"The footnotes for my nineteenth book. This is my standard procedure for doing it. And while I compose it, I'm also reviewing it"-Jeremy Hillary Boob Ph.D
Buttons and Beatles. When glanced at on a surface level these two concepts seem to hold little to no similarities, but when observed individually or together, it is determined that these two different concepts hold a very vital characteristic; that is the act of holding itself. Button's hold pieces of fabric together. It is what keeps our coats closed through chapped days of fall. For historians or collectors finding a button can be unveiling a piece of another life, holding onto the past and the present. When The Beatles, on the other hand, provided a house that would hold the insanities of teenie-boppers, rebelled rockers, and anyone impressionable to be swept up in the wave known as Beatlemania. Through challenging upbringings of loss, illness, and personal damages of young innocents, the soon known to be Fab Four, gave the world hope to hold onto through lyrics of holding hands entangled in the deeper meditative explorations and a revolution that provided music for the deranged, the complex, the misinterpreted, and the genius. The Beatles provided a safety rope that guided the hopeless.
Last December, musician in his own right and talents, Tim Janis, proved that miracles can happen to those who still believe in his movie entitled Buttons; A Christmas Tale. This film includes a star studded cast including Dick Van Dyke, Angela Lansbury, Robert Redford, Kate Winslet, and others whom provided this film with holding characteristics of its own as the movie hits on a genre that evokes nostalgia in a genre that is lost today; the family musical.
Amongst the whimsical, challenging, intense, and melodic soundtrack provided throughout the film as one follows two orphan girls on their search to find a home in time for Christmas, one will hear "Nova", an orchestral piece written by Sir Paul McCartney. *McCartney, no stranger to working with Tim Janis as the two have collaborated twice before, with Paul's son James, at Abbey Road studio.
The following video is "Nova" via Youtube;
"Nova" first appeared on A Garland for Linda, a tribute album comprised of ten contemporary composers including Paul McCartney, under conductor Peter Broadbent. "Nova", unlike other works McCartney is known for which tend to bop to the pop side of charts and scales, is a classical composition fitting the theme of the album composed of all classical pieces in dedication to Linda as part of the Garland Appeal organization. This group helps raise awareness of cancer fighting, a disease in which Linda McCartney was diagnosed (breast) in 1995 and succumbed to at the age of fifty-six in 1998. "Nova" is a song written out of pure admiration after loving and trusting someone found in ones life. As the film Buttons is getting ready for it's DVD release, coming this December 3, it is important to hold onto values of hope, love, trust, and believing that we can find whomever that somebody is and admire the journey we go on and the people whom get us there. You can now Pre-Order the film that fans are calling (via IMBD Review section) a "Soon to be Christmas Classic", "Absolutely Charming", and a movie that "offers hope in a world that seldom offers or reminds us that there is hope". Tim Janis Buttons: A Christmas Tale DVD release December 3.Pre-Order by clicking here. Can't wait for December 3? Digital copies are available now! Purchase at the above link. Below is the Buttons Trailer;
‘The Cavern was sweaty, damp, dark, loud and exciting . As usual, we didn’t start out with much of an audience, but then people began to hear about us. We could always entertain them" - Paul McCartney, The Beatles Anthology
Tucked away down a rugged, bumpy stone road stood a diamond in the rough - Rough being used in an appropriate manner, due to the pungent stench of rotting fruit from a little stand that was advertising across the street, and the damp, dark basement that would soon smell almost as strong as the market once it became filled with teens dancing and begging for the attention of the latest Merseyside heartthrobs crooning away with their best Elvis impersonation. Proudly grounded at number ten on Mathew Street, Liverpool became one of England's most prestigious and popular attractions; The Cavern Club.
