DM's Beatles forums

Beatles forums => Books, Magazines, Articles => Topic started by: Bobber on August 31, 2006, 10:26:45 AM

Title: Recording The Beatles
Post by: Bobber on August 31, 2006, 10:26:45 AM
Do I really have to buy this?

RECORDING THE BEATLES by Kevin Ryan and Brian Kehew

 

Never before has there been such an absolutely thorough and definitive look at how the Beatles
Title: Re: Recording The Beatles
Post by: The End on September 03, 2006, 06:09:41 PM
It does look like an absolutely superb book - probably more for the Beatle fans who are also musicians.

More here: http://www.recordingthebeatles.com/preview.htm
Title: Re: Recording The Beatles
Post by: on September 26, 2006, 11:20:40 PM
Please don't take our word for it - it has received wonderful comments from anyone who has seen and held it. It IS a somewhat technical book, but ANYONE can understand it - it's not complicated (my parents understood it all). There are tons of cool photos, including some never-seen Beatles studio pics. We tried very hard to make the book the most fair and accurate portrayal of what it was like in those days, and most of the people who worked with them have agreed it is... Please let us know if you have questions or comments. Thanks!
Title: Re: Recording The Beatles
Post by: Bobber on September 27, 2006, 07:11:52 AM
Ha Brian, welcome to DM's. LOL! As we're a kind of sharing family here, we would really appreciate if you could...  ;D
Title: Re: Recording The Beatles
Post by: zipp on September 27, 2006, 08:03:50 AM
I've got a couple of questions concerning this book and it's very nice of one of the authors to come here to talk about it!

First of all, does it have details for every song they recorded or just certain songs when you want to illustrate a technical detail?

Second, I've noticed that Geoff Emerick doesn't get a mention in the publicity.He has recently brought out his own book about recording the Beatles.Did he refuse to contribute?Is his book accurate?(It's been publicly criticised by Ken Scott).

I imagine that the book took a lot of research.How long have you been working on it?

Looking forward to your answers and welcome to DM's!







Title: Re: Recording The Beatles
Post by: An Apple Beatle on September 27, 2006, 11:16:46 AM
Welcme Brian. Sounds very interesting. Look forward to you coming back here. ;)
Title: Re: Recording The Beatles
Post by: The End on September 27, 2006, 11:32:50 AM
Welcome to the forum Brian!

As Zipp said, it's great that you took time to stop by to answer any questions - nice one :)

I'd really like to buy a copy but the postage from the US is a bit expensive (over half the price of the book!). So, will de-luxe copies be available from UK bookshops?
Title: Re: Recording The Beatles
Post by: on September 30, 2006, 07:19:54 PM
HI and thanks. We're saving a lot of the "how we did this" information for interviews in magazines and radio, coming up in the next few months.

We cover many songs individually, whenever we felt that significant accurate information was available. They are not placed to cover any technical point, but to give as many good examples of their recordings as we could find. There is no way to cover every song - too much is unknown (such as who played what) and will likely never be known. We work hard to stay in the realm of reality and accurate information - verifying things with paperwork, photos etc.

Beatles methods changed so often, it's good to see many examples so you can start to understand how some things stayed consistent (at least for a while) and how other things shifted.

We only sell books from our website (http://www.recordingthebeatles.com), not through stores at this time. As the book costs so much to make (it is NOT small and is very high quality) it would not be proftable to sell through dealers now, unless they charge a higher price. (It is worth the money - please see ANY posts about it on other forums.) You are lucky in the UK actually - with the current exchange rate, it is cheaper for you to buy than for Americans.
Title: Re: Recording The Beatles
Post by: zipp on October 01, 2006, 05:54:56 PM
Thanks for your answers Brain.
Very honest to point out that some things are impossible to know and that you've only put things that you're sure of.
The problem of the price is a case of swings and roundabouts.The exchange rate may be favourable but the shipping is more expensive.I'm sure a less luxurious edition would sell in Europe, especially through amazon or something similar.
We'll just have to be patient!
Title: Re: Recording The Beatles
Post by: Bobber on October 02, 2006, 07:06:50 AM
Brian, if you compare your book to Mark Lewisohn's on the Beatles recordings, what more can we expect? Is it comparable anyway?
Title: Re: Recording The Beatles
Post by: on October 05, 2006, 09:31:39 AM
1) Sorry - it's not the luxury of the book that costs money - it's the size and mass of it. Which will never change, unfortunately. We give all the extra stuff, because we knew people would like it and it doesn't cost too much really to add some extra bits in and make it a better value.

