So you think you know your Beatles' songs?

I gather that yesterday you had four lads from Liverpool (John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison & Pete Best, who are calling themselves The Beatles) in for an audition. This was after your colleague Mike Smith had gone to one of their Cavern Club performances in December. I am not sure of your view on how well it went, but it didn't seem to have gone too bad to me. I know that Mike was late to the audition due to celebrating a little too much the night before (well, it was New Year's Eve, and if you can't celebrate like it's your birthday on a day like that, when can you!).

Now and then you come across a band that really dig it. Don't ask me why I think these four have what it takes, it's on the tip of my tongue - maybe it's due to the fact that they have been friends for quite a while. That means a lot. They have built something that is different, after leaving home and relentlessly playing on tour, come rain or shine. I know what goes on when on the road, stays on the road (since one is free as a bird, and might do something daft like wear a toilet seat around your neck), but I guess that it is better than a road to nowhere. Man, it will be important that they get back in the studio to record their own self-compositions.

As you know only too well, the path to success for a new band is a long and winding road. A day in the life of a modern group has changed so much. You can say goodbye to all that stuffy, rigid approach to music - and any record label has to help and support the use of the emerging recording technology, that will enable a new revolution in music.

If you are indeed unsure about the band, I guess there is an outside chance that you and Brian Epstein can still work it out, and then it won't be long until we hear their music more widely. In my view, because they are so good, it wouldn't take any time at all until you would recoup your investment.

Wait, I know that you are under pressure to recommend only one act, between The Beatles and Brian Poole and the Tremeloes, with the latter having the advantage of being a local band (so you can more easily keep tabs on them). Nobody I know would like to have to carry that weight and make that decision! What I will say is that I don't really think that guitar bands have had their day (whatever people are telling you around the office).

If you do decide to turn them down, maybe you could tell me why, if and when you write your autobiography. Whatever happens, I am sure it won't be the end for them. In any case, tomorrow never knows, and there are some other great bands out there who you might want to look at, e.g. The Moody Blues, The Animals, Small Faces, Procol Harum and The Rolling Stones (ask George about them, I think he likes them). It is always important in life to look to the future, and as for the past, just let it be.