The roots of The Cavern club all began with a young man named Alan Sytner, whom was born in the disheveled city Liverpool in 1935. Alan's young adult trips to Paris and its swinging nights left a tremendous impact on him. His infatuation and influence for jazz flourished with every Parisian holiday he took. What happened next may be fate. At the mere age of twenty-one, Sytner received a generous amount of money from a life insurance policy that granted him with the comfortable load of four-hundred pounds. After nurturing the melodies and harmonies of jazz that he grew to love in France he took his money and brought the dulcet sounds to the Merseyside. On one trip in particular he discovered Le Caveau De La Huchette, the club where he got his music fix on his trips that influenced him to buy an old air-raid shelter of World War II and tunnel system on Mathew Street, naming it duly after his nights in Paris.
Pouring in all of his savings and energy, Alan Sytner dedicated his efforts into opening his new club by adding all the amenities, including toilets, coatroom, snacks, and a stage made of wood perched at the far end to house local jazz musicians. His dream came true on 16 January, 1957 as Merseyippi Jazz Band, Wall City Jazzmen, Ralph Watmough Jazz Band and the Coney Island Skiffle Group topped the bill. When the foot prints of the public stepped behind The Cavern doors that winter's night, they laid the foundation of a club that would birth a new generation of music.
Eddie Clayton Skiffle Group, 1957; Wilson Hall
Many musicians would soon step foot on the privy stage of the club that became a sensation immediately. From the early sounds of Big Broonzy, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Marie Knight, Brownie McGhee, and more with their blues and jazzy style, that was until the Skiffle was introduced. Just like an epidemic, skiffle would soon sweep the nation thanks to Lonnie Donegan, who brought the american folk style music to Britain with "Rock Island Line". Once the folk revival invasion caught the attention of the young population, Synter decided it was time to start hiring Skiffle groups more regularly.. Besides the Coney Island Skiffle Group on opening day, the next skiffle group that would be known for playing there would be Eddie Clayton Skiffle Group in late July 1957. A group consisting of co-workers at H.Hunt & Sons, Eddie Miles and Richard Starkey, along with John Dougherty, Roy Trafford and Frank Walsh, who had previously only been playing at Peel Street Labour Club and Wilson Hall. Notably known for their matching shirt color and bootlace attire. The next group that would be introduced to The Cavern Club with the skiffle beat would be The Quarrymen, who made their debut on 7 August, 1957. The becoming popular band front man John Lennon and members Len Garry, Rod Davies, Colin Hanton, Pete Shotton and Eric Griffiths, all friends from Quarry Bank High School. The Quarrymen performed during a lunch session where their performance was seen more as a disturbance when they broke out into the developing area of Rock'n'Roll. Alan even passing the nearsighted Lennon, a folded up paper reading "cut out the rock!."
From many different jazz musicians like Ronnie Scott, Mr. Acker Bilk's Paramount Jazz Band, and even a visit from Lonnie Donegan himself, as well as numerous others whom performed under the roof of the dingy, dim, and damp club. Until things were to change in 1959.
3 October, 1959 The Cavern Club was bought out by Ray McFall for 2,750 pounds, after Alan Sytner moved to a more popular club in London, The Marquee Jazz Club.
Streets flooded with fans waiting to get in
Ray McFall was born 14 November, 1926 in Garston, Liverpool to a sea merchant. His family and himself then moved to Maghull where he would sit behind a desk at St Mary's Roman Catholic College. From time to time he found himself working at the Clock Face Colliery and then as a clerk as an accountant. He later invested his time as a cashier part-time for Alan Sytner at The Cavern Club and the rest went like this...
McFall opened his night with two blues musician's, Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee. Unlike Sytner, McFall understood that times were changing and skiffle and rock'n'roll were making their way into the hearts of the young Liverpudlians and The Cavern began to change. Under Mcfall's name club began to holding more events, starting in 1960. These would include a Jazz festival followed the first promoted beat night session with open Rory Storm and the Hurricanes (previously known as the Texan Skiffle Group). The group provided high energy levels anytime they performed by their lead singer, Rory Storm, and their lovable drummer (who had already made his debut at the club with Eddie Clayton), Richard Starkey, who now was known as Ringo Starr. Things began to fall into place, especially once a young man named Bob Wooler stepped foot into the club. He was asked to improvise and make a spontaneous announcement, and what he said next landed him a job as The Cavern's announcer.
