Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #157851 in Books
• Published on: 2007-02-15
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 400 pages

Customer Reviews

This is what really happened
If you've ever wondered what actually happened during the recording of such classic albums as 'Revolver', 'Sgt Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band', 'The White Album' and 'Abbey Road' then you must get this book. Geoff Emerick was the engineer for these albums and had as much involvement with the fab four as the more famously known producer George Martin. Great technical insight is given regarding the rather rudimentary technology of the day, along with the outdated working practices at EMI. Geoff also covers some major events in the Beatles history - end of touring, the death of Brian Epstein, the India trip, Yoko's influence etc. It also documents the disintegrating relationships within the group. It's well written and a fascinating and unique insight, I had to read this slowly as I didn't want to finish it! If you're a Beatles fan, and interested in the technology of recording, you'll love this book

A really good read for Beatles fans
I've read numerous books and articles about the Fab Four and you tend to hear the same stories retold over and over. Emerick's book comes from a slightly different angle, due to his more technical involvement in the Beatles' story. As a result, there was a lot in here that I'd not heard before.

His story is told suprisingly candidly, and he appears to pull no punches. His criticism of both Georges (Harrison and Martin) being referenced by other reviewers. Although you've got to be wary of the subjectiveness of his account, there's little in the book and isn't confirmed by various bootlegs, demos and actual albums (e.g. George wasn't a brilliant lead guitarist).

Definitely worth a look, even if you think you've consumed everything there is to know about the Beatles.

AN INFORMATIVE VIEW FROM A TRUE AUTHORITY
I found this particular book quite enjoyable to read. I felt envious of Geoff as he discovered at an early age what he really wanted to do and to his credit he set out and achieved a career path that many of us can envy, more so because he is a person who is actually doing what he loves for a living. His development over time is apparent mostly due to his "open musical mind" which allowed him to broaden his skills to a level that made him a much requested recording engineer by so many musical luminaries.
I had read reviews of the book before I bought and read it and will admit to being a little put off about certain aspects. However having read the book I feel more informed. Yeah Geoff does make certain "negative" observations about the various musical talents of The Beatles. However I guess there are many of us fans out there that don't want to read that their idols are less than they are perceived in our own minds. What is apparent is that the Beatles DID develop into better musicians as time wore on. Geoff's criticism of both George Harrison & Ringo Starr's playing at times should be taken in perspective particularly as much praise is lauded upon George especially, later in the book. Remember George Harrison wasn't a "Clapton/Hendrix calibre" guitar player but his guitar style became very distinctive later in his career. I'm also grateful for the fact that Mr. Emerick refrained from commenting about things that he didn't observe. Therefore after his departure during the "White Album" there is a gap to Abbey Road with a slight reference to the "Let It Be" sessions. He does offer some opinions but he prefaces those with "maybe this happened..." type provisos. His revelations about the recording & mixing of "Revolver" LP and particularly "Yellow Submarine" (the random tape experiment) were surprising and had me playing the original Mono vinyl to hear things for myself. His comments about John's impatience and at times caustic manner only confirm what's been written before about the man. We also already knew that Paul was the band's diplomat but also was the man driving the Beatles at the end when some of his other bandmates were distracted by other diverions (John - Yoko, George - India)
His stories about Paul McCartney's "Band On The Run" & Elvis Costello's "Imperial Bedroom" were also nice diversions. Overall The book is recommended to those with an interest in how the music was made and how a man took a boyhood hobby and turned it into an incredible career.