BC the Beatles

On a freezing New Years Day in 1962, the Beatles had their first record label audition, for Decca records. It didn't go so well—the Beatles lost that contract to a competitor group who also auditioned. But that first rejection may have been a key to the whole Beatles' story going forward. We discuss the audition and ask the question, "Would the Beatles have been the Beatles we know today without that first audition and—more importantly—rejection?" Plus news, history, and our unbridled joy over Paul's recent double bird on the beach! 0:00: Intro 10:10: Announcements/Giveaway winners 16:00: News 31:00: This week in Beatles History 32:45: Feature: The Decca Audition 1:10:03: Our favorite Beatles-related things of the week

This holiday season, we look at the two most famous—and most polarizing holiday songs from the solo Beatles: Paul's "Wonderful Christmastime" and John's "Happy Xmas (War is Over)." Are these two songs as far apart from each other as they seem? Plus history, news, an amazing giveaway announcement, and our favorite Beatles thing of the week! 0:00: Opening/Banter 8:57: History 17:41: News 36:05: Feature: "Wonderful Christmastime" and "Happy Xmas (War is Over)" battle to the death! (Not really.) 1:12:29: Our favorite Beatles-related thing of the week

On this edition of #Beatlesbookclub, we discuss Rob Sheffield's fabulous book, Dreaming the Beatles: The Story of One Band and the Whole World, WITH author Rob Sheffield! Rob joins us for a fascinating, insightful, and hilarious discussion about what the Beatles mean to the world today, and how their legacy looms larger with each new generation. 

Fittingly, episode number nine is all about the 'White Album' as we run through its history, brand-new reissues, and celebrate its golden anniversary. We also go live from the International White Album Symposium at Monmouth University to turn the spotlight onto the women who inspired the Beatles, particularly John, and who appear on the ‘White Album’—literally and symbolically. Join us for a full Symposium recap, plus news, big announcements, and a very special favorite Beatles-related thing of the week.

This week, Allison and Erika keep the Halloween spirit alive with a discussion of what is perhaps the most fascinating conspiracy theory in history: the Paul is Dead hoax. How did it happen? What were the clues? Were the other Beatles in on it? Does anyone still believe it? Plus news, history, and an announcement about our upcoming live episode at the International White Album Symposium in Monmouth, New Jersey.

This week, we explore producer George Martin's impact on the Beatles' sound, why he was their perfect match, and the invaluable contributions of the late, great engineer, Geoff Emerick. Plus news, history, and more! Featuring special guest Ken Womack, George Martin biographer, professor, and director of next month's International White Album Symposium at Monmouth University.

We're celebrating Johnny's birthday (October 9th) with one of the world's most notable John Lennon experts, Jude Southerland Kessler, author of The John Lennon Series. We examine a question that is still relevant today: Was John a sinner, a saint, or something else entirely? Plus latest news, the Egypt Station Metrocard winner, and this week's favorite obsessions.

Our first #BeatlesBookClub episode tackles Love Me Do: The Beatles' Progress, Michael Braun's 1964 real-time account of his time as an embedded reporter with the band at the height of Beatlemania. 

The life of the Beatles' manager, Brian Epstein, was nothing if not complex and frustratingly complicated. From his controversial business decisions to his erratic and sometimes dangerous personal relationships, most fans are united in one believe: the Beatles wouldn't have made it without Brian's passion, tenacity, foresight, and panache. Join us as we dig into Brian's life, along with the latest Beatles news, our first giveaway(!), and an announcement about #BeatlesBookClub. 

Paul McCartney's new album, ‘Egypt Station,’ is finally here! We recap the highs, the lows, the weirds, and the wonderfuls in our reaction episode.

This week, Allison and Erika talk with Candy Leonard, author of the book Beatleness, a sociological look at the Beatles fan culture. We go over the differences and similarities between fans throughout the decades and discuss why Beatlemania is growing oddly close to becoming a religion.

We recap the Fest for Beatles Fans, which co-host Allison attended—and actually got her hair cut by Beatles hairdresser Leslie Cavendish! Also, we deconstruct Paul McCartney's new single and the online craziness surrounding it—is this a "fuh yeah!" or "oh, fuh no!" moment?? Plus, the latest Beatles news and this week in Beatles history, featuring a debate about Ringo's contribution to the band on the anniversary of his addition to the Fab Four.

Take a trip to Pepperland with us as we go through the long, weird history of Yellow Submarine—a film that one of our hosts just saw for the first time ever (crazy, right?!??!). Also, latest news, history, and some of our favorite current Beatles obsessions.

Our first episode, and Paul made us do it!  Puzzling social media, Carpool Karaoke, curious connections to obscure paintings... Paul McCartney drove Beatles fans crazy in anticipation of his new album, Egypt Station. Allison and Erika unpack the frenzy of the past month. We then look back at Paul's history of crazy, weird marketing, and talk about the craziest ploy of them all: the creation and extraordinary adventures of Percy "Thrills" Thrillington.