The Beatles: Only A Northern Song: Recent Episodes
Justin Shears
In September 1969, John took a phone call which saw him assemble a band and be onstage within 24 hours. Join us as we explore the birth of the Plastic Ono Band at the Toronto Rock And Roll Revival...
The talent continues to flow through The Beatles' own label - Apple Records. Join us as fresh talents such as Jackie Lomax, Badfinger and Billy Preston are helped along by various members of the Fab Four.
Tired of being the plaything of the taxman and EMI, The Beatles set up their own company and subsidiary record label. The talent scouts worked overtime, finding exciting new artists to join The Beatles on Apple Records. Join as as we explore the birth and growth of Apple Records...
The final album recorded by The Beatles was overtaken by a flurry of rumours of the untimely death of Paul McCartney - with many finding 'clues' of his demise in the album's iconic cover. Join us as we wrap up the Abbey Road sessions...
Ever the musical innovators, George Harrison introduced a ground-breaking instrument - the Moog synthesiser - to their latest album project, bringing a new dimension to many tracks. Join us as the Abbey Road sessions continue.
George Martin’s suggestion of combining smaller fragments of songs into a longer piece had struck a chord with Paul, who offered up many half-finished songs for the project. While it took John a little longer to follow the lead, he did eventually come to the party. Join us as the Abbey Road sessions continue...
July 1969 saw The Beatles experimenting with both sound and form on what would be their swan song album. Join us as the Abbey Road sessions continue…
July 1969 saw The Beatles put the finishing touches to Ringo's latest underwater fantasy, record two of George's career-defining songs - and John bring a song to the studio which would land him in hot water with one of his heroes. Join us as the Abbey Road sessions continue...
With the help of producer George Martin, The Abbey Road LP saw The Beatles expand their horizons by dovetailing pieces of songs together to create medleys of very different musical genres. Join us as Side B of Abbey Road begins to take shape - and John & Yoko record an everlasting anthem from their honeymoon bed.
By mid-April 1969 - with both sides of a new single recorded and ready to release - The Beatles returned to sessions for their new LP. Paul introduces a 1950s-style classic, and Ringo creates another underwater-themed children's classic, as the Abbey Road sessions continue...
With the Get Back sessions finished, The Beatles could have been excused for not doing much at all. Instead, John and Paul married their girlfriends within a week of each other, and the band recorded a new single and began working on a new LP. Join us as The Beatles begin the Abbey Road sessions...
On 30 January 1969, The Beatles played their last ever live performance on the rooftop of their Apple Offices in Savile Row, London. Join us for the inside story of their final show, and the culmination of the Get Back project...
In this episode, we flip the Let It Be LP onto Side B, exploring early working versions of each song drawn from the hours of Nagra film reels, and the acetates prepared by the Get Back sessions producer Glyn Johns.
The Beatles spent all of January 1969 working on their new album and film project. In this episode, we take a deeper dive into the songs that make up Side A of the Let It Be album – tracing each song from its humble beginnings, through its rehearsals and development, to a complete and sometimes final version of each track. Drop the needle on this!
There were very few silences when filming rehearsals for the Get Back sessions in January 1969. The quick wits of each band member would often conjure up a blast from the past, or even a spur-of-the-moment improvisation to blow away a few cobwebs before getting back to work. In this episode, we will take a listen to some of those moments between the takes…
George Harrison had been dubbed ‘The Quiet Beatle’ - but by January 1969, he had begun to assert himself more than ever before. He had come prepared with a handful of songs to offer the group for the Get Back project, but as he was side-lined more and more, his frustration grew to a point where he quit the band. Join us as we revel in the beauty of a handful of Harrisongs as the Get Back sessions continue...