Maybe read what everyone says on various forums around the web - it is commonly said that it is worth far more money than is charged. Hopefully, you will be able to save and afford your own copy soon!

2) Mark Lewisohn's book tells good detail about WHEN and WHO. This book is more about the studios (not just Abbey Road, but mainly), the equipment used (which seems to be THE big mystery before now) and HOW they did things - ideas and tricks they had, who played bongos on "Hard Day's Night", how some songs were built up - track by track. (BTW - Mark is a good friend, a great help and wrote the Foreword to our book! I think my copy of "Recording Sessions" is the MOST beaten-up one in the world!)

3) Hopefully, the book is inspiring people to be more like the Beatles - not in sound, but in approach. They would often change things, just to be "not like the old Beatles". They would even make a sound worse, rather than use the "good" sound they had last time. VERY creative people - and the book points out that they PUSHED everyone to be better and different - George Martin, Norman Smith, Emerick, Scott, McDonald, etc etc. They even pushed themselves to be different than before. Notice that there's only one song like "Tomorrow Never Knows", they never copied it for something else!
Title: Re: Recording The Beatles
Post by: on January 16, 2007, 09:36:58 AM
To answer your question about Geoff Emerick: At first he said he'd contribute, then he didn't. So we used all his previous interviews (some unseen and unpublished) and used anything that might be applicable - which you'll see in the book. Some of the very things that were important to know had been discussed, so they are included in the book. Of course, usually there were several people there for a given session. and we could ask all involved to get a better picture of what happened.

It may be as a result of the various criticisms of his book, I don't know. But we feel we don't take sides - everyone involved gets credit in our book, and about 30+ other former Beatles staff have been very supportive of our book and it's accuracy.

** I'm curious if anyone here has gotten our book, and if so, what your favorite parts are?
Title: Re: Recording The Beatles
Post by: zipp on January 16, 2007, 12:02:22 PM
Thanks for the answer Brian.
It was me that asked the question about Geoff Emerick.
I haven't bought his or your book yet but ,like you, I've heard some criticism of Geoff's book(but not of yours!).
Title: Re: Recording The Beatles
Post by: The End on January 16, 2007, 12:32:07 PM
Quote from: 439
I'm curious if anyone here has gotten our book, and if so, what your favorite parts are?

It was optimistically place on my Christmas list but I didn't get it! I must have been naughty last year! :(
Title: Re: Recording The Beatles
Post by: Bobber on January 16, 2007, 12:43:53 PM
I'd love to have a closer look at it before I spend the money on it. Possible somewhere?
Title: Re: Recording The Beatles
Post by: The End on January 16, 2007, 07:20:38 PM
Quote from: 63
I'd love to have a closer look at it before I spend the money on it. Possible somewhere?


I think there are some sample pages here: http://www.recordingthebeatles.com/
Title: Re: Recording The Beatles
Post by: Bobber on January 17, 2007, 05:40:29 PM
Quote from: 360

I think there are some sample pages here: [url]http://www.recordingthebeatles.com/[/url]


Thanks a lot Alan! Why couldn't I think of that myself?
Title: Re: Recording The Beatles
Post by: The End on January 17, 2007, 11:51:30 PM
LOL! ;D

You've probably got other things on your mind!!!!
Title: Re: Recording The Beatles
Post by: The End on February 14, 2007, 10:54:59 PM
Bump
Title: Re: Recording The Beatles
Post by: Bobber on February 16, 2007, 09:40:22 AM
The Beatles' studio story told in detail


By KEN HOFFMAN
Copyright 2007 Houston Chronicle

''I'm only 33, but I've always loved the music of the Beatles and was amazed how one group could make so many great songs in such a short period of time," says Houstonian Kevin Ryan.

"When I was in high school, I used to try and reproduce those sounds on my dad's four-track recorder. You could say I was extremely naive. I mean, they were the Beatles, and that was Abbey Road studios."

