The Apple scruffs were a loosely-knit group of hardcore Beatles fans who were known for congregating outside the Apple Corps building and at the gates of Abbey Road Studios in London during the waning days of Beatlemania in hopes of seeing or interacting with the band members.
The Beatles themselves had an ambivalent but often friendly relationship with these fans; two Apple scruffs, Lizzie Bravo and Gayleen Pease, were actually recruited to sing on a Beatles song ("Across the Universe"). Although no version was released on a Beatles record that included their voices, they can be heard in the mix of the song that was used on the World Wildlife Fund charity album No One's Gonna Change Our World and was subsequently released on the compilation album Past Masters, Volume Two.
The Beatles' song "She Came In Through the Bathroom Window" (Abbey Road, 1969) refers to the day that some of the Apple scruffs climbed into Paul McCartney's house via an upstairs bathroom window and raided his wardrobe for a pair of trousers which they took turns wearing. They also stole a framed photograph, which they later returned at McCartney's request.
Thursday, July 08, 2010
The Dark Horse
Listening to Awaiting on You All reminds me not only that All Things Must Pass is the greatest Beatles solo album of all time, but it's not even close. I mean, any record with What is Life on it starts out on second base. Plus, if you were on my mix-tape list back in 1995-1997, I promise you Apple Scruffs was on the tape (along with Knock Me Down by the Outlets.)
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5 comments:
I beg to differ. John Lennon Plastic Ono band is the best Beatles solo effort. Its a masterpiece, but very depressing.
I agree with Anonymous 1. All Things Must Pass is a bit bloated. Lennon's first solo album is like an axe to the head.
ATMP might be the best Beatles solo disc BUT towards the end there's more filler than there used to be in Fresh Kills. Sadder still is that, by the looks of George's subsequent solo output, he shot his load with ATMP.
i agree with the shot his wad theory. by far.
Sadly, he had shot his wad. And a good portion of ATMP was stuff that did not make it on to Beatles' albums. Add to that two plagarized songs- My Sweet Lord (familiar by now) and Isn't It a Pity (resembles Hey Jude).
George was a pretty good artist, but he had a hard time carrying the load alone. He was always better working with others- Beatles, Concert for Bangladesh, Travelling Willburys.
After ATMP he probably should have hooked up with McGuinn and helped resucitate the Byrds. Or just formed or joined another band that would facilitate his folkie direction (Fleetwood Mac might have been a match).
I know, I know. Difficult for the guy who had written 4 songs on the best Beatles' album (Revolver) and according to Sinatra, the greatest love song of the 20th century (Something).
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