In this episode, we sit in on the Get Back Sessions of January 1969 as The Beatles pay tribute to the rock and roll artists who captured their attention, inspiring the sounds which would launch a whole new invasion from the opposite side of the Atlantic…
Country and Western music would have been just one part of The Beatles' vast musical diet growing up in Liverpool. In this episode, we focus on some of the country flavoured songs captured during filming for the Get Back sessions of January 1969…
Like many performers of the 1960s, The Beatles had a soft spot for rhythm and blues – and were well-known for their love of African American artists. In this episode, we will take a look at some of the rhythm and blues and soul classics jammed by The Beatles during the Get Back sessions - from the hits of the most celebrated stars to the most obscure B-sides of the one-hit wonders.
For The Beatles, the new year of 1969 began on a large, open, very cold sound stage at Twickenham film studios on the 2nd of January. They assembled to begin their new film, album and live show project - which didn't go to plan. Join us for a fascinating insight into the Get Back sessions...
John Lennon and Paul McCartney are generally regarded as the greatest songwriters of the 20th Century. Their prolific output not only kept The Beatles going for close to a decode, but there were plenty of songs left over to keep other artists in the business. Join us as we delve into more songs The Beatles gave away...
After four months in the studio, sessions for the new Beatles LP were drawing to a close in October 1968. With plenty of songs to choose from, the band were getting to a point where they needed to make some final decisions about which tracks to keep. But it wasn’t over yet… Join us as The Beatles complete The Beatles...
John, Paul and George dabble with a range of muses, musical styles and studios, as the sessions for the White Album enter their fourth month. Join us as we dig deeper into recordings for The Beatles, and the stories behind some of their most iconic songs.
The Beatles mess with the experts' minds, jam a classic or two, watch an old movie and make comment on inequality - and all that's just in one week of September 1968! Join us for more insights into the White Album sessions...
August 1968 saw the release of a new single, Ringo's return to the band, the introduction of a superstar guest guitarist, and a graduation to eight-track recording. The Beatles' first live television appearance in over a year would soon follow. Join us for more White Album sessions...
With a large number of songs in the can – and still plenty to go – many sessions in August 1968 were used for finishing off tracks which had been left for rumination on how best to complete them. Rising tensions - and even Ringo quitting the band for a time - didn't stop the White Album sessions. Join us again on the floor of Abbey Road Studios to hear The Beatles creating their next album...
The rising tide of the British blues explosion of the late 1960s saw The Beatles get back to their 12-bar roots, as well as experimenting with more avant-garde soundscapes. Join us for another episode of White Album sessions...
In July 1968, The Beatles were pushing the boundaries in many ways, including experimenting with studios other than Abbey Road, recording on 8-track tape, taking a song past 100 takes - and producing a single which would smash the 3-minute limit. Join us for more White Album sessions.
Late July 1968 saw several signature Beatles songs recorded - finishing touches were added to Ringo's Good Night, George captured the exquisite While My Guitar Gently Weeps, and Paul began the longest Beatles single ever with Hey Jude. Join us for more White Album sessions from the studio floor at Abbey Road...
As tensions grew between The Beatles themselves - and with their studio personnel - the band members continued to bring new songs to the sessions which would become The White Album. Join us in Studio 2 as we rewind to July 1969.
In this episode, The Beatles return to the studio to continue recording the White Album, laying down an eclectic range of tracks in a wide range of genres. Join us as we sit in on sessions which provided some signature songs for the Beatles.
By 1968, The Beatles were no longer working side by side in the studio for every track. In this episode, we explore three very different songs by three very different Beatles. Join us in Studio 2 for more White Album sessions...
The first session for the new album commenced with a song which was The Beatles most overtly political to this point – and a precursor to the social commentary which would pervade John’s solo career. Join us for another look into the White Album sessions.
Having embraced Indian spirituality and musicality during 1966 and into 1967, George Harrison soon became known as the enlightened Beatle. He studied Indian philosophy as a way to counter the constant pressures of being a Beatle. George also reached out to his band of brothers, asking them to join him in his spiritual travels.
