DEFINING THE MUSICAL AND CULTURAL LANDSCAPE OF THE BEATLES

 

BEATLES SCHOLARS SCOTT FREIMAN & KENNETH WOMACK MAKE LEARNING ABOUT THE BEATLES AN ENTERTAINING, EDUCATIONAL, AND INFORMATIVE EXPERIENCE WITH DECONSTRUCTING THE BEATLES!!!

There are two Beatles scholars that instantly grab my attention when I hear their names spoken in Beatles-related circles and conversations. They both have the distinction and status of being academic specialists in their respective fields and they also possess the uncanny ability to present their material in a highly entertaining, engaging, and informative manner. They have the talent for reinforcing the notion that learning about the Beatles can be rewarding, challenging and fun, for EVERYONE. These two gentlemen are named Scott Freiman and Ken Womack!

Background information:

Scott Freiman:

About Scott Freiman — deconstructing the music

Ep. 42 – Scott Freiman: Composer for TV & Film, Software Entrepreneur & Professional “Beatleologist” – YouTube

Deconstructing the Beatles | PBS

Ken Womack:

Kenneth Womack – Wikipedia

Kenneth Womack – Everything Fab Four

Episode 122: LIVING THE BEATLES LEGEND WITH KEN WOMACK AND GARY EVANS – YouTube

SCOTT FREIMAN-DECONSTRUCTING THE BEATLES STORY:

Several years ago a very close friend of mine (the best man at my wedding who was also an avid Beatles devotee) invited me to a local theater to view one of Scott Freiman’s Deconstructing the Beatles programs. To be frank and honest, I was initially resistant to going, thinking “what else could I learn that would be different from what I already know”? It was the subtle arrogance often exhibited by first generation fans who believe they no longer can be surprised, startled or impressed by new Beatles-related information. Luckily, my smarter instincts prevailed and I went to see the filmed presentation of Scott at the theater.

After that first presentation, I never missed another one of his Deconstructing the Beatles film series when it appeared locally. The mark of a good teacher is when the learning of new information is NOT a task, but becomes the welcome assimilation, absorbing and pondering of that information, motivating you to think about what you have just seen or heard. Scott has those skills. He has a mastery of his material and a two hour presentation by him feels like you have only been there for fifteen minutes, leaving you consistently yearning for more… I loved the trivia question section of his presentations that ranged from simple questions to those that might be quite difficult for some. To demonstrate how good of an instructor Scott Freiman is, I have no doubts that even non-Beatle fans who may have attended his lectures, left the theater wanting to know more about the band that contines to fascinate us all.

Here is an example of Scott’s talent as he discusses the connection between Beethoven and the Beatles.

Beethoven, “Because” and John Lennon – YouTube

Here are photos and descriptions of the fabulous Deconstructing the Beatles dvd series as exhibited at the CultureSonar website. As stated before, they are all truly excellent!!!

Unfortunately for those who live outside the United States and Canada it is my understanding that the DECONSTRUCTING THE BEATLES dvd series is currently only available in the USA and Canada.

The photos of the front and back of the dvds are from the CultureSonar website as well as the description of the dvd contents!

“Deconstructing The Beatles” is a multimedia lecture series conceived and delivered by Scott Freiman

© 2025 Deconstructing the Music, LLC. All rights reserved.

Legal services provided by Donaldson + Callif, LLP

Deconstructing the Beatles | A Trip Through Strawberry Fields | Episode 103 | PBS

Deconstructing the Beatles’ “A Hard Day’s Night” and “Help!” 2-Film Set

A Hard Day’s Night: Follow the band’s huge breakthrough in America, culminating in the innovative smash-hit film.

Help!: The creative frenzy continues into 1965, as the band transitioned to a more mature, deeper style of songwriting and production.

