Customer Reviews

The Beatles: The Ultimate Recording Guide

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A dream-come-true for any Beatles fan or collector, this is the only up-to-date, complete, accurate Beatles record reference published to date. The only books in the Beatles literature that can compare with the quality and value of this volume are those written by Mark Lewisohn, particularly his "COMPLETE BEATLES CHRONICLE." Wiener's book, unlike Lewisohn's, includes every recording the Beatles ever made, both as a group and later as individual solo artists. It also includes all of their unreleased recordings, of which there are hundreds ranging from studio outtakes to crude home demos, rehearsals, concerts, radio and television appearances, and even recorded interviews. Of even greater value is the listing of dozens or bootleg records and CDs on which these rarities and curiosities can be heard. With the exception of the recent "ANTHOLOGY" releases, the book is a complete, accurate guide to all known Beatles recordings, and at an incredibly low price. The book is divided into several well-organized sections, including a recording chronology of their released material, U.S. and British discographies, a chronology of unreleased recordings and bootleg releases of them, a list of alternate versions (there are an amazing number of these), rare special releases, plus appendixes listing guest appearances by the Beatles on other artists' recordings, and video releases. There are a number of other Beatles references that claim expertise for their authors and accuracy and completeness of information, but these must be viewed as "pretenders" when stacked up against Wiener or Lewisohn; they are the class in their league. Betty Mitchell

This book is the most comprehensive Beatle book I've ever read, and it helped a ton in completion of my Beatle web page. There just isn't a better book on the market.

weiner divides his book into easy to decipher and read chronologies and for this he deserves a medal. though all of the information he gathers is available elsewhere having it in one volume is particularly useful . his concise chapter on various versions and mixes of the songs is a godsend.

A fabulous Beatles "timeline diary" of their professional activities. It reads alot better than that description though. Helps one to focus on the myriad of events that the Beatles experienced and endured. You will read it and wonder how they had the energy to do what they did. An exhausting lifestyle. A great starting point to understand the internal Beatles experience. Presented in "day by day" diary format.

Not novelized. Not embellished. Just facts. A working documentary rather than a sensational expose'. Extremely useful to the serious collector.

Harrowing.