I've been at it again, buying used Christmas music. I've gotten some good stuff, including this album that is out of print and selling for ridiculous prices ($50-$70 on ebay). I got it for $6.
But the real damage this year is from downloads. I got an ipod earlier this year, and now have been scouring the internet for downloadable songs ... and I've found a ton of Christmas. Some great sites for such content -- mostly blogs -- include this and this and this and this and this and this. The best to find stuff is this site, which has links to many of the above and many, many more.
Hope you find great Christmas music out there.
-Zube.
Monday, December 11, 2006
Thursday, November 16, 2006
I haven't posted in awhile.
And now I have.
-Zube.
OK, I'll post.
Interesting days at work. Layoffs. 20something companywide, only 8 in the newsoom, only 3 in my newsroom (5 from the bureaus).
I say "only" but don't mean to be crass. 8 people DID lose their jobs. But in the newspaper world of late, that's not bad. Recently, Philadelphia laid off 40 newsroom positions.
People don't read newspapers like they used to. I read an analysis about that, blaming it on the shift to a white-collar economy.
Back when we were all blue-collar, everybody went to the factory from 8 to 5, came home, read the afternoon paper for an hour to catch up on what happened in the world while they were working, then had dinner.
In a white-collar world, we go to work earlier, stay later. More than 40 hours a week. We can keep up to date on our cell phones or Blackberries or Internet or television. And nobody has an hour to kill reading the paper anymore. That's why afternoon dailies died, and morning dailies will follow.
A friend and I were discussing this right after the layoffs. I told him we're making buggy whips and buttonhooks here. We're obsolete.
Sigh.
-Zube.
-Zube.
OK, I'll post.
Interesting days at work. Layoffs. 20something companywide, only 8 in the newsoom, only 3 in my newsroom (5 from the bureaus).
I say "only" but don't mean to be crass. 8 people DID lose their jobs. But in the newspaper world of late, that's not bad. Recently, Philadelphia laid off 40 newsroom positions.
People don't read newspapers like they used to. I read an analysis about that, blaming it on the shift to a white-collar economy.
Back when we were all blue-collar, everybody went to the factory from 8 to 5, came home, read the afternoon paper for an hour to catch up on what happened in the world while they were working, then had dinner.
In a white-collar world, we go to work earlier, stay later. More than 40 hours a week. We can keep up to date on our cell phones or Blackberries or Internet or television. And nobody has an hour to kill reading the paper anymore. That's why afternoon dailies died, and morning dailies will follow.
A friend and I were discussing this right after the layoffs. I told him we're making buggy whips and buttonhooks here. We're obsolete.
Sigh.
-Zube.
Thursday, September 21, 2006
Ch-ch-ch-changes.
We're losing a guy from the area of the newspaper I work. ... At.
That's 25% of our staffing. But of course, we're not going to hire to replace him.
So my hours and days off may shift to accomodate. I'll start working 1 hour later (which will cost me some time with my kids and wife), and I probably will have to occasionally rotate to a Tuesday to Saturday shift.
It's not horrible, but it does change what had been a dream schedule for me for several years now: Monday through Friday, 11 to 7. I guess it had to come to an end eventually.
Sigh.
-Zube.
That's 25% of our staffing. But of course, we're not going to hire to replace him.
So my hours and days off may shift to accomodate. I'll start working 1 hour later (which will cost me some time with my kids and wife), and I probably will have to occasionally rotate to a Tuesday to Saturday shift.
It's not horrible, but it does change what had been a dream schedule for me for several years now: Monday through Friday, 11 to 7. I guess it had to come to an end eventually.
Sigh.
-Zube.
Monday, September 11, 2006
Woof!
We got a dog.
There was a story locally about way too many dogs being euthanized because of lack of space at shelters, so we decided to go take a look for one, since the kids have always wanted a dog, but we didn't really have the room for one.
We had gotten on the net and found a great looking dog, and were all pumped to see him, but when we got there and he was brought out, he was indifferent to us and the kids. We were a little disappointed.
But my daughter had already spotted another dog nearby that was very friendly and looked like fun. We had her brought out, and she took up with me and the kids and my wife right away.
She's a border collie mix, don't know what with, but she's a pretty thing. Gonna be 2 in December, if I remember right. She came from animal control, and already had a name, Whistle.
She's great, she's already acting like our place is her home. She's chased birds out of her backyard and barked a lot at a car that parked in front of our house.
I think we made a great move.
-Zube.
There was a story locally about way too many dogs being euthanized because of lack of space at shelters, so we decided to go take a look for one, since the kids have always wanted a dog, but we didn't really have the room for one.
We had gotten on the net and found a great looking dog, and were all pumped to see him, but when we got there and he was brought out, he was indifferent to us and the kids. We were a little disappointed.
But my daughter had already spotted another dog nearby that was very friendly and looked like fun. We had her brought out, and she took up with me and the kids and my wife right away.
She's a border collie mix, don't know what with, but she's a pretty thing. Gonna be 2 in December, if I remember right. She came from animal control, and already had a name, Whistle.
She's great, she's already acting like our place is her home. She's chased birds out of her backyard and barked a lot at a car that parked in front of our house.
I think we made a great move.
-Zube.
Thursday, August 24, 2006
My Disneyland box redux
By the way ...
It's up to 20 discs now.
2 for Main Street USA, 2 for Adventureland, 1 each for New Orleans Square, Bear Country/Critter Country and Frontierland, 1 for Fantasyland and 1 for Fantasyland/Toontown, 5 for Tomorrowland, 4 for parades and shows, 1 for Christmas and a "Bonus Disc" of music from Club 33 and Disney Gallery.
Sad, huh?
-Zube.
It's up to 20 discs now.
2 for Main Street USA, 2 for Adventureland, 1 each for New Orleans Square, Bear Country/Critter Country and Frontierland, 1 for Fantasyland and 1 for Fantasyland/Toontown, 5 for Tomorrowland, 4 for parades and shows, 1 for Christmas and a "Bonus Disc" of music from Club 33 and Disney Gallery.
Sad, huh?
-Zube.
Cats and dogs
It's raining a bunch here.
We got rain this morning for a couple hours, and it was coming down hard. At one point, the thunder and lightning was right over our house. I thought we got hit, but I don't think so.
One thing nice to find out about the new home: Our roof doesn't seem to be leaking.
-Zube.
We got rain this morning for a couple hours, and it was coming down hard. At one point, the thunder and lightning was right over our house. I thought we got hit, but I don't think so.
One thing nice to find out about the new home: Our roof doesn't seem to be leaking.
-Zube.
Thursday, August 10, 2006
Where's my ...
Unpacking is a chore, no matter how carefully you packed and labeled boxes. And we were so rushed, we had a bunch of boxes at the end that were unlabeled, or just had stuff thrown into bags.
I just found my dress shoes 2 days ago.
-Zube.
I just found my dress shoes 2 days ago.
-Zube.
Monday, August 07, 2006
Finally.
OK, so that day WASN'T moving day.
We had more ugly twists and turns before we FINALLY closed. Took us a few days to move, and a few minor accidents along the way.
But we finally are in our new house, and it's a joy. But we're more tired than you can imagine.
One day soon, we'll celebrate!
-Zube.
We had more ugly twists and turns before we FINALLY closed. Took us a few days to move, and a few minor accidents along the way.
But we finally are in our new house, and it's a joy. But we're more tired than you can imagine.
One day soon, we'll celebrate!
-Zube.
Friday, July 28, 2006
Moving day
We've been way busy, as you can imagine. There is one more paper to sign ( ... there is ALWAYS one more paper to sign ... ) then we close and record today.
