Revolution in the Head: The "Beatles" Records and the Sixties [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.

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.

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 the sometimes baffling language of a trained musician (infectious though it was!) this book analyses the songs not only for their musical merit but for the impact they had or have in a historical context. An ambitious project for sure as we are no more than 40 years on from most of their recorded output. Analysing the work of, say Gilbert & Sullivan, is in the happy knowledge that their best known songs at least have lasted for 120+ years. But with The Beatles' songs it is harder to say which will be talked about in the 22nd Century! So we can perhaps forgive Macdonald for not heaping praise on EVERY track.
Having said that, I cannot help offering my subjective opinion. Why oh why does Macdonald dismiss "Across The Universe" as boring? Why does he slag off that great Side 3 opener from the White Album "Birthday" or even George's "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" from the same album? Difficult to comprehend that one. Or why is he luke warm about "Obla-Di Obla-Da"? And utterly dismissive of "Maxwell". But it has to be said these are the exceptions, a handful out of 150+ songs. In most cases, he hits the nail right on the head in an incisive and intelligent manner which in fact has the effect of encouraging readers to dig the songs out and appreciate them if not in a new light at least with added insight into the meaning of the songs or the reason why they are such a class above most of what has come since. That is an admirable achievement these days when it is tempting for everyone to take this band for granted. History will not. My grandchildren can write this review in 75 years from now and prove me right. And I also commend Macdonald for his honest and perceptive opinions on for example Lennon's lacklustre if not downright faulty bass playing on his partner's classic "Long & Winding Road". This book gives not only an opinion on the songs but also important insight into the chemistry of this band. I hated chemistry at school, but the word takes on a whole new meaning when we talk about these four individuals. In most cases, the chemistry was close to perfection.
This is an important book and it deserves to be part of the curriculum at any school in centuries to come. There are not many Beatles books you can say that about.