Jeff Smith

A stark reminder

Reviewed: 03-08-25

I love hearing the background stories of one of the greatest songwriters of our time, but I’m also reminded of the frailty of fame and that even with the Beatles, there was a hunger to be accepted as solo artists
Honestly when I watched the movie “get back” and they were all just jamming That’s when they were the best. At being solo..together. They just played well together

Oh, as solo artists they had some good tunes and Paul probably did better than all of them with Wings. Ironically, it was Ringo Starr who had more hits than all of the other Beatles. To be honest I only liked the songs that sounded “Beatlee” - George’s “when we was fab” . John’s “woman.” Paul’s “new” - Ringo’s “it don’t come easy”.

I never really followed them after their first solo albums. I mean, I love some of the later albums that came out, but it was no longer Beatles just 25% !
But just because Paul was a Beatle doesn’t mean he didn’t have feelings and the desire to be accepted by new fans and the guts to try to follow the Beatles in another band. And quite successfully at least for a season.
We all wanted them to come back together, but the break up was too painful.
The media took Lennons side on everything and Paul became the scapegoat, John was so vindictive and negative against the greatest co-writer he ever had. and later years, John took a lot of his accusations back. They were even planning on getting together to write some music at the beginning of 1981.
I always felt bad for Paul because everyone thought he broke up the Beatles, but he didn’t. Every time Paul put out an album. The media would just rake him over the coals . and granted, some of the music he wrote was not Beatle quality and that goes for George and John too. So no matter how great you are, sooner or later, the fans fade and the melodies don’t come as easy as they used to. It’s gonna be a sad day when Paul passes away but what a life he had .
The second volume shows it wasn’t always easy. And this is 45 years ago. That just blows my mind. Definitely worth the listen.

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1 person found this helpful

Alex is real!!!

Reviewed: 10-29-24

Alex had reasons for checking out of the music scene. Just one thing. No Eddie, no Alex!!!

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Wonderful

Reviewed: 09-13-24

This is exactly what every Office fan needs. To hear the background of one of the best cringe situation mocumentaries ever created.

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Wonderful!!

Reviewed: 05-18-24

I always wandered what had happened between CCR and John Fogerty, and his story is fascinating and heartbreaking at the same time. I am so grateful to see his life, turned around and finding the woman of his dreams. I appreciate the fact that he read it himself. It really helped carry the story and was much more impacting. It even had me crying for him at times because I am a musician and a songwriter and I understand the frustration of ego of other musicians. But I love his songwriting and heart!

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Challenging

Reviewed: 04-18-24

I loved how the subject of prayer was presented by Pastor Jim, and also his exposure of the flamboyant disingenuous practice of prayer. Prayer has been a frustrating discipline for me especially getting group Prayer but I’ve decided that I just need to pray that God will bring me people that will have the heart to pray. And just enjoy it myself for a while until the Lord answers that prayer. Why should I miss out on the wonderful fellowship I have with my savior just because it’s frustrating to get a prayer group going? There’s always someone who seems to grandstand and ruin the purpose, but I blame myself because I could have stopped it, and I didn’t, I let other people join me in leading it and I shouldn’t have done that so I’m starting again with sweet hour of prayer with direction and purpose and I hope it branches out to several times throughout the week in our small little town. I truly believe God can do wonderful things and I repent of my apathy.

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The unknown right hand man

Reviewed: 02-23-24

The story of Mal Evans was both incredible and incredibly sad the way it ended. But what a ticket to ride! Very enjoyable to listen to and to understand what it was like in the 60s to be a roadie for the biggest band in the entire world and what musicians get today is almost embarrassing in comparison ! It was so great to discover how these diaries were hidden away for many years, and when it are gems of information about Mal’s relationship with each of the Beatles. This poor guy got shanked a few times, but his service to the Beatles was taken for granted, and he just sucked it up and loved what he was doing. Definitely worth listening to or reading.

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Pretty good

Reviewed: 10-17-23

As strictly historical I loved the flow as Bill reads it and I've always respected his intelligence, convictions and honesty.
But being a pastor over 30 years and reading the bible for 40+ years I can definitely see a Catholic bias on much of the interpretations. I grew up as a Catholic and while there are many good people there I disagree with much of their doctrine.
To many believers, the bible is a living book not so much historical, It was not written to us but for us. We cannot and must not humanize Jesus like he was a mere man trying to fulfill prophecies but in actuality He was the fulfillment of all of it. "In the volume of the book, it written of Me to do your will O God". When Jesus revealed Himself to the two men on the road to Emmaus he made an astonishing statement Luke 24:25–27 Then He said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! Ought not the Christ to have suffered these things and to enter into His glory?”
And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself.make
And just to seal the deal he appeared to his frightened apostles from another dimension Luke 24:44–45 Then He said to them, “These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me.” And He opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures. Jesus said this after his resurrection and referred to the Christ in the second person.
The book was well written and the storyline took me there but I get the feeling that Jesus is portrayed more as a man who thought he was God almost making the idea someone who thinks he's deity is a bit extreme but I don't know Bill's heart. I would agree with Bill's account of the Jewish leaders reactions. Very well stated. Even the way Judas is described as trying to make Jesus come out with it. But Jesus called him a son of perdition, it would been better if he had not been born!

I hope Bill places his trust in Christ alone more than the traditions of the Catholic church. Perhaps that would be a good book to write "Killing the Catholic Church" to portray the terrible history of the church hierarchy and popes actually believing the are representing Christ on earth. But I have a feeling Pope Francis would not write the forward.
I mean no disrespect, it was a good read and I plan on listening to all the "killing" series!

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Informative and honest

Reviewed: 03-15-23

A wonderful journey on how a great songwriter who had to rise from Beatles stardom and start over.

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Very cool

Reviewed: 02-28-21

I’m a huge fan but I always love to hear the background of every success. It’s always right place right time - an organic fun group of great young actors. Also loved hearing how Steve was such a professional and how much he is loved.

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Fantastic

Reviewed: 01-22-21

I am not a Dylan fan of sorts but loved learning about him. I am listening to his music now that I understand his life. Bob was and is a brave soul saved between two worlds of Judaism and Yeshua. Tough place to be but that’s how it all began! God bless you Bob- see you at one of the twelve gates!!

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