We have to move all our stuff over this weekend, and we're up against the wall. My parents are coming in from El Paso to help, and I have a friend from work helping me too.
My wife said all this time crunch (and the many twists and turns it finally took to get to today) is draining all the joy from the moment, and I agree. But hopefully, once we're in there on Monday and can start unpacking, we'll finally be happy. I know I'm looking forward to that feeling!
-Zube.
We have to move all our stuff over this weekend, and we're up against the wall. My parents are coming in from El Paso to help, and I have a friend from work helping me too.
My wife said all this time crunch (and the many twists and turns it finally took to get to today) is draining all the joy from the moment, and I agree. But hopefully, once we're in there on Monday and can start unpacking, we'll finally be happy. I know I'm looking forward to that feeling!
-Zube.
Monday, June 26, 2006
From the home front
OK, the big secret I've been holding onto for a couple weeks.
My wife kept looking at this house about half a mile from us, wishing we could get a new house. But we're not really ready to sell, with repairs to be made to our house and no money to make them.
She toured the house during an open house, and the agent took her name and number. She mentioned it to me, but I pretty much dismissed it because I knew there was no way we could get the money to do this.
But the agent was persistent, and one day told my wife that she might have a buyer for OUR house. Hmm.
My wife finally got me to go look at the house, and I liked it. It was bigger by a bedroom, had nicer amenities, a fireplace, vaulted ceilings, a nice backyard, etc. etc. etc. And the seller, who works for a mortgage company, worked out some numbers. They figured that if we could get a certain price for our house, we could retire debt and then absorb a bigger mortgage payment.
So, without putting our house on the market, we allowed the agent to bring a couple people over.
The first one hated it. The second one loved it, then disappeared.
So the agent said she would try a couple of home investors.
One couldn't qualify. The second one tried to get us to sign over all our equity.
At this point, we figured it was over. We had decided that we were not going to go to great lengths to make this happen. We could live in our house, and make some changes to make it more livable.
Then the agent dropped a bomb: She and her husband wanted to buy our house themselves.
So it appears now that THEY will buy it, and we'll buy the other house.
Weird, huh?
-Zube.
My wife kept looking at this house about half a mile from us, wishing we could get a new house. But we're not really ready to sell, with repairs to be made to our house and no money to make them.
She toured the house during an open house, and the agent took her name and number. She mentioned it to me, but I pretty much dismissed it because I knew there was no way we could get the money to do this.
But the agent was persistent, and one day told my wife that she might have a buyer for OUR house. Hmm.
My wife finally got me to go look at the house, and I liked it. It was bigger by a bedroom, had nicer amenities, a fireplace, vaulted ceilings, a nice backyard, etc. etc. etc. And the seller, who works for a mortgage company, worked out some numbers. They figured that if we could get a certain price for our house, we could retire debt and then absorb a bigger mortgage payment.
So, without putting our house on the market, we allowed the agent to bring a couple people over.
The first one hated it. The second one loved it, then disappeared.
So the agent said she would try a couple of home investors.
One couldn't qualify. The second one tried to get us to sign over all our equity.
At this point, we figured it was over. We had decided that we were not going to go to great lengths to make this happen. We could live in our house, and make some changes to make it more livable.
Then the agent dropped a bomb: She and her husband wanted to buy our house themselves.
So it appears now that THEY will buy it, and we'll buy the other house.
Weird, huh?
-Zube.
Wednesday, June 21, 2006
Ouch.
So this is how I spent some of Father's Day: In an emergency room.
It was early in the evening when I went outside to throw around the football with my son. I was wearing thick sandals ... then I felt something go through them and into my foot. It was a screw. A rusty screw.
The thing had screwed my shoe to my foot, and every motion of either was very painful. My wife took me to the emergency room and I sat there in a wheelchair for about an hour. They processed me, then I waited longer, then they looked at me, then I waited longer, then I got a room, then I waited longer, then I got moved, then I waited longer, then they hooked me up to remove the screw. Then I waited longer. Then they removed the screw. Then I waited longer.
I was put under so they could remove the screw (with a pair of needlenose pliers from maintenance!), but for just a minute. Apparently I didn't start to bleed until they got the thing out, which is a good thing.
Three and a half hours after I showed up, I was out. Which actually was pretty good for an emergency room. When I left, I saw people I had seen when I came in, still waiting to go through the first part of the process.
My foot is sore.
-Zube.
It was early in the evening when I went outside to throw around the football with my son. I was wearing thick sandals ... then I felt something go through them and into my foot. It was a screw. A rusty screw.
The thing had screwed my shoe to my foot, and every motion of either was very painful. My wife took me to the emergency room and I sat there in a wheelchair for about an hour. They processed me, then I waited longer, then they looked at me, then I waited longer, then I got a room, then I waited longer, then I got moved, then I waited longer, then they hooked me up to remove the screw. Then I waited longer. Then they removed the screw. Then I waited longer.
I was put under so they could remove the screw (with a pair of needlenose pliers from maintenance!), but for just a minute. Apparently I didn't start to bleed until they got the thing out, which is a good thing.
Three and a half hours after I showed up, I was out. Which actually was pretty good for an emergency room. When I left, I saw people I had seen when I came in, still waiting to go through the first part of the process.
My foot is sore.
-Zube.
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
iPod redux
OK, so my daughter confiscated the iPod!
She decided after about a day that she really did like it and thought it was cool, especially cause now we were going to let her download music from iTunes.
So I decided to get myself another iPod. I went and got a 2mb black iPod.
Well the first one was a bit of a problem ... I spent hours trying to get it working, byt my computer wouldn't recognize it. I reloaded the iPod, removed and reinstalled software, everything. I finally concluded that the iPod itself must be corrupted. I was hoping so, at least, instead of the problem being with my computer.
So I took it back to Best Buy the next day, they ran diagnostics, and sure enough, it was fried. And without blinking an eye, they told me to go get another one.
So I got the second one, and it works fine. I'm really enjoying dumping music into it.
Now my son wants one!
-Zube.
She decided after about a day that she really did like it and thought it was cool, especially cause now we were going to let her download music from iTunes.
So I decided to get myself another iPod. I went and got a 2mb black iPod.
Well the first one was a bit of a problem ... I spent hours trying to get it working, byt my computer wouldn't recognize it. I reloaded the iPod, removed and reinstalled software, everything. I finally concluded that the iPod itself must be corrupted. I was hoping so, at least, instead of the problem being with my computer.
So I took it back to Best Buy the next day, they ran diagnostics, and sure enough, it was fried. And without blinking an eye, they told me to go get another one.
So I got the second one, and it works fine. I'm really enjoying dumping music into it.
Now my son wants one!
-Zube.
Friday, May 19, 2006
Funny
Overheard Conversation of the Day:
Twenty-year-old female 1, in serious tone, no smile: "That's funny."
Twenty-year-old female 2, ditto: "SO funny."
They meant it, too.
-Zube.
Twenty-year-old female 1, in serious tone, no smile: "That's funny."
Twenty-year-old female 2, ditto: "SO funny."
They meant it, too.
-Zube.
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
Amused to death
Time to vent.
At work, we're watching the NBA playoffs on TNT. And I'm talking about how I hate their studio show, which consists mainly of Charles Barkley being an idiot and people talking over each other.
Others around me tell me that they LOVE that show, how they think it's entertaining. I say if you find after-hours talk by a bunch of drunk people spouting half-thought-out opinions entertaining, then more power to you. Among the more insightful things on TNT: a long-running "gag" video of a fat guy dancing with Charles Barkley's face grafted on. Hi-larious.
When did the pursuit of "entertainment" become the highest goal of mankind? or of Americankind, anyway.
I like entertainment, music, etc. (as you realize if you've read any bit of my blog). But there's got to be time to meditate, reflect ... THINK, for God's sake.
