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Fab Four FAQ 2.0: The Beatles' Solo Years: 1970-1980 (Book) (Faq Series)

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Beatle fans young and old should enjoy FAB FOUR FAQ 2.0, Robert Rodriguez's newly-published guide to John, Paul, George and Ringo's activities during the 1970s. Like his earlier FAB FOUR FAQ book, published in 2007, FAB FOUR FAQ 2.0 is a wide-ranging, critical yet affectionate chronicle of JPG&R along with wives, lovers, friends, fellow musicians, business associates and others going down their separate long and winding roads. For the four men, musically and personally the 1970s were very much a mixed bag, great musical succcess and personal highpoints being interspersed with god-awful duds and assorted 'I-can't-believe-he-did-that' moments. FAB FOUR FAQ 2.0 has it all. And it's a great read to boot; Rodriquez is a gifted writer!

FAB FOUR FAQ 2.0 is arranged chronologically. The section for 1970 takes up 40 pages, 1971, 51 pages and so on. Though the book is sub-titled THE BEATLES' SOLO YEARS, 1970-1980, Rodriguez actually begins by recounting the solo work - WONDERWALL, SENTIMENTAL JOURNEY, INSTANT KARMA, UNFINISHED MUSIC NO. 1 & 2, etc. - done prior to the breakup and the various examples of Beatles helping Beatles throughout the decade. He goes on to describe and critique the various albums produced by JPG&R, the critical and popular response to each along with chart performance, Rodriguez's picks of best albums/worst albums, the various incarnations of Wings, concert and film work, TV appearances, charity work, the evolving relationship between the four, personal developments (marriages, divorces, drug problems, legal problems, etc.), media coverage during the 1970s, legends/rumors/myths and so on. Dozens of photographs, album covers, record jackets and memorabilia complement Rodriguez's well-done and informative text.

Despite being a long-time Beatles fan, I was pleased and surprised by the new information and insights I found in Rodriguez's book. Younger fans of JPG&R should find FAB FOUR FAQ 2.0 especially useful about "just what were those four up to in the 1970s?" All in all, an interesting and informative book Beatle fans of all ages will enjoy. Recommended.

Having thoroughly enjoyed Rob Rodriguez' previous "Fab Four FAQ" (written with Stuart Shea), I was delighted to hear of "2.0" examining the glorious first decade of the solo Beatle years.

Like the first volume, the book is broken up into diverse chapters (not a straight timeline) making what is a very enjoyable read, a good reference source as well. In this format, topics such as stage appearances, studio cameos, TV appearances, films, etc are neatly grouped. As with the first volume, the fact checking and depth of research are commendable.

Beyond covering the core story, Rodriguez expands into territory such as fandom, with some interesting reading on things such as the Beatlefest phenomenon. It is indeed refreshing to see an author "in touch" with his target audience in a way many writers ignore.

Highly recommended.

Having been born in 1963, I came of age in the 1970's not with The Beatles as a functioning unit, but with the four separate entities of John, Paul, George and Ringo. While I was very aware of the Fab's pre-ex endeavors, it was their 1970's solo recordings, television appearances and other miscellaneous happenings that my adolescent years are most intertwined with.

Focusing on the decade immediately following their break-up, Fab Four FAQ 2.0 by Robert Rodriguez is an engaging, in-depth, and reflective account of what 1970's-era Beatles fans would have been watching, wondering, listening to or talking about. The book's chapter topics are presented in the same "start anywhere" approach as the previous Beatles FAQ book. As such, this makes for a very conversational and informal read, offered in non-sequential multi-course servings that Beatlefans will love to chew on and dissect with relish.

Having read a lot of Beatles books over the years, I'm aware of two traps that authors often fell into: judgemental arm-chair quarterbacking or fawning revisionism (of which the "my-fave-fab-can-do-no-wrong" altar worshipping could be considered a subset). Happily, this is not the case here.