"Remember all you cave-dwellers the Cavern is the best of cellars".- Bob Wooler, 26 Wednesday October, 1960
The already well-received club began to soar once Wooler finally closed once he sealed the deal with a charming mother, Mona Best, and hired her son, Pete's band, who had now become known as The Beatles . In 1961, The Beatles, featuring John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Stuart Sutcliffe, and Pete Best started their fame at The Cavern. Prior to their Mathew Street acts, the band were frequently playing in Best's basement, after his mother decided to open up a club in their basement called The Casbah.
Although The Beatles would soon become the biggest act The Cavern had seen, it didn't start out that way. 9 February, 1961 The Beatles made their first appearance at a lunchtime session. As The Quarrymen, John Lennon and Paul McCartney (who joined the Quarrymen in 1957, read about it here) had appeared on The Cavern stage before, this was however the first time George Harrison and Stuart Sutcliffe would appear. The five members had been putting on lively, howling shows in Hamburg, Germany where they got their first real taste for life as musicians. From going from£2.50 each per day in Hamburg The Beatles were now being paid £5 to split among themselves for their first Cavern gig.Author of The Cavern ,Spencer Leigh, quotes Ray McFall;
John and Paul at the Cavern
They were different and they were very well rehearsed because they had come back from three months of torture in Hamburg. The other groups were like Cliff Richard and the Shadows, but The Beatles’ music was so vibrant… However, I didn’t like them wearing jeans which were taboo in the Cavern. Our doormen would stop anyone wearing jeans. I felt that if people were wearing good, clean clothes they would be more likely to behave themselves as they wouldn’t want them getting dirty and damaged.
"We used to play lunchtime dates. We'd get up and go down to the Cavern and play from noon till about two. It was casual; we'd have our tea and sandwiches and cigarettes on stage, sing a couple of tunes and tell a few jokes." - George Harrison, The Beatles Anthology
Pete Best
It was in the same year that The Beatles became The Cavern's signature act that the Liverpool Lads became Liverpool Lords as a well respected businessman from NEMS record store saw the band perform; It wasn't long until the band were under the management of Brian Epstein. Epstein took The Beatles to recording studios and finally landed a position with George Martin of EMI Studios at Abbey Road. With Martin's suggestion and Brians agreement, Pete Best was soon dropped from the band and replaced with Ringo Starr. Lennon, McCartney and Harrison had played with Ringo before and had been around him as well as other bands in the Mersey beat sound. When it came to musicians at this time, if someone was sick or couldn't make it they would interchange and steal a member from another for a session. It was in Germany when The Beatles and Rory Storm where on tour together and Beatles drummer, Best, fell ill and Starr joined in. It was that autumn day in 1960 that the floorboard vibration of the Kaiserkellar rattled the pointed shoes of John, Paul, George and Stu. Keeping the beat of the roaring chaos that the boys were producing, as well as starting the pulse of the bands heart - corny? Maybe. Truth? Yes. Playing with Ringo was eye opening to The Beatles. - But this is another story for another post. However, Ringo joining The Beatles wasn't as supportive as they intended. In fact there were a lot of hate towards them from some groups, resulting in even George Harrison getting a black eye. Chants like "Ringo Never, Pete Best Forever!" echoed the area. Fans,however, could not stay away from The Beatles and grew a love as Ringo as a replacement, for his charismatic charm, leading to the boys reigned king as the Liverpool Lords.
Ringo Starr
They would go on to play a total of 292 times at The Cavern, and quickly became the most recognizable group to play in history. If girls weren't getting all dolled-up in the bathrooms they would either be fantasizing about The Beatles or fighting for a closer spot, and even fighting over the boys affections. Despite the fighting, damp, dark, and awful mixture of spoiled fruit from the market and sweat, The Beatles were untouchable. The following video is The Beatles performing "Some Other Guy" at The Cavern, 1962;
With Ringo now backing them up, The Beatles took off, leaving the Cave Dwellers to dwell, as they wouldn't be returning to the Cavern anytime soon; Beatlemania had just begun.
