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The Beatles

Articles 28

Black Sky Thinking

The Beatles, Bond & A Culture War Over George Lazenby’s Hair

At the end of the 1960s, Bond was old hat as the hippies wafted their locks over culture. John Higgs, author of a new book on 007, the Beatles and British identity, explores the culture war that raged over follicular extravagance

Art

Off The Wall: Art, Photography, & The Album Sleeve

A new exhibition at The Photographers' Gallery sheds new light on the relationship between records and their covers, finds Ilia Rogatchevski
Low Culture Essay

Another Ween World: Why Dean And Gene Are The Weirdo Lennon & McCartney

In this month's subscriber-only Low Culture essay, JR Moores talks about the Pennsylvania duo who had the chops to back up the japes and the integrity to keep it "brown"

Art

Thoroughly Modern Richie: A Hamilton Re(tro)spective At Pallant House, Chichester

From the White Album to the surveillance state, Richard Hamilton showed us the future, then
Black Sky Thinking

Why Wire Were The New Beatles, by Nicholas Lezard

Writer Nicholas Lezard assembles his jigsaw evidence for the influence of the Fab Four on one of post punk's most enduring bands
Black Sky Thinking

Happy Birthday Abbey Road, The Best Beatles LP… This Week At Least

The boomers celebrated Sgt. Pepper's as the greatest Beatles LP; the Britpoppers backed Revolver; but it seems like millennials are more smitten with Abbey Road. The changing consensus probably says more about generational shift than it does about the Fab Four, according to Michael Hann
Black Sky Thinking

Yesterday Always Knew: The Lovecraftian Horror of That Beatles Song

As the film Yesterday hits cinemas, writer John Higgs delves into the this transitory phase in The Beatles' existence, after which things would never be the same again
Black Sky Thinking

Songs Of Discomposure: Quietus Writers Pick Their Most Disturbing Pieces Of Music

We asked our contributors to write about the songs that most disturbed them. From Carl Orff to Leonard Cohen, via Tom Jones and The Beatles, disturbance manifests itself in many forms
Anniversary

It Was Fifty Years Ago Today… Pete Paphides On David Bowie’s Debut LP

Fifty years ago today, David Bowie released his debut album on the same day The Beatles gave the world Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. Pete Paphides reflects on their shared cultural history and canny grasp of the times
Black Sky Thinking

Learning To Love Stereo: Hearing The Beatles’ Sgt Pepper’s With New Ears

Pete Paphides goes to Abbey Road to listen to the new anniversary edition of Sgt Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band and marvels at the charge of the "psychedelic light brigade" that is hearing the tweaked versions of songs

Black Sky Thinking

The Kids Are Alt-Right? The Hippie Energies Behind Brexit & Trump

Tim Burrows argues that the terrifying rise of angry, right-wing ideology is fuelled by the very same desires to 'stick it to the man' that fired up the 60s counterculture.

Black Sky Thinking

Wagner To Sleaford Mods: The Frankfurt School On Music In 10 Songs

To mark the publication of his book on the Frankfurt School, Stuart Jeffries takes us through the critical theorists hot take on music from Wagner to Mingus, The Beatles and Sleaford Mods

Black Sky Thinking

How The Baby Boomers Stole Music With Myths Of A Golden Age

Luke Turner despairs of John Lennon tooth cloning and the cultural stranglehold the baby boomer generation have over culture and the media... and asks, in our diverse modern age, might it be starting to weaken?

Film

Beyond The Magical Mystery Tour: Apple Films Explored

The Beatles' poorly received 1967 TV movie has been restored for Blu-ray and DVD release this week, prompting Anthony Nield to trawl through the wildly variable output of their production company Apple Films
Black Sky Thinking

The Space Is The Place – Taylor Parkes On Abbey Road Studios

Taylor Parkes visits Abbey Road studios and talks to Brian Kehew and Kevin Ryan about the rooms that shaped seminal albums by The Beatles and Pink Floyd
A Quietus Interview

McCartney II: Paul McCartney Interviewed By Other Artists

We asked the likes of Chris Carter, Gruff Rhys, Alexis Taylor, Ty Bulmer and Erol Alkan to ask Paul McCartney about some of the techniques and influences used on McCartney II. Questions asked by Stephen Dalton.
A Quietus Interview

Check His Machine: Paul McCartney Interviewed On McCartney II

As Paul McCartney reissues McCartney II, Stephen Dalton asks him about the creation of his most forward-thinking record, Delia Derbyshire, potentially collaborating with Gorillaz... and suggests that Macca's next LP should be death metal
Film

