Now that we all had a chance to listen to Now and Then, we can make up our minds and give our opinion. I must say, it is not bad. Not bad at all.
It is a beautiful ballad that is right there with Across the Universe and #9 Dream. It has a great melody; one of the musical elements that has kept Beatles music fresh after all these years (for other element see The Beatles Era). It is sung by John with an intensity that reminded me of A Day in the Life. And let’s not forget, Johns singing is not take 12. It is not even take 1. It is just a demo!
Paul added bass and Ringo drums. The piano accompaniment is a simple pumping piano; remember the Beatles did not take fancy piano lessons when they were young. But their playing is intuitive and creative, as can be heard after the first two lines of the third and fourth verse, where they use the piano as a rhythm instrument: a hammering piano. Somewhat like the hammering piano that starts While my Guitar Gently weeps.
Two other Beatlesque elements can be recognized in Now and Then. Strings with a bite, like Paul wanted for Eleanor Rigby, were added as well as a slide guitar in the style of George. The strings intertwine beautifully with the vocals and the interaction of strings and slide guitar combined with backing vocals take the song to a higher level after the second chorus. It is like this part provides you the opportunity to really feel the dept of Johns message. After the fourth verse and chorus, the strings playfully end the song.
If you have seen the Get Back documentary made by Peter Jackson, you will know that the Beatles not only practiced numbers that ended up on the Let it Be album, but also a dozen that ended up on Abbey Road, and quite a few numbers that ended up on the solo albums of the individual Beatles. So songs that potentially where Beatles songs ended up being solo numbers, and we learned to know them as such. Therefore it is ironic that a song that clearly was intended to be released as a John Lennon song, now ended up as the last Beatles song ever.
What to think about the release of the final Beatles song Now and Then? Should we be excited or rather skeptical? I will welcome it with an open mind. Give it the benefit of the doubt. Personally, I find it interesting that the (remaining) Beatles have used Artificial Intelligence to create Now and Then.
Digital creativity to replace the analogue musical innovations, like tape loops, they introduced in the sixties. I will be looking for Beatlesque musical elements in Now and Then as described in The Secret of Their Music (The Beatles Era). Real musical innovations, I am afraid, are not to be expected.
Now what about the presentations of the song? The very last song of the Beatles Now and Then, combined with their first Love Me Do on one single underlines or maybe overestimates the importance of the moment. In addition to the single, Now and Then will be added to new expanded version of the Blue Double Album in different presentations. Is this marketing? Sure. Is this milking business? Possibly.
But here also I like to look at it in a more positive way. Projects like this are undoubtfully pursued for commercial reasons but have the additional benefit that the legacy of the Beatles is very well preserved. So let’s enjoy the moment on November second and let’s try to see it all in perspective.
Well-known minimalist poet, Aram Saroyan, in 1970, issued the most bizarre printed work on the Beatles.
He issued a 300-copy work called “The Beatles.” Fifty of the copies of the book were signed copies. In my days of getting virtually everything print-related concerning the Beatles I bought one of the signed copies for $40.00. Years later, some of the people who laughed and scoffed at my purchase at the ridiculous price of $40 are singing a different tune as I have seen copies of the work command $300 and getting it, or even more. These prices also highlight the concept of how “value” is determined in any collectible.
Four Pages Long
Saroyan’s work about the Beatles is only 4 pages long and all it does is mention the names of the four Beatles. Most rational people would say that is ridiculous and one must be crazy to buy something like this.
However when one pays thousands of dollars for a Jackson Pollock painting that has paint arbitrarily thrown on a canvas and is passed off as a work of art, any different? Value is often determined by what the person is willing to pay and the status and reputation of the person creating and selling the work. What constitutes true art and value have various interpretations by all of us who consider ourselves consumers, or fools, depending on your viewpoint. Yoko Ono has been said to have a minimalist perspective in many of her art pieces. For example, a half-a-chair sculpture, where you need to imagine the other half of the chair.
Avant-Garde
Some people are critical of anything termed “avant-garde” or as several Beatles have mentioned over the years that the term gives the artists “avant-garde” a clue as to what is going on and are only putting on the public.
Some people say this type of art is designed simply to get a reaction from the audience. I have yet to see an all-encompassing definition of what constitutes or defines true art for me. Some people will pay thousands of dollars for a Salvador Dali painting of a melting timepiece, yet others would not waste their time buying something so surrealistic. I suppose one could say this wide-ranging definition is what makes the subject so interesting.
Have provided a link for the definition of minimalism below. This is followed by my signed copy of the Beatles book by Saroyan. Hope it brings a smile and a laugh to your faces that I actually spent $40 on a 4 page book!!!
The Website “Pen and the Pad” helps to define what minimalist poetry is and Saroyan is mentioned as one of the main contributors to this form of communication.
