The Beatles and Me on Tour
340433
This book was written by Ivor Davis, who accompanied the Beatles on their 1964 tour of the States, as well as being involved with them at other points of their careers  both Beatles and solo.  However, the bulk of this memoir does involve the 1964 US tour, which followed the bands three appearances on the Ed Sullivan Show and the advent of Beatlemania, six months earlier.  In 1964, Ivor Davis was twenty six and was the West Coast correspondent for the Daily Express.

During the Beatles first US tour, Ivor Davis became part of the bands entourage; invited to travel with them everywhere, as well as ghost-writing a column for George Harrison.  There are many, many books about the Beatles, of course, but it is interesting to read one from someone who was there throughout that early US tour, before things became too wearisome and success in America was exciting.  However, you can sense, even this early, that cracks were starting to appear and that the endless, relentless, touring was telling on the band.  Brian Epsteins caving in to a huge financial offer to have the Beatles appear in Kansas may have been financially worthwhile, and accepted by the band, but in retrospect you can feel how tired they were of performing when they could not be heard and, perhaps more importantly, were often trapped throughout the duration of a tour.

So, what do we learn from this book?  Not much perhaps.  Ringo didn't have much to say for himself, George was often grumpy, Paul slept with every woman he crossed paths with and John cheated at monopoly and often upset those around him with caustic, unpleasant remarks.  Nothing, really, that fans have not read before.  There is some information on meeting Dylan and Elvis, but, again, this has been covered.  Still, this is an interesting memoir and I particularly liked reading about others in the entourage  Brian Epstein, of course, Neil and Mal and also Derek Taylor.  A worthwhile read, but nothing that I had not read elsewhere.  Rated 3.5.
2805591
GREAT CONCERT FOR GEORGE HARRISON. GREAT SINGERS SING HIS SONGS. GEORGE'S SON PLAYS ACOUSTIC GUITAR. PAUL AND RINGO JOIN IN THE CONCERT. A GREAT TRIBUTE TO A GREAT ARTIST.
762094
I love the show.  I thought the Cirque du Soleil stuff was just over-hyped because I've never seen one.  Now that I have, and one based on this sound track...  I was wrong.  This show is quite an experience and this CD is a wonderful companion for those who have seen the show and absolutely love the Beatles.
4390642
I'd like to think if The Beatles were playing live today, this is what they would do - play a remarkable blend of their songs without changing any music but tweaking the arrangements. Brilliantly done by the guy who was there - producer George Martin
2089472
The author did a fascinating job of presenting an alternate history where The Beatles still put out albums as a band. The proposed albums using the best and most interesting material from the Fabs solo years would have been epic in scope and sales. I think many of the songs would have evolved differently if they were written and performed inside that group dynamic. I'd like to think George would have gotten more than one cut per side, per album but who knows. What might have worked out better is to continue to record as a group, then take a break to pursue solo projects, then return to put out an album as a group, rinse and repeat as long as possible. Mr. Jackson provides an interest 'what if' for fans. This walk down memory lane reminded me of a number of solo songs I have not listened to in a long time. He also gave us the background to each song and the context of the time it was written. What was cool is to see how John, George, and Paul wrote songs for and performed with Ringo on his albums. It gave us the closest real-world experience of having that longed-for Beatles reunion. "It Don't Come Easy" was a gem from George and the proto-self boasting tune, "I'm the Greatest" would have sounded obnoxious coming from John but it worked brilliantly for the unassuming Ringo.

I have read a plethora of books on The Beatles but I discovered some new bits of information while reading this one. I didn't know the sad tale of how George seduced Ringo's wife Maureen that caused a very understandable riff between the two for several years in the 70s. I loved George's explanation that the affair was "incest" but it seemed apropos to that sordid situation. I knew how George struggled between his spiritual desires and the desires of the flesh but not to the extent detailed by Mr. Jackson. We are also left to wonder what would have happened if Lennon had traveled to New Orleans to participate in a recording session with Macca. May Pang encouraged it but Yoko, sensing that she was losing John, interceded to have John come and see her and ditch having a relationship with Paul.

