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The Beatles
Follows the extraordinary development of the four self-taught musicians from Liverpool from their beginnings until the break-up in 1970
240 pages, Paperback
First published October 19, 1995
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
August 8, 2011
This is the book to read if you're looking for a sober analysis of The Beatles life and music. Kozinn biographical accounts are almost never whimsical; they are used to explain the musical development of the group. There's also the right balance between high-level analysis of the songs, albums, studio recording techniques and lyrics. If you don't know much about The Beatles story, this is your book. If you do, it will bring your knowledge into focus, with great insights on individual songs.
My big complain is the ending: the author seems to rush through it, and his approach of the last two albums¬--"Let it be" and "Abbey Road"--is much more superficial than what you'd expect from the rest of the book. One gets the feeling Kozinn got tired and just wanted to be done with it. He redeems himself in the Epilogue, with a great fast-forward chronicle The Beatles post-breakup careers.
It is an overall great analysis and biography of The Beatles as a group and the contribution of each member to their incredible musical development throughout their short career.
My big complain is the ending: the author seems to rush through it, and his approach of the last two albums¬--"Let it be" and "Abbey Road"--is much more superficial than what you'd expect from the rest of the book. One gets the feeling Kozinn got tired and just wanted to be done with it. He redeems himself in the Epilogue, with a great fast-forward chronicle The Beatles post-breakup careers.
It is an overall great analysis and biography of The Beatles as a group and the contribution of each member to their incredible musical development throughout their short career.
October 22, 2019
A no-frills, straightforward biography and critique of the Beatles by music critic Allan Kozinn. If you want juicy dirt on the Fab Four, you won't find it here. However, if you are looking for intelligent commentary on the artistry and cultural significance of the Beatles, this is a good (if not quite great) reading experience.
May 29, 2017
This is an academic book looking at detail at The Beatles and specifically Lennon & McCartney as musical composers. In that respect it's a must read and is very readable with a lot of insight to how many classic Beatles songs were put together. Don't pick this up expecting more of a biographical read about The Beatles; it's not the book for that.
March 30, 2013
Though some may find the style dry, the attention to detail and accuracy are first rate. A quality addition to the canon of Beatles scholarship.
May 8, 2021
so interesting to learn about how they started and how they wrote their albums. very well done biography and i loved the pictures in it
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July 19, 2008The most I have ever read about a band.
April 19, 2011
As a huge Beatles fan, this book was awesome.
March 12, 2013
A great story told solidly if a little breezily. Discussion of the recording process throughout prove to be Kozinn's most engaging elements. Everything from Sgt. Pepper on feels a bit hurried.
March 23, 2013
It was a really good book for any Beatles fan. It had a really good in depth synopsis of the history of the Beatles.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews