Episode 43 – Beatles ’70 pt4

Despite a record-setting #1 LP and a #1 single to match, the top-selling Beatles were no more. Paul’s announcement sent shockwaves throughout the world, as friends and fans tried to make sense of the bitterness that had consumed such a beacon of peace, love and positivity for so many. John Lennon was quick to assign blame, set the narrative against his former writing partner and dive headfirst into an album of intensely personal, all-new material. Under the therapeutic guidance of Primal Scream founder Arthur Janov, Lennon mourned the loss of the musical force he had set into motion over a decade prior, and worked through the many other traumatic splits from throughout his young life. George Harrison, whom had been more forgiving of Paul in the press, was eager to show his former bandmates, himself and the world what he was capable of. On May 26th and spanning nearly the entire summer, sessions began for George’s as yet untitled solo LP of new material - material which had ballooned into a massive collection of songs ranging from Beatle rejections to intimate reflections on the hectic circumstances of his chaotic life. Ringo Starr, who contributed to George’s sessions that summer and whom has released his very of LP of crooner standards earlier in the year, connected with Pete Drake where the idea of an all-country Ringo album was hatched. All the while McCartney made a retreat to his home in Scotland, wracked with depression and wondering what his next move would be…