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NEW ROLLING STONES ALBUM “FOREIGN TONGUES” -PAUL McCARTNEY GUESTS ON ONE TRACK(July 10, 2026)
Foreign Tongues, the vibrant 14-track album from the Rolling Stones, arrives less than three years after the Grammy-winning Hackney Diamonds. Led by the infectious single “In The Stars,” it was recorded in under a month at Metropolis Studios with producer Andrew Watt. Blending their signature sound with fresh sonic territory, the album features Charlie Watts on one of his final sessions, plus contributions from Darryl Jones, Steve Jordan,Paul McCartney, Robert Smith and more. Limited edition Amazon exclusive 2-LP set on heavyweight 180g baby pink vinyl with an alternative yellow cover in a gatefold jacket.
(Full Track listing, as of this writing not yet available)
Rolling Stones Foreign Tongues
After all of these years, Baby Boomers and subsequent generations are soon to have albums by both the Rolling Stones and Paul McCartney.
Richard Hewson the arranger of “The Long and Winding Road” on the The Beatles Let It Be album has long been given bad press for his lush production of that number. However, in the United States the public disagreed as the song made it to #1 on the Billboard charts. Maybe let “Bygones be Bygones”?
WHICH VERSION OF ‘THE LONG AND WINDING ROAD” DO YOU PREFER? Read on!
Would such a large audience have bought the record if they were disgusted with the song’s production?
The one factor in the controversy that I see as valid criticism is that Paul McCartney should have had more direct involvement in the song’s final production as presented to the world because it was “his” song.
However, there is more to this story than I believe that we are all aware of…
For example, it is apparently not the strings that Paul was really upset with but with the female vocal chorale that was upsetting to him according to others. Perhaps we will never know the full story!
THE “LET IT BE” RECORDING WITH THE RICHARD HEWSON ARRANGEMENT:
“On 2 April, Spector sent each of the Beatles an acetate of the completed album with a note saying: “If there is anything you’d like done to the album, let me know and I’ll be glad to help … If you wish, please call me about anything regarding the album tonight,”, along with a lengthy letter justifying his changes. All four Beatles, including McCartney, sent Spector a telegram giving their approval.”
This is why we must be careful in judging some of the history shared with us as FACT concerning certain events that we take as being the gospel truth. Everyone emphasizes their own predispositions as to what actually happened especially when there are conflicting views as to the events that may have occurred. In my opinion, if the Beatles really did not want the album to come out as it did, it WOULD NOT have been released. They wiped their hands, tired of all of the business hassles, and it ultimately came out despite their personal disappointments at the time.
APPLES AND ORANGES:
“The Long and Winding Road” reached number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 for two weeks in June 1970.
“The Long and Winding Road” was never officially released as a standalone 45 single in the UK.
The Long and Winding Road
THE LET IT BE “NAKED” VERSION OF THE SONG:
In order to satisfy Paul’s original vision for his number, this LP was released featuring the stripped-down version of the song:
Much controversy surrounded Richard Hewson’s involvement with the Beatles story. When Phil Spector arrived on the scene to remedy the displeasure the band had with the original Get Back/ Let It Be session tapes, he had Richard Hewson, Brian Rogers, and John Barham handle the new string, orchestral, and choral backings on several of the songs. Many Beatles fans to this day say that that was not what the Beatles had wanted in their original concept of the LP which was slated to be a return to their rock ‘n’ roll basics. (The raw Beatles without overdubs).
Obviously, there was a big conflict here as Paul in particular objected to the production values on “The Long and Winding Road” which irritated and angered him as it was done without his permission. He thought the string and the vocal background choir were unwarranted and went against his vision of the song. Ringo has claimed in interviews that all four of the Beatles did sign off on the album’s release, however. In the ultimate irony, years later Paul when performing the Long and Winding Road live it had a very lush arrangement of the song somewhat similar to the Beatles album version. My supposition was that it probably was a “control” based issue in the power politics of the group!
Let It Be
RICHARD HEWSON’S FIRST LOVE IS “JAZZ”
The RAH band is an acronym for Richard Anthony Hewson’s initials. Despite his numerous forays in the pop music field over the years, his first love was always JAZZ. I recently acquired a live album of the RAH band, but I must admit I had a very selfish motivation to do so. As many people on this blog are aware, as a collector I always make the attempt to acquire the signatures of people that have somehow contributed to the Beatles musical legacy. I wrote to someone who assists Richard Hewson with promotion and publicity, and he said that signed copies of the RAH band album were available to purchase and that signed postcards from Richard Hewson were available in the album. Sure, enough I received my copy of the album shown below and they were signed by Richard Hewson but indirectly by indicating Peace! The RAH (RICHARD ANTHONY HEWSON) Band!