(L-R; George Harrison, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, John Lennon)
1970s;
Eric's Club
Unfortunately in 1966 Ray McFall declared bankrupt and the club was forced to close doors. Shortly after the fall of Alf Geoghegan and Joe Davey invested in the space to improve the iconic space. on 23 July of that year, Harold Wilson, British Prime Minister officially reopened the Cavern with new owners and after the cosmetic changes, including new entrance, souvenir shop, a boutique and a coffee lounge. However, the original vaults still stood. In 1970 the club was sold to Harry Waterman and Roy Adams, whom kept the music and legacy of the club alive, as they hired acts like Status Quo, appearances by Queen, as well as other local acts. Under the new ownership, more cosmetic changes were added, as the club extended the cellar vaults. On 27 May 1973, The Cavern Club re-opened adjacent to the original location at 10 Mathew Street; It now was placed at 7 Mathew Street. The original club was knocked down from street level up, leaving the remains of the once thriving cellar filled with destruction and was replaced with a parking lot. For a brief period in time in the mid-late 70s, the club was renamed to Revolution Club but was shut down within months before it re-opened as Eric's.
Demolition of The Cavern Club
1980s:
News broke early morning 9 December in Britain; John Lennon had been shot and killed outside of his New York apartment. Memorials spread across the globe as heavy hearts shared in remembering the life, love and legacy of their false god. It was almost stepping back in time, as Mathew Street began to flood with people, although, not with the same high spirits as they use to. Within a year, plans launched to re-establish the original club, by excavating the rubble of the Cavern cellar on 10 Mathew Street. Although the original vaults and arches were now too weak and could cause safety hazards, the original bricks from the 1950s establishment were sold and all proceeds were donated to Strawberry Fields Children's home. However, not all bricks were given away, in fact 15,000 authentic bricks were used in the reconstruction. Within the decade numerous owners took over the club and in 1989 the club was closed due to a customer assault which landed the new owners in jail.
1990s;
Luckily, due to the club, almost being a demand site for tourist, Cavern City Tours re-opened it in 1991 and music was thriving once again; including a little band called Oasis. Both Ringo and Paul came to visit the new Cavern Club and proudly signed their names on the historic brick walls. McCartney however, decided to end the century with a rock'n'roll concert in the new facility.
The Current entrance of the Cavern
2000s;
McCartney may have been The Beatle to return to the club the most; once in the 60s with then girlfriend, Linda Eastman, 1990s, and then again he held an "End Of The World" Party in the cellar in 2003, where a sign was posted that the club would be closed due to a "Private retirement Party" being held. Two years later the Artic Monkeys made their appearance and soon became a sensation worldwide.
The Cavern Club is almost a sanctuary, a temple that everyone has to see. Many have played there including renowned names like The Rolling Stones, Bo Diddley, Donovan, The Yardbirds, and thousands of others.
You can now visit the historic Cavern Club either on your own tab or part of a tour.
To read more about The Cavern Club and find out about tours click here.
Winter for some is seen as such a miserable, dreary, time of year. It's the time of year that animals hibernate, birds fly south, freezing balls of rain mound in some of our yards, and when plants usually die. Spring however may come a little bit early this time around.
This week Paul McCartney and his great team announced that the Grammy-Award and BRIT nominated album, Flowers In The Dirt, will be reissued this coming March. The album was McCartney's eighth solo album released on 5 June by Parlophone. Reaching number on in both United Kingdom and Norway. During this time McCartney released "My Brave Face" which was a natural hit in the United States. All things were falling into place, leading McCartney to embark on one of his biggest tours of his career, The Paul McCartney World Tour, which started hitting North America, Europe, Japan and Brazil from September 1989- July 1990.
The album features the talents of several producers, Elvis Costello, David Foster, Mitchell Froom, Trevor Horn, Steve Lipson, and McCartney himself. Also, EMI producer, Beatles producer, and friend, George Martin had work on "Put It There", as well as Pink Floyd guitarist, David Gilmour lending his skills on "We Got Married". A thirteen tracked album with artwork was photographed by, who else but Paul's then wife, Linda (Eastman); the canvas was painted by the World Tour backdrop artist, Brian Clarke.