The Friends Experiment: The Social Network Reviewed

The film dream team of David Fincher, Aaron Sorkin (and Trent Reznor!?) expose the very messy origins of facebook. Val Siebert thinks there's much to 'like' in this critical and well crafted drama.
Black Sky Thinking

At The End Of The Grosse Freiheit: The Beatles In Hamburg

Fifty years ago last month The Beatles first arrived in Hamburg, hungry, sleepless and unprepared (for what they found there, and what it led to), says Taylor Parkes
A Quietus Interview

Gayngs On Relayted As Bedroom LP & Why Bon Iver Can’t Sell Sex

Relayted is _the_ non-ironic smooth & experimental sex pop record of 2010. Here, Ryan Olson tells Luke Turner why this record about "fucking girls and fucking girls" seems to have found a niche between the sheets
Television

Lennon Naked & Depictions Of The Beatle On The Screen

With _Lennon Naked_ about to hit the small screen, Terry Staunton examines the various ways that cinema and television have interpreted his life
Black Sky Thinking

The Greatest Guitar Riffs In The World (Better Than Sweet Child O’Mine)

Profoundly depressed by a new poll which supposedly “reveals” the nation’s taste in rock riffs, Joel McIver – who is such a guitar geek that he wrote a book last year called The 100 Greatest Metal Guitarists – provides 20 far more interesting alternatives
A Quietus Interview

Yoko Oh Yes! Ms Ono Speaks About Peace, Pop And Computer Games

Some of us may be surprised at just how good _Between My Head And The Sky_, the new album by the Plastic Ono Band, actually is. Not Carol Clerk, who met up with Yoko to talk about her music and peace projects . . .

Books

‘White Light/White Heat, The Velvet Underground Day-By-Day’ Reviewed

Critic Steve Jelbert digs deep into the latest page in the VU's ongoing mythology

Black Sky Thinking

Paul McCartney And Wings

So you think the 1970s were a fallow period for Paul McCartney? 'Apply the breaks', says Taylor Parkes with his appreciation of the mainly unheralded genius of Thumbs Aloft Macca...

Black Sky Thinking

Girls Aloud: Death Of A Pop Band?

They might not be sprouting the facial hair that's the usual sign of a pop group going down the lavvy but, asks Matthew Horton, is it all over for Girls Aloud?
A Quietus Interview

The Macca Lad: Paul McCartney On Being A Punk And Avoiding The Credit Crunch

Speaking to our friends at the Stool Pigeon newspaper this week, Paul McCartney revealed that he is a fan of the Sex Pistols and that even he worried about the credit crunch. Interview Phil Hebblethwaite. Cover Photography: Steve Gullick
Black Sky Thinking

Black Sky Thinking: Swells on Beatles Day

Baker’s Dozen Appearances 72

Baker's Dozen

Beautiful Losers: Jim Reid of The Jesus And Mary Chain’s Baker’s Dozen

Eschewing what he sees as the wilful obscurity of previous Baker's Dozens, Jim Reid takes Daniel Dylan Wray through the 13 records that "chiselled out The Jesus And Mary Chain"
Baker's Dozen

“Music? Horrible.”: David Yow’s Favourite Records

Although he says he doesn't listen to music, and that he's not a musician, The Jesus Lizard's David Yow nevertheless supplies a heartfelt Baker's Dozen that ranges from Motörhead to Snoopy's Christmas
Baker's Dozen

Magic Moments: Michael Head’s Baker’s Dozen

In a year that sees him finish his 'magical memoir', a new album with The Red Elastic Band and a career-spanning homecoming show in Liverpool, former Shack, Strands and Pale Fountains frontman Michael Head takes Patrick Clarke through the 13 records that shaped him
Baker's Dozen

A World Where Everything Is Cool: Joel Gion’s Baker’s Dozen

From carrying a Marvin Gaye cassette in his pocket to reciting the entirety of Easy Rider, and the glory of Psychedelic Brazil to the real Beatles, Joel Gion of the Brian Jonestown Massacre talks to Harry Sword about the 13 records that mean the most to him.

