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4.06 AVERAGE
4.06 AVERAGE
**3.5
It actually physically pains me to rate one of Rob’s books below a 5 Star but this one just didn’t hook me the same way all of his other books have. Definitely more for if you’re a hardcore Beatles fan
It actually physically pains me to rate one of Rob’s books below a 5 Star but this one just didn’t hook me the same way all of his other books have. Definitely more for if you’re a hardcore Beatles fan
I always appreciate Sheffield's writing for its warmth, humor, and unapologetic enthusiasm for pop music. As a fellow Gen X Beatles fan, I really enjoyed his personal perspective as well as his deep knowledge.
Maybe the best book on the Beatles I've ever read
One of the best books about the band I’ve ever read. Like, entertaining, and insightful.
I'm admittedly not a huge music fan, so a lot of what Sheffield--a writer for Rolling Stone--does here is lost on me. I am, however, a Beatles fan. Not as much of one as he is, clearly (I don't think I've ever debated which Beatles album is the best, though I've had discussions about what my favorite album is), but enough of one to enjoy this book.
Sheffield works through the Beatles' career roughly chronologically, from their early days to their solo careers, finishing with the release of 1 in 2000. Some chapters focus on an album, or a song, or something else (the importance of Ringo, Beatles vs. Stones, perception of the Beatles in the 80s vs. in the 90s). It's essentially very knowledgeable music fan's opinions about the Beatles and their songs. Sheffield tends to present as fact various interpretations of the songs and what John/Paul/George were thinking when they wrote them, and what they mean. Which is interesting, of course, but I also take it all with a grain of salt. Sheffield has very strong opinions, and seems to open to acknowledging some of them are wrong.
For Beatles fans, this is an enjoyable look into the band. It's not a cohesive single story, but it gives some insight into the major players and there were definitely some anecdotes I hadn't heard before. Sheffield is more anti-Paul and pro-John than I am by a long shot, and there are a LOT of offhand mentions to other bands/songs/albums that I don't know, so I sometimes felt lost. But it was still a good read.
Sheffield works through the Beatles' career roughly chronologically, from their early days to their solo careers, finishing with the release of 1 in 2000. Some chapters focus on an album, or a song, or something else (the importance of Ringo, Beatles vs. Stones, perception of the Beatles in the 80s vs. in the 90s). It's essentially very knowledgeable music fan's opinions about the Beatles and their songs. Sheffield tends to present as fact various interpretations of the songs and what John/Paul/George were thinking when they wrote them, and what they mean. Which is interesting, of course, but I also take it all with a grain of salt. Sheffield has very strong opinions, and seems to open to acknowledging some of them are wrong.
For Beatles fans, this is an enjoyable look into the band. It's not a cohesive single story, but it gives some insight into the major players and there were definitely some anecdotes I hadn't heard before. Sheffield is more anti-Paul and pro-John than I am by a long shot, and there are a LOT of offhand mentions to other bands/songs/albums that I don't know, so I sometimes felt lost. But it was still a good read.
I read this book because I watched an interview with Bob Odenkirk and he recommended it. Plus I’ve been a Beatles fan my entire life. Not disappointed. Really interesting read.
One of the best Beatle books from a top music critic who loves everything about the band.
funny
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
Really great in-depth look at The Beatles! Loved it
Not the best Beatles book I've ever read. A lot of forced references (calling someone a "Nowhere Boy," etc.), a lot of insistence that his opinion on the best Beatles record is the only right one.
adventurous
informative
reflective
fast-paced