I realized something while watching this video, which is I never really had the patience to watch a video like this where a person talks about their interests amd knowledge in such detail, but my curiosity and love for the Beatles has really made me much more open minded. It's really crazy how the Beatles turned me on to so many things like listening to albums as a whole, reading books (especially biographies), reading articles, watching interviews etc. I truly feel that had I not clicked on the music video of Hey Jude in youtube 3 years ago, my life would have been drastically different today (maybe boring). I bet their are many other young fans like me out there who might share this particular experience. And yeah they've got some nice tunes too haha. Its always nice to see a new upload in your channel, appreciate the work Matt!
Beatles Forever and Illustrated Record were the 2 books that taught me a lot about the Beatles when I first became a fan. Close to my heart. They were Bibles for a while for me. Not a lot of Beatles books to choose from back in the 1970’s.
Actually, Tyler and Carr, who wrote that book claimed they only spent two weeks on it and were not fans of the band. They spent a substantial amount of more time on the Rolling Stones, illustrated record, a band that they actually liked.
I believe I read that book in the '80's and really liked it. A Barnes & Noble search didn't turn it up. (Well, it did, but it was a different book by the same title. Maybe out of print?)
Ahhh yes the great "Illustrated Record" book, an early fave of mine which I literally tore apart reading and rereading. What I especially recall about it was the authors literally and inexplicably savaging the "Help!" album! My copy of the book is long gone but I believe they in so many words call the album a piece of trash and by far the worst album from The Beatles to that date, even tearing apart the classic "Yesterday." Does anyone know why they might have had such incredible contempt for what I and many consider an extremely fine album?!?
Andy Babiuk is from Rochester New York and was a member of the cult band the Chesterfield Kings. He did a similar book on the Rolling Stones and their gear. He owns a music store in Fairport New York, and is currently working with Clem Burke of Blondie and Elliot Easton of the cars.
OMG - I had no idea he was in the Chesterfield Kings. I saw them open for the Psychedelic Furs in Rochester (Triangle Theater?) in 1982 or 83, and I remember that the music was Beatly!
I do have that one and I've always loved it. Lewisohn really hates that book now because he was forced into a format (and work count) that knew wouldn't work. I have a feeling what is prolonging his Volume II of All These Years, is that he may incorporate new sessions info into this volume. I say this based on some of his appearances in podcasts over the years.
Another Mark Lewisohn tome is "The Complete Beatles Chronicle." A list with details of every gig the Beatles did. They did a lot. Also recommended is any book by Bruce Spizer. He organized the Beatles recordings by record label. Swan, Capitol, Apple, etc. My favorite is "The Beatles are Coming! The Birth of Beatlemania in America" Much to learn and re-live. Read it twice.
I've read only one book of The Beatles: Here, There, And Everywhere by Geoff Emerick, the guy who was actually there witnessing the evolution of their music. And he does not hold back with the criticism, good and bad. I love that book. He tells it from his perspective in real time.
Except he really doesn't as Geoff's book was ghost written for him by Howard Massey. It also has a pro McCartney anti Harrison bias based on the relationships he had with the two men and this bizarre total recall of every conversation he'd supposedly had with them thirty - forty plus years later. I'd be very sceptical of this one.
I know you briefly mentioned Lewisohn's book about the Beatles' sessions but I consider it extremely informative because it documents their most valuable contributions to the world - their recorded music. I'm with you on "Tune In", too. Reading it took me back to my garage band days when me and my bandmates would take any gig we could get no matter where it was or what it paid. It portrays them as just regular guys with dreams of fame and fortune. That was refreshing. Great job on the list.
"Beatles Gear" is a great book! All young musicians should read it, because I've met so many young guys who think that you have to buy a really expensive guitar to become a good musician. In that book they can find out that The Beatles had really cheap instruments in the beginning and you can work wonders with cheap equipment.
Thanks for sharing your top Beatle books Matt👍 One thing Id like to share about Andy Babiuk's book Beatles Gear, about the time after George Harrison's passing I bought this book and I read for the first time the story of Lucy the red Gibson guitar. And during the Christmas Holiday of 2002 during a family gathering in Guadalajara Mexico I was showing the book to my musician friend Robert, and telling him the story of a guy called Miguel Ochoa and lost red Gibson guitar named Lucy, and to my big surprise Robert say's to me:I know Miguel, I'll give you his number- I was speechless. So I gave Miguel a call, He was very polite and asked him if it was okay to meet with him and He said"Sure, no problem". He gave me an address at a club where He was playing with his band The Stone Facade, sat down at a booth with Miguel and his lovely wife Carmen, asked him about the whole story about Lucy, showed him the book and got him to autograph at the bottom of the picture of Lucy, Miguel even showed me a couple of old Polaroid photos from 1972 of Him and the red Gibson guitar along with bandmate Tony Baker ( who was heavily involved in communicating with a grumpy George Harrison and getting Lucy back in his hands) As a matter of fact, it was Mal Evans who was sent down to Mexico to retreive Lucy and immediatley flew back to L.A. and to A&M studios where George got his Guitar back.-years later I also met Tony Baker in Redwood City, Ca. (close to where l live in Northern California) He was working as a music teacher at Gelb Music Store, He kindly autographed underneath the picture of Lucy alongside Miguel's signature.
I got The Beatles Forever as a Christmas gift when I was young, my first Beatles book! I have to recommend it, it’s chock full of photos of the group at various stages, as well as pics of memorabilia and record sleeves. A great introduction & well written!
Thanks for doing this. With most groups and performers there are usually one or two books worth reading, but with the Beatles, so many and growing even now.
Hi Matt. Like most long time fans, I must have at least 75 Beatles related books, almost all purchased in the pre internet era. A few stand out for me because of the delight invoked the first time I read them. The Man Who Gave The Beatles Away, a memoir of their first serious manager, most likely ghost written, is a super fun read and feels like a movie. The movie that was made, by Dick Clark's production company, is o.k., and does have it's moments, but could have been so much better. As said by others, Illustrated record by Roy Carr was a watershed book that was very important in the 70's. How they became the Beatles, I assume written by an actual fan, (Gareth L.Pawlowsky) is really well done for it's time,1990, loaded with neat pics and at the time, unseen documents. Beatles Songs by W.J . Dowlding was also a bunch of fun, although more recent publications may considered more thorough. Ken Howlett's The BBC archives/Beatles at the Beeb are great for detail and were first out of the gate. The ART OF THE BEATLES ( Mike Evans) is a very special tomb because not enough study has been given to that element of their talent, and not nearly enough about the works of Stu Sutcliff. My copy is a 1984 paperback edition. The Complete Beatles Recording Sessions + Chronicle (Mark Lewishon) is a large and heavy book to sit with with, but is pretty much essential. For me, an obvious honourable mention has got to go to In His Own Write and Spaniard In The Works, John's own pre Python, post Goons examples of British whimsy, word play and sarcasm. My TOP of the wish list at the moment is a book I am unlikely to ever own. An independently published look (yes another) at the Beatles Hamburg era, from 2021. Written by Thorsten Knublauch, THE BEATLES MACH SCHAU IN HAMBURG has been getting superb reviews for detail and all new information.
Nice collection Matt. Another book you might wanna pick up if you don't have which I think is a fun, light read is "Growing up with The Beatles" by Ron Shaumbug(spelling?). I believe it came out in the late 70's right around the same time as The Beatles Forever book. My brothers bought it for me as a Christmas present. The author basically recounts his days and memories of becoming and being a Beatles fan around, I believe, the Kansas City area from the beginnings when he first "I want to hold your hand" in Feb '64 to his going away to college in the early 70's. It's just a fun account of his trials and tribulations of not just being a Beatles fan but also a teenager "growing up". I lost my copy in between going away to college or moving from new home to another one. I would like to eventually pick up another copy one of these days.
"Growing up with the Beatles: An illustrated tribute" by Ron Schaumburg was published in 1976. This was one that I looked at a lot in book stores in the late '70's, and it took me a while to splash out the cash. But surprisingly, I found that I liked it quite a bit, especially when I was older and could appreciate the author's awkwardness and vulnerability with his personal recollections, like going to a barbershop with a copy of the Pepper LP to show the barber how he wanted his haircut (like Ringo's in the gatefold), so he would look cool for an upcoming event, and getting a haircut that resembled a fuzzy tennis ball instead. But he still thanked and tipped the barber, not wanting to offend, even through it took a long time to grown out. Just a good, average guy, trying his best. Nicholas Schaffner's "The Beatles Forever" [1977] actually mentions Ron's book as an example of the type of then available Beatle books, placed squarely in the goofy category. But it's still an interesting read.
I bought that book in 7th grade mostly because it was stuffed with (at the time) comparatively rare pics that I studied every detail of. I also related to the author's nerdly predicaments!
My top 5 books The Beatles Forever- Nicolas Schaffner In My Life- Pete Shotton The Beatles Illustrated Record- Tony Tyler and Roy Carr The Beatles Illustrated Lyrics- Alan Aldridge All You Need Is Ears- George Martin I’m not too crazy about books like The Love You Make. They published excerpts in the National inquirer.
Anything Lewisohn is involved with is excellent. I've always really liked Mark Hertsgaard's A Day in the Life. Bob Spitz's The Beatles and Larry Kane's books, especially Ticket to Ride, are well written. Pete Shotton's John Lennon In My Life is also fun because it gives a backstage view of parts of the Fab world. Same with George Martin's All You Need is Ears. Great video once again!
Glad you mentioned Revolution In The Head, that's the #1 Fab book. Also essential is Rob Sheffield's Dreaming The Beatles, which is about the world's enduring love for the band, and a total page-turner. And given that many of us will never live to see Vols. II and III of Lewisohn, The Beatles by Bob Spitz is pretty definitive.
Good afternoon. I bought some of the early Beatle books when they first came out, but up until a couple of months ago, the only current books that I owned were the large coffee-table sized ones. This changed when I overheard a conversation between a customer and a record stall owner about when Mark Lewishon’s part two of his history would be coming out. Although I’ve got his Abbey Road Studio Sessions book, this one had completely passed me by. Fast forward to today, and I’m half way through the standard volume one with the two book version to come next. Great videos by the way, and well worth subscribing to. Andy from the U.K.
Glad to see Beatlesongs. I bought it around the time you did. It was mind blowing before Revolution in the Head and Recording Sessions for me. The Paul is Dead Hysteria entries are pretty entertaining.