The dawning of the new year of 1968 heralded a multitude of changes for The Beatles – it would see a lengthy trip to India, a new double album release, fresh singles, the launch of a brand-new company and record label… and a divorce. During this year, The Beatles would begin to slowly drift apart – each following their own hearts and ideas, both personally and creatively. Join us for Part 1 of The White Album sessions...
The Beatles made Christmas recordings for their fan club every year, as a thank you for their support. Join us for more festive fun as we focus on the years 1966-1969, including some rare outtakes. Merry happy, Beatle People!
(Don't forget, you can listen to the first Christmas recordings in Episode 28!)
The Beatles emerged at a time when the ability to record oneself outside of a recording studio was becoming a reality. They would embrace the portable recording phenomenon to capture new compositions as they were written, and find other uses for tape recorders – messing around and experimenting with sounds...
With filming for Magical Mystery Tour complete, The Beatles set about finishing the songs which would feature in its soundtrack. While not receiving the accolades The Beatles were now used to, Magical Mystery Tour preserved a colourful slice of 1960’s psychedelia – and was the culmination of a year like no other for The Beatles. Roll up, roll up as we round out 1967...
It seems that Paul now took the adage of ‘the show must go on’ seriously – quite possibly as a way of dealing with Brian Epstein's death. In hindsight, though, John saw this as Paul wanting to take control of the band for his own purposes… Join us in Abbey Road Studios for more Magical Mystery Tour sessions...
On the 25 June 1967, The Beatles performed live via satellite to an estimated 400 million people worldwide - sharing a message of universal love which reflected the times in which they lived. Roll up, roll up as we continue our look at the Magical Mystery Tour sessions...
Never ones to rest on their laurels, The Beatles were back to work at Abbey Road Studios in April 1967 - before Sgt. Pepper's was even released - to begin on their next project… Join us as we take a mystery trip...
There can be no doubt that Sgt. Pepper broke new ground in so many ways – from the recording techniques used and the time taken to capture the songs, to the inventive use of conceptualised packaging. The Beatles – and those who worked on its recording – remember it as a remarkable piece, very much of its time. Join us as The Beatles complete their most ambitious project to date...
By mid-March 1967, The Beatles and George Martin could see the new album’s release date of the 1st of June rapidly approaching – and yet there was still considerable work left to do, to ensure that the all-important deadline was met. Only a handful of the songs recorded to date were actually complete, with a few more needing the finishing touches applied to make them worthy of release – but there were still a few spaces left on the track list to be filled. Join us for Part 7 of the Sgt. Pepper Sessions...
By the middle of the recording sessions for their new LP, Paul had hit upon the idea of using the concept of Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band as a kind of conceptual glue which would bind all of the album's songs together – an alternative persona for The Beatles, which allow them some creative freedom to move away from everything they were known for. Join us in Studio 2 for Part 6 of the Sgt. Pepper sessions...
With no album release since August 1966, chatter began to creep in that The Beatles had finally burnt out and would soon be replaced as the kings of pop. But with the best part of half an album in the can already, new songs kept coming into the studio. The Beatles weren’t particularly worried. Join us for Part 5 of the Sgt. Pepper sessions...
By February 1967, The Beatles were experimenting with music like never before, influenced by a variety of substances. With two tracks – one simple, one monumental – already in the can, The Beatles set about crafting the remainder of the new LP. It was Paul who would provide the inspiration for its title track, and a concept that would attempt to draw all of the songs together…
Although largely credited to John, A Day In The Life was actually a collaboration between John and Paul. The Beatles gathered in Studio 2 on the 19 January 1967 to begin work on the song which would close the new LP, and become arguably its most memorable track. Join us as we delve deep into the making of a masterpiece...
With the need for an album rapidly approaching, The Beatles had recorded Strawberry Fields Forever – John’s nod to his childhood home in Liverpool. That sense of nostalgia would play an important role in the upcoming album - and now it was Paul's turn to remember...