I know the NBA studio show isn't a big thing, but it bugs me when this is what is held up as a good idea. TV itself is full of junk, and entire channels are devoted to such junk (Spike, for one). Why can't they give you thoughtful information? Why do we need this kind of mindless stimulation 24/7? What the heck happened to reading? What the heck happened to thinking?
What the heck?
-Zube.
At work, we're watching the NBA playoffs on TNT. And I'm talking about how I hate their studio show, which consists mainly of Charles Barkley being an idiot and people talking over each other.
Others around me tell me that they LOVE that show, how they think it's entertaining. I say if you find after-hours talk by a bunch of drunk people spouting half-thought-out opinions entertaining, then more power to you. Among the more insightful things on TNT: a long-running "gag" video of a fat guy dancing with Charles Barkley's face grafted on. Hi-larious.
When did the pursuit of "entertainment" become the highest goal of mankind? or of Americankind, anyway.
I like entertainment, music, etc. (as you realize if you've read any bit of my blog). But there's got to be time to meditate, reflect ... THINK, for God's sake.
I know the NBA studio show isn't a big thing, but it bugs me when this is what is held up as a good idea. TV itself is full of junk, and entire channels are devoted to such junk (Spike, for one). Why can't they give you thoughtful information? Why do we need this kind of mindless stimulation 24/7? What the heck happened to reading? What the heck happened to thinking?
What the heck?
-Zube.
Friday, May 12, 2006
iGot an iPod
My daughter won an iPod last February for coming in first at a Science Fair that 1) she HAD to enter, and 2) she hated. Imagine her surprise when she won 1 of 2 grand prizes!
Except that the grand prize, an iPod, wasn't handed to her then. "Soon," she was told.
So, almost 3 months later, they finally delivered an iPod Nano (1GB ... wish it was bigger!). And she then delivered to me. She doesn't really want one, she's still more into CDs than downloads. So I bought her some software that she really wanted, dealing with computer graphics. Turns out she's REALLY good at that, so it was a good trade.
Anyway ... my first items on the iPod? My Disneyland box!
-Zube.
Except that the grand prize, an iPod, wasn't handed to her then. "Soon," she was told.
So, almost 3 months later, they finally delivered an iPod Nano (1GB ... wish it was bigger!). And she then delivered to me. She doesn't really want one, she's still more into CDs than downloads. So I bought her some software that she really wanted, dealing with computer graphics. Turns out she's REALLY good at that, so it was a good trade.
Anyway ... my first items on the iPod? My Disneyland box!
-Zube.
Thursday, May 11, 2006
Dirty dozen
Ok, so I pushed my Disneyland box set out to 12. I downloaded more Tomorrowland tracks that I found.
The main one was the Michael Jackson show "Captain EO," a 3-D movie that played at a theater in Tomorrowland right below Space Mountain. I remember liking that movie, but Jacko gives me the creeps now, so I decided I wouldn't bother.
But a friend I work with, who has given me DOZENS of DVDs he's burned, has asked to borrow that set and copy it. And he's a big Disneyland fan, too. And he turns out to be a fan of Captain EO. Which I didn't have. So I went back and added that track, plus a few others, to flesh it out.
So I did hit the magical 12 CDs. And I have 2 parades so far, so I'm about halfway there to making a 13th CD. Maybe soon.
-Zube.
The main one was the Michael Jackson show "Captain EO," a 3-D movie that played at a theater in Tomorrowland right below Space Mountain. I remember liking that movie, but Jacko gives me the creeps now, so I decided I wouldn't bother.
But a friend I work with, who has given me DOZENS of DVDs he's burned, has asked to borrow that set and copy it. And he's a big Disneyland fan, too. And he turns out to be a fan of Captain EO. Which I didn't have. So I went back and added that track, plus a few others, to flesh it out.
So I did hit the magical 12 CDs. And I have 2 parades so far, so I'm about halfway there to making a 13th CD. Maybe soon.
-Zube.
Friday, May 05, 2006
Another obsession ...
OK, so as you can figure out, the Beatles and Christmas are two of my time-eaters ...
Another is Disney. Specifically, Disneyland.
Last summer, it was the park's 50th anniversary, and back then, Disney released a 6 CD box set with music and sounds from the parks. It's still available. It mixes current and old attractions, so it is a nice document of things long gone from the park.
But it wasn't enough! There were a lot of tracks that were left off, for some reason. I already had some tracks they used, others from old "Official" CDs, and others from a system Disneyland used to have that let you burn your own tracks from their library of music and sounds. Plus, what ticked me off most is that no CD had just one "land" on it. If you wanted to listen to just New Orleans Square, you had to start halfway through one CD and go to another. Same with Tomorrowland.
So I started putting my stuff together, then I found this site, which let you download even more stuff not on the box set.
So long story not so short, I've just finished compiling an 11-CD set. One CD each for Main Street USA, Adventureland, Frontierland, New Orleans Square and Critter Country. One CD for Fantasyland and another for a combined Fantasyland/Mickey's Toontown (which didn't have enough going on to make a full CD), and THREE for Tomorrowland (that land has had the most changes in 50 years). Plus one CD for Christmas at Disneyland. Too bad I couldn't stretch it out to 12 CDs, huh? Maybe someday, if I can find some more parades.
... Pretty pathethic, huh?
-Zube.
Another is Disney. Specifically, Disneyland.
Last summer, it was the park's 50th anniversary, and back then, Disney released a 6 CD box set with music and sounds from the parks. It's still available. It mixes current and old attractions, so it is a nice document of things long gone from the park.
But it wasn't enough! There were a lot of tracks that were left off, for some reason. I already had some tracks they used, others from old "Official" CDs, and others from a system Disneyland used to have that let you burn your own tracks from their library of music and sounds. Plus, what ticked me off most is that no CD had just one "land" on it. If you wanted to listen to just New Orleans Square, you had to start halfway through one CD and go to another. Same with Tomorrowland.
So I started putting my stuff together, then I found this site, which let you download even more stuff not on the box set.
So long story not so short, I've just finished compiling an 11-CD set. One CD each for Main Street USA, Adventureland, Frontierland, New Orleans Square and Critter Country. One CD for Fantasyland and another for a combined Fantasyland/Mickey's Toontown (which didn't have enough going on to make a full CD), and THREE for Tomorrowland (that land has had the most changes in 50 years). Plus one CD for Christmas at Disneyland. Too bad I couldn't stretch it out to 12 CDs, huh? Maybe someday, if I can find some more parades.
... Pretty pathethic, huh?
-Zube.
Thursday, May 04, 2006
Tuesday, April 11, 2006
Christmastime is here ... ?!
Jumping from one obsession to another ...
I got more Christmas CDs over the past couple weeks. I'm right at 400 now. ... I know, I know.
I got 2 (used) for $1 each at a place called Half Price Books. One is a Christmas version of the Time-Life worship series, Songs 4 Worship, and the other was Gospel artist Yolanda Adams' album.
The best deals were at the still-closing Sam Goody stores. They have some Christmas CDs for 35 cents each ... yes, 35 cents. I dived into a big bin of Christmas music looking for anything good. I got 6:
Ramsey Lewis Trio, The Sounds of Christmas. A great jazz album.
Various Artists, Jingle Bell Swing. I had some already, but still enjoy listening to Louis Prima, Duke Ellington, Tony Bennett and the like. Even has Art Carney reading "'Twas The Night Before Christmas"!
Miracle on 34th Street soundtrack, from the remake. Pretty good, only a couple songs I didn't already have.
Various Artists, The Best of Christmas Guitar. Chet Atkins, Jose Feliciano and a third guy I'm not familiar with.
