APPS NOT IMMUNE TO BEATLEMANIA

Each year when the last week of June approaches, I invariably think back to the summer of 1964. It was June 26 to be precise, the day when I just happened to turn on my family's Emerson AM radio and heard Harry Harrison of the WMCA Good Guys urgently reporting the arrival of a new Beatles album, the soundtrack of their debut movie, "A Hard Day's Night."

A new Beatles record arriving at the height of the mania that surrounded the boys from Liverpool was, to a 13-year-old, as exciting as it gets. In short order, Scott Muni at WA-Beatle-C joined the fray as both stations insisted they were the first to play the new album.

I made calls to all my friends, breathlessly urging them to turn on their radios -- no texting or email in those days -- and then rounded up my Dad's portable Royal typewriter and, while listening to the nonstop flow of new tracks, wrote the first edition of my little rock magazine recounting my first impressions of the catchy refrains, the three-part harmonies, the thrill of hearing a dozen or so new tunes on the first Beatles album ever to feature all-original tunes by the band.

It is thrilling to know that younger generations are giving a listen to the songs of a group that recorded its first single a half-century ago. Many of them have become fans. They may not have been around to experience firsthand the anticipation and excitement that attended each release of Beatles songs over the band's relatively short career, but when they immerse themselves in any of the Beatles' nearly 200 recordings, they'll undoubtedly get a good taste of that singular moment in pop history.

There are plenty of Beatles trivia sites and related apps. Here are a few unique ones.

* The Rolling Stone Beatles Album-by-Album Guide ($4.99, iPad) An encyclopedia from the editors of the premiere rock magazine, this rich app offers commentary on the making of each of the Beatles' 13 albums, complete with brief anecdotes on each song (What was behind "Scrambled Eggs," the working title of one of the most beloved Beatles song of all, "Yesterday"?) and snippets of every tune. There are plenty of memorable photos from the magazine's vaults, too.

* It seems ancient now, but the movie "A Hard Day's Night" was hailed at the time not only for its outstanding soundtrack, but for its originality and wit. Watch the trailer for the movie at tinyurl.com/pcguy-AHDN

* One of the most memorable images of the Beatles era is the Abbey Road album cover showing John, George, Paul and Ringo walking across the street in front of their recording studio. If you can't get to London, the next best thing is to catch a live view of the legendary street via the Abbey Road webcam. A camera trained on the crosswalk transmits video and audio of the London scene 24/7. It is amusing to see how many folks march to the middle of the road, with arms outstretched, and freeze, re-creating the historic pose.

* For the serious Beatles fan, there's a fascinating discussion of the iconic opening chord of "A Hard Day's Night," a strangely evocative, dissonant chord that probably no one has ever been able to precisely replicate -- until now. A several-minute audio of Beatles fan Randy Bachman -- of Guess Who ("American Woman") and Bachman Turner Overdrive ("Takin' Care of Business") fame -- and Giles Martin (son of Beatles producer George Martin) offers a fascinating deconstruction of the chord obtained by listening to the original master tapes at Abbey Road studios. Listen to it here: tinyurl.com/pcguy-chord

* The Guitar Collection: George Harrison ($9.99, iPad). George Harrison's son, Dhani, compiled this wonderful app showcasing beautiful images and histories of the classic guitars his dad used on all his Beatles tracks, including the 12-string Rickenbacker and Fender Stratocaster. Read anecdotes and listen to classic riffs played on each guitar -- you can access any Beatles song in its entirety if you purchased it through Apple, otherwise you'll hear excerpts.

* Tune In Radio (99 cents) -- Listen round the clock to stations around the world devoted to all things Beatles with this terrific radio app. (There are thousands of non-Beatles stations, as well). You can record your favorite programs and schedule unattended recordings.