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Monday 23 December 2013
New Book: The Beatles at Shea Stadium
International Beatleweek 2014 - On Sale Now!
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Monday 16 December 2013
Review: The Hard Day's Night Treatment from Lush Spa Liverpool
Review by Donna Jackson
A Fabulous Spa Treatment to the Music of the Fab Four!
I'm not a fan of massages. I have very sensitive skin, I bruise easily and I don't like being prodded or poked. Therefore I was rather nervous when I was invited to try the new Hard Day's Night treatment at the Lush Spa in Liverpool. My nervousness was compounded when, at the launch event at the Hard Day's Night hotel, we were told that this could be quite an intensive massage and that it could be quite uncomfortable at times.If I'm totally honest, as I walked up the stairs to the spa on the day of my appointment, I was dreading what was to come.
However, within minutes my fears started to melt away, and before long they were gone completely. Before the treatment started Helen, who did my treatment, sat and had a chat with me. I completed a medical questionnaire and explained how nervous I was. She told me not to worry, and reassured me that all treatments could be tailored to people's individuals needs.
At the launch event, we were told that the aim of the treatment was to take the client from the stresses and strains of every day life to being so relaxed that the temptation is to fall asleep, and every stage and element of the treatment worked to do just that.
Once inside the "Hard Day's Night" treatment room, I changed into pyjamas that had been wrapped around a hot water bottle and so were lovely and warm. The layout and lighting in the room added to the peaceful and relaxing atmosphere, and feeling cosy and warm I settled down on the massage table.
The whole of the treatment takes place against a background of Beatles music that has been arranged by Simon Emmerson and Simon Richmond specifically for this treatment, and it's clear that a lot of thought has gone into the way that the various stages of the treatment tie into the music. The treatment begins against the background of sounds of busy everyday life, and the first song is, of course, 'A Hard Day's Night'. By the end of the treatment, over an hour later, as Golden Slumbers played in the background, I felt relaxed, but also energised and refreshed.
The soundtrack was a perfect background for the treatment throughout the whole session, but there were a couple of elements that I really, really loved. The hand massage took place to "I Want to Hold Your Hand" (what else?!) and "Flying" provided the backing track to the part of the treatment that had been inspired by the Beatles Cirque de Soleil show, Love, and involved the use of ribbons. Although I enjoyed the whole of the treatment, that was my favourite part and my only regret was that it didn't last for longer!
So -- in summary -- a unique spa treatment that left me feeling wonderfully relaxed and yet energised, fabulous Beatles music, tea, biscuits and a present at the end of it! All in all, an absolutely perfect afternoon at Lush Spa Liverpool.
Before the treatment began I was dreading it, and now I can't wait to go back and do it again!
If you're used to massages, you'll love this treatment. If you're like me, and think that massages aren't for you ... you'll love this treatment!
The Hard Day's Night treatment is exclusive to Lush Spa Liverpool. To find out more, or to book an appointment, telephone Lush Spa Liverpool on 0151 236 6952 or visit the website by clicking HERE!
Sunday 15 December 2013
Review: The Fab Four "Hark!" -- Possibly the Best Christmas Album Ever!
Review by Donna Jackson
Hark! (Classic Christmas Songs Performed in a Beatles Style)
I'm not usually a fan of albums by Beatles tribute bands. I think that tribute bands are great for live performances; after all, it's not like we can see the Beatles perform live. But, if I want to listen to music, I'd much rather listen to the originals. I mean, there really is no-one quite like the Beatles.But this album is different! Hark! by The Fab Four is a collection of traditional Christmas songs and carols that are all performed in the style of the Beatles. And although that may sound strange, the combination really works, and it works brilliantly!
While Beatle purists may shudder at these adaptations, for me they captured the fun and sense of humour of the Beatles. The album also reflected the creativity and ingenuity that exuded from everything the Beatles did throughout the 1960s and beyond.
I don't want to go into any details about the various song combinations because half the fun is the surprise when a Beatles song morphs into a Christmas song ... but you'll probably never think of Jingle Bells in the same way again! Each combination, though, works perfectly, reflecting the musical ability and talent of The Fab Four. My only criticism is that the attempt at Liverpool accents sometimes falls short and listening to Winter Wonderland was a little bit painful, but the clever substitution of some lyrics ("honey pie" and "flaming pie" for "pumpkin pie") more than made up for it.
If you love Christmas music and you love Beatles music, and you have a sense of humour and sense of fun, then this CD is a must!
Hark! is available both as a CD and an instant download (via amazon and itunes). For more information about the album, and how to buy, visit The Fab Four's website by clicking HERE!
