Beatles books….some of my favourites

[@nervo6321]

Ive always found the Mark Lewishon Recording Sessions book fascinating...details all the dates and who played what on all the tracks.

[@zachblakemore3567]

since you revisited this, you should also revisit your top 20 favorite albums in my opinion. The original is such a great video!

[@marcyfan-tz4wj]

i'm curious if you've seen the new book out on paul's "tug of war". i'm not sure what it costs but it's beautiful and seemingly limited edition.

[@wesdavis9200]

I'm surprised you didn't include (assuming you have it and like it) Wilfred Mellers' book Twilight of the Gods: The Music of the Beatles first published in 1973. It's the earliest detailed study I'm aware of, though it deals more with their music rather than the lyrics. I found it fascinating at the time. I remember liking his comment about the final protracted chord at the end of "A Day In the Life" "which in the 18th century and after was traditionally associated--though the Beatles could not have known this--with heaven!"). At the time, Mellers was a Professor of Music at the Univ. of York as well as having taught at several other prestigious universities. A colleague of mine, who also owns Mellers' book, and I decided to call the course we teach together on the Beatles, "Twilight of the Gods: the Music and Lyrics of the Beatles" as a tribute. Always interesting discussion topics, John, keep up the good work!

[@johnheaton5667]

i had that book but i managed to lose it over the years…great book i agree!

[@davidjackson5449]

Think Barry Miles book is essential read as the nearest to a Paul autobiography.My favourite book on the Beatles is Cant buy me love by Jonathan Gould

[@750drums]

Nice video, John. Thanks. Great selection .

[@jamesgriffithsmusic]

Nice selection John. A friend of my parents' died a while back and just recently his wife gave me his old copy of the Illustrated Lyrics which I used to own years ago but somehow misplaced. At the moment I'm reading 'At the Apple's Core' by Denis O'Dell which is pretty good so far.

[@stephenstickney1125]

Nice video John. I have many of those books, starting with the "Illustrated record" with Tyler and Carr. My main take away with that one, unfortunately, was the author's unremittingly negative view of George's solo work. Short-sighted and unfair in retrospect.

[@Gardosunron]

agree. And they weren't too kind about Harrison's songs as a Beatle either.

[@johnheaton5667]

agree though they did warm to 33&1/3 & self titled

[@andreweclark4079]

I completely agree with you on this!

[@GOGOLH]

Love Me Do by Michael Braun is brilliant on the early stages of Beatlemania, including the first US visit.

[@andreweclark4079]

The Beatles Illustrated. I bought it back in ‘75. There’s some funny things in there such as The Two Virgins review. “So much fuss over such a small thing”. Ha! But I don’t think those 2 were really Beatles fans as much as they were Stones fans. I have the Stones version of this book and they seem to love everything they put out. There’s times where they are dismissive of some of the Beatles best work. But back in the 70’s there weren’t that many Beatles books to get so you got what you could get. Unlike now!

[@rudolphguarnacci197]

I bought that, too, in '75 when it came out. That's when i discovered Capitol was ripping us off. Oh well.

[@paulmyatt2991]

Worthy update to your previous video about Beatle books, which was also great. Thank you.

[@RonaldBrown59]

So many Beatles books out there, thanks for helping out sort through some of the better ones.

[@mattrepeatcollector173]

Brilliant video. Thanks. Lots for me to check out there.

[@dennisosborne4368]

Two books I would recommend are And in the end by Ken McNab which is a forensic look at the Beatles through 1969 and a George biography Behind that locked door by Graeme Thompson the latter I really enjoyed have read twice this year . Many years from now by Barry Miles is good , great dissection of the writing of each song but it’s a bit sanitised . The Phil Norman biographies of the Beatles and of Paul are very well researched and part of my collection . Also have the Lennon letters book .

[@johnheaton5667]

yes they all have their place!!

[@philthepenguin7138]

No mention of the trusty Ultimate Music Guides from Uncut that you have often shown in the past?

[@triplejazzmusicisall1883]

They are certinly well read books. I hope you take better care mof your vinyl! Great video.

[@edwardrussell5989]

Good video The Tyler/ Carr book is so biased for Lennon and against McCartney and Harrison renders it invalid. My favourite Beatles related book is The Longest Cocktail Party by Richard Di Lello. It’s a riot

[@jnagarya519]

See Bruce Spizer: has an entire volume on the Parlophone releases. A two-volume on the Capitol LPs and singles. Another on the VeeJay releases and controversy. And one on the Apple releases, and then one on the Apple solo releases.

[@johnheaton5667]

yes i have the solo apple one waiting for me in london!