Deconstructing The Beatles – CultureSonar

The Beatles “Deconstructing Abbey Road” 2-Film Set

Abbey Road: Side One. This album is so great, we needed two films to cover it. Begin with the so-called “song side” of Abbey Road, with deep dives into “Come Together,” “Something,” “I Want You (She’s So Heavy),” and the rest of Side One, including an analysis of “The Ballad of John and Yoko” and “Old Brown Shoe.”

Abbey Road: Side Two. Learn about the Eastern rhythms on “Here Comes the Sun,” the influence of Beethoven on “Because,” and the reason why “Her Majesty” ended up as the album’s hidden track. Then explore the entire Side Two medley. Also includes deconstructions of “Give Peace a Chance” and “Come and Get It.”

Deconstructing The Beatles – CultureSonar

Deconstructing the Beatles: “The Early Years” Exclusive 2-Film Set

The Birth of the Beatles. From a garden party meeting in 1957 to the “toppermost of the poppermost” by the end of 1962, explore the band’s remarkable Origin Story.

1963: Yeah, Yeah, Yeah: This was the year that defined the “mania.” It began with their early sessions with George Martin and ended with worldwide acclaim. Follow each frenzied step.

Deconstructing The Beatles – CultureSonar

Deconstructing The Beatles – CultureSonar

Deconstructing The Beatles’ “Rubber Soul” Feature Film

Rubber Soul. Make a masterpiece, from scratch, in thirty days? No problem! This is a really entertaining race against the clock

Deconstructing The Beatles – CultureSonar

Deconstructing The Beatles’ “Revolver” – Feature Film

Revolver. Many music polls list Revolver as the top album of all time, with good reason. Dig into this extremely-fertile creative process.

Deconstructing The Beatles – CultureSonar

Deconstructing The Beatles’ “Sgt. Pepper” – Feature Film

Sgt. Pepper. For a band that wasn’t sure it was even a band anymore (having recently stopped touring), The Beatles hit another creative peak here. 

Deconstructing The Beatles – CultureSonar

Deconstructing The Beatles’ “White Album” – Feature Film

The White Album. After the studio wizardry of Sgt. Pepper, the band wanted to get back to basics. The approach may have been simpler, but the breadth of styles — from music hall to metal — is dazzling.

Deconstructing The Beatles – CultureSonar

Deconstructing The Beatles’ “Magical Mystery Tour” – Exclusive Feature Film

Magical Mystery Tour. Failed film. Incredible album. That vastly oversimplifies a complex story, as you’ll see.

Deconstructing The Beatles – CultureSonar

The Beatles “Chords and Progressions” (DVD)

In “Chords and Progressions,” acclaimed “Beatleologist” Scott Freiman explores the Beatles’ chordal songwriting secrets and the music theory behind those progressions. He “deconstructs” more than fifty of their hit songs including Hey Jude, Day Tripper, In My Life, She Loves You and more.

Those of you familiar with Scott’s “Deconstructing The Beatles” films will get an extra kick out of this video. He goes even deeper here, diving into the musicology behind these immortal songs. While you don’t need to know any music theory to understand what Scott’s discussing, it’ll be even more rewarding if you do.

“Chords and Progressions” will help you master the techniques behind many Beatles hits. Then you can apply these songwriting secrets to your to your songs and you, too, can share some of the Lennon & McCartney magic.

Deconstructing The Beatles – CultureSonar

A Special Acquisition

Only 200 copies were issued of this special collectors item that I purchased. Scott had 200 special super collectors editions of the Abbey Road Super Collector 2-dvd set made. Those that purchased this edition had their names placed on the cover of the dvd, and also on a special poster (shown below). The purchasers of this edition also had their names in the credits at the closing of the film. There was a very large frameable canvas-like print of the Abbey Road album cover which would be wonderful to view in anyone’s music room which was provided to the super deluxe purchasers as well.

