The Beatles on Apple Records [Hardcover]

Bruce Spizer (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 8, 2003

"The Beatles on Apple Records" tells the stories behind the entire Beatles catalog on Apple Records from "Hey Jude" and "The White Album" through "Anthology" and "Beatles 1." The book opens with John and Paul's visit to New York in May, 1968, to promote the Beatles home-grown business venture, Apple Corps. After covering the rise and fall and triumphant return of Apple, the book moves on to the Beatles records released by Apple in America, providing complete songwriting, session and chart information and showing images of all picture sleeves, album covers, labels, ads and promotional posters and displays, all in full color. There are three chapters on the January, 1969 sessions that eventually evolved into the "Let It Be" album and film. These chapters analyze and clarify this confusing phase of Beatles history and review the music recorded during and records released from these sessions. The book also covers the annual Christmas records issued by the group's fan club. The book has over 800 images (color and original black & white) throughout its 310 pages.

Editorial Reviews

Review

An absolute must for fans, historians and collectors alike. Spizer has already produced Goldmine's Beatles book of the year. -- Goldmine Magazine, March 21, 2003

An important, quality publication for Beatles fans. Author Bruce Spizer redefines "perfection" with each new book that he writes. -- The World Beatles Forum, March/April 2003

Comprehensive, lavishly illustrated... The Beatles on Apple Records deserves a place on any Beatles fan's bookshelf. -- Billboard, April 19, 2003

If you don't own these detailed chronicles of the Beatles' recording history, buy them! The Spizer spell continues. -- Day Trippin', Spring, 2003

The Beatles on Apple tells in immense, readable detail of the highs and lows of the band's utopian record-label experiment. -- Rolling Stone, April 17, 2003

You can now know what we knew and see what we saw through this wonderful book. -- Ken Mansfield, First U.S. Manager of Apple Records

You may be thinking, "Why would I possibly need another Beatles book?", but trust me, you need this one. -- Discoveries Magazine, April, 2003

About the Author

Bruce Spizer is a first generation Beatles fan who has quickly become one of the world's most respected authors on the Beatles. He first four books each received rave reviews and were named "Beatles Book of the Year" by Goldmine magazine in their year of publication. Bruce has appeared fequently on television and radio programs as a Beatles expert.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 310 pages
• Publisher: 498 Productions, LLC (February 8, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0966264940
• ISBN-13: 978-0966264944
• Product Dimensions: 12.1 x 9.1 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,115,013 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars E IS FOR EXCELLENT, EXHAUSTIVE & ENJOYABLE!, July 18, 2003

By 

PETER XUEREB (SYDNEY, NEW SOUTH WALES Australia) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Beatles on Apple Records (Hardcover)

I received this book a couple of days ago with it's Vee-Jay companion (see my seperate review of that one). Like his other books including the Capitol Volumes, Bruce Spizer takes us where no one has gone before. You get a real history lesson with his works. This particular volume answers a lot of questions. The "Hey Jude" LP's release was always mystery especially as it was released here in Australia as part of The Beatles regular catalogue. I've wondered why 1964's "Can't Buy Me Love" & "I Should Have Known Better" had been included as they seemed out of place on that LP next to the other 8 tracks as those recordings came from 1966-69 era and particularly at the expense of "The Inner Light" & "Get Back". Bruce answers that question and so many more. The depictions of the originally planned "Get Back" covers are wonderful and it's kind of a pity that that cover wasn't retained when "Let It Be" was released eventually. Skipping ahead to the Anthology stuff and while I'm glad I bought CD & the vinyl 45's of "Free As A Bird" & "Real Love", I now wish I'd done the same with the Anthology LP's instead of just buying the CD's. I'll have to hunt around now. Overall Bruce Spizer has outdone himself yet again especially with his massive attention to detail which is never an issue with this author. However Bruce, how about a section somewhere (or even another book!) on the Capitol/Parlophone compilations of the 70's & 80's after Apple was suspended/ceased in 1976 - Namely "Rock 'n' Roll Music", "Love Songs", The Beatles At The Hollywood Bowl" (though this was probably covered in the Capitol Albums book) "Rarities" (US Version), "Reel Music", "Beatles Ballads" & "20 Greatest Hits". These particular albums probably merit something of a mention in their own right. In the meantime I really look forward to his "Apple - The Solo Years Book" in 2004. As I've said elsewhere, if you're a diehard Beatles fan or a just a collector of great Rock Music books, then you should have this one gracing your collection.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Painstaking look at Apple Records releases by the fabs, April 15, 2003

By 

WTDK "If at first the idea is not absurd, the... (My Little Blue Window, USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Beatles on Apple Records (Hardcover)

I remember The Beatles Alpha and Omega. I wondered why they and Apple would repackage The Beatles classics (along with some solo songs as well) in such a cheap way during the 70's. The collection featured 60 songs and I ordered it. It's no surprise to find out that Bruce Spizer's excellent book mentions this collection even though it was authorized or put out by Apple.

I used to be a collector. That was before children, a mortgage and life changed things. Unfortunately, a lot of what I had was destroyed or lost over time with moving, etc. Which is why Bruce Spizer's account of Apple Records is so fun. It's like having every single conceivable Beatles Apple release available. He discusses the making, mastering and marketing of various Beatles albums and releases in the US.

Bruce has done a terrific job with this sequel to his three previous volumes on The Beatles (The Beatles On Vee Jay, The Beatles Singles and The Beatles Story on Capitol Records). This book is packed with sharp observations about the band, Apple and their releases and all with glorious color illustrations on high quality paper. I had always wondered, for example, why the album Hey Jude (aka The Beatles Again) was created and by whom. Bruce digs out the information as to the who, what where and whys.

My only disappointment is the lack of information on the CD reissues by EMI & Capitol during the 80's through today. While I got sucked into the CD vaccum (like many people)I do enjoy the convenience of the smaller format for the car. Yes, the artwork leaves much to be desired but it has it's uses. I understand that there's less artwork and variation involved in the manufacturing of CDs (perhaps). I'm sure Bruce might address these in the future (along with the eventual release of The Beatles' catalog on either DVD or SACD).

As it stands, Bruce has done a great job and the book is exacting and well researched (as usual). I'm hoping someone can talk him into doing a book on the other releases for Apple (The Beatles solo albums and all the artist's they signed). Although this book appears quite pricey, the quality of the paper, binding and the material make it well worth the cost.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Bruce Spizer is batting 1000- 4 Books, 4 Hits, March 10, 2003

By 

Edward L. Lifton "Woody- the-beatles-history.... (Boca Raton, Florida United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Beatles on Apple Records (Hardcover)

This is Bruce Spizer's fourth book on the Beatles Records and music. Each edition has been better than the last. In this installment Bruce details the story of the Beatles and their music, released on the Beatles own label, Apple Records. I am the creator of a radio show exploring the creation of the Beatles music and Bruce's books are my #1 source for information. Bruce was kind enough to send me an advanced copy of his chapter on the White Album, to help me create one of my best shows.
If you like the Beatles, these books will bring you great pleasure and educate you. If you love the Beatles, then Bruce's books should be your bible. Start with this book or start at the beginning with his Vee-Jay Records book, but start reading Bruce's books today.