'Fab Fourum,' great new online half-hour Beatles talk show, features insider chat

Courtesy Fab Fourum.

A great new half-hour all-talk show about the Beatles, "Fab Fourum," features a robust weekly roundtable discussion on the group by four hosts who have each done substantial research and reporting on the Fab Four. 

The hosts, whose knowledge of the Beatles comes from their perspectives as radio veterans, authors and lecturers, are Mitch Axelrod, author of “Beatletoons,” which covers the history of the Beatles cartoon series that ran in America from 1965 to 1969; Rob Leonard, host of WHPC’s “Beatlesongs” for over 17 years; Ken Michaels, host of several Beatles shows on WNYT, WDHA-FM, WBZO-FM and XM Satellite Radio; and Tony Traguardo, music lecturer and journalist and host of WCWP’s “BeatleTrax” and "4F" on Podarama.com and iTunes.

On each show, the four hosts try to avoid cheerleading and seriously discuss topics that cover all aspects of the Beatles’ history, including the Beatles’ group and solo works, events in their lives and recent news stories. The first few shows covered Paul McCartney’s recent mini-tour of the U.S. and the songs he should or should not include in the setlist, the merits of the George Harrison compilation “Let It Roll: Songs of George Harrison,” an appreciation of the "Abbey Road" album on its 40th anniversary and an analysis of the newly remastered Beatles’ stereo CDs. Upcoming programs will feature unique and interesting guest panelists and interviews. The conversations aren't just information sessions, but often branch off into debates. Each host brings their knowledge about the group to the discussion and we found the results thought provoking. At the very least, it's a great serious bare-bones discussion.

From the first four shows we heard, we think the show has great potential and will become a wonderful addition to the contribution of knowledge about the Beatles.

“Fab Fourum” can be found on iTunes, or by tuning in to the streaming podcast that can be downloaded at http://www.podarama.com/fab_fourum. A website is currently under construction.