And in the End There's Dissolution

The closing down of a partnership for all the world to see is documented in this letter from three Beatles to the lawyer of the fourth Beatle. At the physical end of a Beatles exhibit earlier this year is this letter of legal wrangling. The dissolution of the group is well documented and I can't add anything here, except that to reflect on actual historical document associated with the group's demise. Good thing their music lives on and is appreciated by the next generation.

The Business of Pre-Beatlemania

What hasn't been written about the Beatles? One of the items on display in the touring Beatles exhibit featured at Davenport's Putnum Museum earlier this year is one of two known business cards of Beatle manager Brian Epstein. While the front side is very modestly designed - a few months before their iconic logo was developed, the back side was signed by all four Beatle members at the time.

On the back side of the business card John Lennon scribbled "Best Wishes" and signed his name. George Harrison and Paul McCartney signed too. The Beatles drummer at the time, Pete Best also penned the card's back. Best was dismissed as the Beatles drummer by Brian Epstein on August 16, 1962. Two days later, Ringo Starr joined the group and the rest is Beatlemania history.

Let it GIF

Animated GIF featuring the Fab Four. All rights belong to their respective owners.

First Light on Blue Jay Way

A lone wintertime blue jay finds its way to some seed after the bird threw it from a suspended feeder earlier. Blue jays, cardinals, red headed wood peckers, crows and sparrows all hang around 42N country for the winter season. Hawks and eagles come around too if they don't lose their way. This first light image is made possible by a 1.4x teleconverter.

Happy 50th Birthday 'Love Me Do'

It was 50 years ago that 'Love Me Do' was released by EMI and launched the Beatles career. Tollie Records  followed shortly with the same release on their label. I'm sure there's a story how all of the record label distributions worked out so I'll let you discover for yourself. The song charted to number 17 in the UK and provided the basis for the many hits to come from the Beatles.

I purchased this record and jacket at an estate auction for $5 - for a whole box of 45 rpm records of various 1960s-70s artists. I consider it a score. One note of interest. The songwriting artists for both songs is credited to McCartney - Lennon. At some point soon after this release the team decided on alphabetical order of Lennon - McCartney. John and Paul used that designation on all their subsequent compositions despite many tunes being written exclusively by one or the other Beatle. In the end the music remains fresh today 50 years from the band's recording release with side B saying it all.

The Hunt For Apple 8-Track Stereo

What is more rare than Beatles records on vinyl? Try finding mint condition, sealed Beatles recordings distributed on 8-Track cartridges. Yes, the icon of the 1970s can often fetch a few dollars more than similar traditional vinyl.

Today in 42N country's Dubuque, Iowa a local thrift store provided this well worn 8-Track sleeve minus a cartridge. Oh there were other 8-Tracks present but no Beatle cartridges. Knowing that the packaging alone will increase in value from the 50 cents spent, I jammed a non-relevant 8-Track into the Apple container since the sleeve alone was not for sale. I chose the Beach Boys Endless Summer cartridge. The label says its equivalent to 2 8-Track cartridges.

The hunt for Beatle 8-Tracks continues with the knowledge that the market is increasing for 1970s music material coupled with the sheer novelty of the 8-Track format. Nothing like listening to a song, have it fade out at mid-tune, automatically click over to the next channel, fade-in and continue playing - a key selling point and the reason why the format did not survive. Know that.

Surf Ballroom - The Day the Music Died

Tonight many people who are lucky enough to have a ticket will gather at Clear Lake Iowa's Surf Ballroom to honor the legends of early rock and roll - Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and J. P. Richardson, also known as the Big Bopper. The story is familiar to many about the tragic plane crash 50 years ago tonight that took the lives of the pilot, Roger Peterson and these influential pioneers of the rock era. Our last visit to the Surf two years ago showed it to be a busy place with booked acts like the Los Lonely Boys, B.B. King and the Doobie Brothers scheduled to play during early summer 2007 (see top photo.) L (Sea) Storm moves in front of the then closed ballroom (it was a Sunday) to get a better look at this icon in rock history. Its something to imagine that Peggy Sue, LaBamba, and Chantilly Lace were last performed inside that ballroom by the original artists that made them hits. We remember and celebrate in spirit with the on-site revelers tonight -- maybe even with a Beatle. Know that.