Winter of Discontent - A Beatles Podcast Nick Anthony

This amazingly detailed journey forensically explores the events of January 1969 as captured on tape while the Beatles were recording what would become the Let It Be album and film. Nick provides terrific context and busts myths along the way. This is not for the casual listener, but true, incurable Beatlemaniacs will enjoy every minute. Plus, his production values are terrific.

You might think you know everything about the Beatles and the Get Back project from Peter Jackson’s great documentary, but this podcast gives you the context that really brings everything from that series into sharper focus. I’ve learned a LOT and his deep commentary has helped me see certain parts of the band dynamic at this point a little differently now, as well.

It’s well informed by research and by Nick’s music knowledge. He is a charming host with great recommendations and a sensitive approach to all subject matter. Can’t recommend it enough!

Host reading reviews citing how not tedious the show is that that is tedious.

Positives - intro music, Sets mood for show. enjoyable instrumental music. A rarity in most podcasts. Host has good voice. Much of the tape hiss and loud beeps on the original Nagra tapes have been muted for a more enjoyable listening experience.

Negatives - opening Parental advisor warning / disclaimer, CUT. Would have listeners believe that he’s playing the tapes unedited, but he will cut out bits he deems offensive. So why have the warning / disclaimer? Bell ring “show number 12,” CUT. We can read the show number in the discription. Cut the summary of the previous episode. Waste of time, tedious. far too long. My biggest complaint is after trudging through an episode you will come to a point where George Harrison performs Mama, You’ll be on my Mind. What you hope is that you’ll get to hear that performacne. Instead the host will cut the tape and simply say, “it was a great performance.” Why don’t you play the song? I can understand not wanting to face a copyright claim but you are presenting this podcast series as it was in the studio. Many of these songs were never officially released so I don’t see how this would be an issue. Screenwriting rule 101 show don’t tell. Podcasting play what you can of the clip and not just tell us. So frustrating. When a Beatle mentions another band or celebrity the host will do an extended bio.. If Elvis is mention most fans are already familiar with him or conversely if it’s some unknown valdvillian Yo-Yo performer, I’m sorry but I don’t give a Yo-Yo about them.

I was waiting to review this podcast until after “Yoko wants a mic,” but the more I’ve listened the more frustrated and annoyed I’ve become with this show. I would recommend listeners to Something About the Beatles in 2 shows they sum up everything discussed here. Or simply listen to the Nagra tapes in full. Shame this could have provided an addendum to the Get Back series, but this too presents misinterpretations.