Great video, it was nice to see that you mentioned a few books that I purchased years ago before I found and subscribed to your channel, and then also the books that I purchased as a result of you referencing them in your videos. In fact, I’ve got a few more that you’ve mentioned previously (and in this video) sitting in my “buy later” on Amazon. All of these books help give a complete view on The Beatles. As always, thanks for the videos!
The "Get Back" book was originally published as "Drugs, Divorce, and a Slipping Image" (from a tabloid article that had amused the Beatles in 1-69) with the tapes freely quoted, but Apple suppressed it under the then-recent J.D. Salinger ruling, which made the GB tapes an unpublished manuscript. The original edition might be publishable now, with so much of the material officially released.
Fab video Matt! Wow you showed many of my faves too! The Nick Schaffer book and Carr and Tyler book were so amazing to me in the 70s! Andy Babiuk’s book is fantastic. He was in a cool band called The Chesterfield Kings and more recently in a supergroup called The Empty Hearts with Wally Palmar (The Romantics), Clem Burke (Blondie) and Elliot Easton (The Cars). Cool bands! Enjoyed this presentation! Cheers 🍻 Matt
Hello Matt. I've been watching your channel for quite some time but only recently subscribed. While I have most of the books in your review, I am surprised you did not mention "Recording the Beatles" by Kevin Ryan and Brian Kehaw. It's an excellent source of material and a treasure among my collection. While it is currently out of print, that should change soon, according to their website. It is worthy!
Cool topic, Matt! I'm currently reading THE BEATLES: The Biography, by Bob Spitz. It's quite good and I've read several other Beatles bios. It's funny, when you read a bio, it takes forever to get out of the childhood/teen/Hamburg/Cavern years! Crikey, I'm on page 237 and we're just getting into the Cavern sessions! Another good one is The Mammoth Book of The Beatles: An Anthology of Landmark Interviews, First-Hand Accounts, and Memoirs of The Fab Four, edited by Sean Egan.
Of course, there's also volume one of the massive series being undertaken by Mark Lewisohn, THE BEATLES: ALL THESE YEARS Vol. 1 TUNE IN. If anyone wants a deep dive into childhood/teen/Hamburg/Cavern, this is the definitive deep dive for you. He also did, which I have, THE BEATLES: RECORDING SESSIONS. Caveat... Mark said, when TUNE IN came out, that his recording sessions book contains a few errors, which he intended to correct in a revised version. There was a reissue of the recording sessions in October of 2013, the same month that TUNE IN was released, so I'm not sure if that 2013 paperback edition has the revisions included or if he was talking about a future revised edition. Anyway, it is a very thorough book. He interviewed 80 people who witnessed the sessions and listened to 400 hours of his recorded interviews with witnesses plus raw session tapes in preparing for the book.
@@popgoesthe60s52 I have the Mammoth Book in paperback. The neat thing about it is lots of actual newspaper stories and editorials from the British press in real time when they were at the peak of their career as active band Beatles. So, you get a lot of information from the contemporary time in which it happened, bringing it to life in thrilling ways. It reveals how blown away fans, press, and the British people in general were from about '63 thru ''70. The mania is full tilt in that book and I found out stuff I never knew before. Highly recommended. I just found out the Mammoth Book (it's actually small in size, which I guess is a Beatles joke?) is out-of-print, but Amazon has used copies starting at $4.95 and as far as Bob Spitz, he's just an excellent writer. I love his writing style and he's very well researched in his writing. No fluff, just solid info very beautifully written. He's got writing chops.
@@popgoesthe60s52 The Spitz book is not half as bad as it was made to be (due to some glaring mistakes) but beware. Spitz is a follower of one specific (American) style of biography writing that veers from the path of responsible fact-reporting and errs on the side of the novel ('Oh dear' said John with a broad smile ...), in other words, it colours the picture by pretending to have been eye-amd-ear-witness to some scenes. One other writer who uses the same (very unscholarly) approach was Albert Goldman, albeit in a much more blatant and biased way. Spitz knew Goldman well and indeed was able to use some of Goldman's research (which Spitz claims was more serious than the Lennon book would suggest) for his own work.
@@aureliande2659 I tend toward the critique style of writing like Schaffner so I've been slow to being reading the Spitz book. I know Spitz was outside of that Rock & Roll Journalist circle so that is a positive.
I just had to share my top 10 (or so) books. Of course, there is a lot of overlap between your list and mine. Your focus seems to be weighted toward the later stages of the Beatles story. Mine are more focused on origins. I recon that might be deeply influenced by the difference in our ages. The overlaps - Tune In (Two volumes - a must for any true fan.) - Anthology - Revolution in the Head - Beatles Gear (amazing). Oh and I understand the pic of the Rick 330 next to Toots Theilemans is not just the model that John used, that's the actual guitar! Someone carefully analyzed the grain pattern to make that determination. A great example of those obscure details that we fans are obsessed with. Mine - Hamburg Days - A limited edition art book produced and signed by Astrid Kirchherr (photos) and Klaus Voorman (graphic art). - In His Own Write. - Hunter Davies book. (I have my original paperback from when it first came out.) - Beatles London (A Lewison book outlining all the places the Beatles were associated with in the capital). - The Beatles Chronicle (calendarized and x-referenced list of every Beatles gig that Mark Lewison could find in 1992. One of my earliest acquisitions). - The Beatles as Musicians (very technical). - Beatles Guitar Techniques (outlining typically guitar intros etc - great source for amateur musicians such as ourselves). - Birth of the Beatles by Sam Leach. (A charming outlier). Thanks for your stuff. I am always delighted to see a new post.
Great work Matt! Nice use of the expression baker's dozen. Took me a second to recall what that meant.. anyway two books I would add are The Beatles as Musicians by Walter Everett which delves into the theory behind many of the songs and also 1966 by Jon "the cannibal " Savage which covers the Revolver album but also the mid 60s cultural upheaval that was such an influence on the band.
My first Beatles books that I came across were The Beatles Forever, The Beatles Illustrated Lyrics, The Beatles A-Z (which was just a list of their songs from A-Z with some notes on the songs), and Beatles Recording Sessions. I read Peter Brown's book "The Love You Make" after finding it at a local library. There was also a book by Ron Schaumburg called "Growing Up With The Beatles" in which he talks about his days as a kid in Kansas City, Missouri, being a Beatles fan. He references their added concert in Kansas City as well.
By the way, the Lewishon “tune in” contains a lot of genealogy and as a Genealogist it was very interesting. I have done some revelatory Genealogy on Paul McCartney that Mark and I had corresponded about and he was going to incorporate some of my research in further books on the Beatles.
A couple there I wasn’t aware of! I started my book collection with Cellarful of Noise and The Authorised Biography (a first edition I think) back in the 60s and have groaning shelves now! I was pleased you mention the Illustrated Record - I have that version and a revised later edition…they really didn’t think much of George’s solo work!
I love Revolution in the Head and the audio book version is the best. A number of narrators participate but the standout is Robyn Hitchcock of the Soft Boys (the 'snear' in his voice is worthy of John Lennon). However, the best thing about the book, are the three essays on the 60s, as a decade, that divide the book into it's relevant sections. How that decade (and the Beatles) effected and changed the psyche of the world. And I know 1000s of people poopoo the book now but I will always have a soft spot for the Authroised Biography by Hunter Davies (esp how each edition was updated for decades after) and I totally understand that it was partly written to appease certain family members to allow final signoff but there is enough there to get the story... and its the only one that was written at the time.
I bought Schaefnner's book when it first came out and love it! A photo on every page and chuck full of information. You can nowget copies for as low as a dollar. I often buy them as gifts.
Lennon knew his gear, and by Hamburg was an expert. I believe the tan rick and painted black if I recall correctly. Conversley, his Epiphone hollow body was that red sunburst in '66 and was later sanded down to a plain wood finish a' la' White Album and beyond.
Confession time.Back in the day I bought a friend of mine Schaffner’s book ‘Beatles forever’ for his birthday but not before I had read it cover to cover. 😄
Love the list Matt and I have always liked ... 'With the Beatles: Historic Photographs of Dezo Hoffman' & especially 'Complete Beatles Recording Sessions: the Official Story of the Abbey Road Years 1962-1970 by Mark Lewisohn'
I'd love to hear your opinion on the original authorized biography by Hunter Davies. I know it's had a million revisions/updates since 1968 but at the time it was considered quite shocking (the Fab Four taking drugs and dropping F-bombs every other sentence!) I've always found it a unique snapshot of the era, despite Lennon and Mccartney both distancing themselves from it in later years. Maybe not the greatest prose in the world but definitely a fascinating peek inside the Beatle bubble during a tumultuous spell for the band. Anyway, love your channel.
'The Beatles An Illustrated Record' is a terrific book with superb full colour photos and covers the 1962 to 1970 period in great style. However, at the time of publication (1975), the weekly NME music paper, for whom the book's authors wrote, was conducting a vicious and snide campaign against Lennon and particularly Harrison. Tony Tyler was at the forefront of the sneering (along with Nick Kent and others). Although they toned down their comments for the book, it's content, especially with regard to the solo careers, should be viewed in this context.
Hey Matt, great choices! Beatles Gear is a gear nerd's dream, the latest Ultimate edition has some stuff that turned up after the earlier printings. Btw- John got his first RickenBACKER in Hamburg, it was a '58 325 and it turns out to have been the very first one, the hand-made prototype of that model. Got that tidbit from a newish book about the history of Rickenbacker - Out of the Frying Pan into the Fireglo, which has lots of info about Beatles guitars. One of my other favorites is The Beatles Live by Mark Lewisohn, and I think it's a really important book too, they really worked hard in the early days! It also documents their expansive repertoire in great detail.
Great selection Matt…..these are all great Beatles books. I particularly love The Beatles Forever which I read in high school. Another book that was not mentioned but I still love is All Together Now by Harry Castleman and Walter Prodrazik which follows the Beatles through their solo career. I also enjoy Recording the Beatles by Ryan and Kehew and Jerry Hammocks the Beatles Recording Reference Manual series. You Never Give Me Your Money and Erin Weber’s books are truly essential to any serious fan. Thanks for sharing!
Many thanks for your excellent overview of your favourite Beatles books. If you haven't read the following let me recommend them to you 1. Hunter Davies, 1968 the first and only official biography of the Beatles by the only journalist friend who spent a year with them❤ 2. Pete Best excellent on their Hamburg days 3.Pete Shotton "John Lennon and me" by John's best friend and ex Quarrymen 4. Tony Bramwell "Magical Mystery Tours" - hilariously funny😂 Enjoy & thanks for everything🎉
I enjoy the fun book : 'Where's Ringo' .. it is a take off of 'Where's Waldo' ... you have to locate Ringo and Beatle artifacts in is's pages, and a great way to learn about the Fab Four for beginners.