Robert attentively presents the topics of choice within the context of the times, providing a framework in which he explains - not defends or rationalizes - the ex-Fabs actions or artistic states-of-mind. Interwoven with his own reflections that come with the inevitable 20/20 hindsight of a decade nearly two-score removed, it's a compositional equilibrium rarely experienced in Beatles books: the passion of a life-long fan whose eyes (and ears) opened wide to each well-known, re-discovered or recently unearthed nugget of Beatle-ness, and the diligence of a historical researcher who won't repeat what's erroneously been re-told, sensationalized, or diluted through the years.

Then there are the recordings. The number ones, the bottom rungs, the artistic Everests and the slaughtered lambs; each with a story, setting or frame of reference to enlighten what we Beatles fans thought we already knew; a quadro-dimensional overlay of efforts that often revealed when one was ebbing, another was likely flowing. At one point Robert tallies up their combined quantitative output as solo artists during the decade; the sum is nothing short of astounding, to the extent of cosmically contemplating the alternate universe that could have existed, if only they had...(read chapter 32 to see just how close they often came).

For many of us who grew up with John, Paul, George and Ringo as solo artists, the dream is not over; for as long as we have a shuffle setting on our musical apparatus of choice, we'll always be able to mix our own lost, great Beatles album from the decade when one become four.

In his latest book, Robert Rodriguez picks up where his first volume Fab Four FAQ left off. His new volume, Fab Four FAQ 2.0 continues the story with the musical activities and ongoings of the solo Beatles from 1970-1980, a decade full of amazing artistic achievements and some crushing lows as well, but with the Fab past not too far in the rear-view mirror, always very interesting.

In short, this book is a triumph in its thorough research, its judicious selection of salient events and moments from the post-Beatles solo years, and its delightful prose style. Readers will find a wealth of information packed in the pages of this sturdy volume, and, to this reviewer's mind, this book even surpasses the first effort. The chronological layout, the stronger narrative thread and the overall thematic organization are all superior, resulting in a rich and entertaining tome.

I've noticed over the past five to ten years that a good many Beatle books have become expanded "lists" or compilations of "data chunk" sections. Not so here. Read straight through (as I did) or as stand-alone subject chapters, Rodriguez's book is an actual narrative that recounts the Beatles' story in the decade after the breakup with an obvious fondness for the subject and masterful attention to detail. Has anyone written this knowledgeably and passionately about the solo Beatles' albums and artistic achievements of the 70's? The only book that readily comes to mind is The Beatles Forever by Nicholas Schaffner, and it is interesting to consider this book in that light.
Like Schaffner, Rodriguez recounts the era with great humor, a collector's heart and a firm grip on the facts. Fab Four FAQ 2.0 brings a fresh point of view and telling to well-known events. Even hardcores will learn something new here or gain a new perspective to a familiar song, album, concert or oft-told Fab story.

The book starts off by recapping the solo efforts that were already starting to surface while the group was still intact. Then, the text moves on to its muscle with core chapters that cover the best albums, worst efforts, hit singles, noteworthy movies and television appearances, near reunions, and songs/albums that merit a critical reappraisal. It succeeds by placing the focus on the music and by fleshing out the circumstances of each release, including the frame of reference for the particular ex-Beatle involved, the prevailing state of the music industry at the time, chart positions, supporting musicians and other pertinent release details. Rodriguez eschews the typical soap opera stuff and tedious technical detail that have sullied many other books and allows the ex-Beatles' music and artistic achievements to tell the story.

I found the sections on the solo Beatles' films (especially Ringo's) and stage presentations to be of particular value. Many of these are quite obscure and float under the radar nowadays, but they were frequently quite illustrative and compelling at the time. To get the facts and supporting details on these underappreciated works is quite illuminating. For example, the theatrical presentation of "John, Paul, George, Ringo and ... Bert" had faded from view before a second-generation fan like myself was even aware of its existence. Being able to read about what made its production unique and special is the type of material that elevates FFF 2.0 beyond "just another Beatles book."

