Happy 50th Birthday to McCartney’s “Ram”
It was 50 years ago today that Paul and Linda McCartney released Ram, an album that's become more popular over the decades. I've talked at length about my love for the album here, and have often recommended this Jayson Greene Pitchfork review of the album's 2012 reissue. Perhaps because Ram was created at a time in Paul McCartney's life when he had to [...]
Eddie Cochran Documentary on Arena
The venerable BBC documentary series "Arena" is my television happy place. It's really an unparalleled trove for people interested in a certain era of American and European culture. Last night, as I recovered from Moderna shot #2, I happened upon this documentary about early rock and roller Eddie Cochran. Eddie was one of the early influences on the Fabs, as well as [...]
Prince Plays While My Guitar Gently Weeps
One of the things that I love about The Beatles is that all their songs—even all the parts of their songs—sound right to my ear. Other people can cover a Beatles song and their version might be interesting, or even good, but it won't sound as perfect as the original. Eric Clapton's solo on "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" is definitely like [...]
Beatles and Class Open Thread
I'd like to try to break out some of the more important issues brought up in comments, and put them in one themed thread, so browsers/new users of this blog can find and follow the discussion more efficiently. Please continue your discussion of the Beatles and the UK class system in the comments here. Thank you.
Ringo special from 1978
This trip back to 1978 is posted without comment, for the hardy of mind, body and spirit. Ognir Rrats syas, "Eniacoc si a avulleh gurd." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ueuop3bRZHE
Albert Brooks on John Lennon
Brooks, Lennon, et al. [Stalwart @Hologram Sam posted some of this as a comment, but it's just too good not to surface on the main page. Albert Brooks is a comedian's comedian—someone I want to get for Bystander—and his seminal comedy LP "Comedy Minus One" came out in 1973. This is from a 2012 Vanity Fair interview by Judd Apatow.—M.G.] J.A. You [...]
More Beatle Cars!
I have been busy with other stuff and just saw Nancy's wonderful Beatle Cars post. As a fan of 60s sports cars and the Fabs, I have just too much to say for a comment. John's 1965 Phantom V—For example, did Nancy mention that Lennon's famous psychedelic Rolls had a backseat that converted into a double bed? (I foresee no problems at [...]
Bert Parks Sings “Let ‘Em In”
Just when I think, "I fully and completely grok the sublime weirdness of the 1960s and 70s," I discover something more. Another level (of which there are, as we all know, seven). In the future, historians will conclude, "Everybody was absurdly high. All the time." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nJBDcb7kq_g As a palate-cleanser, here is a relatively non-insane modern remix from the people (person?) [...]
Hey Dullblog Housekeeping Notes
It's that time again! Yes, another post on housekeeping from Hey Dullblog headquarters. I have two things to highlight: We do not and will not publish abusive comments. (Note: this is not directed at anyone who has posted recently on the blog.) This morning I trashed a few of these; today's targets were John Lennon and a commenter. Be assured that [...]