I have to be honest I would have enjoyed it more if he had signed the postcard with his signature but the publicist that had told me about the album did say that the signing was indeed from Richard himself which made me feel so much better!
TOO OFTEN THE PRESS CAN BE THE MAIN CULPRIT IN PERPETUATING THE “CONFLICTS” OR “AGITATIONS” OF CELEBRITIES:
Whatever your opinions of the production of “The Long and Winding Road” may be, it does a disservice to the song by making it a contest. We have the full production, and we have the bare version so we all should be happy! My personal preference is the Richard Hewson full production. From the first time I heard the song on an acetate of the then named Get Back album I personally saw the song as being a majestic number with lush overtones. I may be in the minority in that song vision but apparently, I am not alone as the Richard Hewson production became #1 in the United States Billboard charts in 1970. Oh, and by the way, when Paul first began to perform the song live when he decided to once again perform Beatles songs, his version onstage was closer to a full lush presentation than his Let It Be Naked version!
Nuff said!
Meaning and Usage The phrase “let bygones be bygones” is commonly used to encourage individuals to forget about past conflicts or unpleasant events. It suggests that one should not dwell on past mistakes or grievances but instead focus on the present and future. This idiom promotes the idea of forgiveness and reconciliation, allowing relationships to heal and grow.
Cambridge University Press & Assessment
In a relatively short time after The Long and Winding Road production fiasco, Paul asked Richard Hewson to do the string arrangements for his Thrillington album which were his revisitations of songs from his RAM album! The project was completed rather smoothly yet there was a very long inexplicable delay between the album’s recording and its eventual release!
THRILLINGTON:
Richard is credited at the bottom of the sleeve in the smaller print:
And his lovely treatment to the McCartney penned track for Mary called Goodbye: While McCartney wrote the song and produced the recording, Richard Hewson was the arranger responsible for the full orchestral and backing track.
JAMES TAYLOR IN HIS APPLE LP HAD SEVERAL ARRANGEMENTS DONE BY RICHARD HEWSON:
James Taylor
Credit listing for the James Taylor Apple album provided at the DISCOGS website:
A1a Don’t Talk Now Handclaps [Clapping], Percussion – James Taylor (2), Peter Asher Organ – Don Schinn* 2:36 A1b Link Greensleeves Arranged By, Performer [Played By] – James Taylor (2) A2a Something’s Wrong Arranged By [Bassoon, Oboe, And The Aeolian String Quartet], Conductor [Bassoon, Oboe, And The Aeolian String Quartet Conducted By] – Richard Hewson Performer – Aeolian String Quartet 3:00 A2b Link Arranged By – Richard Hewson Performer [Played By] – Aeolian String Quartet A3 Knocking ‘Round The Zoo Arranged By [Screams And Brass], Conductor [Screams And Brass Conducted By] – Richard Hewson 3:26 A4a Sunshine Sunshine Accompanied By, Harp – Skaila Kanga Arranged By [Amici String Quartet], Conductor [Amici String Quartet] – Richard Hewson Performer – Amici String Quartet 3:30 A4b Link Arranged By – Richard Hewson Performer [Played By], Harp – Skaila Kanga A5a Taking It In 3:01 A5b Link Arranged By, Performer [Played By] – Don Schinn* A6 Something In The Way She Moves 2:26 B1 Carolina In My Mind Arranged By [Strings], Conductor [Strings Conducted By] – Richard Hewson Backing Vocals [Uncredited] – George Harrison Bass – Paul McCartney Guitar [2nd Guitar] – Mick Wayne Organ – Freddie Redd Tambourine – Peter Asher 3:36 B2a Brighten Your Night With My Day Arranged By [Brass], Conductor [Brass Conducted By] – Richard Hewson Electric Piano – Don Schinn* 3:05 B2b Link Arranged By, Conductor [Conducted By] – Richard Hewson B3a Night Owl Arranged By [Brass], Conductor [Brass Conducted By] – Richard Hewson Electric Guitar – James Taylor (2) 3:38 B3b Link Arranged By [Percussion], Percussion [Percussion Played By] – Bishop O’Brien, James Taylor (2), Peter Asher B4 Rainy Day Man 3:00 B5a Circle Round The Sun Arranged By [Orchestra], Conductor [Orchestra Conducted By] – Richard Hewson 3:24 B5b Link Arranged By, Conductor [Conducted By] – Richard Hewson B6 The Blues Is Just A Bad Dream Arranged By [Orchestra], Conductor [Orchestra Conducted By] – Richard Hewson
In Beatles lore Richard will probably be most remembered for the controversy regarding the arrangement surrounding The Long and Winding Road. The reason behind that is the public loves the talking points around controversy. Ultimately, it is wonderful that we have both versions, the lush version and the bare bones version. I personally prefer Richard’s version, but we have the stripped-down track if you prefer that one.