Another feature weaved throughout the entire book is the astonishing number of "six degrees" of Beatles connections there are to the rest of the music industry and also to so many other sidemen, producers, actors, filmmakers, and artists. Rodriguez takes the time to tell their stories too; not in copious, overwhelming detail, but enough to provide the relevant frame of reference and connection to the Fabs' story. Giving these artists and bit-players their due greatly humanizes the group and demonstrates the tremendous "gravitational pull" they had on their generation and its cultural players. The Beatles cast a very long shadow indeed, and this book demonstrates this better than any other volume that I can recall. If the book did nothing else, this achievement alone would make it special.

By way of constructive criticism the chapter on the Beatles wives and lovers confused me a little. It would have been interesting to learn more about Nancy Andrews. And, if Olivia Arias and Barbara Bach get their respective sections, than why not Yoko Ono and Linda McCartney? I would also liked to have seen even more entries in the section on songs worth a "second look." Perhaps a chapter on stellar B-sides? But these are minor quibbles that might very well be addressed by a whole heap of content that did not make the book but will apparently be made available on its website.

A final anecdote: Not long into Fab Four FAQ 2.0, I found myself -- being a Beatle "hunter" -- instinctively reaching for my always handy spiral notebook to jot down albums to revisit, new discs and movies to purchase, and quotes to share with my friends and loved ones. If a book can revitalize the familiar in this way, then I have the felt sense that it "rings true" and has succeeded on its own terms. Such is the case with Fab Four FAQ 2.0. I high recommend it to veteran fans of the group who are well familiar with the broad outlines of the solo Beatles story and also to those who may just be starting to discover and appreciate their solo works.

A much-needed, well-illustrated reference book is always a pleasure--all the more so when the author is a diligent researcher and an engaging, lively writer. Robert Rodriguez, co-author of a superior earlier Beatles volume, FAB FOUR FAQ, may have outdone himself with FFF 2.0, a thorough guide to the Beatles' solo careers, 1970-80. The book succeeds, in part, because it establishes that the "solo work" amounts to considerably more than our casual over-familiarity with McCartney's prolific Wings, George's Concert for Bangla Desh, John's Imagine LP, and Ringo's quirky eclecticism. The boys' solo activities aren't just richly varied but are, in many instances, more worthwhile than we may recall. (Then again, if a solo project is misbegotten, or just plain awful, Rodriguez will say so, and explain why.) The solo years were informed by singles and LPs, yes, but also by concerts and other live appearances, roles in movies, creativity with new bandmates and sidemen as well as with one-off collaborators, soundtrack work, and the variegated influences of the women who inhabited the boys' lives. FFF 2.0 dives energetically into all of this. And then there were the ongoing legal squabbles that followed the dissolution of the Beatles and the demise of Apple, as well as regrettable personal feuds and other maddening stuff (like the McCartney drug bust) that had nothing to do with music--except that these things distracted the boys, sapped their emotional energy, and slowed their creative work. Like the ex-Beatles themselves, the book is first and foremost about the music. Rodriguez is an astute and informed critic; no solo musical activity goes unmentioned here, and the author's thoughtful assessments--album by album, and sometimes cut by cut--are complemented by a wealth of insider information about the composition process, the recording sessions, marketing schemes, the boys' private lives, and the unending interest of the public. Fans waited for the ex-Beatles to come to their senses, soothe each other's hurt feelings, and get back together. But because that never happened, the Beatles' story has a built-in melancholy, as if something transcendent never came to pass. While a reunion, whether short- or long-term, might have been glorious, it might also have been awkward, stilted, or half-hearted. Do I believe things would have gone badly had the band reunited? No. But neither our wishes, nor our opinions about what might have been, have any bearing on the historical reality. FAB FOUR FAQ 2.0 is predicated on the permanency of the breakup, and on solo material that's fascinating precisely because it is NOT the product of the Beatles, but of four individuals who pursued their own muses, looking for artistic meaning and honesty. If you love and appreciate the boys as a foursome or as individual artists, you'll relish this book.