[@jnagarya519]

@@johnheaton5667 I don't have the two Apple. He is also publishing a volume on each LP (one is on "Yellow Submarine" and "Let it Be"; and one is on ""Get Back" and "Abbey Road"). Of most interest to me in those are the contextual information and promotional materials. Spizer is a lawyer, so the "VeeJay" volume details the controversy between VeeJay and Capitol Records, which put VeeJay out of business, even though VeeJay wasn't actually in the wrong: Capitol refused to release "The Beatles," so they got VeeJay to do it. There's also a volume "The Beatles' Swan Song" which deals with all the small label releases in the US before Capitol finally released "I Want to Hold Your Hand".

[@henryhemming1494]

Hope you provide Amazon links to those amazing works John.

[@jnagarya519]

See "Some Fun Tonight!" by Chuck Gunderson. This details all the US and Canadian tours. Good companion to Howlett's BBC volume, and the book of all their British, etc., gigs.

[@matthewturnage4998]

John, do you ever read any of Bruce Spizer's books? Some of them are more about the physical products but I find them fascinating. His Beatlemania book is an especially good chronicle of the year leading up to the Beatles first US trip in February 1964, from a North American perspective.

[@johnheaton5667]

yes i just ordered the apple solo book! thx

[@matthewturnage4998]

@@johnheaton5667 Great, I really like that book. I think you'll enjoy it.

[@jnagarya519]

"Apple to the Core," by McCabe, is of interest.

[@mrjohnmiffed1987]

Thanks John - interesting and timely (given the season). I have duly made notes. I look forward to a post-covid time when we'll all be able to go down to London and enjoy 'The Beatles London'. I've just finished and (mostly) enjoyed the Elton John autobiography 'Me', which I would recommend. A couple of New Year suggestions for you - reviews of the pre Buckingham / Nicks Fleetwood Mac albums - with their range of interesting guitarists and sprinkling of Christine McVie songs - and anything by The Band. A 50th anniversary 'Cahoots' box set has just been released and would be a great starting point with The Band. John Hebden, Leeds

[@jaylene.turner6524]

Great video,John!

[@claudebonenfant6700]

Very interesting. I am surprised that you did not include Mark Lewishon s book tune in. The research and the information contained are first rate and a must read for any Beatles fan.

[@ryangolding1529]

Good video and great selection of books I have a few of these and I also have a john lennon book called lennon on.....lennon. Its an exceptional read 📚

[@jnagarya519]

The 1968 publication of the authorized biography by Hunter Davies was given to "The Beatles" before publication, and they stripped out whole chapters about such as drugs. It was years before we learned anything about the Hamburg period. After Johns death Davies published a second edition, which apparently restored the original, and added more material.

[@johnharrison9685]

Well worn, well read. All your books are this, well man-handled. I have all (well most of ‘em) the books you showed except Wingspan, Still the Greatest, A day in the life, 1234, Postcards from the Boys (which I want to get). “One day at a time” was the book Chappedman read which brought Lennon back into his radar, unfortunately.

[@jnagarya519]

My books and magazines (all US publications) on "Beatles" go back to 1964. Unfortunately, I did lose a few magazines along the way, and an incomplete set of "Beatles" cards in "baseball card" format.

[@daffodil800]

I share your opinion on several of those you showed, I regard "Complete Recording Sessions" as my bible, and "The Beatles Forever" and the Carr/Tyler books were favourites of mine from the 70s. I bought the Keith Badman book last year and found it very interesting, a great book for the completist like myself who need to know and have everything about the fabs.

[@davidj3416]

John, do Wings belong in the Rock & Roll HOF? Why or why not?

[@robinfereday6562]

Dear Mr. Heaton could I ask for your opinion on the book written by Barry Miles an autobiography about Paul McCartney called’ Many years from now ‘ assuming you’ve read it of course as I’m thinking of purchasing it at sometime and value your opinion on all things Beatles related 😊 thank you

[@robertzastrow4648]

A book which I would recommend (Don't remember the authors) is titled The Beatles: From A to Z, which is set up like an encyclopedia about everything Beatles, their personal lives, and their solo careers after the breakup.

[@russbroda7207]

My Beatle book choice is “ The Lyrics “ by Paul McCartney. The reason is that he wrote it ; the only book I am aware of , that he has ever written !

[@rubypepper2700]

Brilliant video John. The Hunter Davies biography, 'Wingspan', 'One Day At A Time', 'An Illustrated Record', 'One Two Three Four', 'The Beatles Forever', 'The Illustrated Lyrics', 'The Beatles Anthology', 'Lennon Remembers', The Playboy Interviews', 'The Complete Beatles Recording Sessions', 'Postcards From The Boys', 'The Beatles London' and 'I Me Mine' are great books.