Regardless. Richard has demonstrated over the years that he is a very talented and versatile arranger and composer which is evidenced across many stylistic mediums. His contributions to music have been great and will continue to be remembered well into the future!
In this latest episode of the Liverpool Beatles podcast Liddypod, with Beatles banter from hosts David Bedford and Paul Beesley, they discuss, over a breakfast of course, the latest McCartney documentary, new Ringo album, and pay tribute to Len Garry and Joe Ankrah.
Why not catch up on all the previous episodes at www.liddypod.com
In this digital and information age that we live in, it becomes increasingly more important that we have strong networking connections that keep us continually informed of matters that greatly interest us, including new books from Spencer Leigh. Recently I was listening to one of Steve Marinucci’s Beatles News Briefs and I came across this one where Steve interviewed longtime Liverpool broadcaster and author, Spencer Leigh.
During this program Spencer and Steve discussed Spencer’s autobiography that was published in early 2025 to celebrate Spencer’s 80th birthday. Well, it is 2026 and Spencer is 81 now and I finally have discovered this book thanks to Steve Marinucci’s YouTube program, and I have made plans to acquire this book for my book collection. As many of you know, I not only collect Beatles books but books that somehow contribute to their fabulous magical story and drama.
A SPECIAL ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:
A special thanks goes out to Steve Marinucci for making me aware of this title. Steve’s YouTube program also provided the knowledge of an impending book by Spencer Leigh intended for a 2027 release called Pepper People which will offer a detailed analysis of all of the figures that appear on the Beatles Sergeant Pepper cover. Another fascinating book by Spencer Leigh. Thanks for helping to keep the Beatles book fever alive, Spencer and Steve!
Networking is indeed alive and thriving!
Here is the referenced Steve Marinucci YouTube program:
As luck would have it, the signed and inscribed book from Spencer arrived in the mail the day the book was posted on the blog which is-a very good omen!
AMAZON BOOK DESCRIPTION:
“On the 1st of February 2025, writer and broadcaster Spencer Leigh celebrated his 80th birthday and the publication of the most personal of the 40 books he has authored. For his memoir, 80@80, Spencer has raided the archives and diaries to create 80 chapters that reflect a life dedicated to writing and talking about pop music. The anecdotes and stories in 80@80, from decades spent on BBC Radio Merseyside and column writing for the Liverpool Echo, feature hundreds of household names he has interviewed – ranging from local legend Ken Dodd to movie stars like Billy Bob Thornton. But it is the tales of the Beatles and the fascinating singers, songwriters, and the rest of music’s movers and shakers, that dominate his action-packed biography.
His friend Colin Hall, former custodian of John Lennon’s childhood home, says: “Spencer is a Lancastrian treasure trove of words and insights and has been on the radio for over 50 years. He’s a walking encyclopaedia of the development of pop and rock music culture in the UK and USA.” And his career is remembered fondly by fellow BBC broadcaster Bob Harris: “I think it began with a series on the Liverpool poets and then he did that series, Let’s Go Down the Cavern, which was put out as a book too. That was the first history of Merseybeat.”
Whether he’s talking to Willie Nelson or Wee Willie Harris, Spencer Leigh has an unerring ability to recall the small fascinating details of the conversations he has been privileged to have with decades of artists who have shaped popular music history.”
THE WONDROUS STORY CONTINUES:A NEW PEPPER BOOK FROM SPENCER IN 2027
For those of you who may have been as surprised as me to learn of this book, it is such a happy feeling and experience for this aging Beatlemaniac and music lover to learn that my musical horizons will be expanded even more by being exposed to a book which I only recently learned of its existence. You will be kept informed as we get closer to the release of Spencer’s “Pepper People” book coming in 2027! This book will be an analysis of all of the people that appeared on the Sgt. Pepper cover!