In the mid-1960s, a cultural phenomenon took hold of America as The Beatles rose to fame. Alongside their musical success, The Beatles became the first pop music group featured on a metal lunchbox. This iconic lunchbox, manufactured by Aladdin Industries, quickly became a symbol of self-expression for children and a marketing tool to capture the attention of young fans. In this article, we will delve into the history of the Beatles lunchbox, its design, significance, and value for collectors.
The Birth of a Cultural Icon
The Beatles Lunchbox
In 1965, Aladdin Industries introduced the first-ever Beatles lunchbox, forever changing the lunchtime routines of children across America. This metal lunchbox, measuring 8¼”x7½”x4″, was painted vibrant aqua blue and adorned with embossed images of the Fab Four. On one side, the lunchbox featured individual portraits of John, Paul, George, and Ringo, while the other showcased the band playing their instruments in iconic Shea Stadium suits. The bottom edge of the lunchbox displayed floating heads of the Beatles, and their signatures adorned the top.
Aladdin Industries: The Home of Beatles Lunchbox Production
Aladdin Industries (703 Murfreesboro Road in Nashville, Tennessee), the manufacturer of The Beatles lunchbox, was known for its innovative designs and quality products. The artistic director, Elmer Lehnhardt, collaborated with renowned photographer Dezo Hoffmann to create the striking portraits of The Beatles that adorned the lunchbox. Aladdin Industries also produced a matching blue thermos bottle to accompany the lunchbox, further solidifying the lunchtime experience for Beatles fans.
The Beatles Lunchbox: A Statement of Identity
The Beatles lunchbox quickly became more than just a container for sandwiches and snacks. It became a statement of identity for those who carried it. As Maria Godoy of National Public Radio aptly said, “A lunchbox was not merely a lunchbox, but a statement of who we were.” Children proudly flaunted their Beatles lunchboxes, showcasing their love for the band and their place within the pop culture movement.
The Blue Thermos Bottle: A Perfect Companion
The Beatles Thermos
Every Beatles lunchbox would be complete with the matching blue thermos bottle. Standing 7″ tall and 3¼” in diameter, the thermos bottle featured “The Beatles” and images of the band wrapping around both sides. It came with a light-blue screw cap, a cup cap, a name/address sticker, and instructions on how to care for the thermos. The Beatles lunchbox and thermos were the perfect duo for any fan looking to immerse themselves in the world of the Fab Four.
The Collectible Appeal of the Beatles Lunchbox
Decades after their initial release, Beatles lunchboxes have become highly sought-after collectibles. The combination of nostalgia, pop culture significance, and limited production years has propelled the value of these lunchboxes in the collector’s market. Jeff Augsburger, a collector and author, states, “The blue 1965 lunchbox was the first item I wanted to collect.” Finding a lunchbox in mint condition with the original thermos intact is the ultimate prize for many collectors.
The Rarity of the Blue Thermos Bottle
The Beatles Lunchbox
While the Beatles lunchbox itself is a coveted collectible, the blue thermos bottle is often the most challenging piece to find. Due to its fragility and frequent use, many thermos bottles were discarded or damaged over the years. As a result, finding an original blue thermos in excellent condition adds significant value to a collector’s ensemble. The scarcity of these thermos bottles contributes to their allure and drives up their market price.
Reproductions: A New Wave of Beatles Lunchboxes
In 2013, Factory Entertainment released reproductions of the iconic Beatles lunchbox for fans to enjoy. These replicas closely resemble the original design but can be distinguished by a modern barcode on the bottom. While these reproductions allow fans to own a piece of Beatles memorabilia, they lack the historical authenticity and value associated with the original Aladdin Industries lunchboxes.
Alternative Designs: The Beatles Brunch Bag and Air Flite Lunchbox
Alongside the classic metal lunchbox, alternative designs also emerged to cater to different preferences. One such design was the ‘Girl’s vinyl’ or ‘The Beatles Brunch Bag,’ a light blue soft vinyl box with an oval shape. This package, released in 1965 by Aladdin Industries, featured the Beatles group pictured on the front and included a blue thermos bottle with Beatles faces on one side and the band playing instruments on the other. Aladdin also issued a lunchbox after their official manufacturing license expired. In 1967 they made a Brunch Bag and Thermos called ‘Combo,’ with an image of two guitarists and one drummer combo on a similar aqua blue background. Additionally, Air Flite produced a lunchbox for the U.S. market featuring Beatles images and signatures, with “Air Flite” printed in the lower right-hand corner of the picture.
Conclusion
The Beatles lunchbox remains an enduring symbol of 1960s pop culture and a cherished piece of Beatles memorabilia. Its significance goes beyond its practical purpose, representing a statement of identity and a connection to a beloved band. Whether you’re a lunchbox collector or a Beatles enthusiast, the Beatles lunchbox and its accompanying blue thermos bottle hold a nostalgic charm that transports us to an era of music, fandom, and youthful exuberance.