In the Reissued, Deluxe Edition one can find all new configurations at Abbey Road Studios, digital downloads, three unheard cassette demos, remixes, single edits, and original B-sides, eighteen bonus audio tracks, featuring unreleased demos from McCartney's co-writing with Elvis Costello;
"The demos are red hot off the skillet and that’s why we wanted to include them on this boxed set. What’s great about these songs is that they’ve just been written. So there’s nothing more hot off the skillet as I say. So that was the kind of great instant thing about them. I hadn’t listened to them in ages but when I did I knew we had to put them out. We made a little tape of them and sent them to Elvis, who loved them too. We said we should put out an EP or something and now the moment’s finally arrived.” -McCartney. PaulMcCartney.com Paul Announces Reissue of 'Flowers In The Dirt'
Paul McCartney's website also includes;
"The DVD that comes with the Deluxe Edition includes all the music videos from the album, three new short films with unseen archive material that show some of the creation process of the album and the documentary 'Put It There' originally released on VHS in 1989 – a behind-the-scenes look at the making of Flowers In The Dirt as well as featuring live performances from his 1989 World Tour."
Here are what you can expect;
FLOWERS IN THE DIRT TRACKLISTING:
SPECIAL EDITION (3CD/1DVD) DISC 1 (Plus HD audio download):
1. My Brave Face (2017 Remaster)
2. Rough Ride (2017 Remaster)
3. You Want Her Too (2017 Remaster)
4. Distractions (2017 Remaster)
5. We Got Married (2017 Remaster)
6. Put It There (2017 Remaster)
7. Figure Of Eight (2017 Remaster)
8. This One (2017 Remaster)
9. Don’t Be Careless Love (2017 Remaster)
10. That Day Is Done (2017 Remaster)
11. How Many People (2017 Remaster)
12. Motor Of Love (2017 Remaster)
13. Où Est Le Soleil? (2017 Remaster)
DISC 2 (Plus HD audio download):
1. The Lovers That Never Were (Original Demo)
2. Tommy’s Coming Home (Original Demo)
3. Twenty Fine Fingers (Original Demo)
4. So Like Candy (Original Demo)
5. You Want Her Too (Original Demo)
6. That Day Is Done (Original Demo)
7. Don’t Be Careless Love (Original Demo)
8. My Brave Face (Original Demo)
9. Playboy To A Man (Original Demo)
DISC 3 (Plus HD audio download):
1. The Lovers That Never Were (1988 Demo)
2. Tommy’s Coming Home (1988 Demo)
3. Twenty Fine Fingers (1988 Demo)
4. So Like Candy (1988 Demo)
5. You Want Her Too (1988 Demo)
6. That Day Is Done (1988 Demo)
7. Don’t Be Careless Love (1988 Demo)
8. My Brave Face (1988 Demo)
9. Playboy To A Man (1988 Demo)
DVD
Music Videos:
