Our special guest this episode is Eric D. Johnson of the incredible band Fruit Bats. In addition to being an accomplished singer, songwriter and guitarist, Eric is a massive Beatles fan. He joins us to discuss a fascinating topic: the Beatles in the 1980s.

When you're done listening to this episode, buy the Fruit Bats latest album "A River Running to Your Heart" or get their new live album "Starry-eyed, in Stereo."

(And check out the video to "Sick of this Feeling" featuring your co-host Will Hines.)

Okay, the 1980s. Be warned: opinions ahead.

This is a strange and fascinating time for the Beatles and their music. Of course, it begins with the tragic murder of John. We hear the surviving Beatles each deal with that in their music in different ways. There's also the challenge of them reaching middle age, trying to adapt their sound to the MTV generation. There's also the lawsuits, which prevent Paul from joining the others as they get inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of fame.

Those are some of the lowlights. But there's also immense creativity. While John gets turned into a saint in the media, Paul experiments (McCartney II, Tug of War, Press to Play, etc) more than ever. George too seems to break free of his Beatledom first with a hit album (Cloud 9) and then by forming his own super group, The Travelling Wilburys. Though John never got to enjoy this time, the fans get two more Lennon albums: the underrated Double Fantasy and the excellent Milk and Honey. 

There's a lot. We discuss.

I fully admit we give Ringo short shrift on this discussion. Though we do take a quick journey into the (appropriately) insane song "Drumming is My Madness." We'll make it up to you, Ringo!

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Next month: More discussion that we expected about Paul's 1984 movie "Give My Regards To Broad Street."