Tracklist:
1.) Rudolph, The Red-Nosed Reindeer | 12.) The Christmas Song |
2.) Joy To The World | 13.) God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen |
3.) Feliz Navidad | 14.) Santa Claus Is Coming To Town |
4.) Hark! The Herald Angels Sing | 15.) What Child Is This? |
5.) Away In A Manger | 16.) Blue Christmas |
6.) Good King Wenceslas | 17.) Dear Santa |
7.) It Came Upon A Midnight Clear | 18.) The Little Drummer Boy |
8.) Winter Wonderland | 19.) Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree |
9.) Frosty The Snowman | 20.) Jingle Bells |
10.) Let It Snow | 21.) Sleigh Ride Bonus Track |
11.) Silent Night | 22.) The First Noel Bonus Track |
Wednesday 11 December 2013
December Shoppers Package from only £79.00 at the Hard Day's Night Hotel!
Add a touch of luxury to your Christmas shopping in Liverpool with this fabulous offer from The Hard Day's Night Hotel!
Don't waste one minute of your visit to Liverpool, arrive and hit the streets for some of the best shopping in Europe, check-in to your luxurious bedroom and relax in the exclusive surroundings that is Hard Days Night Hotel Liverpool.
This super one night midweek package is available Sunday to Friday inclusive (subject to availability) includes full English Breakfast, so you don't have to worry about stopping shopping for food as you will be fuelled up and ready to 'shop till you drop'
The Package includes:
A Luxury Room - Twin or Double
Full English Breakfast
The price for this package is £79.00 per night inclusive of VAT based on one person in the room
The price for two persons sharing is £89.00 inclusive of VAT based on 2 sharing
To take advantage of the super offer simply call reservations on +44 (0) 151 236 1964 selecting option 1 or email reservations@harddaysnighthotel.com. And quote December Shoppers Package
This super one night midweek package is available Sunday to Friday inclusive (subject to availability) includes full English Breakfast, so you don't have to worry about stopping shopping for food as you will be fuelled up and ready to 'shop till you drop'
The Package includes:
A Luxury Room - Twin or Double
Full English Breakfast
The price for this package is £79.00 per night inclusive of VAT based on one person in the room
The price for two persons sharing is £89.00 inclusive of VAT based on 2 sharing
For full details, visit the Hard Day's Night Hotel website here: http://www.harddaysnighthotel.com/exclusive-shopping-offer.html
The Christmas London Beatles Day is This Sunday!
Sunday 15th December sees the Christmas
London Beatles Day take place at THE SHERLOCK HOLMES HOTEL, 108 Baker
Street, London, W1U 6LJ - which is yards from the former Apple Boutique, and
just a 2 minutes walk from Baker Street station (and just 1
Underground stop from Abbey Road) & Madame Tussauds.
There will be the usual top selection of Beatles dealers
from all over the UK & beyond offering an amazing selection of
everything Beatles from badges to books to signed albums &
rare original memorabilia, CDs, T shirts, We pride ourselves on the great
selection of Beatles vinyl records from around the UK & the world which will
be offered from £1 to £1000+ We are pleased to say many new items including
records & CDs will be offered since the last show.
Grab yourself a Beatles bargain – the perfect place to
find that perfect Beatles Christmas gift.
We are pleased to welcome Liverpool Authors
David Bedford with his brand new book, and welcome back Kevin Roach and all the
way from Paris Eric Krasker with his book. Music will be supplied by the very
talented FAB TWINS - who played some great songs at our October show.
ADMISSION TO THE BEATLES DAY IS ONLY £3 - Doors open at
10am – 4.00 pm – licensed bar & cafĂ© on site - many food outlets very close
by, easy ground floor access for disabled people, remember there is NO
congestion charge in London on Sundays, free street parking nearby, nearest
Underground/Tube Baker Street.
As always come and have a chat with fellow Beatles fans -
Always a great day out with like minded friendly Beatles people...
For London Beatles Day event details check out:
www.beatlesdays.com
Or call 07801 564622 / 07785 923695
Mark Lewisohn Interview London Beatles Day 20 Oct 2013 - YouTube
Sunday 1 December 2013
'Good Ol' Freda' Set for TV Airing in UK!
Great news from the producers of Good Ol' Freda:
"Good Ol' Freda will be airing on More 4 during the week beginning December 10. At the moment, we don't know the exact date, so make sure to keep an eye on TV listings!
The more fans that watch it....the more it will play!
The other great news is that that the Good Ol' Freda DVD is being released officially on December 4 in the UK with extras including deleted stories and a commentary by Freda and Ryan!
It's available for purchase NOW by UK buyers on the website www.goodolfreda.com. It's easy....just click on the link provided. Shipping will around Dec 6.
We're currently working on mailing DVDs to our original Kickstarter Backers without whom this film wouldn't have gotten made.
We're hoping it will become a popular Christmas gift for Beatle people! We have lots of 'bundles' to buy too: DVD/film poster/film t-shirt)."
We're hoping it will become a popular Christmas gift for Beatle people! We have lots of 'bundles' to buy too: DVD/film poster/film t-shirt)."
Kathy McCabe
Producer
Good Ol' Freda
A documentary by Ryan White about the Beatles' trusted friend and secretary, Freda Kelly. A Magnolia Pictures film.
BY RYAN WHITE|GOODOLFREDA.COM
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