Which Beatle book or related book are you reading at the momment?

I am reading 10 years that shook the world and am about half way through! I still have lots more reading to do yet! I have about 10 other Beatle books I havn't read yet! including the anthology! I have already read two books doing the whole day by day thing! so that took time! and I finished a Bob Dylan book not long back before I came back to the 10 years that shook the world!

so how bout you?

I'm not a big fan of books about them ... lots of mistakes and all that (probably the last re-reading was Peter Brown's The Love You Make)

Quoted from McLennon

[...]I have about 10 other Beatle books I havn't read yet! including the anthology! [...]

My advice: don't waste time and read The Anthology!
http://wingspan.ru/books.html

None at the moment, but I have on order:

* While My Guitar Gently Weeps : The Music of George Harrison by Simon Leng - really looking forward to this.
* Harrison by Editors of the Rolling Stone - Hmm, not so sure about this one. But it has pictures.

Recently read:

* Here, there, and everywhere : my life recording the music of the Beatles / Geoff Emerick and Howard Massey. - excellent. Highly recommended for a technician's vs. gossippy look at the Beatles working.

* The Beatles anthology. - Great. Massive and massively wonderful. Like the video series but more adult and in depth.

* Magical mystery tours : my life with the Beatles / Tony Bramwell with Rosemary Kingsland. - after a strong start in Liverpool, got boring. Same old biography stuff you find in any Beatles bio.

* The Beatles : the biography / Bob Spitz. - another one that started really strong, and petered out into recycled gossip. Too bad.

* The Beatles : ten years that shook the world / editor-in-chief, Paul Trynka - Um, I don't really remember it. I think it was pretty good.

* Once there was a way-- : photographs of the Beatles / by Harry Benson. - the photographer is an exploitist pig, IMHO. Okay to look through, but I would never buy it and support him.  

* The Beatles : every little thing : a compendium of witty, weird and ever-surprising facts about the fab four / Maxwell MacKenzie. - Trivia completely randomly organized. Recommended if you want to flip pages pointlessly, like bedtime reading.

* The Beatles, Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band / Allan F. Moore. - social and musical critique.

* The Beatles : the music was never the same / Marvin Martin. - another one I'm having a tough time remembering. I think it was okay.

* A day in the life : the music and artistry of the Beatles / by Mark Hertsgaard. - I have no memory of this whatsoever. That's what I get for reading 20 books in 2 months. I think the Beatles were in this book.  

* I, me, mine / by George Harrison. - pretty interesting, if only for his omissions. It's a random skip through his life, so if you don't already know his story you'll be hopelessly lost (for example, he never explains who Patti is or how he met her). A quick read, unique, some really interesting notes related to his songs. Published before John's death.

* Behind Sad Eyes: The Life of George Harrison by Marc Shapiro - yuck! Exploitive crap, just recycled stories plagarized from various sources.

* The Beatles : the fabulous story of John, Paul, George and Ringo - published before John's death; interesting snapshot of their history.

* Warman's Beatles Field Guide: Values And Identification by Tim Neely - I think this is the one that is so worth picking up just for the 3 articles at the back. I can't remember the guy's name, some DJ whose last name starts with P. Something like Charles Prolosky (but that's not it). He gives fascinating statistics about their songs and was lobbying for the Beatles to win more Grammys (which they did in 1996).

^So you've already read all the good and bad things said about them, I guess!
I haven't read half of your list, more or less, but I'm curious about some of them ... after reading your comments!!!

Heh! This doesn't even include the "first" batch I read back in 1996 or whenever I caught the Anthology bug. I read Shout, The Love You Make, the Playboy Interviews, lots of Lennon bios, one on Paul-- pretty much anything that was around. Then I went off in a different direction for a few years, on to other obsessions. Earlier this year, I started getting more interested in George, and went on another information rampage.  

Basically I just go to the library and check out whatever's there. If I feel I really must own something, then I buy it. There are some books that the library doesn't carry, so these I buy, like the Simon Leng book that sounds really interesting. But usually I browse and return.  

