A few years ago, I was introduced to Martin Orkin, who was writing a book entitled Rivals of the Beatles. This described various groups that were not only contemporaries of the Beatles, but also their fierce competitors who were vying for the bragging rights of record sales. Martin’s book was excellent and he defended his thesis with nobility at virtually every turn. When the first volume sold out, we all became the beneficiaries of the exciting Volume 2 of the Rivals book.
We are fortunate that Martin has now undertaken the task of writing two more books which I am sure will be a very welcome addition to our Beatle book libraries. I recently received a press release from Martin detailing the content of his next, two-part, Beatles title. Here we go with Martin’s Press Release for ‘The Beatles’ Hit Singles’
‘The Beatles’ Hit Singles’ Parts 1 & 2:
Coming soon!
Part 1 due c November 2025.
Part 2 due c November 2026.
An exciting forthcoming attraction for all Beatles fans!! Two new publications that NO Beatles devotee can afford to miss!
This is the 2 volume book series about the Fab Four that you really need to own and read. A pair of fantastic new books which re-examine all of The Beatles’ brilliant UK and US hit singles – IN DEPTH!
Fans of the Fabs have a treat in store! There has never been a pair of Beatles-related books quite like this! An exhaustive portrayal and analysis of every UK hit single released by The Beatles during their time together. Significant American releases on 45 of tracks not issued as singles at the time in Britain, are also included. Some Beatles fans may not recall that The Beatles never actually released ‘Yesterday’ or ‘Do You Want To Know A Secret’ as UK singles at the time – which they maybe should have done. Instead, these and more great songs were given away to friends, or left to others to chart with.
The Beatles’ Hit Singles Parts 1 & 2 explains everything that happened – and why!
The front covers* of the two new books:
Due c November 2025 Due c November 2026The rear covers* of the two new books:
- The covers shown above are still being finalised. There may be minor variations to the text and colours in the final books.
The Beatles’ Hit Singles will be in two parts as follows:
Part 1: Beatlemania, 1962-1965.
Part 2: Magical Mystery Tour, 1966-1970.
Part 1 covers everything from the very first Beatles-related single ‘My Bonnie’, first issued in Britain in January 1962, up to possibly their most inventive release yet: ‘Day Tripper’/‘We Can Work It Out’, which came out in December 1965.
Part 2 then takes over the story, starting with the non-UK ‘Nowhere Man’, a US single in early 1966, and then encompasses the brilliant ‘Paperback Writer’ and ‘Yellow Submarine’/‘Eleanor Rigby’ through to The Beatles’ last single as a functioning group: ‘Let It Be’, and a final US 45: ‘The Long And Winding Road’ in 1970.
What is unique and special about The Beatles’ Hit Singles?
Each chapter of these books will include impressive detail about the single itself and its journey in the music world after it was released. Iconic colour images of picture sleeves are planned. Areas covered in The Beatles’ Hit Singles will include:
- Who wrote the songs.
- Who sang, and who played what instruments.
- When were the tracks recorded, and the singles released.
- Chart statistics.
- How many copies were sold.
- Reviews from the time.
- Plus Martin’s own loving and penetrating analysis of each single in turn, explaining how each one of them formed a
special part of the Beatles’ expedition from lovable moptops to superstars and musical spokesmen for their generation.
It will all be here in these great new forthcoming books! Unlike many Beatles authors who came on the scene later,
sometimes much later, Martin was around at the time when ‘Please Please Me’ really put The Beatles on the musical map in Britain in January 1963. He then followed their story in fascination as Beatlemania arrived, and then all the twists and turns which came after. These titles come from a music lover who watched the whole drama unfold step by step at the time. With The Beatles’ Hit Singles Parts 1 & 2, Beatles fans truly have a treat in store!
A reminder that anyone with any queries or a possible interest in buying a copy, to contact Martin at: enquiries@rivalsofthebeatles.com
Expected Publication Dates for The Beatles’ Hit Singles:
Part 1: Beatlemania, 1962-1965 due November 2025.
Part 2: Magical Mystery Tour, 1966-1970 is likely to become
available c November 2026 – if possible!
More information and how to order:
MARTIN’S WEBSITE:
The Beatles’ Hit Singles Part 1 will initially only be available direct from Martin or via his dedicated website Home
htpps//www.rivalsofthebeatles.com, and possibly Amazon.
Martin plans a generous Special Introductory Price offer!
For more information and to order a copy of The Beatles’ Hit Singles Part 1 when it becomes available, please go to Martin’s dedicated website at the link above. To register your interest email Martin at enquiries@rivalsofthebeatles.com
With these fab new Beatles’ singles books, a splendid time is guaranteed for all!
Enjoy the opportunity to hear Martin Orkin talk about his successful first Rivals of The Beatles book:
Martin Orkin LIVE on Liverpool Live Radio – YouTube
The front cover* of the new (RED) book:
The rear cover* of the new (RED) book:
The front cover* of the new (BLUE) book:
The rear cover* of the new (BLUE) book:
Enjoy!
Buzz
OUR BOOK OF THE WEEK – RECIPE RECORDS
Recipe Records – A Culinary Tribute to The Beatles
Invite your friends to “jam” with recipes such as “Stuffed Sgt. Peppers,” “Strawberry Pie Forever,” “Savoy Truffles,” “You Say Goodbye, I Say Jell-O,” and more! The cookbook contains recipes which “pair well” with song selections, trivia, stories, quips, and quotes about the Fabs. 50 recipes to celebrate 50 years of the Fabs are cleverly set out, and feature recipes from Beatles Book Store friends, Jude Southerland Kessler and David Bedford! This book makes a terrific gift for anyone who likes to eat….and dig The Beatles!
