BEATLES ROUNDUP

After completing his book on

Bruce Spizer didn’t wait for the next album anniversary; we get (498 Productions) right now. And who’s complaining? The link between the two albums is that they were also films as well, and the chapter on the British perspective notes that initial reviews of in the music press were actually quite positive (as were later reviews in the U.S. underground press). Other chapters of interest include those on cartoon series, the “lost” third Beatles movie, merch, and, of course, session info. Details: ■ Want more ? Check out (Capitol), which remixes/re-creates the songs with a very modern twist. Some place McCartney’s vocal front and center (Beck’s remix of “Find My Way” heightens (Liveright), McCartney’s upcoming book spotlighting 154 of his songs, which will reproduce the lyrics alongside his commentary. In discussing “Eleanor Rigby,” for example, he reveals that the face kept “in a jar by the door” is a reference to Nivea, his mother’s cold cream, and that the character of Eleanor herself is based on an elderly woman he visited as a young man. Plus rare photos and memorabilia from his archives. ■ , Stefan Granados’ excellent history of Apple Records, has been updated as (Cherry Red Books). The Beatles are main players, but Granados makes sure to give non-Beatles acts their due, via many first-hand accounts, taking the story up to the present day. ■ And (Grapefruit Records) gives you another bite of the Apple in this terrific compilation with recordings made for but ultimately not released by Apple Records, songs from those signed to Apple Publishing, and songs recorded at Apple Studios. It’s great stuff, from the psych-pop of Grapefruit’s “Lullaby” and Brute Force’s infamous “King of Fuh” to Majority One’s charming “Charlotte Rose” and George Alexander’s moody demo of “This Little Man.” ■ Coinciding with the reissue of the album of the same name, (Chicago Review Press) by Kenneth Womack and Jason Kruppa is an excellent companion as you’re listening to the music. It puts the sessions in context as a turning point in the careers of both Harrison and Clapton, and benefits from new interviews with the participants. ■ Any knowledgeable Lennon fan should know what year Greg Marquis is writing about in (James Lorimer & Co.) — 1969. It was the year “Give Peace a Chance” was recorded in a Montreal hotel room, an ad hoc Plastic Ono Band debuted at the Rock ‘n’ Roll Revival concert in Toronto, and Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau talked about world peace with the couple. It’s a comprehensive look at that hectic year, with a lot of focus on the country’s political scene of the time. ■ Back in the Lower 48, John F. Lyons looks at The Beatles’ story through the eyes of the Windy City in (Permuted Press). It’s primarily a cultural examination of The Beatles phenomenon in the U.S., with additional tidbits like Chicago station WLS being the first to play a Beatles record in the U.S. But describing Beatles producer George Martin’s accent and height as making him “look and sound like a high-end dentist” is rather odd. ■ (Welbeck Publishing) by Mike Evans is a pleasant trawl through McCartney’s studio albums right up through . It’s more an overview than a critical assessment, and while there’s commentary about each track, the “stories” are mostly rather brief; some tracks are highlighted for in-depth discussion. ■ Good news for fans of Cirque du Soleil’s show; it’s reopened at the Mirage in Las Vegas. It’s a terrific production that brings The Beatles story to vibrant life through acrobatics and musical mashups (which are great fun to decipher as you listen to them). There are generally two shows a night. Call 800.963.9634 for ticket availabilty. Highly recommended. ■ Peter Frampton’s (Hachette Books) is newly out in paperback. He’s frank in discussing the debacle that was the movie (“It was just a horrible, horrible experience”), but managed to make the best of a bad situation, not least working with George Martin on the soundtrack. Some nice anecdotes about his tours with Ringo’s All-Starr Band as well. ■ And speaking of Mr. Starr, he’s back with a four-track EP, . The title track, “Let’s Change the World,” delivers the kind of positive and upbeat message that’s typical of Mr. Peace and Love; there’s a fun cover of “Rock Around the Clock” as well. ■ (self-published) is the fourth in promo man Dave Morrell’s “Morrell Archives” series, and has a lot of entertaining anecdotes of his dealings with former Beatles, like McCartney saying of The Beatles’ version of “That Means a Lot,” “I’d never want anyone to hear that mess” (it later appeared on the second album). Available on Amazon. ■ Looking to turn a newbie on to the wonder of The Beatles? by Ernesto Assante (White Star Publishers) might fit the bill. It’s a straightforward retelling of The Beatles’ story; nothing new if you’re a longtime fan, but there are a number of less frequently seen photos. ■ There’s already been a Paul McCartney Archive Collection release of , so the album’s 50th anniversary was commemorated with a new vinyl reissue, “pressed from a master cut using a precision technique known as half-speed mastering.” It sounds especially great through headphones. ■ (Cherry Red Records) is a 50th anniversary tribute to the album, put together by  original drummer, Denny Seiwell ( guitarist David Spinozza and Marvin Stamm, who played flugelhorn on “Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey,” return as well). It’s a light-hearted take on the album, with numerous contributors, including Carnie Wilson (Wilson Phillips), Joey Santiago (Pixies) and Pat Sansone (Wilco). ■ What if you’d encountered The Beatles when they were at their most potent as a live act in the clubs of Hamburg? That’s the premise of Dan Greenberger’s novel (Appian Way Press), where Alan Levy, an American college student in Germany, crosses paths with the newly arrived Beatles. A good re-imagining of what might have been.