Abbey Road Super Collectors Edition–ONLY 200 MADE

Here is a description of the package this is on YouTube:

“Deconstructing Abbey Road” Superfan Collectors Edition – YouTube

KEN WOMACK

Ken Womack has several qualities as a Beatles-book author that I distinctly admire. He is an expert researcher. He does not know how to write a bad uninteresting book. He is patient until he gets the answers to the questins he is pondering. He has an insatiable appetite and resolve to find out MORE about the Beatles story, even when critics declare we have heard it all before. When I learned that Ken Womack was chosen to write the biography of Mal Evans, I was ecstatic as I knew the story would be told properly with the sensitivity necessary to fully understand the GENTLE GIANT and his devotion to the greatest band ever. He did an excellent job and he has us all eagerly awaiting the 2nd volume of his Mal book, expected in 2026.

He is an academic and an intellectual but he truly understands the information that the typical Beatles fan yearns for and treasures! He has tremendous Beatles instincts and I am proud to consider him a wonderful Online friend!

LIST OF KEN WOMACK’S BEATLES-RELATED BOOK TITLES

Here are some of the Kenneth Womack book titles that I own. Detailed descriptions of the book contents can be viewed by clicking the respective links provided with each title!

I have given the the links for Amazon US, Amazon UK and the link for The Fest For Beatles Fans. Not all of the titles may be available at all 3 of the sites but the links are provided for your convenience!

Living the Beatles Legend: The Untold Story of Mal Evans―The Untold Story of the Beatles’ Roadie Hardcover – November 14, 2023

by Kenneth Womack (Author) Dey Street Books

FEST FOR BEATLES FANS-SIGNED COPIES

SIGNED: LIVING THE BEATLES LEGEND by KEN WOMACK & MAL’S 2 KIDS [6481] – $50.00 : Beatles Gifts and Products, The Fest for Beatles Fans

AMAZON US
Living the Beatles Legend: The Untold Story of Mal Evans―The Untold Story of the Beatles’ Roadie: Womack, Kenneth: 9780063248526: Amazon.com: Books

AMAZON UK

Living the Beatles Legend: The new biography revealing the untold story of Mal Evans, the perfect gift for fans of the Beatles and music history : Womack, Kenneth: Amazon.co.uk: Books

The Mal Evans Story – Chat With Author Ken Womack: Living The Beatles Legend

Introducing the Beatles: Background and Resources Paperback – September 22, 2023

by Kenneth Womack (Author), Joseph Rapolla (Author)

Kendall Hunt Publishing

US AMAZON

Introducing the Beatles: Background and Resources: Kenneth Womack, Joseph Rapolla: 9798765778500: Amazon.com: Books

UK AMAZON

Introducing the Beatles: Background and Resources: Amazon.co.uk: Kenneth Womack (author)|Joseph Rapolla (author): 9798765778500: Books

FEST FOR BEATLES FANS

Beatles Books : Beatles Gifts and Products, The Fest for Beatles Fans

All Things Must Pass Away: Harrison, Clapton, and Other Assorted Love Songs Hardcover – July 20, 2021

by Kenneth Womack (Author), Jason Kruppa (Author) Chicago Review Press

AMAZON US

All Things Must Pass Away: Harrison, Clapton, and Other Assorted Love Songs: Womack, Kenneth, Kruppa, Jason: 9781641603256: Amazon.com: Books

AMAZON UK

All Things Must Pass Away: Harrison, Clapton, and Other Assorted Love Songs: Womack, Kenneth, Kruppa, Jason: 9781641603256: Amazon.com: Books

FEST FOR BEATLES FANS
Beatles Books : Beatles Gifts and Products, The Fest for Beatles Fans

Fandom and The Beatles: The Act You’ve Known for All These Years

by Kenneth Womack (Editor), Kit O’Toole (Editor) Oxford University Press

FEST FOR BEATLES FANS

Beatles Books : Beatles Gifts and Products, The Fest for Beatles Fans

AMAZON US

Fandom and The Beatles: The Act You’ve Known for All These Years: Womack, Kenneth, O’Toole, Kit: 9780190917869: Amazon.com: Books

