- Paperback: 388 pages
- Publisher: Pimlico; New edition edition (3 Aug 1995)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0712662081
- ISBN-13: 978-0712662086
- Product Dimensions: 19.4 x 13 x 2.8 cm
- Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (23 customer reviews)
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Amazon Bestsellers Rank:
160,922 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #77 in Books > Music, Stage & Screen > Music > Styles > Rock & Pop > Singers & Groups > Beatles
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Product Description
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 --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
--"Observer"
"Arguably the most indispensable Beatles book ever published has just become more indispensable."
--"Uncut"
"A triumph -- compelling, seductive, delightful."
--Nick Hornby --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
38 of 38 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
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!
20 of 21 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
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.
20 of 21 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
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.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
REVOLUTIONARY WRITINGS ON THE FAB FOUR
Whilst 'The Complete Beatles Chronicles' remains the definitive 'technical' book written about the Beatles recording career, 'Revolution In The Head' is perhaps the best read. Read more
Published on 30 July 2008 by Mr. Christopher J. Welch
Great book
I found this very insightful and continually interesting. MacDonald was a graceful writer and his books are full of engaging passages.
Published on 31 Mar 2008 by Wowee Zowee
You Say You Want a Revolution...
This extraordinary book critiques most of the Beatles' songs. It dissects, analyzes and explains the lyrics of the Beatles' songs; it compliments the intelligence of all readers. Read more
Published on 18 Jun 2007 by BeatleBangs1964
A Book Of Remarkable Perception
Not since Wilfred Mellors' "Twilight Of The Gods" has one man analysed The Beatles' songs in such consummate detail, and whereas Mellors' book concentrated on the musical side, in... Read more
Published on 2 Dec 2004
Very interesting, but not for everyone
Revolution in the Head is a supreme piece of music criticism dealing with the records of the Beatles. Read more
Published on 9 Mar 2004 by M. Cole
Monumental
This is a unique achievement. Two polemical theses (addressing firstly the decline of meaning over the past 40 years and then the role popular music played/plays in the social... Read more
Published on 23 Feb 2004
Definative
This is likely to remain the definitive study of the Beatles music for many years to come.Insightful, witty,learned without making heavy weather of the fact. Read more
Published on 16 Feb 2004 by a real Londoner
The perfect companion for your Beatles collection
Taken song by song in the order that they were recorded, from the very first time the Fab Four laid down their wares on vinyl, right to the bitter end, "Revolution In The Head" is... Read more
Published on 16 Jan 2004 by Touring Mars
Poor Binding!
I really love this book. However I do have a complaint: the binding sucks (paperback version). I have the book for about 3 weeks or so and already pages are begining to fall out of... Read more
Published on 8 Oct 2003 by Tommy Curnyn
not quite as good as some people say
This book has received almost estatic reviews - and it IS a really interesting read, but it has a few major flaws. Read more
Published on 14 May 2003 by J. Whitworth
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