#120 – All Together Now with guest Madeline Bocaro (author, “In Your Mind – The Infinite Universe of Yoko Ono”)
After almost a half a year of intense work on the Sgt. Pepper album, it’s hardly surprising that, though there was plenty of work to be done for future endeavors, the Beatles were looking to blow off some steam and take things a little bit lighter. “All Together Now,” a song that even by Paul’s own admission is pretty slight in the grand scheme of things, certainly fits that bill. It eventually found its’ home in the Yellow Submarine film and accompanying soundtrack. In the film, it’s the finale, when we finally get a glimpse of the real life Fabs, looking different than their cartoon counterpoints, not quite Beatlemania, but not quite the longhair, bearded phase they’d be into after the film. It’s a weird, inbetween phase, highlighted by John’s brilliant mutton chops. But musically, it’s just a blast of simple, pure joy…nothing more, nothing less. Driving acoustic guitars, hand claps, harmonicas, honking horns, and a call and response vocal of what’s essentially nonsensical children’s song lyrics are all the ingredients of what’s basically musical ice cream…no real nutritional value, but boy is it delicious. This is a song that always puts a smile on my face and makes me move, regardless of the mood I’m in. The Beatles can be all things to all people, and one of the things I genuinely appreciate about them is the fun they can bring, and this is one of my favorite examples of that. I think I may be in the minority on here, but it’s my list, so hate on, haters!! đ
Joining us this week is author Madeline Bocaro, author of In Your Mind – The Infinite Universe of Yoko Ono. Having been a fan of Yoko from before she was with John, Madeline’s been working towards this book for years. She tracks Yoko’s life and journey through her artwork and music, delivering a fantastic book that is best described (at least in our conversation) as hitting the imaginary nail on the imaginary head. You can get a copy at â conceptualbooks.comâ or any of your usual bookstores, and follow her blog at â https://madelinex.com/â .
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