By Bob Berry

This is just genius. No other word.

The Beatles are preparing to re-release a remastered and expanded version of the “1” album, which was the first compilation of all the group’s #1 songs when it was originally released 15 years ago.

And as a teaser, the group have released a video, with stunning restored audio, of the closing song of Sgt. Pepper, “A Day In The Life“. And it’s not just the audio that will blow you away, it’s the video. Clips of “the boys” messing with pals Keith Richards and Mick Jagger, cross-cut with shots of an orchestra preparing to lay for an early session on the album.

The intro, the first few notes of the acoustic guitar, plus the piano, brought tears to my eyes.

A note on digital remastering. At the time of the “1” album’s original release, digital technology allowed certain improvements, the most prominent of which was tape noise reduction. But much like you and I moving from a desktop to a hand-held device, digital audio tools have allowed…not so much a complete re-do, but rather an enhancement of the original recording, bringing us as close as we have been to being with the band, in Studio B at Abbey Road.

Thank goodness for the standards in the audio recording process by the “men in white coats” at Abbey Road.

By Bob Berry

“If someone thinks that love and peace is a cliche that must have been left behind in the Sixties, that’s his problem. Love and peace are eternal.”-John Lennon

Today would have been John Lennon’s 75th birthday.

We at Keener 13 can think of no greater gift to John’s memory than to honor the spirit of his dream.

Imagine is the Keener 13 Friday Song.

In the words of your old mate Ringo Starr, “Peace and Love”, John.

By Bob Berry

Yoko Ono has a cool idea for John Lennon’s 75th birthday celebration

Rolling Stone reports that Yoko plans to “create” the world’s largest human peace sign in New York’s Central Park on Tuesday, October 6th.

The event will be free, and Yoko hopes for up to 10,000 attendees. Donations supporting the John Lennon Educational Tour Bus, and pre-registration can be made here.

Here was the scene 5 years ago, on what was John’s 70th. The video was shot at the Strawberry Fields Memorial inside Central Park. It is a marvelous, magical place, where all ages gather to celebrate and remember.

You should go sometime.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=31sPNmXm3gA

By Bob Berry

Can you believe it? Ringo Starr celebrates his 75th birthday today! How did he celebrate? By holding his annual “Peace and Love” celebration at the home of The Beatles in America, The Capitol Records Tower.

How do we at Keener 13.com celebrate?  By sharing favorite Ringo/Beatles video!  And let’s kick it off, with Paul’s surprise appearance at Ringo’s 70th birthday party.  And what a moment when they share a hug after the song!

Next up, a drummer’s all-star salute to Ringo, specially produced for his recent induction into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame. (Caution: Some adult language, not suitable for office viewing)

And last but not least, Live on the BBC and in all it’s 52 year-old glory, Ringo’s take on The Shirelles’ smash “Boys”.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=27-q6TmJZA4

A final thought. The Beatles’ producer Sir George Martin is quoted as having said “I didn’t need a drum machine, I had Ringo”.

Happy Birthday, Peace and Love.