Great Northern Books Ltd Presents: “With The Beatles” set for August 2024 release
Description of the Book:
Amazon UK will be carrying this wonderful book with US distributors currently being discussed, and I look forward to adding this title to my large Beatles library. “Something New” is not just the title of a US Beatles LP release, it also refers to any Beatles information that we may not have been exposed to previously. That is the litmus test for me as a Beatles book collector. Does it add additional information or perspectives about the group and make a unique contribution to the Beatles fan knowledge base? Knowing Patrick, I am sure that criteria will be thoroughly satisfied with this exciting new title!!!
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Just finished this book and it’s one heck of a read. The way the pages are laid out makes it feel more like 858 pages rather than the official 429!
Crammed full of interesting facts, insights and opinions and I learnt a lot of stuff I didn’t already know, even as a veteran reader of umpteen books on the Beatles.
I’m only a year or two younger than the author and could, for the most part, identify with his perspectives especially his comments as to the slightly reduced standing of the Beatles in the 1970’s as a result of (a) the fact they were defunct (b) competition around at the time in the form of the likes of Zeppelin, Floyd etc.
It’s fascinating that even the biggest names on the planet are reduced to gibbering wrecks in the company of a Beatle and that the Beatles themselves achieved what they did whilst still in their 20’s.
I particularly liked the throwaway comment by the accountant who casually stated “My father was in the Beatles”! Not referring to John, Paul, George or Ringo, of course, but one Chas Newby who had filled in on bass for a few gigs before they were famous.
On the subject of the music, however, it’s interesting that my views are sometimes sharply at odds with the author’s. For instance he feels that the singles “I Feel Fine”, “Ticket To Ride” and “Day Tripper” were disappointing and substandard whereas from my perspective they are three of the best things they did and a clear indication of their growing maturity as songwriters. Indeed, Jimi Hendrix felt “Day Tripper” worthy of covering. In addition the author describes “Fixing A Hole”, “Getting Better” and “Lovely Rita” as ‘filler’ on Pepper which would have been better served by the inclusion of “Strawberry Fields” and “Penny Lane”. Whilst I would certainly agree as regards “Strawberry Fields” and “Penny Lane” (although I understand Brian Epstein’s pressing need for a single) I view “Fixing A Hole”, “Getting Better” and “Lovely Rita” as three of the strongest tracks on the album and would also have included “It’s Only A Northern Song” and “It’s All Too Much” (although the timeline might have made this tricky for the latter) which were more in keeping with the psychedelic tone of the album and the year – even today “She’s Leaving Home” and “When I’m 64” don’t quite resonate for me when listening to Pepper (which, I have to confess, I still do a lot!).
These are minor quibbles, however (although I feel better for getting them off my chest!) and I would not hesitate to recommend this book to both fans of the Beatles (you’re bound to learn something) and non-fans (you’ll learn a heck of a lot and may even be converted!).
Thank you for your well-thought out comments, Graham. I too, have a few disagreements with Patrick about some of his observations in the book, but in general, I love the title and I respect Patrick as a journalist and as witness to an exciting time in all of our lives. Hope you share your thoughts on other books presented on this blog in the future. Thank you!
There was a previous book of the same title by someone else, and of course the LP record. Would another title be more suitable for this. I will buy it anyway, so just a thought…
Brian: I have sent your comment directly to the author! Thanks for your input.
Thanks Brian, fair comment. I went for the title because I did interview Paul, George & Ringo (and only missed John by a few months) and the publisher came up with the idea of using same typeface as 2nd Beatle UK LP so it all came together, right now… Let me know what you think of the book when you have a chance to read it…