I've read approx. 15-20 books on the Beatles, and as a composer myself, this is the most interesting I've read. Why? Because the author understands *music*, and the structure of compositions. This is clear from the very beginning.

He only focuses on the Beatle's "story" as subtext to the changes in their music. So don't expect lots of arguments pro / con McCartney taking over the band with Sgt. Pepper's, whether Ono REALLY broke up the Beatles (she didn't - that's naive and awfully simplistic).

These events / changes are only background fodder for discussing the music. I find that incredibly refreshing.

So what you can expect is what makes the harmonies sound so amazing, or rhythmic influences, compositional trends, growth in lyric-writing, depth of instrumentation, the musical contributions of George Martin, etc.

And I've read the previous reviews posted here, and have to say: This author isn't pro-Lennon and anti-McCartney. Even while complimenting a particular Lennon melody, he writes words to the effect, "...which is interesting because Lennon is not known for being a great melodist, at least not as long as McCartney is around."

He also references the fact that McCartney was (by far) the best musician in the group, and also a better lead guitarist than Harrison, although he says it as gently as possible.

The reality is that Lennon led the Beatles for the first few years, with McCartney assuming more and more responsibility circa Rubber Soul, and really taking over with Sgt. Pepper, as Lennon could no longer be bothered with being the leader anymore. Towards the end there was a real struggle to maintain the vision of the Beatles that each person had - and their visions were different. So there was a clash (beginning with the White Album, most likely), and that never strayed far from the studio I'm sure. And this book does reflect that reality - but it doesn't make judgments either way. Nor should it - it's irrelevant to the discussion at hand: The musical revolution taking place in Studio 2 at Abbey Road.

Personally, I am an admirer of both writers / singers for their individual talents and abilities, and I think this book reflects on their musical contributions to the 20th century rather well.

A must for aspiring music writers / critics, musicians and composers.

Curiously, I would say Beatlemania-type fans need not apply; there are real biographies out there with loads of stories & trivia - this book is a serious review of what made the music so new, and original, so historically important. It treats the Beatles as if they belong in the same breath as Bernstein, Monk, Ellington, Porter, Wagner, Schubert, etc. If that's what interests you, this book is DEFINITELY for you.


brilliant   November 2, 2002
Zed Franklin (TX)
3 out of 5 found this review helpful

Not only is Allan Kozinn a fantastic music critic for the New York Times, but he's also a Beatles expert! His supple writing style is a joy to read and his research is thorough. Well worth the read.


competent but unbalanced   February 9, 2000
C. Cleveland (Dryden, NY United States)
7 out of 8 found this review helpful

Kozinn's book is a competent summary of the Beatles' performance and recording career, and is refreshingly calm and balanced in its discussion of the causes for the Beatles' disbanding. It's a safe book for the relatively uninformed to read. But it fails in its stated intention of getting at the "mechanisms" of the Beatles' innovative genius. Although Kozinn is genuinely appreciative of Lennon's genius, the book commits the common sin of dismissing McCartney's contributions as a sort of idiot savant knack for commercial melodies. Without getting more than about 20% McCartney into the Lennon-McCartney mix, you really can't get a grip on the songbook or the remarkable recording revolution these two young men were responsible for. A more accurate title would have been "John Lennon and Other Musicians."


competent but unbalanced   December 29, 1999
C. Cleveland (Dryden, NY United States)
4 out of 7 found this review helpful

Kozinn's book is a competent summary of the Beatles performance and recording career, and is refreshingly calm and balanced in its discussion of the causes for the Beatles' disbanding. It's a safe book for the relatively uninformed to read. But it fails in its stated intention of getting at the "mechanisms" of the Beatles' innovative genius. Although Kozinn is genuinely appreciative of Lennon's genius, the book commits the common sin of dismissing McCartney's contributions as a sort of idiot savant knack for commercial melodies. Without getting more than about 20% McCartney into the Lennon-McCartney mix, you really can't get a grip on the songbook or the remarkable recording revolution these two young men were responsible for. A more accurate title would have been "John Lennon and Other Musicians."


An outstanding book   April 16, 1998
DVD Watch (California, USA.)
6 out of 9 found this review helpful

Kozinn brings an interesting perspective to his book on the Beatles. He is a well-known classical music reviewer for the New York Times. But, at the same time, he's also been the Times' Beatles reporter for many years. He also has interviewed members of the group on a number of occasions. This book is one of the best analytical studies on the Beatles and their music you'll find. Well worth getting.