Product Description

A nostalgic look at the 1960s through the pop group which shaped a generation, the Beatles. Here, the Beatles are pinpointed, record by record, against the backdrop of that vibrant era.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #99079 in Books
• Published on: 1995-08-03
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 388 pages

Review
"MacDonald's inspired critique has become the work against which all other Beatles books are measured."
--"Observer"
"Arguably the most indispensable Beatles book ever published has just become more indispensable."
--"Uncut"
"A triumph -- compelling, seductive, delightful."
--Nick Hornby

Customer Reviews

A study in music criticism, not just for Beatle fans
At last, here is a serious, artistic book about the greatest popular music force since jazz, and one of the greatest collection of musicians since Mozart and Beethoven........

Scrap all that............You see, the beauty of "Revolution in the Head" is that it is objective and does not eulogise the Fabs nor forgive their bad moments. Fans may be shocked to read the slating MacDonald gives to "Across the Universe" or "Ob-La-Di Ob-La-Da", but it only serves to increase ones respect for the man - here is not some star-struck individual writing a glorified fan-zine, but someone genuinely attempting (and for the most part succeeding) to write an analysis of an important body of work to rival famous critiques of the world's greatest writers, poets and musicians.

On almost every page, even the most knowledgeable Beatle fan cannot fail to be impressed by those little insights which MacDonald picks up on. An example, if a little corny, is when he points out that "For No-One" ends on an unresolved chord, mirroring the relationship described in the lyric. And his long critiques of arguably the Beatles' two most important works, "Revolution" and "A Day in the Life" are astonishing.

The Beatles were so prolific, considering the fact that they were only recording for 8 years, and yet most people would agree that their work is consistently strong, with scores of works of brilliance and even genius. Unfortunately, the proliferation of books written about them is mostly infinitely below this standard. Well here is a book about the Beatles which is as good as (almost) any of their songs.

And you can't give more praise than that!

An essential breakdown of the Beatles music
After all that has been written about the Beatles you would think it would be impossible to offer real, fresh insight into their music. but this book does. McDonald explains in many cases what qualities make certain songs great or mediocre. And he is not afraid to voice unorhodox opinions, such as saying that "Day Tripper" is a rather tired song.( I don't agree, but I admire his candor.) He also has managed to break down the contributions of the individual Beatles to many of their songs. For instance, George Harrison made "Drive My Car" more of an homage to the Otis Redding records he was digging at the time by doubling a super-funky guitar and bass pattern. If you find these snippets fascinating, you'll find scores of them in Revolution in the Head. And like any well-written rock&roll read, it makes you want to listen to their songs all at once.

An inspirational masterpiece!
Having read tons of books & column inches about the Fab Four, I can honestly say that this book was a real breath of fresh air. It is a thoroughly interesting & entertaining read for anyone with the slightest interest in the Beatles. The introductory essay about the sixties helps to put the Beatles firmly into context, but the real pleasure comes from McDonald's analysis of the Beatles songs.

You may or may not agree with some of his comments, but they are thought provoking & usually spot on. I was outraged by his dismissal of 'Across the Universe', but unlike a previous reviewer I though his judgement of 'Helter Skelter' was absolutely accurate! This is an essential book for anyone interested in the Beatles. The only time you will put this book down is to put a Beatles record on to LISTEN with new ears. I can't recommend this book enough.