AMAZON UK

Fandom and The Beatles: The Act You’ve Known for All These Years: Amazon.co.uk: Womack, Kenneth, O’Toole, Kit: 9780190917869: Books

John Lennon 1980: The Last Days in the Life Paperback – September 15, 2020

by Kenneth Womack (Author) Omnibus Press

FEST FOR BEATLES FANS
Beatles Books : Beatles Gifts and Products, The Fest for Beatles Fans

AMAZON US

John Lennon 1980: The Last Days in the Life: Womack, Kenneth: 9781787601369: Amazon.com: Books

AMAZON UK

John Lennon 1980: The Last Days in the Life: The Final Days: Amazon.co.uk: Kenneth Womack: 9781787601369: Books

The Beatles in Context (Composers in Context)

by Kenneth Womack (Editor) Cambridge University Press Dec. 23, 2021

FEST FOR BEATLES FANS

Beatles Books : Beatles Gifts and Products, The Fest for Beatles Fans

Amazon US

Amazon.com: The Beatles in Context (Composers in Context): 9781108409520: Womack, Kenneth: Books

AMAZON UK

The Beatles in Context (Composers in Context): Amazon.co.uk: Womack, Kenneth: 9781108409520: Books

Solid State: The Story of “Abbey Road” and the End of the Beatles Hardcover – Illustrated, 15 Oct. 2019

by Kenneth Womack (Author), Alan Parsons (Foreword) Cornell University Press

FEST FOR BEATLES FANS

Beatles Books : Beatles Gifts and Products, The Fest for Beatles Fans

Amazon US

Solid State: The Story of “Abbey Road” and the End of the Beatles: Womack, Kenneth, Parsons, Alan: 9781501746857: Amazon.com: Books

AMAZON UK

Solid State: The Story of “Abbey Road” and the End of the Beatles: Amazon.co.uk: Womack, Kenneth, Parsons, Alan: 9781501746857: Books

Maximum Volume: The Life of Beatles Producer George Martin, The Early Years, 1926–1966 Paperback – September 3, 2019 by Kenneth Womack (Author) Chicago Review Press

FEST FOR BEATLES FANS

Beatles Books : Beatles Gifts and Products, The Fest for Beatles Fans

AMAZON US
Maximum Volume: The Life of Beatles Producer George Martin, The Early Years, 1926–1966: Womack, Kenneth: 9781641600057: Amazon.com: Books
AMAZON UK

Maximum Volume: The Life of Beatles Producer George Martin, The Early Years, 1926-1966: Amazon.co.uk: Womack, Kenneth: 9781903360248: Books

Sound Pictures: The Life of Beatles Producer George Martin, The Later Years, 1966–2016 Paperback – September 3, 2019 by Kenneth Womack (Author) Chicago Review Press

FEST FOR BEATLES FANS

Beatles Books : Beatles Gifts and Products, The Fest for Beatles Fans

AMAZON US

Sound Pictures: The Life of Beatles Producer George Martin, The Later Years, 1966–2016: Womack, Kenneth: 9781641602266: Amazon.com: Books

AMAZON UK

Sound Pictures: the Life of Beatles Producer George Martin, the Later Years, 1966-2016: Amazon.co.uk: Womack, Kenneth: 9781903360262: Books

The Beatles Encyclopedia: Everything Fab Four

by Kenneth Womack (Author) Greenwood Publication date-November 21, 2016

FEST FOR BEATLES FANS

Beatles Books : Beatles Gifts and Products, The Fest for Beatles Fans

AMAZON US

The Beatles Encyclopedia: Everything Fab Four: Womack, Kenneth: 9781440844263: Amazon.com: Books

AMAZON UK

The Beatles Encyclopedia: Everything Fab Four : Womack, Kenneth: Amazon.co.uk: Books