1. My Brave Face
2. My Brave Face (Version 2)
3. This One (Version 1)
4. This One (Version 2)
5. Figure Of Eight
6. Party Party
7. Où Est Le Soleil?
8. Put It There
9. Distractions
10. We Got Married
Creating Flowers in the Dirt:
1. Paul And Elvis
2. Buds In The Studio
3. The Making Of ‘This One’
(The Dean Chamberlain One)
Put it There:
1. Put It There Documentary
DOWNLOAD ONLY: Original B-sides, remixes and single edits:
1. Back On My Feet
2. Flying To My Home
3. The First Stone
4. Good Sign
5. This One (Club Lovejoys Mix)
6. Figure Of Eight (12” Bob Clearmountain Mix)
7. Loveliest Thing
8. Où Est Le Soleil? (12” Mix)
9. Où Est Le Soleil? (Tub Dub Mix)
10. Où Est Le Soleil? (7” Mix)
11. Où Est Le Soleil? (Instrumental)
12. Party Party (Original Mix)
13. Party Party (Club Mix)
Cassette demos:
1. I Don’t Want To Confess
2. Shallow Grave
3. Mistress And Maid
---
SPECIAL EDITION (2CD) DISC 1:
1. My Brave Face (2017 Remaster)
2. Rough Ride (2017 Remaster)
3. You Want Her Too (2017 Remaster)
4. Distractions (2017 Remaster)
5. We Got Married (2017 Remaster)
6. Put It There (2017 Remaster)
7. Figure Of Eight (2017 Remaster)
8. This One (2017 Remaster)
9. Don’t Be Careless Love (2017 Remaster)
10. That Day Is Done (2017 Remaster)
11. How Many People (2017 Remaster)
12. Motor Of Love (2017 Remaster)
13. Où Est Le Soleil? (2017 Remaster)
DISC 2:
1. The Lovers That Never Were (Original Demo)
2. Tommy’s Coming Home (Original Demo)
3. Twenty Fine Fingers (Original Demo)
4. So Like Candy (Original Demo)
5. You Want Her Too (Original Demo)
6. That Day Is Done (Original Demo)
7. Don’t Be Careless Love (Original Demo)
8. My Brave Face (Original Demo)
9. Playboy To A Man (Original Demo)
---
VINYL (2LP) Disc 1 Side A:
1. My Brave Face (2017 Remaster)
2. Rough Ride (2017 Remaster)
3. You Want Her Too (2017 Remaster)
4. Distractions (2017 Remaster)
5. We Got Married (2017 Remaster)
6. Put It There (2017 Remaster) Side B:
7. Figure Of Eight (2017 Remaster)
8. This One (2017 Remaster)
9. Don’t Be Careless Love (2017 Remaster)
10. That Day Is Done (2017 Remaster)
11. How Many People (2017 Remaster)
12. Motor Of Love (2017 Remaster)
13. Où Est Le Soleil? (2017 Remaster) (**not on vinyl, this track will be available with the accompanying digital download).
Disc 2 Side A:
1. The Lovers That Never Were (Original Demo)
2. Tommy’s Coming Home (Original Demo)
3. Twenty Fine Fingers (Original Demo)4. So Like Candy (Original Demo) Side B:
5. You Want Her Too (Original Demo)
6. That Day Is Done (Original Demo)
7. Don’t Be Careless Love (Original Demo)
8. My Brave Face (Original Demo)
9. Playboy To A Man (Original Demo)
Make sure to Pre-Order your copy!
You can read more about the reissue at the McCartney website itself by clicking here.
Personal;
Personally, I believe this album defines how determined McCartney is to keep his legend alive. After Wings had split and McCartney had released a few albums without a great sensation, Flowers In The Dirt reclaimed that spark and wonder that we all have, making us ask the inevitable question, "How does he do it?". Also, in the psychedelic and creative film making of one of the favored tracks, "This One", had taught me hand motions and 'sign language', so yes, Macca once again, A+ for not only music education, but language.
Yesterday 13 October, 2016 it was announced that the first ever award for the Nobel Peace Prize will be given to a singer/songwriter, Mr. Robert Allen Zimmerman - or as most of us know him as Bob Dylan.
It is about time that Bob Dylan, a man with over five hundred songs written, part of a super group in the 1980s, toured with huge bands, successfully written six books, and much more, was recognized with such a prestigious award. Dylan has been nominated for forty-six awards - including Grammy's, Academy Awards, Golden Globe. Has been inducted into three hall of fames, is a Recipient of now four awards, is an Honorary Doctor of Music from two schools, and has five songs inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
It was reported that Dylan had a 16/1 chance of being chosen for this award, with the debate of whether or not a musician's writing, lyrics, has the same artistic value as other who have achieved the award before him. Many were thrilled by the lyricist/poet's achievement, as seen throughout social media. Friends such as Ringo Starr, Paul McCartney, Roseanne Cash, including other writers, like Stephen King, commented and posted their congratulations towards the writer. However, there were others who took the seventy-five year olds nomination in another view. People like best selling author, Jodi Picoult stating on Twitter;
“I’m happy for Bob Dylan, #ButDoesThisMeanICanWinAGrammy?”
Picoult was not the only one to make comments against the winner.