His interest in how the Beatles recorded their songs
Title: Re: Recording The Beatles
Post by: The End on February 16, 2007, 01:25:38 PM
God, I REALLY do have to get this book!

I rather optimistically put it on my Xmas list!!!!!!
Title: Re: Recording The Beatles
Post by: Revolution on February 16, 2007, 01:55:03 PM
Sounds Great !!!!!!!!!! :)
Title: Re: Recording The Beatles
Post by: Bobber on June 03, 2007, 07:26:53 PM
I was on my way to order it. The book was 100 USD, but shipping and handling appeared to be 59.10 USD. Total 159.10 USD. That was just one bridge too far. Sorry Brian.
Title: Re: Recording The Beatles
Post by: on July 13, 2007, 09:44:21 PM
Long time lurker, first time poster. Hullo everyone...

I'm just curious:does ANYONE here have the Recording The Beatles book? I am amazed at how there is no discussion of it around here. I recently got it, and I truly feel this is one of THE most important books ever written on the group. I guess I can't believe everyone's not talking about it.

The website on the book is http://www.recordingthebeatles.com , but I don't think it really does it justice. Judging from the website, you might think it will be all about microphones and speakers and stuff, and there definitely is a lot of technical equipment talk (which is a bit over my head at times). But what the site doesn't really tell you about is the last half of the book, which is all about their songs and how they were recorded. There is so much new information here it's hard to believe. So many new stories and insights from the people that were there and worked with the Beatles. An amazing amount of detail about the songs and sessions and many photos of the group I've never seen anywhere. It feels like every page answers some question I've wondered about for decades. I can't say enough about it.

I think one of the most important things about it is this is one of the few books on the group that presents completely new information, rather than recycling the same old stuff. Yes, it's expensive, but I would encourage everyone here to save up and buy it (there's supposed to be a cheaper version coming some time this year too). It comes in an old tape box with extra goodies, and the whole thing feels like it should cost a few hundred bucks. This book definitely belongs on every Beatles fan's shelf next to the Mark Lewisohn book. It's the perfect companion.

Just curious if anyone else here has it...
Title: Re: Recording The Beatles
Post by: Hello Goodbye on July 13, 2007, 10:09:14 PM
Hi DeeMishay and welcome to this forum.  

I haven't read the book yet but I intend to purchase it this summer.  I, too, feel it would be an excellent companion to Mark Lewisohn's book.
Title: Re: Recording The Beatles
Post by: mr kite on July 13, 2007, 10:12:49 PM
HELLO DEEMISHAY  :)
Nice to meet you .
That looks an interseting book , ive not seen that before .
Mark Lewisohm he is the man for beatle books  8)
Title: Re: Recording The Beatles
Post by: Andy Smith on July 13, 2007, 10:25:24 PM
Welcome to the forums DeeMishay. Enjoy ;)
Title: Re: Recording The Beatles
Post by: Bobber on July 14, 2007, 08:06:46 AM
Hi DeeMishay. Welcome at DM's. I have merged the existing threads on this particular book. Hope you don't mind.
Title: Re: Recording The Beatles
Post by: The End on July 14, 2007, 01:38:29 PM
Quote from: 773
Long time lurker, first time poster. Hullo everyone...

I'm just curious:does ANYONE here have the Recording The Beatles book? I am amazed at how there is no discussion of it around here. I recently got it, and I truly feel this is one of THE most important books ever written on the group. I guess I can't believe everyone's not talking about it.

Welcome aboard! ;D

As you are now no doubt aware, there have been some discussions about this book and one of the authors even posted here about it at one point!

There are a few VERY interested members here (myself included), however the postal charges to Europe are extremely prohibitive so until it's available via the usual book outlets I'm afraid it wont be selling many copies on this side of the Atlantic.
Title: Re: Recording The Beatles
Post by: on May 07, 2008, 04:10:50 PM
I don't know if forum members are aware of the re release  of the book "Recording The Beatles" by Curvebender publishing. This book is rather expensive  at $100 but it is worth every penny for the sheer Beatles
information that it contains.  I might  warn that this is not a Beatles novice book and more of a Beatlology  textbook of information regarding  Abbey Road Studios and all of Beatles recording from 1963 to 1970.  If
you have no knowledge of Audio, Electronics and the recording process, this book is not for you. Again, this is for more advanced Beatles fan who want to know about the recording process of  Abbey Road Studios during
the fab four period .