But you're quite correct, fan opinion does influence me tremendously. If I read on a message board or Amazon that a book is crap, or the person is basically trying to make a buck off the Beatles without offering anything new, then I do indeed avoid that book (unless I can get it out of the library for free, in which case I permit myself to toss it aside if it's as nasty as rumor reports). I really don't like the gossipy stuff, but I very much enjoy learning about the Beatles' personal philosophies, and as much as I can about their creative process. Also, how well they handled fame (or not). Just an amazing group of people to read about. Cheers!

Quoted from harihead

* The Beatles : the biography / Bob Spitz. - another one that started really strong, and petered out into recycled gossip. Too bad.

This seems to be full of mistakes.

I've heard that the best book about the group is one called "Paperback Writer" ... but as I'm not very keen on books about them (as I've already said) I can't tell who wrote it and less if it's a good choice!
Has anybody here read it?

Quoted from raxo

I've heard that the best book about the group is one called "Paperback Writer" ... but as I'm not very keen on books about them (as I've already said) I can't tell who wrote it and less if it's a good choice!
Has anybody here read it?

Isn't that a spoof book?

Quoted from The End

Isn't that a spoof book?

It could be ... I haven't read it (probably I'm not gonna do never) ... but I've heard it was one of the best

I have read a few picture ones really! Just showing nice quality pictures of them, saying where it was from and stuff!

But have read a few normal beatle ones! the sadest part was the day by day accounts! But I can imagine that the anthology isn't going to tell me anymore then I already know! but we'll see!

I have a few beatle quiz books aswell!

I've only read the Lewisohn's and the Anthology book. I suppose, having grown up with them, I don't really feel the need to read much more. I'm looking for a good book on Beatles bootlegs though, if anyone knows of one?

Quoted from BlueMeanie

I'm looking for a good book on Beatles bootlegs though, if anyone knows of one?

Why don't we write one ourselves?

Speaking if bootlegs, how can I go into the bootleg forum part?? Cause it says its locked and I don't know how I can join? bootlegs are my favorite!

Quoted from harihead

* The Beatles : ten years that shook the world / editor-in-chief, Paul Trynka - Um, I don't really remember it. I think it was pretty good.

yeah, thats the one I am reading at the present! It has a very good layout actually! picks out some vital parts through the Beatles career and talks of them!

Thanks, McLennon! I seem to remember liking that one. But I was just consuming books in giant gulps the way I tend to do, and didn't take notes. Alas. I'll have to visit the library again and review every book in their collection!  

Thanks, Bobber, for the comment on The Beatles : the biography by Bob Spitz. When I hit a book that starts making errors, I switch into skim mode, because I don't really trust what the author has to say. So take note, Beatle fans! You can skip this one.

And yes, I agree with BlueMeanie. The Anthology book is the best if you're only going to read one. I just like to read for relaxation in the evenings, so I'm always seeking out new books. Cheers!


===========

Okay, Raxo, you got me to look up "Paperback Writer". It's a spoof, as The End said, a fictional parody of the Beatles, a romp about "What if the Beatles got back together in 1979?" It was written in 1978, in the same general timeframe as The Rutles, when people could make fun of the Fab Four and it was still funny because Lennon's murder hadn't made everyone depressed for the next 25 years.

The book sounds pretty good. Here are some quotes from Amazon:

"Bigger than Jesus! What John really meant, of course, was that the Beatles were simply "taller" than Jesus. ... This in a nutshell captures the tone of the book."

"A loving, biting reimagining of Beatlemania in a manner that I'm sure John would have found hysterical."