Baker's Dozen

Patterns In The Sand: Emma Anderson’s Favourite Albums

On the release of her debut solo album, former Lush member Emma Anderson takes Jude Rogers through her favourite albums, from a teenage years soundtracked by Simple Minds and The Durutti Column to her affinity with later 4AD labelmates
Baker's Dozen

There’s Always A Story: Martin Carthy’s Favourite Music

Martin Carthy speaks to Patrick Clarke about his 13 favourite records, his love for the new wave of traditional musicians, encounters with Bob Dylan and The Beatles and more
Baker's Dozen

Kernow Calling: Mark Jenkin’s Favourite Albums

Cornish bard Mark Jenkin talks Sean McGeady through the soundtracks to his teenage summers, long drives to the hospital, and lonely afternoons hand-processing celluloid, from Junior Wells to Joni Mitchell

Baker's Dozen

Select Few: Kim Wilde’s Favourite Albums

Singer-songwriter, broadcaster and award winning horticulturalist, pop icon Kim Wilde is a true connoisseur of vocal arrangements as Alex Burrows discovers from a Baker's Dozen that ranges from The Beach Boys to Prefab Sprout
Baker's Dozen

Access All Areas: Barbara Charone’s Baker’s Dozen

The legendary music PR talks to Lucy O’Brien about the albums and the people who have most inspired her, from the Rolling Stones to Madonna, and why artists aren’t necessarily your friends
Baker's Dozen

Stolen Pleasures: Simon Fisher Turner’s Baker’s Dozen

Simon Fisher Turner speaks to Luke Turner (no relation) about 13 records that accompanied his life and career of sonic explorations, from making soundtracks with Derek Jarman to jamming with Bowie and Iggy Pop
Baker's Dozen

Party Pieces: Andy Burnham’s Favourite Albums

The Mayor of Greater Manchester takes Fergal Kinney through 13 records that shaped him, via his days as a Hacienda regular and his children introducing him to Big Thief
Baker's Dozen

I Blame The Music: Lias Saoudi’s Baker’s Dozen

Lead singer of Fat White Family, Lias Saoudi, self-pens a Baker’s Dozen of thirteen musical choices that map his early life to the present day, from Ireland to Scotland, Cambodia to Algeria, via dark country and the howling void. With thanks to Adelle Stripe

Baker's Dozen

Constant Companions: Matt Johnson’s Favourite Albums

From a teenage encounter with Pere Ubu in a Wardour Street club, to the comforting effect of classic reggae and his love of Marc Bolan, The The’s Matt Johnson takes Jeremy Allen through his thirteen favourite records
Baker's Dozen

No Boundaries: Dennis Bovell’s Baker’s Dozen

From his time working on classics like The Pop Group's Y, The Slits' Cut and Janet Kay's Silly Games, to the inspiration of Jimi Hendrix and The Beatles, Dennis Bovell takes Neil Kulkarni through his thirteen favourite records
Baker's Dozen

Relentless Education: Krust’s 13 Favourite Albums

Drum & bass pioneer Krust takes Neil Kulkarni through the records that shaped him, from the lessons learnt from Public Enemy, Wu-Tang Clan and Yellow Magic Orchestra to the "revelation" of Flying Lotus, via The Beatles, Michael Jackson and more
Baker's Dozen

Taking Stock: Colleen’s Favourite Albums

In this week's Baker's Dozen, Colleen (aka Cécile Schott) takes Jude Rogers on a journey through her musical life, from car tapes to heartbreak, taking in Arthur Russell, Love, Low, GZA, The Green Arrows and much more along the way.
Baker's Dozen

Foundations Of Rock: Buzzcock Steve Diggle’s Baker’s Dozen

Steve Diggle guides Stephanie Phillips through the records that shaped him, from the girl across the road who introduced him to The Beatles and Bob Dylan to the sensual allure of late era Supremes

Baker's Dozen

Music Is My Saviour: Melanie C’s Favourite Albums

Melanie C guides Emma Garland through 13 favourite records in Bakers' Dozen stories from being blessed by Keith from the Prodigy to stage invading a Blur gig, with love for Madonna, Oasis, Fiona Apple and much more along the way
Baker's Dozen

A Tower Of Songs: Sylvie Simmons’ Favourite Music

Like a gamekeeper turned poacher, rock journalist Sylvie Simmons has a new album of her own music out. Here she guides Manu Ekanayake through 13 lifelong inspirations, from Leonard Cohen to Johnny Cash, Miles Davis and Black Sabbath
Baker's Dozen

Oooff, Ken! It’s John Shuttleworth’s Baker’s Dozen!

