influences ('Love You To') and the decade’s introduction to psychedelic rock n’ roll ('She Said She Said,' 'Tomorrow Never Knows'). An absolute plethora of influences and styles at work and they marry perfectly onto Revolver with nary a concept at work, nor a marching suit to hide behind.  Revolver is Beatlemania’s actual 'good riddance' and the very reason they couldn’t go on as a touring band. As a continually grow...

Today, the world lost the essential component to the most essential rock group: Photo from The Beatles Rarity . Sir George Martin has passed away at the age of 90.  He was the visionary producer who'd signed The Beatles to Parlophone Records , and acted as the band's chief collaborator, arranger, and producer.  His remarkable ear and brilliance as a composer enabled him to act as The Beatles' guide through their well-documented evolution as artists and songwriters, the vast knowledge and understanding of the studio he possessed critical to the development of what are some of the greatest albums ever recorded.  To him, we owe many, many thanks. Here's a clip of Sir Martin talking about the making of "Strawberry Fields Forever:" As fascinating as he is when describing his process and how he and The Beatles were able to achieve what were, for their time, very innovative feats in sound through experimentation and educated trickery, the work itself re...

Here's what we danced to nine years ago today.  Happy Anniversary! Sincerely, Letters From A Tapehead

Do you remember the moment the natural course of your mind had suddenly been disrupted by a piece of music?  For many, it was February 9th, 1964 as a well-known television show host introduced the most important band in the world to the thousands of enthusiastic American youth.  Two such youths were my Mom and Dad, and their love of this band would be passed to me.   Growing up a fairly introverted suburban kid interested in sci-fi, superheroes and art, my more vivid memories as a child involved a radio, an album, a cassette or a music video.  Before I understood that my head was being completely undone and rebuilt by much of what I'd listened to as I grew up, I'd become attached to my Dad's record collection, which was a long set of LPs that seemed to span the length of our third floor bedroom. I spent a lot of time up there, mostly listening to Beatles LPs while slowly being changed. My very beat up U.S. editions of A Hard Days Night and Beatles '65 . My...

...thank you. Happy 50th. Sincerely, Letters From A Tapehead

There's a new documentary examining Paul McCartney 's role in UK's underground scene during the latter half of the 60s called, Going Underground: Paul McCartney, the Beatles, and the UK Counter-Culture .  As John Lennon is the Beatle often associated with the avant-garde simply because he married a pop artist who liked to bellow and squeal ad-fucking-nauseum and drive nails into wood, McCartney had investigated the likes of John Cage and Stockhausen while The Beatles were investing their drug-'spanded hues into studio output and had apparently rubbed shoulders with some interesting, "far out" folk.  Very interested to check this out.  Give the trailer a look and read up.  All info comes courtesy of MVD Entertainment Group. GOING UNDERGROUND Paul McCartney, the Beatles, and the UK Counter-Culture Coming to DVD on October 1st In the mid-1960s the often rigid and colourless British way of life was irrevocably transformed by the emergenc...

In 2005, I wrote one of my first online record reviews. At this point, I hadn't even begun Letters From A Tapehead and the notion of investing actual time into music criticism wasn't something I'd considered, but I felt compelled to throw together a lot of paragraphs in the hope that they would maybe attract some curious listeners. The album was Chaos and Creation in the Backyard by Paul McCartney . I'm sure the review wasn't that good, to be honest I don't really remember what I'd written, but after McCartney's slew of so-so albums and the so-so reception most of them received, I was moved by Chaos and Creation , which I felt to be revealing in a way that McCartney hadn't been for some time. His unthreatening demeanor and boyish charm were instrumental in his being an affable public relations face for The Beatles and this ability to smile for the camera has carried into his subsequent project and pursuits, still a warm and welcoming face si...

The Beatles ' animated psychedelic fairytale, Yellow Submarine , will be available on DVD and Blu-Ray this May as its 1999 incarnation has gone out of print.  Having been restored by hand, (a detail I lifted from the press release below), the new version of the film will be released with a lot of geek fodder like cels, drawings and interviews.  Also, the movie's 1999 companion release, Yellow Submarine Songtrack , will be reissued as well, (though the actual Yellow Submarine album is all you really need.) All information is brought to you courtesy of EMI.  THE BEATLES’ YELLOW SUBMARINE FEATURE FILM RESTORED FOR MAY RELEASE ON DVD AND BLU-RAY; FILM’S SONGTRACK ALBUM TO BE REISSUED Once upon a time…or maybe twice…there was an unearthly paradise called Pepperland… London – March 20, 2012 – The Beatles’ classic 1968 animated feature film, Yellow Submarine , has been digitally restored for DVD and Blu-ray release on May 28 (May 29 in North America). The film’s songtr...