Teddy Pendergrass, This Christmas. Features a Kwanzaa song and a REALLY bad version of John Lennon's "Happy Xmas (War Is Over)".
The Whispers, Christmas Moments. An old R&B group (by old, I mean from the 70s!). Suprisingly good!
I love bargains.
-Zube.
I got more Christmas CDs over the past couple weeks. I'm right at 400 now. ... I know, I know.
I got 2 (used) for $1 each at a place called Half Price Books. One is a Christmas version of the Time-Life worship series, Songs 4 Worship, and the other was Gospel artist Yolanda Adams' album.
The best deals were at the still-closing Sam Goody stores. They have some Christmas CDs for 35 cents each ... yes, 35 cents. I dived into a big bin of Christmas music looking for anything good. I got 6:
Ramsey Lewis Trio, The Sounds of Christmas. A great jazz album.
Various Artists, Jingle Bell Swing. I had some already, but still enjoy listening to Louis Prima, Duke Ellington, Tony Bennett and the like. Even has Art Carney reading "'Twas The Night Before Christmas"!
Miracle on 34th Street soundtrack, from the remake. Pretty good, only a couple songs I didn't already have.
Various Artists, The Best of Christmas Guitar. Chet Atkins, Jose Feliciano and a third guy I'm not familiar with.
Teddy Pendergrass, This Christmas. Features a Kwanzaa song and a REALLY bad version of John Lennon's "Happy Xmas (War Is Over)".
The Whispers, Christmas Moments. An old R&B group (by old, I mean from the 70s!). Suprisingly good!
I love bargains.
-Zube.
Tuesday, April 04, 2006
Beatles 1975
1975
March
The Beatles decide to record a whole album together, but Paul and John battle over its direction. Paul wants a concept album, this time about a massive rock and roll show, his way of trying to get the band to join him on tour. John, inspired by Ringo’s ONLY YOU, wants to do a rock and roll covers album. After weeks, they compromise. Paul gets a one-sided concept album (essentially a solo side), and the others do rock covers for the other side. George re-records a song on his DARK HORSE album, BYE BYE LOVE.
May
Beatles release
ROCK SHOW
VENUS AND MARS (1:16)
ROCK SHOW (5:32)
LOVE IN SONG (3:05)
CALL ME BACK AGAIN (4:59)
LETTING GO (4:36)
LISTEN TO WHAT THE MAN SAID (3:59)
CROSSROADS THEME (1:09)
BE-BOP-A-LULA (2:37)
STAND BY ME (3:30)
BYE BYE LOVE (4:08)
ONLY YOU (3:27)
YOU CAN’T CATCH ME (4:32)
SLIPPIN’ AND SLIDIN’ (2:16)
(45:06 running time)
ROCK SHOW peaks at No. 2
SINGLES:
ROCK SHOW b/w BYE BYE LOVE
LISTEN TO WHAT THE MAN SAID b/w LOVE IN SONG
STAND BY ME b/w ONLY YOU
ROCK SHOW peaks at No. 2.
LISTEN TO WHAT THE MAN SAID goes to No. 1.
STAND BY ME peaks at No. 10.
After the release of ROCK SHOW, John announces he’s quitting the record business to tend his new son, Sean. The Beatles have essentially broken up.
Paul, with Wings, begins a worldwide tour called ROCK SHOW, singing Beatles songs and a few new solo songs.
-Zube.
March
The Beatles decide to record a whole album together, but Paul and John battle over its direction. Paul wants a concept album, this time about a massive rock and roll show, his way of trying to get the band to join him on tour. John, inspired by Ringo’s ONLY YOU, wants to do a rock and roll covers album. After weeks, they compromise. Paul gets a one-sided concept album (essentially a solo side), and the others do rock covers for the other side. George re-records a song on his DARK HORSE album, BYE BYE LOVE.
May
Beatles release
ROCK SHOW
VENUS AND MARS (1:16)
ROCK SHOW (5:32)
LOVE IN SONG (3:05)
CALL ME BACK AGAIN (4:59)
LETTING GO (4:36)
LISTEN TO WHAT THE MAN SAID (3:59)
CROSSROADS THEME (1:09)
BE-BOP-A-LULA (2:37)
STAND BY ME (3:30)
BYE BYE LOVE (4:08)
ONLY YOU (3:27)
YOU CAN’T CATCH ME (4:32)
SLIPPIN’ AND SLIDIN’ (2:16)
(45:06 running time)
ROCK SHOW peaks at No. 2
SINGLES:
ROCK SHOW b/w BYE BYE LOVE
LISTEN TO WHAT THE MAN SAID b/w LOVE IN SONG
STAND BY ME b/w ONLY YOU
ROCK SHOW peaks at No. 2.
LISTEN TO WHAT THE MAN SAID goes to No. 1.
STAND BY ME peaks at No. 10.
After the release of ROCK SHOW, John announces he’s quitting the record business to tend his new son, Sean. The Beatles have essentially broken up.
Paul, with Wings, begins a worldwide tour called ROCK SHOW, singing Beatles songs and a few new solo songs.
-Zube.
Tuesday, March 28, 2006
1974
1974
June
Pleased by the results of recording together for Ringo’s sake, the four decide to try recording some songs together again (from late 1970 on, they mostly recorded separately). Four songs from these short sessions make the next album: BAND ON THE RUN, WHATEVER GETS YOU THRU THE NIGHT, GOODNIGHT VIENNA and NINETEEN HUNDRED AND EIGHTY FIVE.
July
Ringo releases solo album RINGO, consisting of leftovers from sessions over the past two years that didn’t make it to Beatles albums.
August
John releases solo album WALLS AND BRIDGES, consisting of leftovers from the sessions over the past two years and some new songs. He holds back a few songs for the next Beatles release.
October
Beatles release album
BAND ON THE RUN
BAND ON THE RUN (5:09)
GOODNIGHT VIENNA (2:34)
JET (4:08)
SCARED (4:37)
HELEN WHEELS (3:45)
BLESS YOU (4:37)
WHATEVER GETS YOU THRU THE NIGHT (3:27)
DARK HORSE (3:41)
LET ME ROLL IT (4:51)
NO. 9 DREAM (4:48)
NINETEEN HUNDRED AND EIGHTY FIVE (5:30)
(47:07 running time)
BAND ON THE RUN goes to No. 1 and stays there most of the rest of the year.
SINGLES:
BAND ON THE RUN b/w BLESS YOU
WHATEVER GETS YOU THRU THE NIGHT b/w JET
GOODNIGHT VIENNA b/w HELEN WHEELS
BAND ON THE RUN goes to No. 1.
WHATEVER GETS YOU THRU THE NIGHT goes to No. 1.
GOODNIGHT VIENNA peaks at No. 8.
Ringo also submitted ONLY YOU, but was rejected strongly by Paul, declaring “This isn’t an oldies album.” Miffed, Ringo considers leaving the group again. John gets an idea for next Beatles album.
November
Paul releases single JUNIOR’S FARM b/w SALLY G
December
George debuts his new solo label with the release of his album DARK HORSE, ironically minus the song DARK HORSE, which he used as his Beatles release this year. He adds the song I DON’T CARE ANYMORE. George also releases the single DING DONG, DING DONG.
-Zube.
June
Pleased by the results of recording together for Ringo’s sake, the four decide to try recording some songs together again (from late 1970 on, they mostly recorded separately). Four songs from these short sessions make the next album: BAND ON THE RUN, WHATEVER GETS YOU THRU THE NIGHT, GOODNIGHT VIENNA and NINETEEN HUNDRED AND EIGHTY FIVE.
July
Ringo releases solo album RINGO, consisting of leftovers from sessions over the past two years that didn’t make it to Beatles albums.