With the decision made to end touring, The Beatles gave themselves the time and headspace to do what they loved most – creating new music. In this episode, we delve deep into the evolution of Strawberry Fields Forever - from John's first demos to the recording sessions which produced a psychedelic anthem.
Only a month after returning from The Philippines, Revolver was unleashed, and turned the music world on its head. Come August 1966, The Beatles boarded the plane for what would be their last tour of the United States, and their final concert to a paying audience. Join The Beatles on tour, just one more time...
As a Christmas treat for their loyal fans, The Beatles recorded a special message each year to thank them for their support. This time, we explore some of the earlier Christmas presents from The Beatles, with plenty of outtakes and rarities. Merry Christmas, Beatles Peoples!
Just days after recording the final track for Revolver, The Beatles flew out for a world tour of Germany, Japan and The Philippines. It was the last time they would play each of these countries, and was the beginning of the end of their touring career. From inane press conferences and concert performances to an actual typhoon - join The Beatles as they cross continents for the last time...
With much work for The Beatles' seventh album already committed to tape in April and May of 1966, there was a certain amount of hurry up needed if the band were to finish the record before flying out to Germany and Japan in June, and release the album before the start of their US tour in August. Join us again in Studio 2 for Part 3 of the Revolver sessions...
There can be no doubt that with the recording of Revolver, The Beatles were making their greatest leaps forward to date, in terms of musical influences, experimentation and recording techniques. The Beatles were finally being allowed to take their time in honing their craft – with a grateful EMI allowing them the run of the mill at Abbey Road studios. Join us in Studio 2 for part 2 of the Revolver sessions...
With Rubber Soul on worldwide release, and another concert tour planned, The Beatles wasted no time in heading back to Abbey Road studios in early 1966 to begin work on album number seven – a collection of songs which would change not only their musical direction, but would see a revolution in recording techniques. Join us for Part 1 of the Revolver sessions...
Rubber Soul is fondly remembered by all of the Beatles as a departure from their more simplistic songwriting and recording of previous albums, and a bridge to what was to come over the next two years. Join us in Studio 2 at Abbey Road for Part 2 of the Rubber Soul sessions...
The Beatles’ return from their record-breaking August 1965 US tour marked the beginning of the band’s next project – a sixth studio LP. The Beatles would need a quick turnaround to write and record an album, if it was to be ready for the Christmas market. As well as a long-player, a single was also needed to carry the band through to 1966. Join us as The Beatles head into the studio to begin work on what would become Rubber Soul...
1965 was a very fragmented year for The Beatles - mainly due to the demands of filming their new movie. However, they managed to squeeze in tours to Europe and the USA, which would break all previous records and see The Beatles reach the zenith of their touring career...
The Beatles' new movie – still officially untitled – was a James Bond-inspired chase movie, with evil forces from the mysterious east trying to retrieve a large ring stuck on Ringo’s finger – a quest that would see the other three Beatles trying very hard to remove it, and protect Ringo from being captured and sacrificed in the process. HELP! was needed - both on the big screen, and in the recording studio....
The new year of 1965 brought another Beatle wedding, and preparations for The Beatles' second feature film - which was still untitled at this point. With songs that had been written by John and Paul – both separately and together – The Beatles wasted no time in committing an impressive 11 songs to tape in the space of a week – some of which would feature in the new movie and its soundtrack, two of which would comprise the Beatles new single release, and some which would remain in the vaults for decades…
With a full US tour and the looming Christmas 1964 market as hurdles, the race was on for The Beatles to deliver their fourth studio LP, as well as a brand new single. Listen in as the Fab Four write and record Beatles For Sale - the album which preserved exciting songs from the Beatles' stage act, as well as capturing some Lennon and McCartney classics.
The unprecedented success of their first whirlwind visit to the United States in February 1964 guaranteed The Beatles a return trip in August-September. With The Beatles for the whole tour was Miami newsman, Larry Kane - the journalist who became a reluctant Beatles fan, and dared to ask them the questions the others wouldn't...