Looking back on everything Bob Dylan has done, revolutionizing music, created poetic lines that have inspired hundreds of thousands of writers, not to mention his stand during monumental moments in history, including the March on Washington, led by Doctor Martin Luther King Jr. and songs that croon for freedom, it is about time that he has been recognized for his work in such an honorable way.
Becoming the first musician to win this prestigious award, dating back to 1901, can just only prove that Time's They Are A-Changin'
beloved artifacts that you or has been passed down to you in your attic!
Keep your calendar open if you're in the Liverpool area this coming October - 26 of October to be exact.
If you have any Beatles memorabilia this maybe your shot to see how much it's worth; although, I am sure that in any Beatles collectors eyes, everything is priceless! The Beatles Story is hosting an amazing event as they hold Memorabilia Day with the help of Julien's Auction, whom are well known for smashing world records when it comes to selling Beatles artifacts. Some of their many success are;
“We are very excited about what we might un-cover during this special visit to where it all started for The Beatles" Says, Darren Julien, CEO and founder of Julien's Auctions.
For seven hours, two to nine at night, the event will proudly take place. It is hard to find someone who is not excited about what can be rediscovered. The Beatles Story, Martin King, states;
"We want to encourage members of the public to unearth those hidden gems, which could end up being sold for a significant sum at auction. This special event that we are hosting with Julien’s Auctions will provide a fantastic opportunity for people to have their items valued by some of the world’s most well respected experts in celebrity memorabilia.”
Think about the possible rare, artifacts that could be in the homes of fans just like you and I? Especially, with the event taking place in The Fab Four's hometown of Liverpool!
1960s Beatles artifacts
You can sign up for a free valuation here . For further information, be sure to check out The Beatles Story.
I don't know about you, but I grew up to shows filled with talking aardvarks, big red dogs, and even Spanish explorers. The generation before me had futuristic shows like the Jetsons, stone-aged families, and a talking green frog. Years before that kids were enjoying stories told through radio, sending children on wild adventures in their living rooms. A new generation has now been born, thriving, breathing, and about to grow up on a show that will literally rock their world, with Netflix's new series, Beat Bugs.
The Beat Bugs will be coming to streamers around the world for exciting episodes of music inspired by the Liverpool Lords themselves, and life lessons through adorable characters, such as Jay and his friends! The series was created by Josh Wakely, a writer and producer in Australia, who in 2013 found himself lucky enough to achieve what was thought of as the impossible; getting the rights to use The Beatles songs.
Despite, the struggle Wakely had no intentions of using any other artist or band. In fact, the creator spoke out saying,
"My vision was to take Beatles songs to tell love-filled moral messages for children. The writing in their music is so ripe for reinterpretation, and the characters and world that I created was so tied to the imagination of their songs that I knew I needed them. People in years to come will talk about the Beatles like we talk about Shakespeare.”
The following is the Beat Bugs trailer via Youtube
Getting the rights to use The Beatles songs sounds pretty impossible right? Right. It took Wakely years to secure and use the Fab Four's songs, starting with the company that holds all of the mop topped men's catalog; Sony/ATV. He was appointed to Damien Trotter who quickly told him that the rights to The Beatles songs "aren't just granted..."
However, in an article posted byRolling Stone magazine, Josh Wakely 's idea of having a children's television show just inspired by the boys music, instead of a show about The Beatles themselves. (There's no bug rocking the mop topped look, scouse accent, or even named after one of the band members), helped pursued the company to be more freeing with the songs.
This however would not be the first Beatles children show, as the Fab Four had their own cartoon about them that aired between 1965 - 1967, being aired in America by ABC (The show was later shown as re-runs until 1969. Re-aired by MTV in 1986 and 1987 and would later appear on Disney Channel for a short while). The show was based around the boys, starring one of their songs in which each episode was based around. Widely entertaining for fans, The Beatles however, where not found of the show. Voices were played by various actors, the characters themselves the boys found annoying, and so forth. As mentioned above, having a show not based on The Beatles themselves, maybe a positive factor in Wakely's project. Although, The Beatles will not even play voices in this new series, songs will be performed by artist of today's generation, such as Pink! Sia, Eddie Vedder, and More!