NEMS and the Business of Selling Beatles Merchandise in the U.S. 1964-1966 (2ND EDITION)
The book covers the approximately 150 licensed items that dotted store shelves and helped fuel the band-crazed fan during the time right after the band landed in America and performed on The Ed Sullivan Show. Toys, games, dolls, jewelry, clothing, wigs, and more!
A new massive privately published photo book by noted Italian Beatles collectors Fulvio Fiore and Alex Franchi about The Beatles in Italy. Over 500 pages of photos. I bought a copy today for my collection. Interested parties can contact Alex Franchi at the email soundlover30@hotmail.com
A Look Inside The Beatles in Italy Book
Inside the Beatles in Italy bookInside the Beatles in Italy bookInside the Beatles in Italy bookInside the Beatles in Italy bookInside the Beatles in Italy bookThe Beatles in Italy book
This is a beautiful book. Well done to the authors
Though there was an excellent Derek Taylor biography with the limited edition Genesis book, “Fifty Years Adrift,” and a book that Derek authored about the 20th anniversary of Sgt Pepper, and a title of more general musical memories entitled “As Time Goes By,” this Derek Taylor biography by author Andrew Darlington is an underrated book detailing the importance and relevance of this character in the Beatles story!
Done with the cooperation of the Taylor family, I certainly enjoyed this book dealing with the wit, wisdom, and intelligence of this Beatles confidante. Only Neil and Mal could rival or exceed the importance of Derek in the inner circle of the Beatles!
Derek Taylor For Your Radioactive Children
Derek Taylor For Your Radioactive Children
Derek Taylor For Your Radioactive Children
Derek Taylor For Your Radioactive Children
It Was Twenty Years Ago
1987 Touchstone Edition-Derek’s analysis of the 20th anniversary of the epic Beatles LP and all the cultural changes surrounding those years. An excellent book.
It Was Twenty Years Ago Today
As Time Goes By
As Time Goes By
1983 Edition published by Popular Culture Ink which at one time was known as Pierian Press
As Time Goes By
Straight Arrow Books, Incorporated-1973 edition
As Time Goes By
Davis-Poynter 1973 hardcover edition
As Time Goes By
Derek Taylor – Genesis
Derek’s Genesis Publications limited edition “Fifty Years Adrift” book-though a fabulous book, most of the Beatles book collecting audience is not privy to it’s contents due to the limited nature of it’s release. There were only two thousand copies issued and to the best of my knowledge the book has never appeared in any other edition. That truly is a shame! All copies of this edition were signed by Derek!
Fifty Years Adrift
The rarest Derek Taylor book of them all. Only 100 copies of this edition of the “As Time Goes By” book were issued by Genesis Publications. All copies were signed by Derek.
Fifty Years Adrift
Derek Taylor Beatles trivia question
What prominent Beatles song from the White Album did Derek Taylor contribute lyrics to? There may be more than one answer to this question! Let me know in the comments below.
From Tony Hanley
I loved the Derek Taylor post as I met him (as a kid) on quite a few occasions, and it brought back some great memories, so I thought I would share the attached and following, if you want to share with your followers.
During school holidays, I would catch the train up to London to spend the day with Tom at his Museum Street studio On one occasion when my Dad visited the Apple (or WEA) offices, During the day, if he needed to go somewhere it was often within walking distance, and it was always great news if he said we were off to visit Derek Taylor. I always remember Derek as a generous, lively, happy individual.
So off we would trundle to see Derek, who looking back, you might say that was ‘bordering on the eccentric’ or ‘had a massively creative brain’, or both, either way, he was always immensely welcoming and I knew that to keep me amused while Tom and Derek talked ‘shop’, Derek would first walk me to a secretary and say ‘get Tony a coke’, and sit him down over there. ‘Over there’ was where the finished albums were on many shelves and I was always told ‘there you go, help yourself’. At the embarrassment of my dad, Tom, I would always try and carry as much as my own body weight, in a box, to which Tom would say ‘you’re not taking all that lot, now go and put some back!’, to which I would reluctantly comply.
I often wondered why some of the albums that I managed to take away had a full album cover, but the vinyl had no record label, just a white disc marked ‘promo copy only – not for resale’ needles to say 50 something years later, of course I know what they were, and I’m sure that some of them must be of immense value today, had I have kept them.
Besides giving some to my mates, or repeatedly playing some to the point of nearly wearing them down, some 6 or 7 house moves later, they are sadly no more. The upside is that one of the albums from Apple was ‘That’s the way God planned it’ by Billy Preston, not that it converted me to religion, as that was the album that introduced me to his honey like voice, fantastic (Hammond) organ sound, and an introduction to blues music, which was a wonder to behold. I am forever in awe of Billy Preston’s incredible talent.
There you go – just a fond memory of Derek Taylor.
