The only way to preserve Beatles history—but more importantly, the only way to uncover that history in the first place—is to make it accessible. Universal. Free. The more it is shared, the more it is preserved. That is the only thing that ensures its survival. Knowledge monopolized is knowledge doomed to perish.
Tag: Fine Tuning
DELUSIONAL LEWISOHN
The confidence with which Lewisohn recounts a series of events that only shows beyond all doubt that “the extraordinary story” he’s about to convey was not “unearthed,” but concocted—or dreamed—while clearly expecting the listener to see how it fits together and proves his narrative seems inexplicable to me by anything but delusion. Or if there is a rational explanation, it lies beyond my earthbound grasp.
A basic Lewisohn fabrication: add a coke, a few requests, and shove a retrospective opinion into Paul McCartney’s mouth (Ch 20-Footnote 18)
While perhaps not a murder, this rewrite is still a felony and shows many of the hallmarks of both Lewisohn’s worst as well as his more seemingly-innocuous butcheries. Specifically, they usually begin or end with a wholly invented line that Lewisohn uses as a thesis statement. And they all show an unbelievable disregard for truth and a license to insert and represent his own words as those of a historical figure that cannot fail to shock the conscience of a scholar.
Lewisohn: rewriting history in the area where we trust him most – the songs performed
So, either they performed exactly four numbers —or— they performed at least eight numbers and “probably some others, too.” ‘The Best of Fellas’ version referenced in the footnote makes sense in ways that Lewisohn’s rewriting doesn’t. Lewisohn is telling us is that Paul took over the mic for three out of four numbers…
Call him “Epstein” – Wait, are you f— kidding me??
“…call him ‘Epstein’ for now” • I will never—NEVER— get over this one. This premeditated and purposeful OBSCENITY has been sitting there for ten years. Two ladies with a podcast found it.
A BEATLE DIDN’T SAY THAT! Lewisohn’s lab-created quotes
(This is probably the one you’re looking for.) My personal standard is that If someone represents, “A Beatle said this,” it better damn well be something a Beatle said.
Why was Ringo trying to sabotage Brian?? (Could it be because of Stu?) 🤔
“Inevitably, this wouldn’t be the only dispute to arise between Brian and a Beatle …but it is one of the few to be known, and its timing is telling. Brian devoted more than a page to it in his autobiography…”
One of the few to be known except the other two on the very next pages??
AKOM “Fine Tuning” Episode 6: A prolonged jealousy
Another really excellent episode that I will have to listen to at least two more times to fully ingest, despite having lots of diffuse, unconnected notes where I ranted about most of the same text. They really backed up and gave it context and meaning, including adding a lot of things that I didn’t have…
John in the Star Club Tapes: No Mr. Lewisohn, he is not charming
“John— we need to talk about John Lennon on this recording. These recordings. Because he’s uh— he’s- he’s- he’s belligerent. Um, he’s under the influence of— I’m sure he’s under the influence of Prellies. Probably drink, as well. Um, he’s beguiling, he’s rude. He’s still charming. He’s— I mean he’s not horrible. He’s just —yeah— he’s just edgy!” -Mark Lewisohn
Exact Words 