Sound Pictures

The Life of Beatles Producer George Martin, The Later Years, 1966-2016

De: Kenneth Womack

Narrado por: Paul Woodson

Duración: 23 h y 31 m

Resumen del Editor

Sound Pictures traces the story of the Beatles' breathtaking artistic trajectory after reaching the creative heights of Rubber Soul. As the bandmates engage in brash experimentation both inside and outside the studio, Martin toils along with manager Brian Epstein to consolidate the Beatles' fame in the face of growing sociocultural pressures, including the crisis associated with the "Beatles are more popular than Jesus" scandal.

Meanwhile, he also struggles to make his way as an independent producer in the highly competitive world of mid-1960s rock 'n' roll. As Martin and the Beatles create one landmark album after another, including such masterworks as Revolver, Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, The Beatles (The White Album), and Abbey Road, the internal stakes and interpersonal challenges become ever greater.

During his post-Beatles years, Martin attempts to discover new vistas of sound recording with a host of acts, including Jeff Beck, America, Cheap Trick, Paul McCartney, and Elton John, his creative breakthroughs followed by unprecedented commercial success. Eventually, though, all roads bring Martin back to the Beatles, as the group seeks out new ways to memorialize their achievement under the supervision of the man who has come to be known as Sir George.

©2018 Kenneth Womack (P)2018 Tantor

Excellent book!

Great book and narrator! I enjoyed it very much. Very well written and presented. Thanks!

great book about a towering music legend

the second installment in the story of a great man who was instrumental in bringing the music we all know and love to life ends with the rest of his accomplishments after the Beatles told in detail and gives you the complete picture of the life of one of the music world's best producers. Great book recommended to all who hold an interest in music and simply a great biography.

Quite excellent

Yes this is part two of a George Martin/Beatles biography as they will eternally tied together. Still this book is more insight about Martin. Nothing groundbreaking but fascinating to see how much it took to be great. And they were Great!

Must reading for any musician that loves Beatles l

Must reading for any musician that loves Beatles. Masters functioning in a perfect storm of genius.

Wonderfully told the story of one of the most important cultural figures of our time

The Beatles were the most important cultural influence during the last 60 years, and without George Martin, they would not have been what they ended up being. George Martin, with his quiet confidence, with and intelligence did much more than simply record the group well; he absolutely contributed to the compositions and added inspiration to the process. The story was wonderfully written, and the narrator was first class, often reading the quotations in the voice of the person quoted.

least favorite narration that I have heard

I did like this book, although the amount of time spent on non-Beatles material was quite small. Too small in fact. Not much personal life was related here, and Martin's post Beatles career is glossed over pretty quickly. Except for Martin's production of solo Beatles work. Actually, this is good news for Beatles fans, but it leaves a lot of Martin's life and career in shadow. Still, I would have no qualms recommending it.
Except. The faux British accents were unbearable to me. After a while, I was literally grinding my teeth. Furthermore, I never caught on to which person each 'distinct' accent belonged. This really, drastically even, lowered my enjoyment of the book. I will now skip any book that has Paul Woodson as the narrator.

Not recommended

Pretentious narrator with ridiculously imitated accents nearly ended my reading the book in the first hour. His accent for Martin actually sounds like Ringo - far from posh.
Few interesting chapter for rubber soul through abbey road but not enough to warrant a purchase