Another vote for Mark Shipper's 1978 "Paperback Writer" , which came out before The Rutles movie but is an equally loving spoof. Even though it is ridiculously over the top pure fiction, in some ways it truly nails the spirit of the band. Completely irreverent and I'm sure John must have read it; I would hope he loved it! I won't give any spoilers but if you're a true Beatlefreak/geek it's an absolute must, at least if you've got a broad sense of humor. Tough to find these days.
Excellent video Matt. Over the years, I've bought the books by Hunter Davies and Peter Brown, and the Illustrated Record - all good in their time and of some interest today. I was given the Anthology book, but it's huge in size and I've not gotten through it. Mark Lewisohn's Tune In was engrossing and a fantastic read. His Recording Studio book was also great. This year I found the Doggett book after watching a video and loved the style and the detailed history of their lengthy legal separation. Waiting for the companion to this video on the ... more sketchy books. Loved your channel for a while now. Keep up the great work!
"Riding So High" is a very valuable book about the Beatles, as told through their drug-use. I learned a lot from that book, and it helps explain a lot of the Beatles' behavior, especially Lennon's addiction to heroin (which explains a lot of John's instability and unreliability). I HIGHLY recommend it for fans.
I love reading Beatles books so I appreciate the recommendations. I have one of those books which is Tune In. The Complete Beatles Recording Sessions by Mark Lewisohn, The Complete Beatles Songs by Steve Turner, The Beatles Are Coming by Bruce Spizer, Beatles Gear by Andy Babiuk, and Revolver: How The Beatles Reimagined Rock’N’Roll by Robert Rodriguez are great.
I have 7 of the 10 referenced here. Great picks one and all, especially the Doggett volume. I have the original paperback of Schaffner, having gotten in back in the late 70s. Was my go-to for a long time back in the day but it has of course been supplanted since.
It’s funny...in the eighties there was two major "sources" available for the Beatles fans : - the book Shout by Philippe Norman and - the video documentary The Compleat Beatles . Of course both became kind of obsolete stuff. Specifically since the arrival of the The Anthology project and the Mark Lewisohn books releases.
Great vid as ever, thanks Matt. I've been collecting Beatle books too since the late 70's - some of mine are in your 'top 5' as well: The Beatles Forever (my first and still fave) - Schaffner also co-wrote with Pete Shotton 'In My Life' in 1981 - about Shotton'' friendship with John Lennon. Such a shame Schaffner died so young, I would have loved to have had his book updated to 2023. 'You never give me your money' by P Doggett is a sensational read, so so interesting. 'Revolution in the head' is fascinating as well, though as you say quite scholarly.'Tune In' by M Lewisohn is a treasure trove, (though I only have the condensed version). Others I have which I enjoy : without question, the best Beatle book I have read recently is 'Beatles '66 by Steve Turner - it's all taken from articles, interviews etc from 1966. It's fantastic. Learn about why the Beatles didn't record in Memphis! I love "The Beatles Gear", by A Babuk because of its topic: instruments. MOJO's magazines 'The Beatles 10 years that shook the world' is fantastic. 'The Beatles London' co-authoerd by Lewisohn is a fun read too - nearly everything single place the band had a connection too is featured here - and with excellent maps..'The Beatles Graphic' by Herve Bourhis is their story all in cartoon illustrations, and it's pretty cool. For a good gossipy read 'Magical Mystery Tours' by Tony Bramwell is great, he's a real insider and I don't doubt any of his memories. And one of the first muckraking books was 1983's 'The Love you Make' by Peter Brown. That's great too! Although I'm missing others, I will mention two more which I found fascinating, although it is a Paul and John book. 'Many Years from now' by Miles is a fascinating time capsule of Paul's life in the 60's. I constantly return to this book - as Jane Asher is still quite a mystery it makes you understand their dynamic a little better. And the last, which is controversial but so what is 'The Lives of John Lennon' written by Albert Goldman, (who also did the hatchet job on Elvis). His sources would be questionable (amongst them fired, disgruntled former employees), some bad researchers and a slant towards grubby sesnationalism but boy can this dude write a colourful tome.
When I was a kid (in the 70s) I had a book called Paperback Writer by Mark Shipper. It was a funny alternate universe version of The Beatles' story. I loved it. I always had a problem with An Illustrated Record. George is my favorite Fab, but the book's authors seem to view him as the weak link. His songs are always the low point of every album, an opinion I totally disagree with. I have some of the others you showed, a couple I need to check out. No Bruce Spizer? I enjoy his books.
One book I did love as a boy because it was so funny was Paperback Writer by Mark somebody. It was a spoof version of their story. They get back together and release anew LP.
One of my favorites is 'Growing Up With The Beatles' by Ron Schaumburg (1980). The author was 12 or 13 when the Beatles played Ed Sullivan. It follows the author and the band as the 60s progressed, year to year, album to album. A great snapshot of America in the 60s through the eyes of a teenager. Schaumburg is not an authority on the Beatles and his band details are sometimes erroneous. However, reading about how hearing Hey Jude for the first time got him through is first heartbreak is refreshing and underlines what made the Beatles so important - perhaps more so than knowing who played the guitar solo on Hey Bulldog.
I am a Gear Head type of insane Beatles fan, and I was just wondering if you’d ever seen the book called “Recording The Beatles”, by chance….? It was a super deluxe box set type, and while I was sick a few years back, I had to sell it. And, believe it or not, I got $1,200+, just because of its amazingness, but also it’s scarcity. My favorite, gear-related book. I am also a fan of “Here, There, and Everywhere” by Geoff Emerick, of course… can’t go wrong talking about recording especially when it’s written by Emerick…. Oh yeah! Aside from the Beatles anthology book you showed, I am not sure I had ever heard of, nor ever even seen any of the other books you just showed me! So, cheers to you, my friend! Thank you for all you do. I’m a big fan. I’m really enjoying the Beach Boys saga right now as well! Keep up the fantastic work!
Riding so high is up there with lewisohn’s books. Explains all their creativity came through on whatever drugs they were using. Great experiment in human behavior. Gotta hand it to them though,no matter what drugs they were taking they still managed to write great songs.
I started collecting the books in the 70s and agree with the Illustrated Record and Beatles Forever. One book I really enjoyed was "The Man Who Gave The Beatles Away" by Allan Williams. Some great stories and I remember at the time there were a lot of excellent photos that I never saw before. I remember also liking the Hunter Davies book back then. Any thoughts on that one? Good topic Matt. Thanks. :- )
In the late '70s the Alan Williams book was a great guide for how to behave in the burgeoning punk rock era, taught by guys who done it all before in 1960! And the dozens of leather suited Beatle pix were absolutely mindblowing at the time.
The problem with “the Beatles illustrated record” and a similar styled book on the who was that the glue was terrible. 80% of the books now are falling apart because the glue dried badly and they fall apart within a few readings.
One Beatles book that has always intrigued me is Richard Warren Lipack's 1996 "Epoch Moments and Secrets: John Lennon and The Beatles at the Mirror of Man's Destiny" A book that begs to be discussed amongst Beatles/1960s fans but rarely mentioned today if ever.
Excellent piece - many old favourites there, and some that are new to me. I would add Spizer & Daniels' 'Beatles For Sale on Parlophone Records' which is an excellent reference for the collector of true (i.e. UK) Beatles records. I I were only allowed on Beatles book, it would be Lewisohn's 'Complete Recording Sessions', which is absolutely essential, and surprisingly readable.
Doggett, MacDonald and Sulpy are three of my favorite authors as well. If you are looking for a series of books that documents the recorded history of The Beatles, beyond what Lewisohn wrote in the eighties or even in “Tune In”, I’d highly recommend John Winn’s three volumes (Way Beyond Compare, That Magic Feeling, Lifting Latches) which cover 1957-1970 and then “Eight Arms To Hold You” by Chip Madinger and Mark Easter which covers basically 1970 through the end of the twentieth century. They are a little out of date but the research is impeccable and the authors actually state where to locate each recording be it audio or video. Good call on Babiuk and Dowlding (who had the unfortunate circumstance of publishing his book within a few months of Lewisohn’s book which meant it was entirely overshadowed).
I'm terrified that Mark Lewisohn's trilogy will never be completed. The final instalment seems so far away yet it will probably be the most enlightening. Also, no disrespect to Philip Norman but his biography of John left me cold. The Aunt Mimi letters were excellent but apart from that, any serious fan could have written it.
Another really good book is "Beatles '66: The Revolutionary Year," by Steve Turner, covers, in-depth, December 1965 through the end of 1966. Being a very interesting time of change and development of their ideas and lives, 1966 is a very interesting topic, and this book is well-researched and has a good narrative flow.
In Australia at aged 15 in 1975. I was buying Beatle albums as I could afford them. My biggest problem was getting information on The Beatles. For a long time, all I had was a magazine called the 'Beatles Forever'. I think the central part of that magazine was written by Lillian Roxon. It was a good potted history of the band. When the Beatles, 'An Illustrated Record' came out, I was ecstatic. It was a critical yet a loving look at their musical output. Their views on McCartney's early solo work is pretty dismissive. 'Ram's reversal of critical opinion these days is interesting and deserved. There was not much around to read in the mid 70s about the Beatles and these two publications sustained me for a long time. I do also remember a book called: 'Apple to the Core' about their business dealings. I no longer have it, but I remember it as being pretty good.
What no Albert Goldman? I'm shocked. LOL. I believe the fire was at Ringo's rented home in the Hollywood Hills around 1979 if I remember correctly. One of the first books for me that shattered the image was Peter Brown's "The Love You Make." Some pretty shabby behavior all around. Of course, take it for what it's worth. (Geoff Emerick's' book was also good on that level, especially since he didn't like George and to a lesser extent Ringo) Also, Ray Coleman's "Lennon" was also a revelation in regard to how Lennon could be so mercurial in his feelings toward Cynthia, as also expressed in her book "John," which revealed how he was told he would be killed by one psychic if memory serves. "The Beatles in Hamburg" by Ian Inglis was also a good read, as was the "John Lennon Letters" by Hunter Davies. One more I'll throw in: "The Making of John Lennon," by Francis Kenny, a sort of psychological look at Lennon. Some of the material is repeated in all these books but you can pick up a few new nuggets every once in a while. Thanks for the video, Matt.