[@andrewhaddon7689]

No Philip Norman's 'Shout'?

[@Ft.Gagiano]

Also look for Mojo magaizine's The bearles" ten years that shook the world" that they originaly did in magizine form But round 2007. Released in in book form. Yust like Anthology.

[@shokid95]

Are these book still available

[@johnheaton5667]

not many of them…best pick them second hand i think!

[@robertmarshall3666]

Any thoughts on the new my sweet lord music video I was rather underwhelmed and felt it detracted from the music

[@krautrick16]

Did he play bass on a progressive rock band? I can remember seeing him on something like that, I may be misremembering.

[@RickM01]

So John, would you consider reading Erin Weber's book? She has expressed her love of The Beatles and has studied history. Don't you think context is important when considering sources, even the fab four narrative when examining corroborating evidence?

[@johnheaton5667]

yes i should read it for sure! sorry if i appeared judgmental…..just that lennon remembers will always be close to my heart as it’s so damn fascinating…and revealing…albeit from one point in time

[@RickM01]

@@johnheaton5667 I don't feel you should feel sorry about how you feel. It's actually a blessing when you show emotion because it sparks conversation. Plus you're human and have a right to express yourself. I respect that. Lennon Remembers is truly fascinating. It demonstrates where Lennon was at that time within the context of the new Rolling Stone magazine. The Playboy Interviews is also very informative within a different context. Both are not to be discounted. I grew up with both interviews as well a lot of other books you featured. I am still learning about The Beatles. I think the Glass Onion vlog adds a lot to Lennon's narrative. And I think Matt Williamson's Beatle videos and interviews with Erin Weber also add a lot. And of course Peter Jackson's Get Back shows more than we've ever known about The Beatles as a maturing band. I have a difficult time adjusting to new information that changes the narrative I've been used to since I was a teen but I can't discount it. Even the "controversial" unauthorized biographies have some truth. It just takes the ability to figure out what the reputable sources are in them that support the narratives. I just ordered Erin Weber's book even though it seems thin for $30. I want to see what Weber, as a historian, illuminates. It's something no author has explored, given her credentials. I think her approach to Beatles research as a historian will reveal some interesting things to consider.

[@demon27dan]

What are your thoughts on the new Paul McCartney lyric book, John? If you've read it, of course...

[@johnheaton5667]

i didn’t get it yet…bit pricey!

[@julessabio]

@@johnheaton5667 hahaha. Yes, that's my first thought too. "bit pricey". I've heard Paul reading some sections of the book and it seems interesting as he tells us little stories sourounding the songs.

[@markrichards2]

Worth every penny John. I think you will enjoy this just as much if not more than I Me Mine.

[@euanthorburn8135]

Thanks John

[@allanforrester2612]

The Carr and Tyler book is interesting as a time capsule of the received wisdom of the early 70s, and is way too negative about George. Beatles forever is charming. I'm sure John would think that Geoffrey Guiliano's Lennon in America is derived from dubious sources, and I know he is a much disliked author, but some at least of what he says has the ring of truth about it, at least.

[@dennisosborne4368]

I recently bought the Philip Norman bio of George . It’s okay but a bit disappointing. It’s not as good as Behind that locked door by Graeme Thompson which is the best Beatle book I have read. There are some really silly errors in Normans book too such as saying there were no Harrison songs on the red and blue albums

[@invisibleray6987]

You forgot Mazzys book and Womacks rubbish

[@dennisosborne4368]

John some what off point but what about a discussion about the oft mentioned fifth Beatle. Contenders George Martin , Brian Epstein, Stu Suttcliffe , Pete Best or even Mal and Neil. Or Yoko! Only two contenders Brian and George Martin and although Brian was closer to the boys it has to be George for his studio work and influence

[@rundbaum]

i didn't make it quite to the end of your video but the one lennon biography i own is the one i'm sure you meant might come from 'dubious sources'--doesn't matter anyway. time moves on, nobody's even heard of that one. some truly hilarous anecdotes but a little ascerbically written--i didn't agree w/his ridiculous & ineffectually abstract 'critique' of lennon's music. i know you said these were 'beatles biographies.'

[@GEOFFREYGIULIANO]

Lennon in America should be there she only glimp you will ever get of his diaries

[@JimMueller-kj1ks]

Thank you for not bringing up Geoffrey Giuliano in my own opinion is the worst Beatle author that ever roam the Earth