Strange Fruit: The Beatles' Apple Records

Although unsanctioned by the Beatles or Apple Records, this profile nonetheless offers an illuminating look at the band's famous label, which they established in 1967 with the aim of providing a haven for artists to forge careers outside the strictures of a major record company. Paul McCartney dubbed it Apple, and the band ran the company with a variety of trusted associates, including Mal Evans and Peter Asher (brother of Jane Asher, formerly of Peter and Gordon). Singer/songwriter Jackie Lomax talks about publishing with Apple, an enterprise that also encompassed film and fashion, including an ill-fated boutique. After Lomax, Apple searched for new artists, finding Mary Hopkin, the Iveys (who became Badfinger), and James Taylor (their first American signing), but Lomax believes they released too much too soon and his first single, "Sour Milk Sea," which features a glittering array of guest stars, was lost in the shuffle. Though Hopkin's "Those Were the Days" sold eight million copies, many others suffered Lomax's fate, and the label passed on future superstars like David Bowie and Fleetwood Mac (McCartney guided Hopkin's career, while George Harrison took Lomax under his wing). When John Lennon associate Allen Klein arrived to stop the bleeding, there were layoffs and losses, including Asher and Taylor. More hits from Badfinger and Billy Preston would ensue, but the breakup of the Beatles further hastened the end. Authors and critics provide most of the commentary here, backed with relevant archival clips. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (K. Fennessy)