The books I cherish most are Vol. One and Vol. Two of the Compleat Beatles from 1981. They are expensive, even for dog-eared copies. They have plenty of information and pictures, plus every song the Beatles recorded. I'm somewhat bothered that the songbook portion does not include the "gave away" songs, but it does include the songs the group covered. The songbook published the songs in only two staves with guitar chords, but that's okay. A hobby piano player, like myself, will have endless joy. This set is a must have for Beatle collectors, even if you aren't musically inclined. It's an awesome set with awesome details and writeups about the Beatles. It really is Compleat!
Well, I’m an audiobook narrator and voice actor rather than a Beatles impersonator. I do my best to give a sense of what they sound like to make listening to the audiobook more enjoyable, though! Thank you for the mention, Matt - big fan of the show.
I have You Never Give Me Your Money, Beatles Forever, and The Beatles an Illustrated Record, Great video. I also like the book Shout and Derek Taylor's The Longest Cocktail Party.
I have one to add to the list, Robert Rodriguez’s, “REVOLVER, How the Beatles Reimagined Rock n Roll”. This book made me appreciate that LP, because it wasn’t one of my favorites. But listening to Robert speak at the Chicago fest, and picking his brain a bit, I became obsessed with it, and is now one of my top go-to’s. If you haven’t already, check it out, Matt. I think you’ll like it.
Great video which makes me want to read many of the books you discussed. Of course, this makes me curious about the flip side. Your picks for the worst Beatle books. Which ones are overrated? Which ones are pure junk?
Interestingly, I was listening to a podcast that says really goes in-depth into dissecting Tune In and they're of the thinking that Mark Lewisohn was heavily biased in favour of Lennon in the book, where the author paints John as the leader of the band and the others were supporting players. The Beatles, as Lennon himself said, was his band, so even though Lewisohn has stated in the intro that Paul and John as music creators were equal, the rest of the book gives more room to John and paints Paul as a pale comparison. Did you get that feeling when reading the book?
Tune In concludes at the end of 1962. The first album had not been recorded yet. At that point the group was definitely Lennon’s baby. I did not interpret Lewisohn painting the others as supporting players.
Great show, as per usual. I’m shocked that Here There And Everywhere isn’t regarded higher by you. I thought it was great and completely devoid regarding any fanboy-ism. Great hearing Geoff’s insider insight, shouldn’t be undervalued.
Emerick's book is highly biased and it is unfortunate he struck back at Harrison in this book. IIt has also been alleged that Emerick had to get many of his accounts from co-workers, so this book gets dinged. I may do a video on it at some point
Matt, I should have probably watched your entire video on your top 5 Beatles books! I also have a copy of the Sulpy/Schweighardt book on the Get Back sessions. A couple you didn't mention I'm wondering if you've heard of. One came out about 20 years ago, by a photographer who went with the Beatles in early 1968 to Rishikesh, India. Think the title of his book is The Beatles In Rishikesh, and has a ton of wonderful color photos that he took not only of the Beatles, but of the Maharishi's compound. Don't know what his name is. The second book which I've seen I think is called The Beatles From A To Z, and is set up like an encyclopedia. Reading through that, I was able to pick up a bunch of interesting little tidbits about the Beatles, such as the concert they did I think in either 1962 or 1963 with Gerry & The Pacemakers, where both groups were billed as "The Beatmakers", and the entire concert was recorded. Another thing was the name "The Ladders", which was the name of the group John, George and Ringo, with Klaus Voormann on bass, considered calling themselves when they briefly considered carrying on the Beatles, after Paul had left the group in the Spring of 1970. I don't know who put this book together, but I found it very informative.
Great choices, Matt! I finished reading ‘Riding So High’ last week and that might sneak into my top five. I cannot fathom why anyone would dislike ‘Revolution in the Head’.
Hey Matt, is that Heart album, y'know the one with Bebe Le Strange on it, your favorite by them? (I often see it in the background. Sometimes I like to look at your albums in the background. See which ones I can recognise.)
hi matt ,my favorite beatle book is THE BEATLES FOREVER by NICHOLAS SCHAFFNER it's from a fan's point of view,came out in 1977-78,stuff loaded with cool info and pic sleeves and goes into full beatles as well as solo,let me know as it's a lot of fun to read,take care......bill
We really love your videos. Finally somebody hip and cool talking about the greatest band ever. The only thing in life better than Beatle music is great Beatle books...And the dvds of course. The Love You Make is a good book. I read it decades ago..Still the Davies Beatles Biography (I guess I'm prejudiced for it) was the best because it was the first, and had all the history up to 1968..But I'm not so sure what people now a daze would think of it in this 'Too Much Information Age'..The Longest Cocktail Party was a gas too. There was nothing about rock journalism in the mid 60s. Even by the early 70s, so you didn't really know shit..Even by the early 70s all we had was the albums, the album covers, and Circus and Creem mags And having to physically go to concerts to see our favorite rock bands and stars. (We saw the 'Wing Over America ' tour in high school in the mid 70s) I loved that band. Jimmy and Denny..We didn't even have video casettes tapes till 1979, or rock video VCR tapes till the early 80s. No dvds, no You Tube..The people who did write the few books, or cool articles, and the rock DJs back then were hippie freaks like us. They were fuckin' cooler than us. The news, and newspaper reporters back then didn't give a fuck about rock and roll. They didn't know shit..But we had American Bandstand, Ed Sullivan Show and then the kick ass Midnight Special show and shit..Well now that we're all older and can't go to too many concerts much, thank God for dvds, UA-cam and videos like yours. We really love this stuff...thanx frankny65yroldwhitekid rockfan @popgoesthe60s52
It's not a legit Beatles book, but a hilarious spoof, Paperback Writer by Mark Shipper is a really fun read about The Beatles reuniting in the late '70's, only to end up as the opening act for Peter Frampton (spoiler alert). Probably out of print and hard to find, but seek a copy if you haven't read it and save it for when you need a good laugh.
You Never Give Me Your Money is my favorite for sure. I never understood the business nightmare the Beatles became in ‘67 up until this day. You almost feel sorry for them. I also liked Albert Goldman’s Lennon biography even though it’s unpopular.
Of course I love your videos. I think that Ian Macdonald book would be interesting to me. I was born in 1949 so my actual interest is 1940 in terms of what was happening in the world. I mean Rita Hayworth and those lovely movies of days gone by by. I have a picture book of those days and I feel I belong in a time earlier than the 1960's. Can you get it? I love what you are doing and have immense passion for your interest. Thanks for all that you do. God bless you.
Really enjoyed your fascinating reviews of the books Matt. So many out there you'd think an entire rainforest had been torn down to accomadate the print works. My top 5, in no order, would be the Beatles Anthology, 'Lennon Remembers' by Jann Wenner, 'Many Years From Now' by Miles, 'Revolution in the Head' by Ian Mcdonald and literally anything by Mark Lewisohn. I try and avoid anything by Hunter Davies, Phillip Norman or Geoffrey Guiliano. Really enjoy all your retrospectives 👍
Excellent choices. As you said there are a lot more great books like Many Years from now, loving John, Magical Mystery Tours, Apple To The Core etc etc
Beatles Forever is a charming book, by a fan without being fawning. I do think Carr and Tyler are unjustfiably negative about George's solo work, and don't even think much of Walls and Bridges, when they are able to find some positives in STINYC! For me, Lewisohn's "Volume 1" is priceless, though hopes of a "Volume 2" seem to be growing ever faimter. Glad you mentioned Ringo's book, it's really lovely, a view of "The Beatles as pals" from the inside.
I just wonder if Lewisohn is waiting to read up on info from Kenneth Womack's book about Mal Evans, which is now published as far as I am aware. Perhaps that is what is holding up 'All These Years Vol. II'? After all, having access to Mal's story would surely add a weight to any serious Beatles biography. Or perhaps there are legal issues with some of the content for this second tome. Or maybe it is just taking as long as it takes, as Mark often states in his interviews. But we've now reached the 10-year date since Vol. I was published so hopefully something is in the pipeline. Good post, Matt - I have some of these books but will look out for others you mentioned in your video and within the comments here.
I know Mark Lewisohn has had access to the diaries before so I'm guessing he takes from them what he needs. I'm hoping Vol 2 is out by Christmas of next year.
I realized something while watching this video, which is I never really had the patience to watch a video like this where a person talks about their interests amd knowledge in such detail, but my curiosity and love for the Beatles has really made me much more open minded. It's really crazy how the Beatles turned me on to so many things like listening to albums as a whole, reading books (especially biographies), reading articles, watching interviews etc. I truly feel that had I not clicked on the music video of Hey Jude in youtube 3 years ago, my life would have been drastically different today (maybe boring). I bet their are many other young fans like me out there who might share this particular experience. And yeah they've got some nice tunes too haha. Its always nice to see a new upload in your channel, appreciate the work Matt!
I appreciate that! Much thanks!
Beatles Forever and Illustrated Record were the 2 books that taught me a lot about the Beatles when I first became a fan. Close to my heart. They were Bibles for a while for me.
Not a lot of Beatles books to choose from back in the 1970’s.
Actually, Tyler and Carr, who wrote that book claimed they only spent two weeks on it and were not fans of the band. They spent a substantial amount of more time on the Rolling Stones, illustrated record, a band that they actually liked.
I believe I read that book in the '80's and really liked it. A Barnes & Noble search didn't turn it up. (Well, it did, but it was a different book by the same title. Maybe out of print?)
Me too!
The "Illustrated Record" started falling apart, the binding, not too long after I got it…for Christmas in 75 I think.
Ahhh yes the great "Illustrated Record" book, an early fave of mine which I literally tore apart reading and rereading. What I especially recall about it was the authors literally and inexplicably savaging the "Help!" album! My copy of the book is long gone but I believe they in so many words call the album a piece of trash and by far the worst album from The Beatles to that date, even tearing apart the classic "Yesterday." Does anyone know why they might have had such incredible contempt for what I and many consider an extremely fine album?!?
Andy Babiuk is from Rochester New York and was a member of the cult band the Chesterfield Kings. He did a similar book on the Rolling Stones and their gear. He owns a music store in Fairport New York, and is currently working with Clem Burke of Blondie and Elliot Easton of the cars.
Chesterfield Kings👍👌
OMG - I had no idea he was in the Chesterfield Kings. I saw them open for the Psychedelic Furs in Rochester (Triangle Theater?) in 1982 or 83, and I remember that the music was Beatly!