August
John releases solo album WALLS AND BRIDGES, consisting of leftovers from the sessions over the past two years and some new songs. He holds back a few songs for the next Beatles release.
October
Beatles release album
BAND ON THE RUN
BAND ON THE RUN (5:09)
GOODNIGHT VIENNA (2:34)
JET (4:08)
SCARED (4:37)
HELEN WHEELS (3:45)
BLESS YOU (4:37)
WHATEVER GETS YOU THRU THE NIGHT (3:27)
DARK HORSE (3:41)
LET ME ROLL IT (4:51)
NO. 9 DREAM (4:48)
NINETEEN HUNDRED AND EIGHTY FIVE (5:30)
(47:07 running time)
BAND ON THE RUN goes to No. 1 and stays there most of the rest of the year.
SINGLES:
BAND ON THE RUN b/w BLESS YOU
WHATEVER GETS YOU THRU THE NIGHT b/w JET
GOODNIGHT VIENNA b/w HELEN WHEELS
BAND ON THE RUN goes to No. 1.
WHATEVER GETS YOU THRU THE NIGHT goes to No. 1.
GOODNIGHT VIENNA peaks at No. 8.
Ringo also submitted ONLY YOU, but was rejected strongly by Paul, declaring “This isn’t an oldies album.” Miffed, Ringo considers leaving the group again. John gets an idea for next Beatles album.
November
Paul releases single JUNIOR’S FARM b/w SALLY G
December
George debuts his new solo label with the release of his album DARK HORSE, ironically minus the song DARK HORSE, which he used as his Beatles release this year. He adds the song I DON’T CARE ANYMORE. George also releases the single DING DONG, DING DONG.
-Zube.
Tuesday, March 21, 2006
Beatles 1973
1973
May-July
Paul tours England again with Wings. In a cover story, Rolling Stone declares “Beatle Paul is Dead”
July
Beatles are asked to record the title track for the next James Bond movie. They refuse, but Paul relents. Paul, with Wings, releases single LIVE AND LET DIE.
SUMMER
Ringo, determined to submit strong songs for the next Beatles album, and mulling another solo album, convenes his best friends (including the Beatles) and records a dozen tracks. He submits four, all of which are taken: PHOTOGRAPH, YOU’RE SIXTEEN, OH MY MY and I’M THE GREATEST. PHOTOGRAPH, written by George, is the strongest of the lot and is penciled in as the lead single. It becomes the album’s title track.
September
Beatles announce a new album is on the way, surprising critics.
November
Beatles release album
PHOTOGRAPH
PHOTOGRAPH (3:47)
MY LOVE (4:07)
OUT THE BLUE (3:23)
BIG BARN BED (3:48)
LIVING IN THE MATERIAL WORLD (5:21)
YOU’RE SIXTEEN (2:48)
MIND GAMES (4:14)
GIVE ME LOVE (GIVE ME PEACE ON EARTH) (3:36)
OH MY MY (4:16)
AISUMASEN (I’M SORRY) (4:46)
I’M THE GREATEST (3:23)
GET ON THE RIGHT THING (4:16)
(47:53 running time)
PHOTOGRAPH goes to No. 1.
Ringo’s strong songs force Beatles to abandon 1 John, 1 Paul, 1 Other policy for singles. They now go with what they consider their six strongest songs. All singles will be considered double A sided. Ringo has 3 songs on 3 singles.
SINGLES:
PHOTOGRAPH b/w MIND GAMES
MY LOVE b/w OH MY MY
GIVE ME LOVE (GIVE ME PEACE ON EARTH) b/w YOU’RE SIXTEEN
Ringo’s PHOTOGRAPH goes to No. 1, delighting the rest of the Beatles.
MY LOVE goes to No. 1.
GIVE ME LOVE (GIVE ME PEACE ON EARTH) peaks at No. 3.
-Zube.
May-July
Paul tours England again with Wings. In a cover story, Rolling Stone declares “Beatle Paul is Dead”
July
Beatles are asked to record the title track for the next James Bond movie. They refuse, but Paul relents. Paul, with Wings, releases single LIVE AND LET DIE.
SUMMER
Ringo, determined to submit strong songs for the next Beatles album, and mulling another solo album, convenes his best friends (including the Beatles) and records a dozen tracks. He submits four, all of which are taken: PHOTOGRAPH, YOU’RE SIXTEEN, OH MY MY and I’M THE GREATEST. PHOTOGRAPH, written by George, is the strongest of the lot and is penciled in as the lead single. It becomes the album’s title track.
September
Beatles announce a new album is on the way, surprising critics.
November
Beatles release album
PHOTOGRAPH
PHOTOGRAPH (3:47)
MY LOVE (4:07)
OUT THE BLUE (3:23)
BIG BARN BED (3:48)
LIVING IN THE MATERIAL WORLD (5:21)
YOU’RE SIXTEEN (2:48)
MIND GAMES (4:14)
GIVE ME LOVE (GIVE ME PEACE ON EARTH) (3:36)
OH MY MY (4:16)
AISUMASEN (I’M SORRY) (4:46)
I’M THE GREATEST (3:23)
GET ON THE RIGHT THING (4:16)
(47:53 running time)
PHOTOGRAPH goes to No. 1.
Ringo’s strong songs force Beatles to abandon 1 John, 1 Paul, 1 Other policy for singles. They now go with what they consider their six strongest songs. All singles will be considered double A sided. Ringo has 3 songs on 3 singles.
SINGLES:
PHOTOGRAPH b/w MIND GAMES
MY LOVE b/w OH MY MY
GIVE ME LOVE (GIVE ME PEACE ON EARTH) b/w YOU’RE SIXTEEN
Ringo’s PHOTOGRAPH goes to No. 1, delighting the rest of the Beatles.
MY LOVE goes to No. 1.
GIVE ME LOVE (GIVE ME PEACE ON EARTH) peaks at No. 3.
-Zube.
Monday, March 20, 2006
Beatles 72
1972
The Beatles go their own ways this year and pursue their own interests. Breakup rumors persist.
February
Paul releases single GIVE IRELAND BACK TO THE IRISH. He also hits the road with Wings, touring universities in the UK and playing solo songs.
March
Ringo releases single BACK OFF BOOGALOO
April
With no new product and uncertainty of any product to come anytime soon, EMI releases two greatest hits compilations, underscoring rumors of an impending Beatles breakup.
THE BEATLES 1962/1966
(THE RED ALBUM)
[same as actually issued]
Love Me Do (2:23)
Please Please Me (2:03)
From Me To You (1:57)
She Loves You (2:22)
I Want To Hold Your Hand (2:26)
All My Loving (2:08)
Can't Buy Me Love (2:13)
A Hard Day's Night (2:34)
And I Love Her (2:31)
Eight Days A Week (2:45)
I Feel Fine (2:19)
Ticket To Ride (3:10)
Yesterday (2:05)
Help! (2:19)
You've Got To Hide Your Love Away (2:11)
We Can Work It Out (2:16)
Day Tripper (2:49)
Drive My Car (2:27)
Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown) (2:05)
Nowhere Man (2:44)
Michelle (2:42)
In My Life (2:27)
Girl (2:31)
Paperback Writer (2:18)
Eleanor Rigby (2:08)
Yellow Submarine (2:39)
THE BEATLES 1967-1971
(THE BLUE ALBUM)
Strawberry Fields Forever (4:07)
Penny Lane (3:01)
Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (2:01)
With A Little Help From My Friends (2:43)
Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds (3:27)
A Day In The Life (5:06)
All You Need Is Love (3:48)
I Am The Walrus (4:34)
The Fool On The Hill (2:59)
Lady Madonna (2:18)
Hey Jude (7:08)
Revolution (3:25)
Back In The U.S.S.R. (2:45)
While My Guitar Gently Weeps (4:46)
Get Back (3:12)
Here Comes The Sun (3:07)
Come Together (4:18)
Something (3:02)
Let It Be (single version) (3:52)
Across The Universe (3:47)
The Long And Winding Road (3:37)
All Things Must Pass (3:49)
Working Class Hero (3:50)
My Sweet Lord (4:41)
Another Day (3:43)
It Don’t Come Easy (3:02)
Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey (4:50)
Imagine (3:04)
May
Paul releases single MARY HAD A LITTLE LAMB
The Beatles go their own ways this year and pursue their own interests. Breakup rumors persist.