The Beatles, Sgt. Pepper, and the Summer of Love (For the Record: Studies in Rock and Popular Music) Hardcover – July 3, 2017 Lexington Books

by Kenneth Womack (Editor), Kathryn B. Cox (Editor), Kenneth L. Campbell (Contributor), Jacqueline Edmondson (Contributor), Michael Frontani (Contributor), Katie Kapurch (Contributor), Mark Osteen (Contributor), Kit O’Toole (Contributor), Joe Rapolla (Contributor), Robert Rodriguez (Contributor), Bruce Spizer (Contributor), Jerry Zolten (Contributor)

FEST FOR BEATLES FANS

Beatles Books : Beatles Gifts and Products, The Fest for Beatles Fans

AMAZON US

The Beatles, Sgt. Pepper, and the Summer of Love (For the Record: Studies in Rock and Popular Music): Womack, Kenneth, Cox, Kathryn B., Campbell, Kenneth L., Edmondson, Jacqueline, Frontani, Michael, Kapurch, Katie, Osteen, Mark, O’Toole, Kit, Rapolla, Joe, Rodriguez, Robert, Spizer, Bruce, Zolten, Jerry: 9781498534734: Amazon.com: Books

AMAZON UK

The Beatles, Sgt. Pepper, and the Summer of Love (For the Record: Studies in Rock and Popular Music) eBook : Womack, Kenneth, Cox, Kathryn B., Campbell, Kenneth L., Edmondson, Jacqueline, Frontani, Michael, Kapurch, Katie, Osteen, Mark, O’Toole, Kit, Rapolla, Joe, Rodriguez, Robert, Spizer, Bruce, Zolten, Jerry: Amazon.co.uk: Kindle Store

New Critical Perspectives on the Beatles: Things We Said Today (Pop Music, Culture and Identity) Hardcover – June 23, 2016by Kenneth Womack (Editor), Katie Kapurch (Editor) Published by Palgrave Macmillan

FEST FOR BEATLES FANS

Beatles Books : Beatles Gifts and Products, The Fest for Beatles Fans

AMAZON US

New Critical Perspectives on the Beatles: Things We Said Today (Pop Music, Culture and Identity): Womack, Kenneth, Kapurch, Katie: 9781137570123: Amazon.com: Books

AMAZON UK

New Critical Perspectives on the Beatles: Things We Said Today (Pop Music, Culture and Identity) eBook : Womack, Kenneth, Kapurch, Katie: Amazon.co.uk: Kindle Store

The Cambridge Companion to the Beatles (Cambridge Companions to Music) Paperback – December 14, 2009

by Kenneth Womack (Editor) Cambridge University Press

FEST FOR BEATLES FANS

Beatles Books : Beatles Gifts and Products, The Fest for Beatles Fans

AMAZON US

The Cambridge Companion to the Beatles (Cambridge Companions to Music): Womack, Kenneth: 9780521689762: Amazon.com: Books

AMAZON UK

The Cambridge Companion to the Beatles (Cambridge Companions to Music) : Womack, Kenneth: Amazon.co.uk: Books

Long and Winding Roads: The Evolving Artistry of the Beatles by Kenneth Womack

AuthorPaperback – May 30, 2007 Published by Continuum

FEST FOR BEATLES FANS

Beatles Books : Beatles Gifts and Products, The Fest for Beatles Fans

AMAZON US
Long and Winding Roads: The Evolving Artistry of the Beatles: Womack, Kenneth: 9780826417466: Amazon.com: Books

AMAZON UK

Long and Winding Roads, Revised Edition: The Evolving Artistry of the Beatles: Amazon.co.uk: Kenneth Womack: 9781501387050: Books

Reading the Beatles: Cultural Studies, Literary Criticism, And the Fab Four Paperback – February 9, 2006

by Kenneth Womack (Editor), Todd F. Davis (Editor) Published by State University of New York Press

