A Day in the Life: The Music and Artistry

Regarding those who say this book offers nothing new, perhaps you're right- it's copyright date is 1995. What this book is, though, is the most complete Beatles book I've ever read. It is the proverbial "if you only buy one Beatles book" book. I have looked at many other Beatles books, and found very little that's not in this one. Sure, it came later, but no other book puts it all together like this, and nobody did their homework like Hertsgaard. He was the first "outsider" (claims the back cover) to have access to the tapes of the Fab Four's recording sessions. As you read his descriptions of early takes of songs, two pictures are painted: one of the author tirelessly and joyfully listening to hours and hours of the Beatles, and the other of the Beatles going through take after take.No, Hertsgaard is not an insider, but I don't want to read a book from just one inside vantage point, be it Ringo, George, George Martin, Derek Taylor, etc. The recent Beatles: Anthology book puts it in the band's own words, but it is glossy, overpriced and the size of a desk.

I don't agree with the folks who post here and say that this book offers nothing new. Compared to what? What can possibly be new about a band with as much exposure as the Beatles? Instead, I'll explain it for what it is - this book offers an interpretive view of the Beatles studio works through the author's examination of their studio demos and rehearsals. It pulls from those sessions their thought processes, intentions, desires, personalities, etc. If this is what you're interested in, it's a hit!

This is probably my favorite book about the Beatles (and I've read quite a few). The musical analysis is compelling, but the beauty of the book is the way this analysis is complemented by chapters about more personal aspects of their lives. The chapter about their "Four-Way Synergy" was especially wonderful because Hertsgaard had been privy to between-take chat that will definitely make you laugh, as well as providing insight into their working relationships. Read this book!

Hertsgaard obtained what ardent Beatle fans dream of. He lets us in on what no Beatle fan can accomplish (besides Lewisohn, who, as an employee, is restrained in nuance) : Verbatim accounts of original recording sessions, coupled with his nuanced and informed interpretations of the ORIGINAL SESSION TAPES of a sadly limited number of recording sessions. Will he be rewarded for this fine work with return visits? I cautiously anticipate a sequel.This is The Beatles portrayed as much like us all, their greatness aside. The author seems to care about the subject and the players without veering into worship or condemnation. This is a wonderful, balanced and informative contribution to the already large body of material dedicated to The Beatles.I love the intimate climate of this work. DON'T PASS THIS ONE BY....

Hertgaard's book is one of the best beatlebooks I've ever read... and I've read quite a few! (ca. 40). It's secret is in the way he handles with facts and just facts, but not forgetting to review some other musical aspects as well, what makes its reading very very easy, yet not simplistic. Very good, and together with LEWISOHN's Complte Chronicle, the best guide to the Beatles.