February
Paul releases single GIVE IRELAND BACK TO THE IRISH. He also hits the road with Wings, touring universities in the UK and playing solo songs.
March
Ringo releases single BACK OFF BOOGALOO
April
With no new product and uncertainty of any product to come anytime soon, EMI releases two greatest hits compilations, underscoring rumors of an impending Beatles breakup.
THE BEATLES 1962/1966
(THE RED ALBUM)
[same as actually issued]
Love Me Do (2:23)
Please Please Me (2:03)
From Me To You (1:57)
She Loves You (2:22)
I Want To Hold Your Hand (2:26)
All My Loving (2:08)
Can't Buy Me Love (2:13)
A Hard Day's Night (2:34)
And I Love Her (2:31)
Eight Days A Week (2:45)
I Feel Fine (2:19)
Ticket To Ride (3:10)
Yesterday (2:05)
Help! (2:19)
You've Got To Hide Your Love Away (2:11)
We Can Work It Out (2:16)
Day Tripper (2:49)
Drive My Car (2:27)
Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown) (2:05)
Nowhere Man (2:44)
Michelle (2:42)
In My Life (2:27)
Girl (2:31)
Paperback Writer (2:18)
Eleanor Rigby (2:08)
Yellow Submarine (2:39)
THE BEATLES 1967-1971
(THE BLUE ALBUM)
Strawberry Fields Forever (4:07)
Penny Lane (3:01)
Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (2:01)
With A Little Help From My Friends (2:43)
Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds (3:27)
A Day In The Life (5:06)
All You Need Is Love (3:48)
I Am The Walrus (4:34)
The Fool On The Hill (2:59)
Lady Madonna (2:18)
Hey Jude (7:08)
Revolution (3:25)
Back In The U.S.S.R. (2:45)
While My Guitar Gently Weeps (4:46)
Get Back (3:12)
Here Comes The Sun (3:07)
Come Together (4:18)
Something (3:02)
Let It Be (single version) (3:52)
Across The Universe (3:47)
The Long And Winding Road (3:37)
All Things Must Pass (3:49)
Working Class Hero (3:50)
My Sweet Lord (4:41)
Another Day (3:43)
It Don’t Come Easy (3:02)
Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey (4:50)
Imagine (3:04)
May
Paul releases single MARY HAD A LITTLE LAMB
George releases album THE LIGHT THAT HAS LIGHTED THE WORLD. He holds back GIVE ME LOVE (GIVE ME PEACE ON EARTH) and LIVING IN THE MATERIAL WORLD for next Beatles album. He adds tracks MISS O’DELL and DEEP BLUE to album.
June
John releases album SOME TIME IN NEW YORK CITY
July-August
Paul and Wings tour Europe.
December
Paul releases single HI HI HI b/w C MOON
-Zube.
Friday, March 10, 2006
Beatles 1971
(Thanks for the words, Bruce. By the way, when I get these on CD, I'll ship 'em to you. I'll have to track down some CDs I never bothered to get.)
OK, so we hit 1971.
February
George releases album ISN'T IT A PITY, consisting of the songs he didn't submit for ALL THINGS MUST PASS, including a 7-minute version of the title track. The only songs that don't make it onto the album are RUN OF THE MILL, I DIG LOVE and ART OF DYING. They surface later on bootlegs and finally as CD bonus tracks.
May
John releases album PLASTIC ONO BAND, consisting of songs that he didn't submit for ALL THINGS MUST PASS. Added to the leftover tracks is the leadoff single, POWER TO THE PEOPLE, as well as tracks recorded in support of the Oz obscenity trial, GOD SAVE US and DO THE OZ. The album still times in at barely 30 minutes long.
George, busy with his Bangladesh relief effort, supplies only the song BANGLA DESH for the next Beatles release.
August
Beatles release album
IMAGINE
IT DON’T COME EASY (3:02)
GIMME SOME TRUTH (3:11)
TOO MANY PEOPLE (4:09)
JEALOUS GUY (4:15)
UNCLE ALBERT/ADMIRAL HALSEY (4:50)
IMAGINE (2:59)
I DON’T WANT TO BE A SOLDIER MAMA, I DON’T WANT TO DIE (6:10)
THE BACK SEAT OF MY CAR (4:29)
OH MY LOVE (2:45)
HEART OF THE COUNTRY (2:22)
BANGLA DESH (3:59)
SMILE AWAY (4:10)
(43:21 running time)
IMAGINE goes to No. 1
SINGLES:
IMAGINE b/w TOO MANY PEOPLE
UNCLE ALBERT/ADMIRAL HALSEY b/w JEALOUS GUY
IT DON'T COME EASY b/w BANGLA DESH
IMAGINE goes to No. 1
UNCLE ALBERT/ADMIRAL HALSEY peaks at No. 4
IT DON'T COME EASY peaks at No. 2
Songs Paul and John don't submit are abandoned, showing up soon thereafter as bootlegs and later as CD bonus tracks.
December
Paul, with an informal band he calls Wings, releases album WILD LIFE.
John, with Plastic Ono Band, releases single HAPPY XMAS (WAR IS OVER).
George releases album THE CONCERT FOR BANGLA DESH.
more tk ...
-Zube.
OK, so we hit 1971.
February
George releases album ISN'T IT A PITY, consisting of the songs he didn't submit for ALL THINGS MUST PASS, including a 7-minute version of the title track. The only songs that don't make it onto the album are RUN OF THE MILL, I DIG LOVE and ART OF DYING. They surface later on bootlegs and finally as CD bonus tracks.
May
John releases album PLASTIC ONO BAND, consisting of songs that he didn't submit for ALL THINGS MUST PASS. Added to the leftover tracks is the leadoff single, POWER TO THE PEOPLE, as well as tracks recorded in support of the Oz obscenity trial, GOD SAVE US and DO THE OZ. The album still times in at barely 30 minutes long.
George, busy with his Bangladesh relief effort, supplies only the song BANGLA DESH for the next Beatles release.
August
Beatles release album
IMAGINE
IT DON’T COME EASY (3:02)
GIMME SOME TRUTH (3:11)
TOO MANY PEOPLE (4:09)
JEALOUS GUY (4:15)
UNCLE ALBERT/ADMIRAL HALSEY (4:50)
IMAGINE (2:59)
I DON’T WANT TO BE A SOLDIER MAMA, I DON’T WANT TO DIE (6:10)
THE BACK SEAT OF MY CAR (4:29)
OH MY LOVE (2:45)
HEART OF THE COUNTRY (2:22)
BANGLA DESH (3:59)
SMILE AWAY (4:10)
(43:21 running time)
IMAGINE goes to No. 1
SINGLES:
IMAGINE b/w TOO MANY PEOPLE
UNCLE ALBERT/ADMIRAL HALSEY b/w JEALOUS GUY
IT DON'T COME EASY b/w BANGLA DESH
IMAGINE goes to No. 1
UNCLE ALBERT/ADMIRAL HALSEY peaks at No. 4
IT DON'T COME EASY peaks at No. 2
Songs Paul and John don't submit are abandoned, showing up soon thereafter as bootlegs and later as CD bonus tracks.