FEST FOR BEATLES FANS

Beatles Books : Beatles Gifts and Products, The Fest for Beatles Fans

AMAZON US

Amazon.com: Reading the Beatles: Cultural Studies, Literary Criticism, And the Fab Four: 9780791467169: Womack, Kenneth, Davis, Todd F.: Books

AMAZON UK

The Reading the Beatles: Cultural Studies, Literary Criticism, And the Fab Four: Amazon.co.uk: Womack, Kenneth, Davis, Todd F.: 9780791467169: Books

SCOTT FREIMAN AND KEN WOMACK COLLABORATE AND CONDUCT: THE FAB FOUR MASTER CLASS

You take two bright minds who foster, stimulate and encourage intellectual growth and development, and put them together to teach an Online Beatles Master Class, and you have a clear recipe for success. This fee-based course which you can choose the episodes you wish to purchase, view, and “participate in” are valuable resources to expand your Beatles knowledge. They also have a flat rate where you can decide to pay a single discounted reduced rate to enjoy viewing all of the presentations being offered in that particular Master Class. Details are provided in the links below.

Did I forget to mention that Professor Womack also teaches a Beatles class at Monmouth University in New Jersey? So little time…so much to know! JHB (Yellow Submarine)!

Introducing “The Fab Four Master Class” – YouTube

Fab Four Master Class

Just want to conclude by saying I enjoy the work of both of these highly-skilled educators. I hope they will continue to release more wonderful and powerful works that will make us smile and “think.”

Closing motto: “The Day You Stop Learning, is the Day You Stop Living!”

BUZZ

OUR BOOK OF THE WEEK – RECIPE RECORDS

THE VERY RARE KLAUS VOORMANN DESIGNED LP COVER

The back cover of the LP:

THE STORY BEHIND THE KLAUS RARITY ACQUIRED:

Thorsten Knublauch is the person that I turn to for information about the Beatles in Germany. I also depend upon his expertise when learning about some of the prominent Germans who played a significant role in the Beatles history. Through Thorsten’s efforts, he was able to secure a German Klaus Voormann rarity for me which I thought I would never see and I am extremely grateful for his kindness.

Richard Forrest has stated on his website Klaus Voormann’s Early Record Covers. | recordart that the record cover that I obtained from Thorsten (shown above) is one of the rarest Klaus cover designs, it is not a jazz album like many other Klaus album covers of the time, it is a kind of radio air play. released in Germany. Richard has implied that the album described below by Thorsten may be the Golden Fleece for a Klaus Voormann designed LP cover collector to be able to find for their collections

Only a handful were made and Thorsten assumes that it was an in-house product for the Deutsche Grammophon record company in Germany.

Klaus and many of his existential German colleagues were big fans of jazz music prior to the explosion of beat music which was spearheaded by the Beatles after they had served their training period in Hamburg!

According to Thorsten, Klaus Voormann got a commission from Reinhart Wolf in 1960/1 to illustrate the covers for a series of jazz re-issue EPs called Pioneers of Jazz. These archival recordings were released on the German Coral label, another Deutsche Grammophon imprint at the time. Klaus illustrated all twenty covers. This photograph is from Richard Forrest’s excellent website at the link provided above:

MORE OF THE STORY:

According to Thorsten Knublauch, in late 1961, probably as a Christmas gift for employees at Deutsche Grammophon, Klaus was commissioned to design the cover for the LP album entitled: Wer nie im Bett Programm gemacht. The LP is a a kind of radio air play which distinguishes it from the 20 LP Pioneers ofJazz series that Klaus designed around the same time (see above).

The title of the LP translates thanks to a translation by Thorsten Knublauch: “Who never made (a, or the) program in bed…“

The front cover of the LP where you can see where Klaus acknowledges himself midway up the post that resides at the right hand side- near the foot of the bed it states: VOORMANN

The back cover of the LP:

Apparently the guy on the back cover is replying to what is being said on the front cover (translation provided by Thorsten Knublauch):

It seems this is the listener who writes a letter to the radio station:

“and when I turned off your lame broadcast in disgust, I threw the radio down, which is why I have to charge you the replacement value of the same type….”