The Beatles Recording Sessions by Lewisohn is a must have. Not only a great read but good for reference materials as well.
I do have that one and I've always loved it. Lewisohn really hates that book now because he was forced into a format (and work count) that knew wouldn't work. I have a feeling what is prolonging his Volume II of All These Years, is that he may incorporate new sessions info into this volume. I say this based on some of his appearances in podcasts over the years.
@@popgoesthe60s52 I had no idea about that. Thank you for the info.
yeah, a masterpiece.
Another Mark Lewisohn tome is "The Complete Beatles Chronicle." A list with details of every gig the Beatles did. They did a lot. Also recommended is any book by Bruce Spizer. He organized the Beatles recordings by record label. Swan, Capitol, Apple, etc. My favorite is "The Beatles are Coming! The Birth of Beatlemania in America" Much to learn and re-live. Read it twice.
I've read only one book of The Beatles: Here, There, And Everywhere by Geoff Emerick, the guy who was actually there witnessing the evolution of their music. And he does not hold back with the criticism, good and bad. I love that book. He tells it from his perspective in real time.
Except he really doesn't as Geoff's book was ghost written for him by Howard Massey. It also has a pro McCartney anti Harrison bias based on the relationships he had with the two men and this bizarre total recall of every conversation he'd supposedly had with them thirty - forty plus years later. I'd be very sceptical of this one.
Except he didn't write a word of it and it's extremely biased. You really should read more Beatles books.
I know you briefly mentioned Lewisohn's book about the Beatles' sessions but I consider it extremely informative because it documents their most valuable contributions to the world - their recorded music. I'm with you on "Tune In", too. Reading it took me back to my garage band days when me and my bandmates would take any gig we could get no matter where it was or what it paid. It portrays them as just regular guys with dreams of fame and fortune. That was refreshing. Great job on the list.
"Beatles Gear" is a great book! All young musicians should read it, because I've met so many young guys who think that you have to buy a really expensive guitar to become a good musician. In that book they can find out that The Beatles had really cheap instruments in the beginning and you can work wonders with cheap equipment.
Thanks for sharing your top Beatle books Matt👍 One thing Id like to share about Andy Babiuk's book Beatles Gear, about the time after George Harrison's passing I bought this book and I read for the first time the story of Lucy the red Gibson guitar. And during the Christmas Holiday of 2002 during a family gathering in Guadalajara Mexico I was showing the book to my musician friend Robert, and telling him the story of a guy called Miguel Ochoa and lost red Gibson guitar named Lucy, and to my big surprise Robert say's to me:I know Miguel, I'll give you his number- I was speechless. So I gave Miguel a call, He was very polite and asked him if it was okay to meet with him and He said"Sure, no problem". He gave me an address at a club where He was playing with his band The Stone Facade, sat down at a booth with Miguel and his lovely wife Carmen, asked him about the whole story about Lucy, showed him the book and got him to autograph at the bottom of the picture of Lucy, Miguel even showed me a couple of old Polaroid photos from 1972 of Him and the red Gibson guitar along with bandmate Tony Baker ( who was heavily involved in communicating with a grumpy George Harrison and getting Lucy back in his hands) As a matter of fact, it was Mal Evans who was sent down to Mexico to retreive Lucy and immediatley flew back to L.A. and to A&M studios where George got his Guitar back.-years later I also met Tony Baker in Redwood City, Ca. (close to where l live in Northern California) He was working as a music teacher at Gelb Music Store, He kindly autographed underneath the picture of Lucy alongside Miguel's signature.
Wow, what a cool story, Ernie! Thank you.
I got The Beatles Forever as a Christmas gift when I was young, my first Beatles book! I have to recommend it, it’s chock full of photos of the group at various stages, as well as pics of memorabilia and record sleeves. A great introduction & well written!
Thanks for doing this. With most groups and performers there are usually one or two books worth reading, but with the Beatles, so many and growing even now.
Erin Weber's book is fantastic. Not only for The Beatles history but also for understanding how any history gets written.
Hi Matt. Like most long time fans, I must have at least 75 Beatles related books, almost all purchased in the pre internet era.
A few stand out for me because of the delight invoked the first time I read them.
The Man Who Gave The Beatles Away, a memoir of their first serious manager, most likely ghost written, is a super fun read and feels like a movie. The movie that was made, by Dick Clark's production company, is o.k., and does have it's moments, but could have been so much better. As said by others, Illustrated record by Roy Carr was a watershed book that was very important in the 70's. How they became the Beatles, I assume written by an actual fan, (Gareth L.Pawlowsky) is really well done for it's time,1990, loaded with neat pics and at the time, unseen documents. Beatles Songs by W.J . Dowlding was also a bunch of fun, although more recent publications may considered more thorough. Ken Howlett's The BBC archives/Beatles at the Beeb are great for detail and were first out of the gate. The ART OF THE BEATLES ( Mike Evans) is a very special tomb because not enough study has been given to that element of their talent, and not nearly enough about the works of Stu Sutcliff. My copy is a 1984 paperback edition. The Complete Beatles Recording Sessions + Chronicle (Mark Lewishon) is a large and heavy book to sit with with, but is pretty much essential. For me, an obvious honourable mention has got to go to In His Own Write and Spaniard In The Works, John's own pre Python, post Goons examples of British whimsy, word play and sarcasm. My TOP of the wish list at the moment is a book I am unlikely to ever own. An independently published look (yes another) at the Beatles Hamburg era, from 2021. Written by Thorsten Knublauch, THE BEATLES MACH SCHAU IN HAMBURG has been getting superb reviews for detail and all new information.
Nice collection Matt. Another book you might wanna pick up if you don't have which I think is a fun, light read is "Growing up with The Beatles" by Ron Shaumbug(spelling?). I believe it came out in the late 70's right around the same time as The Beatles Forever book. My brothers bought it for me as a Christmas present. The author basically recounts his days and memories of becoming and being a Beatles fan around, I believe, the Kansas City area from the beginnings when he first "I want to hold your hand" in Feb '64 to his going away to college in the early 70's. It's just a fun account of his trials and tribulations of not just being a Beatles fan but also a teenager "growing up". I lost my copy in between going away to college or moving from new home to another one. I would like to eventually pick up another copy one of these days.
"Growing up with the Beatles: An illustrated tribute" by Ron Schaumburg was published in 1976. This was one that I looked at a lot in book stores in the late '70's, and it took me a while to splash out the cash. But surprisingly, I found that I liked it quite a bit, especially when I was older and could appreciate the author's awkwardness and vulnerability with his personal recollections, like going to a barbershop with a copy of the Pepper LP to show the barber how he wanted his haircut (like Ringo's in the gatefold), so he would look cool for an upcoming event, and getting a haircut that resembled a fuzzy tennis ball instead. But he still thanked and tipped the barber, not wanting to offend, even through it took a long time to grown out. Just a good, average guy, trying his best.
Nicholas Schaffner's "The Beatles Forever" [1977] actually mentions Ron's book as an example of the type of then available Beatle books, placed squarely in the goofy category. But it's still an interesting read.
I bought that book in 7th grade mostly because it was stuffed with (at the time) comparatively rare pics that I studied every detail of. I also related to the author's nerdly predicaments!
My top 5 books
The Beatles Forever- Nicolas Schaffner
In My Life- Pete Shotton
The Beatles Illustrated Record- Tony Tyler and Roy Carr
The Beatles Illustrated Lyrics- Alan Aldridge
All You Need Is Ears- George Martin
I’m not too crazy about books like The Love You Make. They published excerpts in the National inquirer.
Recommended also : The Longest Cocktail Party by Richard DiLello.
Anything Lewisohn is involved with is excellent. I've always really liked Mark Hertsgaard's A Day in the Life. Bob Spitz's The Beatles and Larry Kane's books, especially Ticket to Ride, are well written. Pete Shotton's John Lennon In My Life is also fun because it gives a backstage view of parts of the Fab world. Same with George Martin's All You Need is Ears.
Great video once again!
Glad you mentioned Revolution In The Head, that's the #1 Fab book. Also essential is Rob Sheffield's Dreaming The Beatles, which is about the world's enduring love for the band, and a total page-turner. And given that many of us will never live to see Vols. II and III of Lewisohn, The Beatles by Bob Spitz is pretty definitive.
Oh!! Lewisohn's The Beatles Recording Sessions; the ultimate reference to what matters most -- the music.
Good afternoon. I bought some of the early Beatle books when they first came out, but up until a couple of months ago, the only current books that I owned were the large coffee-table sized ones. This changed when I overheard a conversation between a customer and a record stall owner about when Mark Lewishon’s part two of his history would be coming out. Although I’ve got his Abbey Road Studio Sessions book, this one had completely passed me by. Fast forward to today, and I’m half way through the standard volume one with the two book version to come next. Great videos by the way, and well worth subscribing to. Andy from the U.K.
Glad to see Beatlesongs. I bought it around the time you did. It was mind blowing before Revolution in the Head and Recording Sessions for me. The Paul is Dead Hysteria entries are pretty entertaining.
Great video, it was nice to see that you mentioned a few books that I purchased years ago before I found and subscribed to your channel, and then also the books that I purchased as a result of you referencing them in your videos. In fact, I’ve got a few more that you’ve mentioned previously (and in this video) sitting in my “buy later” on Amazon. All of these books help give a complete view on The Beatles. As always, thanks for the videos!
I have a first ediiton of the Beatles an Illustrated Record, and also a first edition of The Longest Cocktail Party - a GREAT read!
The "Get Back" book was originally published as "Drugs, Divorce, and a Slipping Image" (from a tabloid article that had amused the Beatles in 1-69) with the tapes freely quoted, but Apple suppressed it under the then-recent J.D. Salinger ruling, which made the GB tapes an unpublished manuscript. The original edition might be publishable now, with so much of the material officially released.
Thanks Matt … great choices … looking forward to the new book on Mal too : )
Just got it today!
Fab video Matt! Wow you showed many of my faves too! The Nick Schaffer book and Carr and Tyler book were so amazing to me in the 70s! Andy Babiuk’s book is fantastic. He was in a cool band called The Chesterfield Kings and more recently in a supergroup called The Empty Hearts with Wally Palmar (The Romantics), Clem Burke (Blondie) and Elliot Easton (The Cars). Cool bands! Enjoyed this presentation! Cheers 🍻 Matt
Hello Matt. I've been watching your channel for quite some time but only recently subscribed. While I have most of the books in your review, I am surprised you did not mention "Recording the Beatles" by Kevin Ryan and Brian Kehaw. It's an excellent source of material and a treasure among my collection. While it is currently out of print, that should change soon, according to their website. It is worthy!