For those who love to purchase DVDs of their favorite movies or televison shows - complete with the special edition features such as "The Making of " such- and -such classic movie - people that are fans of the Beatles will find Fab Four FAQ 2.0 written in the same spirit. In this book, you will find loads of back story on a variety of former Beatle John, Paul, George, and Ringo's songs, albums, people whom they perfomed with, appearances on television shows and the like. For example, does anyone know what McCartney's hit, "Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey" is actually about? Why does Ringo decide to successfully remake Johnny Burnette's 1961 song, " You're Sixteen" in 1974 - complete with Paul's help with vocals and saxophone? Did Paul really want his help, or was there another reason for the collaberation? What about John's recent acqaintance, Elton John, remaking, "Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds" in 1974? Was John a help or a hindrance to the production of what turned out to be a hit song? And what of George's memorable performance on Saturday Night Live in 1976? How was his appearance a way to get around the expected "publicity tours" surrounding the release of an album? Rodriguez provides not only the recording and release dates of scores of songs, albums, concerts etc...but the highly interesting facts behind the scenes. If you are like this reader, you love to know the "scoop" about performers who you have admired for years. This book does not disappoint; because clearly the author is the same type of fan! After reading this book, don't be surprised if you begin a conversation with, "Did you know that....?"
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As a relatively young Beatles Fan, I was looking for books to read in order to learn more about the group. Luckily I stumbled across the Fab Four FAQ books. Just like the first, Fab Four FAQ 2.0 is detailed and insightful. It provides a special look at the Fabs post Beatles and shows how even though they all had their hits and misses, every Beatle was a genius. Each chapter can be read separately and the topics range from their solo bests to their solo worsts. I particularly enjoyed the chapter on the ever changing Wings lineup as I love Wings but could never keep track of who was involved for each album. The stories behind their number ones, their biggest flops, and their unsung masterpieces are all given in great detail. It discusses the aspects of their careers as they tried to break away from the much loved super group they had all been apart of. Year summaries follow the fabs as they developed throughout their careers, following George from most loved ex-Beatle to preacher to the masses, John from experimental unfinished albums to parenthood and back to music, Paul from his early days alone to the formation and reformation of wings, and Ringo from movies and albums that showcased his talents. Many books exist about the Beatles before the break up but few take the time to look at the time after. They neglect to look at the intense creativity and music that flowed from the ex-Beatles as they pursued their separate careers. Never have I found a more detailed and comprehensive look at John, Paul, George and Ringo between 1970 and 1980. This book truly fills a hole in the market and is a must have for anyone young or old looking to enhance their knowledge of the Beatles. You will learn things you never would have guessed.

Having devoured the original FAB FOUR FAQ I was excited to get 2.0. The writer has a page up where a daily posting offers up music and/or video for whatever FAB anniversary (or related) happens to be. I've become addicted to the writer's informative, sometimes witty postings, and though I wasn't a huge fan of 'all' of the Beatles after the split, I find I now have a renewed interest and am wildly exploring the individual music from after the split.

I'm glad I did. Fab Four FAQ 2.0 by Robert Rodriguez is not only a thoroughly engrossing history of the ex-Beatles during the first ten years post-breakup, but a treasure trove of info about seventies rock generally, focusing on the various satellites caught up in the orbit of Lennon, McCartney, Harrison, and Starr. As a classic rock fan (Dylan, the Who, and Stones mostly), I found myself marveling at the wealth of data in this book.

In addition to well-articulated opinions about the musical output of the ex-Beatles - good and bad - (as well as various reissues of Beatle product streaming out during the decade), the book presents a lot of anecdotes along the way. I especially liked the one where Stephen Stills loaned George a lot of stage gear for the Bangladesh benefit - and then wasn't asked to play! Rodriguez has a way of drawing you into subjects that you don't expect to find interesting, before finding that an hour has passed and you don't want to stop reading.