They discuss the history of Liverpool and discover why, as per Liddypool, “To understand The Beatles, You Have To Understand Liverpool”. They talk about Liverpool in World War II, when The Beatles were born, the rise of Beatles tourism and important Beatles venues, like The Cavern and the Jacaranda.
New Fourth Edition of Liddypool: Birthplace of The Beatles, the first book by David Bedford, the definitive book on The Beatles and Liverpool: the stories, the history, the guide.
THE WAIT IS ALMOST OVER: IN DECEMBER OF 2026 WE WILL ALL BE READING ANOTHER FANTASTIC BOOK BY AUTHOR KEN WOMACK ABOUT THE LIFE OF BEATLES FRIEND AND ASSOCIATE, MAL EVANS! WE ALL KNOW THAT IN HIS FIRST BOOK ABOUT MAL THAT HE SHOWED US THE TREASURE CHEST. NOW, WE WILL GET THE OPPORTUNITY TO LOOK INSIDE THE VAULT AND TO SEE THE CROWN JEWELS!! ENJOY THE JOURNEY BEGINNING IN DECEMBER, IT WILL BE WELL WORTH THE WAIT!
AND NOW…THE REST OF THE STORY!!!
With The Beatles: Mal Evans’ Illustrated Journey – The First Publication of Mal Evans’ Personal Beatles Archive of Diaries Photos and Unpublished Memoir
The Mal Evans Diaries coming 12/1/26 Signed by Ken Womack: FROM THE FEST FOR BEATLES FANS:
Mark Lapidos of the Fest for Beatles fans has informed me that signed copies of the 2nd volume of the Mal Evans book will be available to purchase.
With the Beatles: Mal Evans’ Illustrated Journey – The First Publication of Mal Evans’ Personal Beatles Archive of Diaries Photos and Unpublished Memoir Hardcover – December 1, 2026-BY KEN WOMACK (AUTHOR)
AMAZON BOOK DESCRIPTION:
Publisher: HarperPop
“A four-color extravaganza from the Mal Evans archives, including sections from his never published memoirs, his detailed (and humorously illustrated) diaries and hundreds of unseen photographs he took during his time with the Beatles. Truly a goldmine of new insight into the most famous band in the world, from a man who knew them better than most.
Malcolm “Mal” Evans was an integral figure in the lives of The Beatles, acting as everything from roadie and assistant to confidante and, above all else, friend. Even after the band’s split, Evans remained close to each member as they ventured out into solo careers, though he was closest to Paul McCartney. And through it all, he kept a detailed diary.
In the 1970s, Mal made a deal with a publisher for a memoir, and the typed manuscript he submitted remained in that publisher’s basement until it was discovered by a temp, tasked with cleaning out a storage unit. Along with the manuscript, the temp discovered an amazing collection of photographs and diaries. Instead of throwing them away as instructed, the temp sent a letter to Yoko Ono, who quickly responded. Yoko retrieved the materials, and returned them to Mal’s family in England. Unfortunately, Mal had taken his life years prior in a drug fueled showdown with the police.
Now, from the author who wrote our own acclaimed Living the Beatles Legend, comes a visual celebration of the Mal Evans archives. Once thought lost forever, this holy grail for Beatles die-hards is being shared for the first time. With annotated (by Ken) excerpts of Mal’s memoir, the first-hand account of life with the world’s most important band through the eyes of the man that was there for it all, and bits from his diaries showing the comings, goings, recording schedules, and personal appointments of John, Paul, Ringo, and George, their life as a group, time on the road, and lives after their dissolution.
A companion to Womack’s thoroughly researched and family blessed biography of Mal, Living the Beatles Legend, now with the words of the man himself, and featuring hundreds of never-before-seen photos as well, this will be a beautifully designed must-own for Beatles lovers everywhere.“
It should be a joyous holiday season with the arrival of this book in December of 2026!
It is a rare occurrence when one anticipates a sequel with even more excitement and zeal than the original release, but from what I have heard about volume two, I am longing and craving to read the 2nd installment by this excellent author and Beatles historian, Ken Womack! I know for a fact that you will be amazed at many of the details, surprises, and treasures that you will see in this book!