Thorsten’s Description

Thorsten’s description to me of what he believes the release was and why? I trust this man’s judgement completely regarding anything that has to do with German based recordings. He is clearly the best!!!

Thorsten Knublauch’s analysis and conjecture regarding the origin of the LP:

“Ok – as far as I found out and theorized – according to the content of the album – I assume this was an in-house product for the Deutsche Grammophon record company in Germany that was located in Hamburg. There were quite a few jokes that relate to other music business companies, radio stations or papers or records mainly in North Germany.

The album itself has no catalogue number – perhaps the stamped number 004169 was it. What is more important is the M1 stamp. As you might know, this is a system on records from the company that means M=12th letter of the alphabet = December (they counted I and J as one as it looks the same in large letters.) 1 means first year of the decade. So the record was pressed December 1961. And guess what – this is the same stamp that you find on the second My Bonnie pressing with the English intro – this had been pressed in December 1961, too, but was released late January early February 62.

So my fair guess is: this was a Christmas gift for staff or customers of the company in 1961…”

Thorsten Knublauch

It is the cover that is interesting for the collector, states Thorsten, as the content was not very impressive!

These images were kindly provided to me by Thorsten Knublauch: The description that Thorsten provided above has the following illustrative images for support:

Here is the indicator that Klaus was involved in the album cover design. As well as his notable artistic style reflected on the cover, his surname also appears on the cover as indicated here:

Here is a different view of the location where the surname of Voormann appears on the cover:

A parting commentary from Thorsten Knublauch and a few comments from me:

“You might know. Klaus worked as a graphic artist for various companies – no idea if freelance or as a staff member. The record sleeves he did at the time – the Jazz EP series or the Walk Don’t Run sleeve were also from the Deutsche Grammophon group in the years 1960-1961. He got the jobs through Reinhart Wolf – the photographer where Astrid, Klaus and Jürgen worked around 1960 as assistants.“

Thorsten has said that collectors should be careful when purchasing the Walk Don’t Run picture sleeve which is historical as this sleeve was presented by Klaus to John Lennon when Klaus introduced himself to the band in Hamburg. Thorsten has informed me that the sleeve has been frequently bootlegged. Be careful not to buy a photocopy or a reprint with colour logo or bands‘ name on the sleeve – as shown here. The original is also shown below the bootleg cover.

A sample of the bootleg cover:

What an original Klaus Voorman “Walk Don’t Run” picture sleeve looks like: (photo sent to me courtesy of Thorsten Knublauch)

In closing this blog post I want to mention the masterwork of Thorsten Knublauch. You should see the incredible prices that this book is currently commanding on Ebay! THE BEATLES MACH SCHAU IN HAMBURG

Published by Apcor Publishing in April of 2021

Back cover of this great book:

Completely sold out!! All 500 copies of the book have been sold and it will not be reprinted! That is one of the reasons it commands high prices if you are fortunate enough to be able to locate one…

Quality-the best term I can use to sum up the book!!!

Thorsten, you are the best!

From your friend Buzz, across the pond!

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 2026

The 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

As a Beatles collector, I always keep a lookout for unusual items not published in the US, like this Japanese Beatles book. This particular larger format magazine type book was published in Japan. As you can see from the couple of sample pages provided, it contains several JL sketches that I do not recall seeing in other publications. I see copies of this often being offered on Ebay! Often I come across foreign publications whereby I do not understand the language the publication is written in, but the photographs alone are worth the price of the purchase. This book is one of those…at least in my opinion!

John Lennon Days 1992 Japan Event Program

32 pages most in full color (colour)

Includes Rare pictures of John’s Daily Howl book

A couple of sample pages from the book/magazine: