What is the difference between a Beatles biography or a song by-song review of the Beatles career?
Is there such a thing as a Bible about a musical artist?
"Tune In: The Beatles: All These Years" by Mark Lewisohn is widely considered the most comprehensive and definitive biography of the Beatles. It is the first volume in a planned trilogy and delves deeply into the band's early years, from their formation in Liverpool to their breakthrough in America. Lewisohn, known as the world's leading Beatles authority, is praised for his meticulous research and extensive use of primary sources.
On the other hand, "Revolution in the Head: The Beatles Records and the Sixties" by Ian MacDonald is highly regarded as the best song-by-song analysis of the Beatles' entire career. MacDonald, a musicologist and music critic, offers in-depth examinations of each Beatles' song, placing them in historical and cultural context. He explores the band's musical development, influences, and innovations, providing insightful commentary on the music itself.
These two works offer contrasting approaches to understanding the Beatles: "Tune In" focuses on the broader narrative of the band's life and times, providing a rich historical tapestry. "Revolution in the Head" delves into the intricate details of the music itself, offering a deeper appreciation of the Beatles' artistic merit.