Cool topic, Matt! I'm currently reading THE BEATLES: The Biography, by Bob Spitz. It's quite good and I've read several other Beatles bios. It's funny, when you read a bio, it takes forever to get out of the childhood/teen/Hamburg/Cavern years! Crikey, I'm on page 237 and we're just getting into the Cavern sessions! Another good one is The Mammoth Book of The Beatles: An Anthology of Landmark Interviews, First-Hand Accounts, and Memoirs of The Fab Four, edited by Sean Egan.
Of course, there's also volume one of the massive series being undertaken by Mark Lewisohn, THE BEATLES: ALL THESE YEARS Vol. 1 TUNE IN. If anyone wants a deep dive into childhood/teen/Hamburg/Cavern, this is the definitive deep dive for you. He also did, which I have, THE BEATLES: RECORDING SESSIONS. Caveat... Mark said, when TUNE IN came out, that his recording sessions book contains a few errors, which he intended to correct in a revised version. There was a reissue of the recording sessions in October of 2013, the same month that TUNE IN was released, so I'm not sure if that 2013 paperback edition has the revisions included or if he was talking about a future revised edition. Anyway, it is a very thorough book. He interviewed 80 people who witnessed the sessions and listened to 400 hours of his recorded interviews with witnesses plus raw session tapes in preparing for the book.
I have Spitz's book and still have to read it. I'll have to check out The Mammoth Book of The Beatles, I don't have that one.
@@popgoesthe60s52 I have the Mammoth Book in paperback. The neat thing about it is lots of actual newspaper stories and editorials from the British press in real time when they were at the peak of their career as active band Beatles. So, you get a lot of information from the contemporary time in which it happened, bringing it to life in thrilling ways. It reveals how blown away fans, press, and the British people in general were from about '63 thru ''70. The mania is full tilt in that book and I found out stuff I never knew before. Highly recommended. I just found out the Mammoth Book (it's actually small in size, which I guess is a Beatles joke?) is out-of-print, but Amazon has used copies starting at $4.95 and as far as Bob Spitz, he's just an excellent writer. I love his writing style and he's very well researched in his writing. No fluff, just solid info very beautifully written. He's got writing chops.
@@popgoesthe60s52 The Spitz book is not half as bad as it was made to be (due to some glaring mistakes) but beware. Spitz is a follower of one specific (American) style of biography writing that veers from the path of responsible fact-reporting and errs on the side of the novel ('Oh dear' said John with a broad smile ...), in other words, it colours the picture by pretending to have been eye-amd-ear-witness to some scenes. One other writer who uses the same (very unscholarly) approach was Albert Goldman, albeit in a much more blatant and biased way. Spitz knew Goldman well and indeed was able to use some of Goldman's research (which Spitz claims was more serious than the Lennon book would suggest) for his own work.
@@aureliande2659 I tend toward the critique style of writing like Schaffner so I've been slow to being reading the Spitz book. I know Spitz was outside of that Rock & Roll Journalist circle so that is a positive.
I just had to share my top 10 (or so) books. Of course, there is a lot of overlap between your list and mine. Your focus seems to be weighted toward the later stages of the Beatles story. Mine are more focused on origins. I recon that might be deeply influenced by the difference in our ages.
The overlaps
- Tune In (Two volumes - a must for any true fan.)
- Anthology
- Revolution in the Head
- Beatles Gear (amazing). Oh and I understand the pic of the Rick 330 next to Toots Theilemans is not just the model that John used, that's the actual guitar! Someone carefully analyzed the grain pattern to make that determination. A great example of those obscure details that we fans are obsessed with.
Mine
- Hamburg Days - A limited edition art book produced and signed by Astrid Kirchherr (photos) and Klaus Voorman (graphic art).
- In His Own Write.
- Hunter Davies book. (I have my original paperback from when it first came out.)
- Beatles London (A Lewison book outlining all the places the Beatles were associated with in the capital).
- The Beatles Chronicle (calendarized and x-referenced list of every Beatles gig that Mark Lewison could find in 1992. One of my earliest acquisitions).
- The Beatles as Musicians (very technical).
- Beatles Guitar Techniques (outlining typically guitar intros etc - great source for amateur musicians such as ourselves).
- Birth of the Beatles by Sam Leach. (A charming outlier).
Thanks for your stuff. I am always delighted to see a new post.
Hello! Some of your choices are in my collection so I will have to do a part 2!
Abso-effin'-lutely!@@popgoesthe60s52
Great work Matt! Nice use of the expression baker's dozen. Took me a second to recall what that meant.. anyway two books I would add are The Beatles as Musicians by Walter Everett which delves into the theory behind many of the songs and also 1966 by Jon "the cannibal " Savage which covers the Revolver album but also the mid 60s cultural upheaval that was such an influence on the band.
My first Beatles books that I came across were The Beatles Forever, The Beatles Illustrated Lyrics, The Beatles A-Z (which was just a list of their songs from A-Z with some notes on the songs), and Beatles Recording Sessions. I read Peter Brown's book "The Love You Make" after finding it at a local library. There was also a book by Ron Schaumburg called "Growing Up With The Beatles" in which he talks about his days as a kid in Kansas City, Missouri, being a Beatles fan. He references their added concert in Kansas City as well.
By the way, the Lewishon “tune in” contains a lot of genealogy and as a Genealogist it was very interesting. I have done some revelatory Genealogy on Paul McCartney that Mark and I had corresponded about and he was going to incorporate some of my research in further books on the Beatles.
That is very cool, Michael! What an honor.
I just don't understand why you don't have more subscribers! Always love your balanced content
Thank you, Buttercup!
A couple there I wasn’t aware of! I started my book collection with Cellarful of Noise and The Authorised Biography (a first edition I think) back in the 60s and have groaning shelves now! I was pleased you mention the Illustrated Record - I have that version and a revised later edition…they really didn’t think much of George’s solo work!
This was great! I found your channel re Beatles Historiography (Weber series)...lots of great picks here in this one.
I love Revolution in the Head and the audio book version is the best. A number of narrators participate but the standout is Robyn Hitchcock of the Soft Boys (the 'snear' in his voice is worthy of John Lennon). However, the best thing about the book, are the three essays on the 60s, as a decade, that divide the book into it's relevant sections. How that decade (and the Beatles) effected and changed the psyche of the world. And I know 1000s of people poopoo the book now but I will always have a soft spot for the Authroised Biography by Hunter Davies (esp how each edition was updated for decades after) and I totally understand that it was partly written to appease certain family members to allow final signoff but there is enough there to get the story... and its the only one that was written at the time.
I bought Schaefnner's book when it first came out and love it! A photo on every page and chuck full of information. You can nowget copies for as low as a dollar. I often buy them as gifts.
Lennon knew his gear, and by Hamburg was an expert. I believe the tan rick and painted black if I recall correctly. Conversley, his Epiphone hollow body was that red sunburst in '66 and was later sanded down to a plain wood finish a' la' White Album and beyond.
Confession time.Back in the day I bought a friend of mine Schaffner’s book ‘Beatles forever’ for his birthday but not before I had read it cover to cover. 😄
Love the list Matt and I have always liked ... 'With the Beatles: Historic Photographs of Dezo Hoffman' & especially 'Complete Beatles Recording Sessions: the Official Story of the Abbey Road Years 1962-1970 by Mark Lewisohn'
I'd love to hear your opinion on the original authorized biography by Hunter Davies. I know it's had a million revisions/updates since 1968 but at the time it was considered quite shocking (the Fab Four taking drugs and dropping F-bombs every other sentence!) I've always found it a unique snapshot of the era, despite Lennon and Mccartney both distancing themselves from it in later years. Maybe not the greatest prose in the world but definitely a fascinating peek inside the Beatle bubble during a tumultuous spell for the band. Anyway, love your channel.
'The Beatles An Illustrated Record' is a terrific book with superb full colour photos and covers the 1962 to 1970 period in great style.
However, at the time of publication (1975), the weekly NME music paper, for whom the book's authors wrote, was conducting a vicious and snide campaign against Lennon and particularly Harrison.
Tony Tyler was at the forefront of the sneering (along with Nick Kent and others). Although they toned down their comments for the book, it's content, especially with regard to the solo careers, should be viewed in this context.
Hey Matt, great choices! Beatles Gear is a gear nerd's dream, the latest Ultimate edition has some stuff that turned up after the earlier printings. Btw- John got his first RickenBACKER in Hamburg, it was a '58 325 and it turns out to have been the very first one, the hand-made prototype of that model. Got that tidbit from a newish book about the history of Rickenbacker - Out of the Frying Pan into the Fireglo, which has lots of info about Beatles guitars.
One of my other favorites is The Beatles Live by Mark Lewisohn, and I think it's a really important book too, they really worked hard in the early days! It also documents their expansive repertoire in great detail.
Enjoyed your reviews. I still have a few of them from when they issued.
Great selection Matt…..these are all great Beatles books. I particularly love The Beatles Forever which I read in high school. Another book that was not mentioned but I still love is All Together Now by Harry Castleman and Walter Prodrazik which follows the Beatles through their solo career. I also enjoy Recording the Beatles by Ryan and Kehew and Jerry Hammocks the Beatles Recording Reference Manual series. You Never Give Me Your Money and Erin Weber’s books are truly essential to any serious fan. Thanks for sharing!
All Together Now is one I still have to get!
Many thanks for your excellent overview of your favourite Beatles books. If you haven't read the following let me recommend them to you
1. Hunter Davies, 1968 the first and only official biography of the Beatles by the only journalist friend who spent a year with them❤
2. Pete Best excellent on their Hamburg days
3.Pete Shotton "John Lennon and me" by John's best friend and ex Quarrymen
4. Tony Bramwell "Magical Mystery Tours" - hilariously funny😂
Enjoy & thanks for everything🎉
I enjoy the fun book : 'Where's Ringo' .. it is a take off of 'Where's Waldo' ... you have to locate Ringo and Beatle artifacts in is's pages, and a great way to learn about the Fab Four for beginners.
Another vote for Mark Shipper's 1978 "Paperback Writer" , which came out before The Rutles movie but is an equally loving spoof. Even though it is ridiculously over the top pure fiction, in some ways it truly nails the spirit of the band. Completely irreverent and I'm sure John must have read it; I would hope he loved it! I won't give any spoilers but if you're a true Beatlefreak/geek it's an absolute must, at least if you've got a broad sense of humor. Tough to find these days.