Below is an Episode of The Beatles Cartoon for "Help"
Time will only tell what The Beatbugs have in store for us and the generations to follow. Personally, I would like to thank Josh Wakely for keeping The Beatles music alive and well.
So "Roll Up" and make sure to check out the new series this coming Wednesday 31 August, 2016 on Netflix.
"Who would not want to pay a bit of tribute to this group? Who doesn't owe them a debt?" -Paul Marion, Reimagine Music, Looking Through You
6 July, 1957, a day that shook a nation, redefining the word "Music". A day when two teenage boys casually met and without even knowing it, would go on to revolutionize the world. In five short years, these two boys joined with two others creating a smart suit, witty act of long haired men, screaming fans, and it wasn't long until their name, The Beatles, became known.
Since The Beatles first number one single, "Love Me Do", debuted in 1963, the bands songs have been heard numerous of times through the vocal talents of others who have walked, or are still walking before us. People like the great Frank Sinatra, Bob Dylan, Aerosmith, even Alvin and the Chipmunks... Many albums and releases have been produced paying homage to the great Fab Four, but none has been taken to the heights as Reimagine Music, a record label where re-envisioning the music that started it all in the eyes of young musicians from all genres, has with their new release of Looking Through You, Tomorrow Never Knows, and Goodbye My Love;
"These are not cover versions of sonic gems. This is not cover. This is uncovering. Discovering... This recording is musical news that will stick around." - Paul Marion. Reimagine Music ,Looking Through You
Jim Sampas, Producer and founder of the independent label preaches the idea of how important the music produced at Reimagine Music, allow a "fresh perspective" with its "youthful approach", with the release of these three albums; Looking Through You; A 50th Anniversary Tribute to The Beatles' Rubber Soul, Tomorrow Never Knows; A 50th Anniversary Tribute to The Beatles' Revolver, and Frankie Siragusa Plays: Goodbye My Love - Lost Songs of The Beatles Covered and Rediscovered Sampas statement rings true as promised with help from the younger generation and their salute to these Beatles favorites.
Let's start at the beginning, 1965, Rubber Soul. An album that introduced new instruments such as the sitar, new vocal dynamics with the witty "Tit- Tit- Tit", and lyrics that bring back memories for those long time listeners as well as The Beatles themselves with an Elvis tribute in "Run For Your Life" and Lennon's "In My Life". in Looking Through You artist like; Woodpigeon, The Daydream Club, So Many Wizards, Bobadil, and more, create a sensational version of the iconic, rejuvenating album. The following is the track listing;
Now for all you die hard Beatles fans, which album was released after Rubber Soul? Revolver. Not only has Reimagine Music created a pristine, fresh take on the 1966 classic, but they have also figured out away to see Revolverin a different, unique way with Tomorrow Never Knows; A 50th Anniversary Tribute to The Beatles' Revolver.
Revolver, released in 1967, showed how the band had matured throughout the years. Rubber Soul may of been called the "Growing up album" by the group, but their maturity and adulthood really struck as they took on songs about the Taxman, LSD trips, Relationships, and more in depth with cultural sounds. Thanks to Producer Jim Sampas and his team, the album is once again thriving with new sounds, looks, takes, and life... not that the album have ever died.
Reimagine Music has taken the album to a new height with artists such as The Owls, Nellie McKay, Brian Wright, Tapes 'n Tapes, and many other growing artist. Take a look at the Track list;
"Got To Get You Into My Life" Preformed by Brian Wright
"Tomorrow Never Knows" Preformed by The M's
Not only has Reimagine Music, Reimagined these classic albums but have gone above and beyond in releasing Frankie Siragusa Plays: Goodbye My Love - Lost Songs of The Beatles Covered and Rediscovered.
All of these tributes can be found {and I quote ReimagineMusic.com }
"...Everywhere digital music is sold!"
This means you can Preview and purchase on iTunes and Amazon.
As George Harrison once said,
"That's what life's all about isn't it? You have to change."