#2: The Beatles Abbey Road (2009 remaster) Capitol/Apple Released: 2009 One of the more perfect B-sides in rock n’ roll history? I know that the famed medley of songs on the flipside of Abbey Road were mostly works in progress, both Paul McCartney and John Lennon stringing them together to create the album’s charged opus and The Beatles ’ monumental farewell. To think that Let It Be could very well have been the band’s final album, it’s remarkable that personal, creative and professional differences were cast aside long enough to send the group off in a better, more memorable way. #3: Mad Season Above Columbia Released: 1995 I held a spotlight on “Wake Up” about a year ago , momentarily held in a nostalgic grip that brought up a healthy amount of old feelings. Not memories; just feelings. It’s possible that Above just hit me at the right time. I don’t remember the album receiving much in terms of favorable reviews. In fact, I remember thinking that I was...

So, this should be no surprise.  In the ever diminishing world of popular music, a world whose sole intent to earn capital has left it creatively flaccid (yet continuously lucrative in spite of the crumbling record empire), a Grammy to The Beatles (a Best Historical Album win in honor of their 2009 Stereo and Mono Box Sets ) isn't too shocking.  But, as the less deserving continue to earn accolades, a Beatles' win is a victorious one. When The Beatles' Stereo Box Set was released, I was put to the daunting task of reviewing the set for No Ripcord.  It was a three part series.  If you're interesting, here are the links: Part 1 Part 2 Part 3   Also, just for the sake of revisiting one of the greatest moments in my "career" as a music blogger, some information regarding the Beatles' Love mash up is included in the below press release.  I wrote a review for Love months after its release and, somehow, Giles Martin , son of the one and only George ...

Just when I thought the well runneth dry... The 1962-1966 ( Red ) and 1967-1970 ( Blue ) compilations were the first real Beatles ' greatest hits collection to emerge after the band broke-up in 1970. Both two record sets, the albums were originally issued in 1973 and have undergone the same painstaking remastering process as the Beatles' catalogue in '09. These arrived at my home yesterday and, to me, the compilations are more of a novelty item, something worthy of ownership under the following conditions: 1). You love the "now and then" photography on the front cover of each compilation. 2). Expanded liner notes and photographs. 3). Non-album singles are included if you don't own the Past Masters volumes. 4). The band's evolution is covered within four CDs. 5). You'd rather own the hits. 6). Also, there's free album cover posters and t-shirts if you pre-order through Beatles.com . Red and Blue remasters will be released October 18th. Click ...

Ever heard of a guy named, Stephen Friedland ? If you have, then you know the story behind Brute Force , which was the name Friedland used to record his 1967 album, I, Brute Force — Confections Of Love . This album is being reissued in October by Bar-None Records , having been out of print for over forty years. I’ve never heard the album, but it is a highly regarded, apparently underrated and obviously obscure thanks to its lack of circulation. The big point of interest with the album, though, is “The King Of Fuh,” which is being included in the I, Brute Force reissue as a bonus track. “The King Of Fuh” caught the attention of John Lennon and George Harrison , both of whom issued the song as a single in 1969 via Apple Records. Capitol and EMI refused to distribute the single thanks to Frieland’s tale of the “Fuh King,” so 2,000 copies were released independently by Apple as “Apple 8.” Needless to say, the track is obscure, but I did find a YouTube clip of the single and its B-si...

In late June, I received a press release regarding the John Lennon reissues/compilations that were being released in honor of what would've been his 70th birthday. This time, there are pictures. Read below for more information. Via EMI Press Release: Sweeping Catalogue Initiative Overseen by Yoko Ono and EMI Music Commemorates Lennon's 70th Birthday London, England ­ September 1, 2010 ­ EMI Music unveils today the complete tracklists and cover art for a broad selection of remastered John Lennon albums and new collections to be released on CD and digitally on 4 October (5 October in North America). Announced last month, EMI Music's global John Lennon Gimme Some Truth catalogue campaign is being overseen by Yoko Ono and commemorates the music legend's 70th birthday on 9 October, 2010. Featured in the sweeping initiative are eight remastered John Lennon solo albums and new titles including Double Fantasy Stripped Down, Power To The People: The Hits, Gimme Some Truth ...

I’m not sure if this will outdo the amazing Beatles remasters that came out last year, but this is still a pretty significant undertaking. Because there are so many releases to keep track of, I’ll let the press release explain. Via EMI Press Release: Photo: Iain Macmillan. © Yoko Ono. JOHN LENNON GIMME SOME TRUTH JOHN LENNON ALBUMS REMASTERED FROM THE ORIGINAL MIXES AND NEW COLLECTIONS COMPILED FOR GLOBAL “GIMME SOME TRUTH” CAMPAIGN LAUNCHING IN OCTOBER THE GRAMMY AWARD WINNING ALBUM 'DOUBLE FANTASY' WILL NOW BE AVAILABLE IN A NEWLY REMIXED 'STRIPPED DOWN' VERSION PRODUCED BY YOKO ONO AND JACK DOUGLAS Sweeping Catalogue Initiative Overseen by Yoko Ono and EMI Music Commemorates Lennon’s 70th Birthday London, England – June 29, 2010 – Eight of John Lennon’s classic solo albums and other standout recordings have been digitally remastered from his original mixes for a global catalogue initiative commemorating the music legend’s 70th birthday, which falls on October ...