As he prepares to head off on a major UK tour, South Yorkshire's finest electronic artiste John Shuttleworth delves into his dusty loft to find 13 favourite records, from Harry Secombe to The Beatles, Mrs Mills and Leo Sayer
Baker's Dozen

A Feeling Called Love: Jarvis Cocker’s Favourite Albums

As he releases a compilation of music from his 6 Music Sunday Service programme, Jarvis Cocker guides Luke Turner through 13 favourite albums and tells stories of Sheffield clubbing in the 80s, getting bollocked by the BBC for mentioning Thatcher, and why you should never look for messages in musical presents from an ex
Baker's Dozen

“I Enjoy Silence!”: Michael Rother’s 13 Favourite Albums

With a show at London's Under The Bridge on 5 April, Michael Rother of Neu!, Harmonia, and a newly-boxsetted solo career takes Patrick Clarke through his life in 13 records, from Little Richard to Fuck Buttons, even though he doesn't really listen to music any more
Baker's Dozen

Lessons Learnt: Joe Mount Of Metronomy’s Favourite Albums

As Metronomy reissue 'Nights Out' for its 10th anniversary, their frontman Joe Mount sits down with Patrick Clarke to pick his favourite records, and explain how they shaped him
Baker's Dozen

“It’s Entertainment, You Know?” Trevor Horn’s Favourite Albums

Producer and innovator Trevor Horn guides Jude Rogers through 13 favourite albums, telling tales of how Kraftwerk led him to breaking the Official Secrets Act and tripping to Yes
Baker's Dozen

Feelgood Hits! Wilko Johnson’s Favourite Albums

Wilko Johnson speaks to Zoe Howe about surviving cancer and his 13 favourite records, from Bo Diddley and the blues to the Doors, Beatles and Rolling Stones
Baker's Dozen

Harmonic Worlds: Colin Newman’s 13 Favourite Albums

The Immersion, Wire and Githead founder member chooses a list that goes from minimalism to maximalism, via Steve Reich, LFO and Todd Rundgren, and tells Ben Graham how Britpop was rubbish but The Beatles have never sounded better

Baker's Dozen

Rainbow Selection: The Muppets’ Favourite LPs

As The Muppets head to London for a giant live extravaganza, Kermit, Miss Piggy, Animal, Gonzo et all give us a run through of their favourite albums! Plus a guide to the musical history of the crew by Rory Phillips
Baker's Dozen

A Belly Full: Tanya Donelly’s Favourite Albums

As Belly release their first album in over two decades, Tanya Donelly guides Emily Mackay through 13 favourite albums, from Leonard Cohen to The Cocteau Twins, Kate Bush to Iggy Pop, The Bunnymen, Mary Margaret O'Hara and more
Baker's Dozen

Inhabiting The Music: Charlotte Gainsbourg’s Favourite Albums

Ahead of her appearance on The Quietus' stage at this year's Field Day Festival, Charlotte Gainsbourg takes Jeremy Allen through her favourite albums, from Portishead to Bach, Lou Reed to her dad
Baker's Dozen

Maximum Drama: Lee Ranaldo’s 13 Favourite Albums

From the peak of CBGB new wave to the group he calls 'the defining band of the 90s', former Sonic Youth man Lee Ranaldo takes Nick Hutchings through the thirteen albums that shaped his life
Baker's Dozen

Songs Are Powerful Things: Marry Waterson’s Baker’s Dozen

Marry Waterson might have been born into a folk dynasty but that didn't stop her becoming a biker. With a new LP out and her mother and uncle's Bright Phoebus LP recently reissued, she guides Jude Rogers through 13 favourite LPs from The Beatles to The Band and Billie Holiday

Baker's Dozen

Turning Points: Yusuf/Cat Stevens’ 13 Favourite Albums

From Beethoven to The Beach Boys via King Kong: The Musical, these are the 13 pieces of music that shaped Yusuf/Cat Stevens as an artist
Baker's Dozen

Walk On In Darkness: Tom G Warrior’s 13 Favourite LPs

Tom G Warrior of Celtic Frost, Triptykon and Hellhammer speaks to Jimmy Martin about the elements that fed his nightmare kaleidoscope, from Quincy Jones to Venom, Roxy Music to the 'Sisters and 'Sabbath
Baker's Dozen

Irrepressible Discoveries: James Lavelle Of UNKLE’s 13 Favourite Albums

With a new album on the way and a much-anticipated set at Brighton's Attenborough Centre at the ready, James Lavelle, the man behind UNKLE and Mo' Wax, takes Elizabeth Aubrey through the 13 records that shaped him
Baker's Dozen