I have the book and it contains  mind blowing information.



http://www.recordingthebeatles.com


send email to:john@antihotmail.com
Title: Re: Recording The Beatles
Post by: Bobber on May 07, 2008, 09:17:50 PM
Curvebender published another book lately, called Kaleidoscope Eyes. Looks interesting. Check it out here: http://www.curvebender.com/
Title: Re: Recording The Beatles
Post by: on May 08, 2008, 01:28:04 AM
Quote from: 360
God, I REALLY do have to get this book!

I rather optimistically put it on my Xmas list!!!!!!


It's a must for any  hard core Beatles fan

Title: Re: Recording The Beatles
Post by: Mellotroniac on May 18, 2008, 12:44:00 AM
I finally got it and read, its the absolute GREATEST for learning at how to do Beatle style recording. I cannot write enough to do it justice. I would like to pursue a career as an engineer, and this is my magic book of spells!
Title: Re: Recording The Beatles
Post by: Bobber on June 13, 2008, 07:10:57 AM
It arrived this week, but I'm not supposed to have a look at it because it's meant to be my birthday present next week.
Title: Re: Recording The Beatles
Post by: Brynjar on June 13, 2008, 01:52:58 PM
Product Total: $100.00
Shipping/Handling (Priority Mail International): $58.50 (To Iceland)
---------------------------------------------------
Final Total: $158.50

That is one expensive book!  :-/
Title: Re: Recording The Beatles
Post by: Bobber on June 14, 2008, 09:37:35 AM
It is. But I'm pretty sure it's worth it. And with todays exchange rates, it is almost as cheap as you can get.
Title: Re: Recording The Beatles
Post by: Gloi on June 18, 2008, 03:40:11 PM
I'm still waiting for a British bookseller to have this for sale. I'd have liked to have bought it by now but as previously said, shipping costs are prohibative.
Title: Re: Recording The Beatles
Post by: Bobber on June 19, 2008, 07:19:34 AM
I will be able to have a look at it today if you catch my drift.  ;D
Title: Re: Recording The Beatles
Post by: An Apple Beatle on June 20, 2008, 04:52:35 PM
Quote from: 1302
I'm still waiting for a British bookseller to have this for sale. I'd have liked to have bought it by now but as previously said, shipping costs are prohibative.

Sadly too true. :(
Title: Re: Recording The Beatles
Post by: Bobber on June 21, 2008, 03:01:17 PM
Still, with today's exchange rates, it probably won't get cheaper than now. Alternative: come on over and you can read it here.  ;D
Title: Re: Recording The Beatles
Post by: An Apple Beatle on June 21, 2008, 03:04:49 PM
 ;D

Not sure which would be cheaper....not a lot in it. heheheh
Title: Re: Recording The Beatles
Post by: Bobber on June 21, 2008, 04:07:14 PM
You'll get a free beer over here with it.  ;D
Title: Recording the Beatles - boxset
Post by: moreplasticsoul on August 28, 2009, 12:28:02 AM
Hi there. I am a first time caller - long time listener.   :)

There is a book  - actually a big book with rare photos and info entitled Recording the Beatles. I understand that it is out of stock but contains unique and amazing info about how the Beatles recordings were made. Have you heard anything about it. What are your thoughts !
Title: Re: Recording The Beatles
Post by: Bobber on August 28, 2009, 06:52:44 AM
Hi moreplasticsoul. If you read back in this particular thread, I think you will get an idea of the book. I have it at home and must admit it's a very indept read on especially the recording and recording techniques of the Beatles' records. If you are really into that stuff, I would highly recommend this book.
Title: Re: Recording The Beatles
Post by: Brynjar on October 29, 2009, 08:15:22 AM
Anyone have an idea how much it circa weights?
Title: Re: Recording The Beatles
Post by: Bobber on October 29, 2009, 08:30:27 AM
4.4 kg
Title: Re: Recording The Beatles
Post by: Brynjar on October 29, 2009, 09:14:54 AM
4.4 kg

Thanks Bobber for quick answer.