By 1964, there could be no doubt that John Lennon and Paul McCartney had – at the ages of 24 and 22 respectively – established themselves as songwriters. Their own records were running off the shelves, and accolades were flowing thick and fast... but they still had plenty of songs to give to other artists.
The Beatles' first feature film and its soundtrack - 'A Hard Day's Night' - received a lot of public attention upon its release in early July 1964... helped along by heavy promotion in the UK and the US. At the same time, John was picking up his pen for a very different reason...
Despite having a huge and adoring fan-base in the Southern Hemisphere, The Beatles only made it to Australia and New Zealand once. With two drummers and two-hundred-thousand-strong public receptions, this would be a tour that The Beatles - and Australia - would never forget...
The Beatles would achieve a number of firsts in 1964 - including their first film, and their first album completely made up of original songs. In this bumper episode, we listen in on the creation of The Beatles' third studio LP - the soundtrack to their critically-acclaimed motion picture debut.
If 1963 had been a whirlwind year, 1964 would be a hurricane! By February, The Beatles were preparing for their first raid on the most lucrative market in the world – The United States of America. The world would never be the same again...
Having completed recording for their second studio album, The Beatles packed their gear for a whirlwind tour of Sweden - their first ever outside of the UK. Days later, they would perform for royalty in a show that would cement their place in British culture...
By the summer of 1963, The Beatles had turned their attention to recording their second album. Touring and media commitments throughout the year meant that they had to snatch whatever time they could to get into the studio to record. Having achieved a number 1 album in Please Please Me, and three number one singles, the pressure was on to produce a follow-up LP which would equal or surpass their highly successful debut. Listen in for outtakes from Studio 2 at Abbey Road...
The Beatles were a very busy band in 1963... with live performances, radio and television appearances and growing media attention, the band moved to London to be closer to the action. The Beatles’ also had to produce two albums and at least two singles every year – an output which would be almost unheard of by today’s standards! Featuring outtakes from recording sessions in EMI Studio 2 at Abbey Road...
From Them To You - More obscurities from The Beatles' appearances on BBC Radio in 1963...
In the days before social media, bands relied heavily on radio exposure to build a national audience, and to promote record sales. The Beatles were no different - and in addition to guest spots on various BBC radio programs - the band were given their own radio show in 1963, in which they showcased their own numbers, as well as songs by their biggest influences. Part 1 of a two-part special...
With four of the fourteen songs needed for their debut album recorded, The Beatles occupied Studio 2 at EMI's Abbey Road Studios for a marathon session on 11 February 1963. Their mission: record ten songs to wrap up the LP for a March release. Tune in to hear rare outtakes from this legendary session.
After their failed audition for Decca, the only way was up for The Beatles. An artiste's test at EMI introduced the band to producer George Martin, and paved the way for one of the most enduring artistic relationships in popular music. This episode explores the very earliest EMI recordings, as well as rehearsals and performances at the legendary Cavern Club.
New Year's Day 1962 was full of promise for The Beatles, who had finally secured an audition with a major record label. This episode takes us into the West Hampstead studios where history was about to be made. How would it turn out? The answer came as a bit of a surprise...
The Beatles' residencies at Hamburg clubs such as The Star Club, The Indra and the Kaiserkeller consolidated the boys as a group and allowed them to craft the stage presence which would see them rise to the top. Catch a glimpse of the band pre-Beatlemania through rare recordings from the Star Club in 1962...
Like many Liverpool groups in the early 1960s, The Beatles cut their performance teeth in the seedy clubs of Hamburg - for some of the time, they were backing band for fellow Englishman Tony Sheridan. It was here in 1961 that the group made their first professional studio recordings...
The Beatles - arguably the most famous musical act of all time - emerged from humble beginnings in working-class Liverpool. This episode explores when John, Paul and George met as teenagers: the genesis of the world's greatest group.