December
Paul, with an informal band he calls Wings, releases album WILD LIFE.
John, with Plastic Ono Band, releases single HAPPY XMAS (WAR IS OVER).
George releases album THE CONCERT FOR BANGLA DESH.
more tk ...
-Zube.
Thursday, March 09, 2006
What if ... ?
Ok, indulge me.
I love writing up speculative alternate history. I've written up what happens if the American Football League doesn't merge with the National Football League by 1966, and what happens if the United States Football League wins it's antitrust suit against the NFL, and gets money too. (I'll go over that sometime.)
One of my favorites is what would have happened if the Beatles had not broken up in 1970.
(If you're not a Beatles fan, it's best to just pass this one by ... )
Several web sites have put together so-called Beatles fantasy albums. Here are a few: Here and here and here. There used to be more; they disappeared.
My problem with people who do this is that they either they ignore the actual timeline of events to cram together their favorite tracks, or they have the Beatles issuing double albums in perpetuity just so the writer doesn't have to make tough choices. Or their single-disc albums are 60+ minutes long ... great for a CD but anachronistic for an LP.
So I wrote up a story myself. I have no agenda or preconceived notions. I have dumped some tracks because they didn't fit. I actually wanted to use tracks from Paul McCartney's first album, but it didn't fit in to the timeline.
So here goes, and will go until I'm done.
(Bruce, tell me what you think)
1970:
February
John, with Plastic Ono Band, releases single INSTANT KARMA.
Beatles release album HEY JUDE.
March
Ringo releases album SENTIMENTAL JOURNEY.
April
Paul releases album McCARTNEY. He hints strongly at a breakup, but does not announce it, as he did in real time (this is where the timeline diverges). Instead of "When will the Beatles reunite?," the early 70s are filled with questions of "When will the Beatles fall apart?".
May
Beatles release album LET IT BE.
August
Beatles reconcile for now. They will continue to record mostly separately and submit their best tracks for inclusion in group albums. Anything not used by the group will be available for solo release.
September
Ringo releases album NASHVILLE. He holds back one song, BEAUCOUPS OF BLUES, for the next Beatles album.
October-November
For his submission to the Beatles, George selects tracks he was recording for what later becomes a solo double album. He holds back an epic-length version of ISN'T IT A PITY for himself and the album's title. Paul, having released his best tracks already with McCARTNEY, hurriedly records and presents only two tracks, ANOTHER DAY and OH WOMAN OH WHY. John, in the middle of recording a self-confessional album, picks four of the gloomiest songs he has recorded, including one that says "I don't believe in Beatles," spurring new rumors.
December
Beatles release
ALL THINGS MUST PASS
ALL THINGS MUST PASS (3:49)
WORKING CLASS HERO (3:50)
OH WOMAN OH WHY (4:55)
BEAUCOUPS OF BLUES (2:35)
WHAT IS LIFE (4:19)
LOVE (3:24)
MOTHER (5:36)
MY SWEET LORD (4:41)
ANOTHER DAY (3:41)
ISN'T IT A PITY [VERSION TWO] (4:47)
GOD (4:10)
(45:47 running time)
ALL THINGS MUST PASS goes to No. 1
Beatles are loath to record more songs for singles and so adopt the American practice of releasing singles from album tracks. They agree that one single will be a John song on the A side, one a Paul song, and one a George or Ringo song. Three singles are released from this album:
MY SWEET LORD b/w OH WOMAN OH WHY
ANOTHER DAY b/w LOVE
WORKING CLASS HERO b/w WHAT IS LIFE
Top 40 radio embraces MY SWEET LORD and ANOTHER DAY, but flips over the profane WORKING CLASS HERO to play WHAT IS LIFE.
MY SWEET LORD goes to No. 1 and stays there for 6 weeks.
ANOTHER DAY peaks at No. 2.
WORKING CLASS HERO, spurred by radio play of the flip side WHAT IS LIFE, goes to No. 1
... more TK
-Zube.
I love writing up speculative alternate history. I've written up what happens if the American Football League doesn't merge with the National Football League by 1966, and what happens if the United States Football League wins it's antitrust suit against the NFL, and gets money too. (I'll go over that sometime.)
One of my favorites is what would have happened if the Beatles had not broken up in 1970.
(If you're not a Beatles fan, it's best to just pass this one by ... )
Several web sites have put together so-called Beatles fantasy albums. Here are a few: Here and here and here. There used to be more; they disappeared.
My problem with people who do this is that they either they ignore the actual timeline of events to cram together their favorite tracks, or they have the Beatles issuing double albums in perpetuity just so the writer doesn't have to make tough choices. Or their single-disc albums are 60+ minutes long ... great for a CD but anachronistic for an LP.
So I wrote up a story myself. I have no agenda or preconceived notions. I have dumped some tracks because they didn't fit. I actually wanted to use tracks from Paul McCartney's first album, but it didn't fit in to the timeline.
So here goes, and will go until I'm done.
(Bruce, tell me what you think)
1970:
February
John, with Plastic Ono Band, releases single INSTANT KARMA.
Beatles release album HEY JUDE.
March
Ringo releases album SENTIMENTAL JOURNEY.
April
Paul releases album McCARTNEY. He hints strongly at a breakup, but does not announce it, as he did in real time (this is where the timeline diverges). Instead of "When will the Beatles reunite?," the early 70s are filled with questions of "When will the Beatles fall apart?".
May
Beatles release album LET IT BE.
August
Beatles reconcile for now. They will continue to record mostly separately and submit their best tracks for inclusion in group albums. Anything not used by the group will be available for solo release.
September
Ringo releases album NASHVILLE. He holds back one song, BEAUCOUPS OF BLUES, for the next Beatles album.
October-November
For his submission to the Beatles, George selects tracks he was recording for what later becomes a solo double album. He holds back an epic-length version of ISN'T IT A PITY for himself and the album's title. Paul, having released his best tracks already with McCARTNEY, hurriedly records and presents only two tracks, ANOTHER DAY and OH WOMAN OH WHY. John, in the middle of recording a self-confessional album, picks four of the gloomiest songs he has recorded, including one that says "I don't believe in Beatles," spurring new rumors.
December
Beatles release
ALL THINGS MUST PASS
ALL THINGS MUST PASS (3:49)
WORKING CLASS HERO (3:50)
OH WOMAN OH WHY (4:55)
BEAUCOUPS OF BLUES (2:35)
WHAT IS LIFE (4:19)
LOVE (3:24)
MOTHER (5:36)
MY SWEET LORD (4:41)
ANOTHER DAY (3:41)
ISN'T IT A PITY [VERSION TWO] (4:47)
GOD (4:10)
(45:47 running time)
ALL THINGS MUST PASS goes to No. 1
Beatles are loath to record more songs for singles and so adopt the American practice of releasing singles from album tracks. They agree that one single will be a John song on the A side, one a Paul song, and one a George or Ringo song. Three singles are released from this album:
MY SWEET LORD b/w OH WOMAN OH WHY
ANOTHER DAY b/w LOVE
WORKING CLASS HERO b/w WHAT IS LIFE
Top 40 radio embraces MY SWEET LORD and ANOTHER DAY, but flips over the profane WORKING CLASS HERO to play WHAT IS LIFE.
MY SWEET LORD goes to No. 1 and stays there for 6 weeks.
ANOTHER DAY peaks at No. 2.
WORKING CLASS HERO, spurred by radio play of the flip side WHAT IS LIFE, goes to No. 1
... more TK
-Zube.
