- Hardcover: 224 pages
- Publisher: Little, Brown & Company; New edition edition (1 Oct 1998)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0316641316
- ISBN-13: 978-0316641319
- Product Dimensions: 27.8 x 22.2 x 2.4 cm
- Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
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Amazon Bestsellers Rank:
105,889 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #50 in Books > Music, Stage & Screen > Music > Styles > Rock & Pop > Singers & Groups > Beatles
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Product Description
Amazon.co.uk Review
Originally published in 1969 in two volumes, this collection is issued for the first time in hardback. For those unfamiliar with previous editions, the book is a compilation of 206 Beatles lyrics as illustrated both by fans and by internationally famous artists of the time such as David Bailey, David Hockney, and Ralph Steadman. Edited by designer Alan Aldridge, it also features quotes from the band, specially commissioned photographs, and many of the songs they wrote for other artists such as Cilla Black and PJ Proby.
In interpreting the lyrics, the illustrators breathe new life into the words and flesh out basic love songs such as "Love Me Do" and "She Loves You" with their surreal and psychedelic images. Similarly, the more mature lyrics of later songs such as "Eleanor Rigby" and "Norwegian Wood", which are effective as words alone, also profit from visual enhancement. The diverse material on offer encompasses a broad spectrum of styles that range from the nursery rhyme-like "Yellow Submarine" through the hallucinogenic "Strawberry Fields Forever" and the abstract "I Am The Walrus" to the reflective beauty of "Across the Universe". As with poems, lyrics will always be open to interpretation and the Beatles songs have suffered more dissection than most. However, the illustrations not only successfully capture the essence of the songs but also provide a fascinating reflection of 1960s culture, perhaps most notably by the frequent use of sexist imagery.
The Beatles' enormous contribution to art, fashion, and music in the 1960s cannot be under- estimated, nor can their lasting impact on popular culture be disputed, making this definitive collection as relevant today as it was then. The lavish presentation with full colour illustrations ensures it is essential both for casual fans and for obsessive devotees who wish to deconstruct every word of every lyric. The Fab Four changed the world and this is a wonderful example of their colossal talent. --Robert Brookes
Product Description
Aiming to reflect the mood of the 1960s, this collection of Beatles lyrics and colour illustrations was first published in two separate volumes in 1969 and 1971. The many illustrators include Clive Arrowsmith, David Bailey, Mel Calman, David Hockney, Ronald Searle, Peter Max and Ralph Steadman.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
This is a very nice hardback volume with all the lyrics to all the Beatles songs. Well, almost all: it includes the Harrison songs from Revolver, Sgt. Pepper, and Magical Mystery Tour, and "The Inner Light", but not his other ones. Presumably they couldn't get the rights or something. Nor does it include the two Ringo Starr compositions for the Beatles, or any covers that they did.
It does have all the Lennon/McCartney songs, though, as well as the songs they gave to other artists during that time, like Bad To Me, Come and Get It, etc. and Lennon's first two solo singles which were credited to Lennon/McCartney: Give Peace a Chance and Cold Turkey. Some 187 in all. It's very amply illustrated, with drawings by artists of the time (1969 was when it was first published). The drawings are very varied and imaginative and add a lot to the book. Quite a bit of colourful psychedelic stuff, especially those by the book's editor Alan Aldridge, but also lots of other things in many different styles, as well as the occasional photo. It also includes lots of quotes dotted through by and about the Beatles. Admittedly some of the earlier lyrics don't give much scope for illustration, but are here for the sake of completeness. All in all, a very nice volume for anyone who likes the words and music of Lennon and McCartney.
It does have all the Lennon/McCartney songs, though, as well as the songs they gave to other artists during that time, like Bad To Me, Come and Get It, etc. and Lennon's first two solo singles which were credited to Lennon/McCartney: Give Peace a Chance and Cold Turkey. Some 187 in all. It's very amply illustrated, with drawings by artists of the time (1969 was when it was first published). The drawings are very varied and imaginative and add a lot to the book. Quite a bit of colourful psychedelic stuff, especially those by the book's editor Alan Aldridge, but also lots of other things in many different styles, as well as the occasional photo. It also includes lots of quotes dotted through by and about the Beatles. Admittedly some of the earlier lyrics don't give much scope for illustration, but are here for the sake of completeness. All in all, a very nice volume for anyone who likes the words and music of Lennon and McCartney.
8 of 16 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
This book supplies the lyrics to most of the songs released by the Beatles during their recording career. It includes album tracks as well as singles but, as most beatles album tracks are nearly as well known as the singles that is no bad thing.
As far as I can see, it serves two purposes, one is for budding Karaoke singers to practice to and the other is to settle arguments (did they really sing Yellow Matter Custard Dripping From A Dead Dogs Eye - see I am the Walrus).
My personal view is that the illustrations merely break up the monotony of endless words. The fact that they are from well known (at the time) artists is neither here nor there. Still, they are pretty to look at.
If you want to know what the Fabs sang all those years ago, this is the definitive resource
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