And of course, there are the people who seem not to get it. I enjoyed this piece of unintended humor:

"I think it would help if you had some knowledge of The Beatles before reading it, if only to give you a further appreciation of the humour. For example, did you know that Roll over Beethoven was inspired by McCartney trying to teach his English sheepdog some new tricks. "

Quoted from harihead

[...]Okay, Raxo, you got me to look up "Paperback Writer". It's a spoof, as The End said, a fictional parody of the Beatles, a romp about "What if the Beatles got back together in 1979?" It was written in 1978, in the same general timeframe as The Rutles, when people could make fun of the Fab Four and it was still funny because Lennon's murder hadn't made everyone depressed for the next 25 years.

The book sounds pretty good. Here are some quotes from Amazon:

"Bigger than Jesus! What John really meant, of course, was that the Beatles were simply "taller" than Jesus. ... This in a nutshell captures the tone of the book."

"A loving, biting reimagining of Beatlemania in a manner that I'm sure John would have found hysterical."

And of course, there are the people who seem not to get it. I enjoyed this piece of unintended humor:

"I think it would help if you had some knowledge of The Beatles before reading it, if only to give you a further appreciation of the humour. For example, did you know that Roll over Beethoven was inspired by McCartney trying to teach his English sheepdog some new tricks. "

Thanks for the info, harihead! ...
I knew nothing about this book ... and it's curious because we've been debating here that hipothetical "reunion in 1979" just few days ago!  

Quoted from McLennon

Speaking if bootlegs, how can I go into the bootleg forum part?? Cause it says its locked and I don't know how I can join? bootlegs are my favorite!

Why don't you try to send a Private Message to The End or Bobber?

I recently read Geoff Emerick's book and loved it. Then I started Anthology and got half through it. I was beginning to read the Bob Spitz biography but thought better of it after reading some of the comments here. I do have Ten Years That Shook the World, so maybe I'll get back into that one. Oh, I also read Ringo's Postcards From the Boys. That was a quick and very cute read. But I just ordered Levon Helm's This Wheels on Fire, so the Beatles might have to wait a while.

Quoted from Sandra

I recently read Geoff Emerick's book and loved it. Then I started Anthology and got half through it. I was beginning to read the Bob Spitz biography but thought better of it after reading some of the comments here.

Good call! I really enjoyed Geoff's book. The "She Loves You" recording was my favorite part-- all those wild girls!  

If you read the beginning of Bob's book, you read the best part (IMHO). He gives a wonderful history of Liverpool and the destruction following the war. 70% of housing destroyed, if I recall; no wonder George's family was on the housing list for so long.

I'm very glad to hear your opinion of Ringo's Postcards From the Boys. I hope I can pick that up sometime; it seems light and sweet. Thanks.

Quoted from harihead

I'm very glad to hear your opinion of Ringo's Postcards From the Boys. I hope I can pick that up sometime; it seems light and sweet. Thanks.

I just ordered that from Amazon Marketplace for £0.99, brand new!! I'd forgoteen all about it until it was mentioned here.

Quoted from BlueMeanie

I just ordered that from Amazon Marketplace for £0.99, brand new!!

Eek! Thanks, BlueMeanie! I'm off to Amazon... again!

I'm just finished Simon Leng's excellent book While My Guitar Gently Weeps: The Music of George Harrison. Wow! Finally someone has done an insightful and satisfying exploration of George's life. This is the kind of book I wish had been available when George died. I intend to read it again, listening to every song as I go through (I was too impatient this time to do that).

Unlike some others  , Leng did thorough research of his subject. He knows George's music inside and out, and can place it appropriately into the musical context of what was going on at the time. Clearly Leng's interests include all music, and he supplements his knowledge with numerous interviews with Harrison's musical buddies. What's also amazing is that this book is so well written, it made me laugh out loud a few times. Just a delight from cover to cover.

Here's an example of one of his song reviews, in this case, "Simply Shady". Leng does a musical appraisal, and then places the song in the context of George's life and the times:

Quoted Text

"Simply Shady" could have been based on a Young rocker, not only because of the slightly ragged, gruff vocals and earthy arrangement, but also because of the decidedly no-frills production. Unfortunately for George, the world was not ready for his reincarnation as Neil Young, and the song was panned...
"Simply Shady" neatly shatters the "Beatle George" image and reveals the uncomfortable truths of life. Too much drink and failed relationships are hardly uncommon experiences but, for fans readying their Sgt. Pepper costumes for the Dark Horse tour, it was all too much.