After reading the book, you realized just how much amazing material The Beatles created during their short time together from 1962-1969 and the expectations they faced as solo artists from 1970 onward. They each created some classic songs that rank up there with the best of The Beatles era work. Sure, the quality was spotty more often that we would have liked but there was still plenty to enjoy. So if you are a fan of the Fabs, then you will enjoy this book. If you are like me, it will inspire you to dig out your albums, tapes and YouTube playlists to revisit these solo era songs.
1061225
This book may be worth the price of admission solely for two beautiful B&W photos. In one John is pictured on stage in the Beatles post first trip to Hamburg and playing in Liverpool style of dress (black leather jacket, sweater and jeans) I've read in many books about this stage of their evolution but had never seen a photo of same. John looks cool and confidant playing a slightly different version of the Rickenbacher guitar he would make world famous a few years later. The second is a remarkable pic that I'm amazed had not been published before (I'm assuming so as I try to see everything on the band) it's a photo from '62 soon after Ringo joined. The boys are crossing a striped pedestrian walkway toward the photographer. This was taken in Liverpool about seven years before a similar and less joyous pic would become both an album cover and an iconic image of Rock. It's just too bad that Paul is blocked from view by one of the other fabs.
3146258
I'm not a huge Beatles fan but the scope and imagination put behind these arrangements as well as the polish and sheen put into the overall mastering and production makes these classics come back to life. I plan to travel to see the actual show now that I've heard this CD. Great job.
1390593
Fantastic 2 dvd Deluxe set of the Beatles Help. I'm a big Beatles fan and got this for a great price from Amazon,well worth it.
2972315
A great read. I have this and this copy went to a friend who loved the Beatles as much as I did. Really tells the story of who played what on the compositions. I was amazed how many instruments George Martin played on some later albums. Always thought Beatles played all of them.
3711173
This is a coffee table book of photography of The Beatles in 1964, around the time they were filming Hard Day's Night. These candid shots show the band members in their early days: young, handsome, and excited about the future. I enjoyed the photographs of Liverpool, especially the photographs taken in the famous Cavern Club where The Beatles played early in their rise to fame. This book is likely to interest only Beatles fanatics, since the photographs are limited to such a short time in the band's career.
565533
I was recently hospitalized for almost 3 weeks and dreading the impending boredom, I brought the Anthology with me. I admit I've had it since the day it was released and only scanned the photo's. Well needless to say, I read that book every day and was completely blown away. My life has been the Beatles for the past 35 years and this was the freshest Beatle experience I have ever had. The fabs have been reborn unto me and I can only say you will have the best Beatles experience in your life. (Unless of course you've seen them live)
4305377
My family and I saw this tour in San Jose, Ca, and it was, and still is, a magical evening  in our lives.  On the way into the pavillion Paul rolled down his window, popped out, and gave a peace sign.  For brief moment in time we made eye contact with this most famous and recognizable person and it was a perfect lift off for the rest of the evening.  I agree with others regarding this DVD issue, it would be nice to have just concert footage here but you know, after playing these concert films a few times you tend to scene jump anyway, so it really doesn't make a difference. You can watch your favorte song over and over...Jenny Wren! McCartney delivers, price of the DVD is reasonable, less than a concert ticket, front row, too.
1096199
While some might consider Paul McCartney's temporary return to Liverpool to play the Cavern Club to be 'historically significant,' I love this DVD simply because it allows Paul McCartney, David Gilmour, and company to truly rock out with vintage material originally offered up by Eddie Cochran, Chuck Berry, etc. I can't convey how wonderful it is to hear McCartney screaming through old 50s rockers, and to see Gilmour belting out up-tempo rockabilly style solos instead of his trademark slow Brit-rock blues. Yes, everyone in this video is well beyond their youth but that really doesn't matter. This is one of Paul McCartney's best live performances ever and should be a revelation to anyone who only knows David Gilmour through Pink Floyd.

The concert itself is the main attraction. The extras are ok but basic - just band member bios and a lengthy interview with McCartney. I don't think McCartney ever gave a revealing interview, and this is no exception. It's the concert you will return to over and over.

Throughout, McCartney's love for this music shines through. It reminded me a lot of the way Eric Clapton came to life with his "From the Cradle" CD. This is a DVD that will be appreciated by anyone who loved the way the early Beatles attacked rock classics with boundless energy and love.
2286531
I've listened to the Beatles in a variety of formats but I must say this is the best I've ever heard them.  I was actually surprised that I liked the psychedelic music, particularly  Magical Mystery Tour, more here than on the stereo mixes I've heard - it just seems strange that even when trying to blow their listeners' minds they did it better in mono...

Every Beatles fan should have this set.  In fact, if you even have a minor liking of the Beatles you need to hear them how they originally intended you to hear them.  Great music that has never sounded better.
1650372
I am an avid Beatles fan and have all their official CD releases and loads of their vinyl.  Conseqently I am familiar with their music.  This album allows you to hear a different spin on some of their most popular, as well as less well known, music.  The segues are fascinating and you will also hear snippets from versions other than the officially released tracks.  The mixing has, of course, been done on state of the art equipment and is beautifully crystal clear - top marks to EMI for:

 1) Impeccable original recordings, and

 2) Preserving those old recordings so well.

The clarity allows you to hear into parts of recordings that were previously 'buried in the mix'.

I approached this album in trepidation but I have found myself beguiled.  Fans and casual observers alike will definitely enjoys this.  Roll out the show in Europe please!
4069395
Apple Jam did a wonderful job on this album. The cuts on here are some of the best Beatles songs never or rarely performed by the members of the Beatles. All the songs were written, by the members of the Beatles, for other bands. Apple Jams performs the songs in the style the Beatles would have, if they would have recorded them. All in all this is a great album of Hits for other bands with a twist.&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Off-The-Beatle-Track/dp/B001SUQ730/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Off The Beatle Track</a>
803048
A must have for any fan of The Beatles. Their story in their own voices. Interviews with John Lennon are lovingly distributed throughout the book right in line with his surviving bandmates. You would swear that they were all in the room reminiscing together.