To Paul, Writing as a fan and not so much a critic of your work, I've taken the unpopular position that your post- Beatles output took the most risks and made the largest impression from an artistic standpoint. But, because you've always been a titan of public relations, your reputation at times overshadowed your work. Next to John Lennon , who for a time did strive to embody an avant-garde and subversive ideology, (thanks to the influence of his artist second wife), you're the "safe" Beatle, the contemporary rockstar who's aged along with the people running the show. As The Beatles once stood as somewhat of a societal downfall in the eyes of parents, because nothing speaks of the onset of immorality and anarchy louder than long hair, you're now "one of them" I guess. It's something even you've acknowledged. Didn't you put yourself in line with being "twee" in your song "English Tea?" I think that both you a...

From the EMI blog : On Record Store Day in the U.S. (April 17th), EMI Music will release limited edition John Lennon and Sex Pistols vinyl packages to be sold exclusively by participating independent music retailers across the U.S. They include John Lennon Singles Bag (limited edition), (Capitol/EMI); Individually numbered Kraftpak envelope with button & string closure; custom plastic adaptor hub. 24” x 36” poster + three postcards and three 45 RPM vinyl singles with replicated original artwork. Includes such tracks as “Mother,” “Imagine,” and “Watching the Wheels.” Also available, Sex Pistols: The Great Rock ‘N’ Roll Swindle (limited edition),(Virgin/EMI); 180g double LP, gatefold. Among the 24 tracks are “God Save the Queen (Symphony),” ”Anarchy in the UK,” “(I’m Not Your) Stepping Stone,” “L’Anarchi Pour Le UK” and “The Great Rock ‘N’ Roll Swindle.” The Rock Radio had more information about the Lennon 45s: "Mother" b/w Yoko Ono — "Why" (1970) ...

Much as I dislike the Grammys, it’s worth mentioning that All Together Now , a documentary about the making of the Cirque Du Soleil/Beatles show, LOVE , was awarded for “Best Long Form Music Video” ( Adrian Wills , director; Martin Bolduc and Jonathan Clyde , producers). The documentary also focuses on the efforts of George and Giles Martin to reconsider The Beatles’ music for the performance. 2006’s LOVE was the result which was awarded for both “Compilation Soundtrack Album for Motion Picture, Television or other Visual Medium” and “Surround Sound Album.” Probably my most starstruck moment as a self-made music critic (“hack” more like it) occurred after I’d reviewed LOVE , as Giles Martin somehow found my write-up and commented . It’s the closest I’ll ever come to my heroes in suits. Sincerely, Letters From A Tapehead

2009 reacquainted the world with The Beatles and your face is now alive from a virtual standpoint, staring back at video game enthusiasts holding faux instruments. To me, technology did you guys a solid this year, cleaning up your legacy in a respectful, albeit digitized, manner. As much as you wanted to forget about The Beatles, the world wants to keep remembering: All those songs, all those albums and all that brain scrambling madness that emerged from those grooves like a riot on a turntable. 29 years after the trigger clicked the mood isn’t so optimistic, no “imagine”-style whimsy aflutter with visions of bed peace or hair peace, peace of ass or peace of meat, here-a-peace, there-a-peace, everywhere a peace-peace. The war isn’t over this Christmas. Maybe you’d be disenchanted with our political climate, but you can take solace knowing that it’s still uncool to like Paul McCartney , even though he doesn’t deserve all the cold shoulders. Cynical times and music won't change...

How does one NOT give credit to any 76 year-old willing to tear it up, even if their efforts are mostly annoying, contrived and pretentious as hell? This version of the Plastic Ono Band , featuring Sean Lennon semi- Sgt. Pepper clad and a bassist rocking a McCartney -inspired Hofner, (Seriously, is that some kind of middle finger, or are they just riding the wave of reinvigorated Beatles popularity?), sounds like they know how to carry a tune. Their singer, however, factors them into the avant-garde conundrum: Is it good, or does it pretend to be good? Their latest album, Between My Head And The Sky , was released in September of this year. Sincerely, Letters From A Tapehead

The History Channel will be premiering a new Beatles documentary entitled, The Beatles On Record , which follows the Fab Four as they evolve in the studio. Having already been broadcast by the BBC earlier this year, it will air on Wednesday, November 25th for U.S. audiences. While the amazing Beatles Anthology docu-series perfectly captured The Beatles from their beginning to the end, a documentary solely devoted to the band in the studio is something I’d love to check out. Inasmuch as the new Beatles reissues better-demonstrate the truth to their sound, this documentary should explain exactly how groundbreaking they were, confirming their fully-integrated importance to the musicscape that’s followed. ©2009 A&E Television Networks. All Rights Reserved. Sincerely, Letters From A Tapehead