Excellent video Matt. Over the years, I've bought the books by Hunter Davies and Peter Brown, and the Illustrated Record - all good in their time and of some interest today. I was given the Anthology book, but it's huge in size and I've not gotten through it. Mark Lewisohn's Tune In was engrossing and a fantastic read. His Recording Studio book was also great. This year I found the Doggett book after watching a video and loved the style and the detailed history of their lengthy legal separation. Waiting for the companion to this video on the ... more sketchy books. Loved your channel for a while now. Keep up the great work!
Yes, I do believe I will do a part two. I have a bit more reading to do however!
"Riding So High" is a very valuable book about the Beatles, as told through their drug-use. I learned a lot from that book, and it helps explain a lot of the Beatles' behavior, especially Lennon's addiction to heroin (which explains a lot of John's instability and unreliability). I HIGHLY recommend it for fans.
I love reading Beatles books so I appreciate the recommendations. I have one of those books which is Tune In. The Complete Beatles Recording Sessions by Mark Lewisohn, The Complete Beatles Songs by Steve Turner, The Beatles Are Coming by Bruce Spizer, Beatles Gear by Andy Babiuk, and Revolver: How The Beatles Reimagined Rock’N’Roll by Robert Rodriguez are great.
I have 7 of the 10 referenced here. Great picks one and all, especially the Doggett volume. I have the original paperback of Schaffner, having gotten in back in the late 70s. Was my go-to for a long time back in the day but it has of course been supplanted since.
It’s funny...in the eighties there was two major "sources" available for the Beatles fans : - the book Shout by Philippe Norman and - the video documentary The Compleat Beatles .
Of course both became kind of obsolete stuff. Specifically since the arrival of the The Anthology project and the Mark Lewisohn books releases.
Great vid as ever, thanks Matt. I've been collecting Beatle books too since the late 70's - some of mine are in your 'top 5' as well: The Beatles Forever (my first and still fave) - Schaffner also co-wrote with Pete Shotton 'In My Life' in 1981 - about Shotton'' friendship with John Lennon. Such a shame Schaffner died so young, I would have loved to have had his book updated to 2023. 'You never give me your money' by P Doggett is a sensational read, so so interesting. 'Revolution in the head' is fascinating as well, though as you say quite scholarly.'Tune In' by M Lewisohn is a treasure trove, (though I only have the condensed version). Others I have which I enjoy : without question, the best Beatle book I have read recently is 'Beatles '66 by Steve Turner - it's all taken from articles, interviews etc from 1966. It's fantastic. Learn about why the Beatles didn't record in Memphis! I love "The Beatles Gear", by A Babuk because of its topic: instruments. MOJO's magazines 'The Beatles 10 years that shook the world' is fantastic. 'The Beatles London' co-authoerd by Lewisohn is a fun read too - nearly everything single place the band had a connection too is featured here - and with excellent maps..'The Beatles Graphic' by Herve Bourhis is their story all in cartoon illustrations, and it's pretty cool. For a good gossipy read 'Magical Mystery Tours' by Tony Bramwell is great, he's a real insider and I don't doubt any of his memories. And one of the first muckraking books was 1983's 'The Love you Make' by Peter Brown. That's great too! Although I'm missing others, I will mention two more which I found fascinating, although it is a Paul and John book. 'Many Years from now' by Miles is a fascinating time capsule of Paul's life in the 60's. I constantly return to this book - as Jane Asher is still quite a mystery it makes you understand their dynamic a little better. And the last, which is controversial but so what is 'The Lives of John Lennon' written by Albert Goldman, (who also did the hatchet job on Elvis). His sources would be questionable (amongst them fired, disgruntled former employees), some bad researchers and a slant towards grubby sesnationalism but boy can this dude write a colourful tome.
When I was a kid (in the 70s) I had a book called Paperback Writer by Mark Shipper. It was a funny alternate universe version of The Beatles' story. I loved it. I always had a problem with An Illustrated Record. George is my favorite Fab, but the book's authors seem to view him as the weak link. His songs are always the low point of every album, an opinion I totally disagree with. I have some of the others you showed, a couple I need to check out. No Bruce Spizer? I enjoy his books.
❤❤. And the Beatles forever. Great book.
Beatles Forever - By Nicholas Schaffer - Beautés Illustrated Record - Tyler and Carr,Tune In Lweisohn, Growing up with the Beatles Ron Schamberg
One book I did love as a boy because it was so funny was Paperback Writer by Mark somebody. It was a spoof version of their story. They get back together and release anew LP.
Mark Shipper, 1978. Absolutely hilarious!
One of my favorites is 'Growing Up With The Beatles' by Ron Schaumburg (1980). The author was 12 or 13 when the Beatles played Ed Sullivan. It follows the author and the band as the 60s progressed, year to year, album to album. A great snapshot of America in the 60s through the eyes of a teenager. Schaumburg is not an authority on the Beatles and his band details are sometimes erroneous. However, reading about how hearing Hey Jude for the first time got him through is first heartbreak is refreshing and underlines what made the Beatles so important - perhaps more so than knowing who played the guitar solo on Hey Bulldog.
I am a Gear Head type of insane Beatles fan, and I was just wondering if you’d ever seen the book called “Recording The Beatles”, by chance….?
It was a super deluxe box set type, and while I was sick a few years back, I had to sell it. And, believe it or not, I got $1,200+, just because of its amazingness, but also it’s scarcity. My favorite, gear-related book.
I am also a fan of “Here, There, and Everywhere” by Geoff Emerick, of course… can’t go wrong talking about recording especially when it’s written by Emerick….
Oh yeah! Aside from the Beatles anthology book you showed, I am not sure I had ever heard of, nor ever even seen any of the other books you just showed me!
So, cheers to you, my friend!
Thank you for all you do. I’m a big fan.
I’m really enjoying the Beach Boys saga right now as well!
Keep up the fantastic work!
Thank you, I have not heard of that series of books but I will have to keep and eye out for them.
Riding so high is up there with lewisohn’s books. Explains all their creativity came through on whatever drugs they were using. Great experiment in human behavior. Gotta hand it to them though,no matter what drugs they were taking they still managed to write great songs.
I started collecting the books in the 70s and agree with the Illustrated Record and Beatles Forever. One book I really enjoyed was "The Man Who Gave The Beatles Away" by Allan Williams. Some great stories and I remember at the time there were a lot of excellent photos that I never saw before. I remember also liking the Hunter Davies book back then. Any thoughts on that one? Good topic Matt. Thanks. :- )
In the late '70s the Alan Williams book was a great guide for how to behave in the burgeoning punk rock era, taught by guys who done it all before in 1960! And the dozens of leather suited Beatle pix were absolutely mindblowing at the time.
The problem with “the Beatles illustrated record” and a similar styled book on the who was that the glue was terrible. 80% of the books now are falling apart because the glue dried badly and they fall apart within a few readings.
So true. My Exemplar is falling apart. But it's a great book.
And it hasnt aged weel with the writing. They barely disguise theri disdain for McCartney because of their political views.
Yes I had Beatles Forever as well when I first discovered Beatles in the 1980's
One Beatles book that has always intrigued me is Richard Warren Lipack's 1996 "Epoch Moments and Secrets: John Lennon and The Beatles at the Mirror of Man's Destiny"
A book that begs to be discussed amongst Beatles/1960s fans but rarely mentioned today if ever.
I am unaware of that book! I will have to check it out - thanks!
What a great idea for a video, thanks! While I own a couple of the books you mentioned, I was a bit surprised by the ones you didn’t include!
Me too like The Love You Make???
I will have to do a part 2!
Excellent piece - many old favourites there, and some that are new to me. I would add Spizer & Daniels' 'Beatles For Sale on Parlophone Records' which is an excellent reference for the collector of true (i.e. UK) Beatles records. I I were only allowed on Beatles book, it would be Lewisohn's 'Complete Recording Sessions', which is absolutely essential, and surprisingly readable.
Doggett, MacDonald and Sulpy are three of my favorite authors as well. If you are looking for a series of books that documents the recorded history of The Beatles, beyond what Lewisohn wrote in the eighties or even in “Tune In”, I’d highly recommend John Winn’s three volumes (Way Beyond Compare, That Magic Feeling, Lifting Latches) which cover 1957-1970 and then “Eight Arms To Hold You” by Chip Madinger and Mark Easter which covers basically 1970 through the end of the twentieth century. They are a little out of date but the research is impeccable and the authors actually state where to locate each recording be it audio or video. Good call on Babiuk and Dowlding (who had the unfortunate circumstance of publishing his book within a few months of Lewisohn’s book which meant it was entirely overshadowed).
I haven't read Winn's work yet. Thanks for that recommendation.
I'm terrified that Mark Lewisohn's trilogy will never be completed. The final instalment seems so far away yet it will probably be the most enlightening.
Also, no disrespect to Philip Norman but his biography of John left me cold. The Aunt Mimi letters were excellent but apart from that, any serious fan could have written it.
Brilliant as always.
Another really good book is "Beatles '66: The Revolutionary Year," by Steve Turner, covers, in-depth, December 1965 through the end of 1966. Being a very interesting time of change and development of their ideas and lives, 1966 is a very interesting topic, and this book is well-researched and has a good narrative flow.
In Australia at aged 15 in 1975. I was buying Beatle albums as I could afford them. My biggest problem was getting information on The Beatles. For a long time, all I had was a magazine called the 'Beatles Forever'. I think the central part of that magazine was written by Lillian Roxon. It was a good potted history of the band.
When the Beatles, 'An Illustrated Record' came out, I was ecstatic. It was a critical yet a loving look at their musical output. Their views on McCartney's early solo work is pretty dismissive. 'Ram's reversal of critical opinion these days is interesting and deserved. There was not much around to read in the mid 70s about the Beatles and these two publications sustained me for a long time.
I do also remember a book called: 'Apple to the Core' about their business dealings. I no longer have it, but I remember it as being pretty good.
Apple To the Core is one I still have to get.
What no Albert Goldman? I'm shocked. LOL. I believe the fire was at Ringo's rented home in the Hollywood Hills around 1979 if I remember correctly. One of the first books for me that shattered the image was Peter Brown's "The Love You Make." Some pretty shabby behavior all around. Of course, take it for what it's worth. (Geoff Emerick's' book was also good on that level, especially since he didn't like George and to a lesser extent Ringo) Also, Ray Coleman's "Lennon" was also a revelation in regard to how Lennon could be so mercurial in his feelings toward Cynthia, as also expressed in her book "John," which revealed how he was told he would be killed by one psychic if memory serves. "The Beatles in Hamburg" by Ian Inglis was also a good read, as was the "John Lennon Letters" by Hunter Davies. One more I'll throw in: "The Making of John Lennon," by Francis Kenny, a sort of psychological look at Lennon. Some of the material is repeated in all these books but you can pick up a few new nuggets every once in a while. Thanks for the video, Matt.
