Music journalist Angie Martoccio and Rolling Stone magazine editor Andy Greene join host Brian Hiatt to discuss the recent releases by The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. They explore topics such as the excitement of new album releases, remixing old recordings, CGI in music videos, the surprise release of a new album, and the ongoing popularity comparison between The Rolling Stones and The Beatles.
The recent release of new songs by The Beatles and The Rolling Stones signifies the end of an era and holds historical significance for both bands.
Although 'now and then' by The Beatles is an unfinished demo, the process of remixing and separating tracks allowed for the production of a complete Beatles song with John Lennon's vocals.
The Stones' album, Hackney Diamonds, showcases the band's enduring musical prowess and refusal to conform to age-related expectations with a blend of energetic and introspective tracks.
Deep dives
The release of new songs by The Beatles and The Rolling Stones marks the end of an era
The recent release of new songs by The Beatles and The Rolling Stones has generated significant excitement among fans. The rarity of such events highlights the end of an era and the historical significance of these releases. While the Stones' album, Hackney Diamonds, comprises fully legitimate Stones' songs, the Beatles' song, now and then, comes with an asterisk as it is an unfinished demo recorded by John Lennon. The songs prompt discussions about the band's history, their creative partnerships, and the impact of their music on generations of listeners.
The process of creating and releasing the songs
The creation and release of the songs involved various factors and decisions. The now and then song by The Beatles was originally part of a trio of songs recorded for the Beatles' reunion in 1994, along with 'Free as a Bird' and 'Real Love.' However, now and then remained unfinished and was never officially released until recently. The process of remixing and separating tracks has allowed for the isolation of John Lennon's vocals and the production of a complete Beatles song. The Stones' album, Hackney Diamonds, was a result of focused sessions, driven by Keith Richards, and produced by Stone's superfan, Andrew Watt. The album brings together rock elements with modern touches, creating a unique and revitalized sound.
Evaluating the songs and their impact
Opinions on the songs and their quality may vary. Some listeners find 'now and then' by The Beatles to be poignant and emotionally moving, while others do not consider it as strong as 'Free as a Bird' or 'Real Love.' The inclusion of strings in the song's production raised some concerns. The Stones' album, Hackney Diamonds, is generally well-received, with a cohesive collection of songs that showcase the band's enduring musical prowess and refusal to conform to age-related expectations. The album offers a blend of energetic tracks like 'Angry' and more introspective songs like 'Dreamy Skies,' appealing to both longtime fans and new listeners.
Main Ideas and Insights 1
The podcast discusses the release of the final Beatles song, 'Grow Old with Me,' and the debate surrounding its authenticity and quality. The hosts highlight the unique circumstances of judging a single song with no other options to compare it to and the use of doctored vocals and backing vocals from other Beatles tracks. They also comment on the overall sentiment that the song is a poignant and welcome addition, regardless of its origins.
Main Ideas and Insights 2
The podcast explores the new Rolling Stones album and their ability to create energetic and modern music despite their age. The hosts discuss standout tracks like 'Mess It Up' and 'Live By The Sword,' which capture the classic Stones sound. They also praise the collaboration with Lady Gaga on 'Sweet Sounds of Heaven' and highlight the powerful and emotional aspects of the album, particularly the inclusion of a Muddy Waters song as a potential last track.
The Beatles and the Rolling Stones both managed to release new music in the space of a few weeks this year — something that will never happen again. We take a deep look at the Beatles' "Now and Then" and the Rolling Stones' Hackney Diamonds, with Angie Martoccio and Andy Greene joining host Brian Hiatt for the discussion.