Monday, February 27, 2006
On to Vancouver!
I missed the closing ceremonies.
Avril Lavigne and Ricky Martin? Really?
Man, what happened to the Olympics?!!
-Zube.
Avril Lavigne and Ricky Martin? Really?
Man, what happened to the Olympics?!!
-Zube.
Monday, February 13, 2006
Olympic obsvervations
Curling is back!
I don't know why, but it just fascinates me. I know it's just glorified shuffleboard, but c'mon, you only get to watch it once every 4 years, let's live it up!
------
About the opening ceremonies ... what the heck does Yoko Ono have to do with Italy? And Detroit was complaining about the Super Bowl not having any Motown singers at halftime!?!
Which brings me to "Imagine," by John Lennon, sung in the ceremonies by Peter Gabriel. That had to be one of the worst versions I remember hearing. But beyond that ... what a silly song.
Yeah, I used to love it, too. But then I started thinking about it.
A multimillionaire telling us to "Imagine no possessions." Okay.
"Nothing to kill or die for." Like you wouldn't die for your kids' safety, for example? That means everybody for himself. That's always a good idea, right? Remember that old adage, if you don't stand for something, you'll fall for anything.
"Imagine there's no Heaven." So no rules or rewards. Do as you please. Okay.
"No hell below us." So no consequences for our actions. Okay.
"Imagine all the people, living for today." Isn't that the problem right now? Wouldn't environmentalists, for example, say one of the problems out there is that nobody is weighing the consequences of mishandling the environment for our temporary gain today?
"Imagine all the people, sharing all the world." So Yoko, mind if I move into the Dakota? Can I have John's old room?
I could go on.
It's a beautiful tune. But a pile of mush.
-Zube.
I don't know why, but it just fascinates me. I know it's just glorified shuffleboard, but c'mon, you only get to watch it once every 4 years, let's live it up!
------
About the opening ceremonies ... what the heck does Yoko Ono have to do with Italy? And Detroit was complaining about the Super Bowl not having any Motown singers at halftime!?!
Which brings me to "Imagine," by John Lennon, sung in the ceremonies by Peter Gabriel. That had to be one of the worst versions I remember hearing. But beyond that ... what a silly song.
Yeah, I used to love it, too. But then I started thinking about it.
A multimillionaire telling us to "Imagine no possessions." Okay.
"Nothing to kill or die for." Like you wouldn't die for your kids' safety, for example? That means everybody for himself. That's always a good idea, right? Remember that old adage, if you don't stand for something, you'll fall for anything.
"Imagine there's no Heaven." So no rules or rewards. Do as you please. Okay.
"No hell below us." So no consequences for our actions. Okay.
"Imagine all the people, living for today." Isn't that the problem right now? Wouldn't environmentalists, for example, say one of the problems out there is that nobody is weighing the consequences of mishandling the environment for our temporary gain today?
"Imagine all the people, sharing all the world." So Yoko, mind if I move into the Dakota? Can I have John's old room?
I could go on.
It's a beautiful tune. But a pile of mush.
-Zube.
Tuesday, February 07, 2006
"I'm going to ... awww, forget it."
Boy was that a disappointing Super Bowl or what?
I'm not a Pittsburgh Steelers fan (in fact, I loathe them ... and the 49ers and the Redskins and the Eagles and the Giants), but that doesn't factor in too much into my reaction.
I watch every year no matter who's playing, and I appreciate a good game, but this was not one. Sloppy, too many big (and curiously-timed) penalties, and no clear-cut dominant player. Yawn.
At least this awful season is over. Maybe the team I DO like, the Cowboys, will be better next time?
Please?
-Zube.
I'm not a Pittsburgh Steelers fan (in fact, I loathe them ... and the 49ers and the Redskins and the Eagles and the Giants), but that doesn't factor in too much into my reaction.
I watch every year no matter who's playing, and I appreciate a good game, but this was not one. Sloppy, too many big (and curiously-timed) penalties, and no clear-cut dominant player. Yawn.
At least this awful season is over. Maybe the team I DO like, the Cowboys, will be better next time?
Please?
-Zube.
Wednesday, February 01, 2006
Thursday, January 12, 2006
Off to El Paso
We're going "home" this weekend, to visit the parents and bro and sister in law and nephew.
We had last visited about a year ago. We haven't gotten back often enough.
My little nephew is just over a year old now, so this should be fun.
On another subject, do you like Disneyland as much as I do? If so, go to Visions Fantastic, a great web site with wonderful photography (very suitable for wallpaper), and "radio" that plays sounds and music from the park. A lot of fun, go visit!
-Zube.
We had last visited about a year ago. We haven't gotten back often enough.
My little nephew is just over a year old now, so this should be fun.
On another subject, do you like Disneyland as much as I do? If so, go to Visions Fantastic, a great web site with wonderful photography (very suitable for wallpaper), and "radio" that plays sounds and music from the park. A lot of fun, go visit!
-Zube.
Tuesday, January 03, 2006
What'd you get for Christmas?
I got the flu.
Well, I guess I got that AFTER Christmas. I was in bad shape for a couple days, feverish and headachy and unable to sleep. It was awful.
I had to call in sick for 2 days. I always feel bad about that, especially when it happens at the beginning or end of the week. I always think it looks like I'm trying to weasel out a couple extra days off.
But I'm back now, and just have the vestiges (cough, etc.).
For Christmas, my REAL gifts included Season One of The Rockford Files (I always loved that series), a Disney Treasures DVD ("Disney Rarities") and a Brian Setzer Christmas DVD (great show). I didn't get any Christmas CDs this time, but that's largely because I was buying so many, my wife wasn't sure what I had and what I didn't have. Some day soon, I'll give the rundown of this year's acquisitions. I'm somewhere around 380 Christmas CDs now.
I also made a CD for people I work with. I chose about 25 great songs, a lot of not-typical tunes. No Bing Crosby "White Christmas," but no "Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer," either. I chose things I thought my friends wouldn't have. Sample: "Christmas Island," by Leon Redbone; "A Party For Santa Claus," by Lord Douglas Nelson; "Sock It To Me Santa," by Marshall Crenshaw, "Baby, It's Cold Outside," by Lou Rawls and Dianne Reeves.
I got a lot of positive feedback for that CD. I may have started a new tradition!
Anyway, hope your Christmas was great, and Happy New Year!
-Zube.
Well, I guess I got that AFTER Christmas. I was in bad shape for a couple days, feverish and headachy and unable to sleep. It was awful.
I had to call in sick for 2 days. I always feel bad about that, especially when it happens at the beginning or end of the week. I always think it looks like I'm trying to weasel out a couple extra days off.
But I'm back now, and just have the vestiges (cough, etc.).
For Christmas, my REAL gifts included Season One of The Rockford Files (I always loved that series), a Disney Treasures DVD ("Disney Rarities") and a Brian Setzer Christmas DVD (great show). I didn't get any Christmas CDs this time, but that's largely because I was buying so many, my wife wasn't sure what I had and what I didn't have. Some day soon, I'll give the rundown of this year's acquisitions. I'm somewhere around 380 Christmas CDs now.
I also made a CD for people I work with. I chose about 25 great songs, a lot of not-typical tunes. No Bing Crosby "White Christmas," but no "Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer," either. I chose things I thought my friends wouldn't have. Sample: "Christmas Island," by Leon Redbone; "A Party For Santa Claus," by Lord Douglas Nelson; "Sock It To Me Santa," by Marshall Crenshaw, "Baby, It's Cold Outside," by Lou Rawls and Dianne Reeves.
I got a lot of positive feedback for that CD. I may have started a new tradition!
Anyway, hope your Christmas was great, and Happy New Year!
-Zube.
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