Glam Bam! Cheap Trick’s Rick Nielsen Picks His Baker’s Dozen

Cheap Trick's Rick Nielsen embarks on a splurge about the music he loves, from which we somehow manage to extract a Baker's Dozen …
Baker's Dozen

A Document in Time: Neil Halstead Of Slowdive’s Baker’s Dozen

With Slowdive reformed and about to release their fourth album (as well as playing Field Day and Roskilde), Neil Halstead tells Joe Clay about the gateway albums that influenced him the most. Photo by Ingrid Pop.
Baker's Dozen

Lay Of Her Land: Brix Smith Start’s Favourite Albums

As she prepares to release a debut album with her band of former Fall troopers, Brix Smith Start takes Julian Marszalek through some of the records that have shaped her life
Baker's Dozen

How Was It For You? Tim Booth Of James’ Favourite Albums

After the release of James' Girl At The End Of The World, lead singer Tim Booth tells John Freeman about clandestine childhood listening and the redemptive powers of Iggy Pop in choosing the LPs that "saved his life"
Baker's Dozen

Anthems: Laibach’s Favourite Albums

As the musical wing of Slovenia's NSK collective continue their tour presenting songs from The Sound Of Music, the group's Ivan Novak gets licence to pick 13 albums that inspired them prior to forming Laibach
Baker's Dozen

Evergreen Thirteen: Will Young’s Favourite Albums

Following the release of his sixth album, 85% Proof, last year the singer-songwriter changes into some comfortable trousers and talks Ian Wade through his 13 all-time favourite records
Baker's Dozen

The Essence And The Purity: Rob Halford Of Judas Priest’s Favourite LPs

With their Redeemer Of Souls tour bound for Scandinavia after wrapping up the UK leg at Brixton Academy last night, the heavy metal veterans' singer takes Alex Macrow through his top 13 "game changers" of rock & roll
Baker's Dozen

Sense Of Absurdity: Jonathan Higgs Of Everything Everything’s Favourite Albums

The Manchester indie band's frontman gives Christopher Sanders a tour of the formative records of his teenage years, and explains why they, along with Australia's longest-running soap opera, have made a lasting impression

Baker's Dozen

Playing The (Baker’s) Dozens: George Clinton’s Favourite Albums

With the funk kingpin and founder of Parliament and Funkadelic taking his bands on a festival tour this summer, Suzie McCracken caught up with him to find out about the 13 records that have stuck with him through his lifetime
Baker's Dozen

At His Modjesty’s Request: Paul Weller’s Favourite Albums

Paul Weller is releasing a new album, Saturns Pattern, so we sent tQ film editor Mat Colegate off to meet his mod hero and bask in the glory of his sartorial prowess. Ah, yes, and find out about his top 13 albums as well
Baker's Dozen

A F**king Joy: Aidan Moffat’s Favourite Albums

With Aidan Moffat's excellent new record with Bill Wells just out, we sent Daniel Dylan Wray up to Glasgow to meet the former Arab Strap man/Quietus sex columnist to discuss his top formative albums. And, with the help of beers, a record player and one powerful deployment of the phrase "get to utter fuck", here's what he picked
Baker's Dozen

The Demon Advocates: Gene Simmons’ Favourite Albums

The Kiss man picks a giants-of-rock top 13 albums for Val Siebert (and finally gives drum machines the talking to they deserve)
Baker's Dozen

Strange Refuge: Holly Johnson Discusses His Favourite Albums

In our final Baker's Dozen of 2014, Ian Wade talks to the former Frankie Goes To Hollywood frontman following the release of Europa, his first solo album in 15 years, about his all-time top 13 LPs
Baker's Dozen

Flip Your Wig: Bob Mould’s Favourite Albums

With his new, eleventh solo album Beauty & Ruin just released, the Hüsker Dü and Sugar man gives Nick Hutchings his top 13 records
Baker's Dozen

Planets Of Sound: Joey Santiago Of Pixies’ Favourite Albums

With Indie Cindy out and their headline slot at Field Day on the horizon, Joseph Alberto Santiago, Pixies' lead guitarist-cum-noise implementer, rocks us with his 13 defining records
Baker's Dozen

All You’re Waiting For: Nancy Whang’s Favourite Albums

With the first of her new singles series out on Gomma and an album from The Juan MacLean due this summer, the former LCD Soundsystem member and DJ talks Thomas Hasson through her all-time top records

News 20

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