I've still got an original '65 copy of John's 'Spaniard in the Works.'
John actually bought his natural Rickenbaacker in Hamburg. He later had it painted black in Liverpool.
Beatles Forever. My 1st Beatles book. Had the Illustrated Record too. Both back in high school
The books I cherish most are Vol. One and Vol. Two of the Compleat Beatles from 1981. They are expensive, even for dog-eared copies. They have plenty of information and pictures, plus every song the Beatles recorded. I'm somewhat bothered that the songbook portion does not include the "gave away" songs, but it does include the songs the group covered. The songbook published the songs in only two staves with guitar chords, but that's okay. A hobby piano player, like myself, will have endless joy. This set is a must have for Beatle collectors, even if you aren't musically inclined. It's an awesome set with awesome details and writeups about the Beatles. It really is Compleat!
Well, I’m an audiobook narrator and voice actor rather than a Beatles impersonator. I do my best to give a sense of what they sound like to make listening to the audiobook more enjoyable, though! Thank you for the mention, Matt - big fan of the show.
Hey Scott! Thanks for stopping by. Jude speaks very highly of your work. I just got my Chirp account so I can start to listen.
@@popgoesthe60s52 I hope you enjoy the listen, and I welcome any feedback you share!
I have You Never Give Me Your Money, Beatles Forever, and The Beatles an Illustrated Record, Great video. I also like the book Shout and Derek Taylor's The Longest Cocktail Party.
I have one to add to the list, Robert Rodriguez’s, “REVOLVER, How the Beatles Reimagined Rock n Roll”. This book made me appreciate that LP, because it wasn’t one of my favorites. But listening to Robert speak at the Chicago fest, and picking his brain a bit, I became obsessed with it, and is now one of my top go-to’s. If you haven’t already, check it out, Matt. I think you’ll like it.
Great video which makes me want to read many of the books you discussed. Of course, this makes me curious about the flip side. Your picks for the worst Beatle books. Which ones are overrated? Which ones are pure junk?
I realized that I will have to do a follow up to this video that will take in some of the dubious writers that have graced the Beatles landscape!
Interestingly, I was listening to a podcast that says really goes in-depth into dissecting Tune In and they're of the thinking that Mark Lewisohn was heavily biased in favour of Lennon in the book, where the author paints John as the leader of the band and the others were supporting players. The Beatles, as Lennon himself said, was his band, so even though Lewisohn has stated in the intro that Paul and John as music creators were equal, the rest of the book gives more room to John and paints Paul as a pale comparison. Did you get that feeling when reading the book?
Tune In concludes at the end of 1962. The first album had not been recorded yet. At that point the group was definitely Lennon’s baby. I did not interpret Lewisohn painting the others as supporting players.
Great show, as per usual. I’m shocked that Here There And Everywhere isn’t regarded higher by you. I thought it was great and completely devoid regarding any fanboy-ism. Great hearing Geoff’s insider insight, shouldn’t be undervalued.
Emerick's book is highly biased and it is unfortunate he struck back at Harrison in this book. IIt has also been alleged that Emerick had to get many of his accounts from co-workers, so this book gets dinged. I may do a video on it at some point
Matt, I should have probably watched your entire video on your top 5 Beatles books! I also have a copy of the Sulpy/Schweighardt book on the Get Back sessions. A couple you didn't mention I'm wondering if you've heard of. One came out about 20 years ago, by a photographer who went with the Beatles in early 1968 to Rishikesh, India. Think the title of his book is The Beatles In Rishikesh, and has a ton of wonderful color photos that he took not only of the Beatles, but of the Maharishi's compound. Don't know what his name is. The second book which I've seen I think is called The Beatles From A To Z, and is set up like an encyclopedia. Reading through that, I was able to pick up a bunch of interesting little tidbits about the Beatles, such as the concert they did I think in either 1962 or 1963 with Gerry & The Pacemakers, where both groups were billed as "The Beatmakers", and the entire concert was recorded. Another thing was the name "The Ladders", which was the name of the group John, George and Ringo, with Klaus Voormann on bass, considered calling themselves when they briefly considered carrying on the Beatles, after Paul had left the group in the Spring of 1970. I don't know who put this book together, but I found it very informative.
Thanks Robert, I do have a couple of those. I will need to do a part 2 to this video!
The Andy Aldridge illustrated Lyrics of the Beatles has wonderful art in two volumes. Early 1970s era.
Yes, I almost pulled that one off the shelf as well.
Great choices, Matt! I finished reading ‘Riding So High’ last week and that might sneak into my top five. I cannot fathom why anyone would dislike ‘Revolution in the Head’.
Some fans get butt hurt if you say anything bad about the lads. MacDonald takes apart several songs brilliantly, even if I disagree 🙂
Thank you, Matt, for talking books!
Physical media is NOT dead!
Hey Matt, is that Heart album, y'know the one with Bebe Le Strange on it, your favorite by them? (I often see it in the background. Sometimes I like to look at your albums in the background. See which ones I can recognise.)
hi matt ,my favorite beatle book is THE BEATLES FOREVER by NICHOLAS SCHAFFNER
it's from a fan's point of view,came out in 1977-78,stuff loaded with cool info and pic sleeves and goes into full beatles as well as solo,let me know as it's a lot of fun to read,take care......bill
I have The Beatles Forever. Got it in the early 80’s. Hardback version. Great pictures.
If anyone wants an enjoyable read about working in the Apple offices, 1969-70, I'd easily recommend ''The Longest Cocktail Party''', Richard Dilello
WOW.. I bought The Beatles Forever back when it came out in 78..along with Growing Up with the Beatles...
We really love your videos. Finally somebody hip and cool talking about the greatest band ever. The only thing in life better than Beatle music is great Beatle books...And the dvds of course. The Love You Make is a good book. I read it decades ago..Still the Davies Beatles Biography (I guess I'm prejudiced for it) was the best because it was the first, and had all the history up to 1968..But I'm not so sure what people now a daze would think of it in this 'Too Much Information Age'..The Longest Cocktail Party was a gas too. There was nothing about rock journalism in the mid 60s. Even by the early 70s, so you didn't really know shit..Even by the early 70s all we had was the albums, the album covers, and Circus and Creem mags And having to physically go to concerts to see our favorite rock bands and stars. (We saw the 'Wing Over America ' tour in high school in the mid 70s) I loved that band. Jimmy and Denny..We didn't even have video casettes tapes till 1979, or rock video VCR tapes till the early 80s. No dvds, no You Tube..The people who did write the few books, or cool articles, and the rock DJs back then were hippie freaks like us. They were fuckin' cooler than us. The news, and newspaper reporters back then didn't give a fuck about rock and roll. They didn't know shit..But we had American Bandstand, Ed Sullivan Show and then the kick ass Midnight Special show and shit..Well now that we're all older and can't go to too many concerts much, thank God for dvds, UA-cam and videos like yours. We really love this stuff...thanx frankny65yroldwhitekid rockfan @popgoesthe60s52
I really appreciate that, Frank. Much thanks!
It's not a legit Beatles book, but a hilarious spoof, Paperback Writer by Mark Shipper is a really fun read about The Beatles reuniting in the late '70's, only to end up as the opening act for Peter Frampton (spoiler alert). Probably out of print and hard to find, but seek a copy if you haven't read it and save it for when you need a good laugh.
I had the Illustrated Record, which I enjoyed, and Carr and Mick Farren's Elvis Presley: An Illustrated Record, also very enjoyable.
You Never Give Me Your Money is my favorite for sure. I never understood the business nightmare the Beatles became in ‘67 up until this day. You almost feel sorry for them. I also liked Albert Goldman’s Lennon biography even though it’s unpopular.
Of course I love your videos. I think that Ian Macdonald book would be interesting to me. I was born in 1949 so my actual interest is 1940 in terms of what was happening in the world. I mean Rita Hayworth and those lovely movies of days gone by by. I have a picture book of those days and I feel I belong in a time earlier than the 1960's. Can you get it? I love what you are doing and have immense passion for your interest. Thanks for all that you do. God bless you.
Really enjoyed your fascinating reviews of the books Matt. So many out there you'd think an entire rainforest had been torn down to accomadate the print works. My top 5, in no order, would be the Beatles Anthology, 'Lennon Remembers' by Jann Wenner, 'Many Years From Now' by Miles, 'Revolution in the Head' by Ian Mcdonald and literally anything by Mark Lewisohn. I try and avoid anything by Hunter Davies, Phillip Norman or Geoffrey Guiliano. Really enjoy all your retrospectives 👍
I will have to do a rogues gallery of 'other' writers in a future video.
Look forward to that too. BTW. Thought your 'Now and Then' review from 2 weeks was spot on 👌
Excellent choices. As you said there are a lot more great books like Many Years from now, loving John, Magical Mystery Tours, Apple To The Core etc etc
I felt Many Years from Now was basically an exercise in McCartney reinventing history. I must say it was a good read though, very engaging.
Beatles Forever is a charming book, by a fan without being fawning. I do think Carr and Tyler are unjustfiably negative about George's solo work, and don't even think much of Walls and Bridges, when they are able to find some positives in STINYC! For me, Lewisohn's "Volume 1" is priceless, though hopes of a "Volume 2" seem to be growing ever faimter. Glad you mentioned Ringo's book, it's really lovely, a view of "The Beatles as pals" from the inside.
I just wonder if Lewisohn is waiting to read up on info from Kenneth Womack's book about Mal Evans, which is now published as far as I am aware. Perhaps that is what is holding up 'All These Years Vol. II'? After all, having access to Mal's story would surely add a weight to any serious Beatles biography. Or perhaps there are legal issues with some of the content for this second tome. Or maybe it is just taking as long as it takes, as Mark often states in his interviews. But we've now reached the 10-year date since Vol. I was published so hopefully something is in the pipeline. Good post, Matt - I have some of these books but will look out for others you mentioned in your video and within the comments here.
I know Mark Lewisohn has had access to the diaries before so I'm guessing he takes from them what he needs. I'm hoping Vol 2 is out by Christmas of next year.
Very interesting. Thank you.