I love this book so much I plan to start a thread on it soon. It might have to wait a few weeks until my schedule loosens up, but I look forward to sharing other excerpts and discussing it with you all. Cheers!

I just started reading "The Beatles Songbook I". It's only the lyrics of the songs with some remarks at the side. I find it interesting to read the songs   lots of short stories, but makes a change to the listening experience.  

None at the mo - Just dipping into Revolution In The Head from time to time.
Just flick through the pages and reading up on songs I'm enjoying at the moment.

Macdonald highlighted a 'bass flourish' during the song 'The Word' at approx 1:15 .. so I went and listened to one speaker ... and smiled when I heard what he was describing .... my girlfriend just shakes her head from time to time  

Quoted from Indica

Macdonald highlighted a 'bass flourish' during the song 'The Word' at approx 1:15 .. so I went and listened to one speaker ... and smiled when I heard what he was describing ....

Indica, I'm just as bad. *high fives you*  

Quoted from harihead

I'm very glad to hear your opinion of Ringo's Postcards From the Boys. I hope I can pick that up sometime; it seems light and sweet. Thanks.

I have that book! I havn't read it yet!

I've been reading through The Beatles: Recording Sessions by Mark Lewisohn recently while listening to my Beatles collection on my iPod.

I just started reading "The Longest Cocktail Party"  it's about Apple and how it started and collapsed written by Richard Dilello  "The House Hippie" who was there from beginning to end.  It's good so far Derek Taylor was his boss and right know he's talking about when Apple released "Two Virgins" and the infamous cover.

Nice LENNON picture MR. KITE.

Im reading SHOUT by PHILIP NORMAN again ,the first time i read i was 18 years old when it came out !
Still a definative BEATLES book and a joy to read.  

Mark Lewisohn's Complete Chronicle ...

Ive been reading LENNON LEGEND ,AN ILLISTRATED LIFE OF JOHN LENNON, and you get an exact replica of the lyrics of LUCY IN THE SKY WITH DIAMONDS by courtsey of d.. opps
sony/atv tunes llc
fastenating  

Quoted from Indica

None at the mo - Just dipping into Revolution In The Head from time to time.
Just flick through the pages and reading up on songs I'm enjoying at the moment.

Macdonald highlighted a 'bass flourish' during the song 'The Word' at approx 1:15 .. so I went and listened to one speaker ... and smiled when I heard what he was describing .... my girlfriend just shakes her head from time to time  

I take it you are as much a music nut as Me!!!!!!!!!!!!

Quoted from Indica

None at the mo - Just dipping into Revolution In The Head from time to time.
Just flick through the pages and reading up on songs I'm enjoying at the moment.

Macdonald highlighted a 'bass flourish' during the song 'The Word' at approx 1:15 .. so I went and listened to one speaker ... and smiled when I heard what he was describing .... my girlfriend just shakes her head from time to time  

That is the beauty of that book for sure. . One of my faves. A must have for any music playing Beatle fan.

I read "The Beatles" by Bob Spitz.  (Never read a full Beatles bio before, but read many others about classic rock bands.)  

I thought it was one of the best books I've ever read.

Quoted from silby

I read "The Beatles" by Bob Spitz.  (Never read a full Beatles bio before, but read many others about classic rock bands.)  

I thought it was one of the best books I've ever read.

Hi Silby, welcome to DM's.
But I gotta correct you. The Beatles by Bob Spitz is full of wrong information. Funny thing is that critics loved the book, Beatles fans most often did not. In fact, there is a special site that is trying to sum up each and every mistake Spitz made. It's here: http://www.daytrippin.com/reviews.htm#spitz%20review