Maybe the best thing about this book is the presentation. I'm not a big fan of text heavy books that tell the history of an artist in predictable chronological order - it just seems like you have to slog through a lot of boring stuff to find the good bits. Not here: while the book naturally starts with their breakup in 1970 and runs through the death of John in 1980, each chapter stands on its own by focusing on a single subject, like concerts, films, session work etc., enabling you to cut right to the most interesting subjects. But you end up being pulled into other chapters along the way - and the year by year summaries were also really good for putting the whole decade together.

While occasionally irreverent, I was very appreciative of how Rodriguez handled Lennon's murder with great sensitivity. Avoiding unnecessary sensationalism, he presents the event without mentioning the killer by name, while describing the reactions of the other three to the news that closed the door on any reunion possibilities. If you aren't a little misty by the final page (like I was - there, I said it), you may want to get yourself checked out.

Fab Four FAQ 2.0 comes heavily illustrated with lots of period appropriate ephemeral items - tickets, record sleeves, magazines, and so forth. If you lived through the era, like I did, you'll enjoy this blast from the past. If not, you'll find yourself transported to an era when giants still roamed the earth.

I read this on kindle over the past week...for the most part, I really enjoyed it. This book covers the decade from break-up until John's murder. The lowlights of this book are 1. the (lack of) editing. Many typos and misspelled words, which are always a distraction and should not happen in these days of spellcheck. 2. Much info repeated within the book. Author will touch on a topic and basically tell the story, and then repeat it almost word for word in a later chapter. This happens a lot, which accounts for the length of the book.

Overall, lots of info...I have read many Beatles books, and still picked up some new info, especially in the way of particular quotes made by George, for instance, and lots of details about Ringo's recording career. In fact the book details the post-Beatles career of all four, almost song by song, and it did make me look up songs I had not heard before for a listen on youtube.

Another annoyance, at least to me, was the constant referral to Ringo as the "Ringed One", not just a few times, but dozens upon dozens of times.

Not a bad edition to a Beatles fan's collection...John fans may not love it, as John is often portayed as he probably presented himself throughout much of that decade, as a self (and Yoko) obsessed paranoid and downright mean jerk. None of the four are portrayed in any fawning way, which is good, they are shown with all of their tempers and addictions (Ringo, at one point, George) conceit and egos (Paul and John) etc...only Ringo manages to pass through this decade with the love and support of the other three at all times, which is a testament to his character, as none of them made it easy.

1970 was in many ways a black year for Beatle fans. It was, after all, the year the break-up of the Fab Four became official. But from a "glass half-full" perspective, it was a good year, as it marked the beginning of four remarkable solo careers. Robert Rodriguez has already established his credibility as a Beatles author, and in "Fab Four FAQ 2.0" he takes, not a sad song, but a good book and makes it better. For a Beatle newbie it's a warm bath of cool information about the Fabs. But even for us hard-core fans who think we already know everything important there is to know, there are new nuggets that Rodriguez has uncovered. I won't be a spoiler, but reading "FAQ 2.0" will enliven all you Fab-related passions.

John and Yoko's avant-garde explorations? His primal scream-fueled personal and musical explorations? His long weekend and house husband period? Got 'em. George's amazing torrent of creativity, his touring, the Concert for Bangla Desh? Friar Park? Check, check, check, check. Ringo's rocketing out of the starting gate as the first Fab to hit #1 as a solo act? Yup. Paul's tentative forays into solo-land and Wings' initial tour of university student centers? It's all here.

By the end of the decade, matters were rather different. The most devastating moment, of course, was John's murder. But Ringo was descending into a drug- and alcohol-soaked doldrums, and -- unimaginably -- a Beatle was to be without a recording contract. George was moving into what some might consider an idiosyncratic direction, losing chunks of his audience with his sometimes heavy-handed religiosity. After an initially depressed withdrawal to rural Scotland, Paul went from strength to strength -- but as a pop artist who many disparaged as having lost his edge. Rodriguez reliably escorts us through it all. This is a book newbies need and the hard-core will want.