Maximum Volume: The Life of Beatles Producer George Martin

The Early Years, 1926-1966

By: Kenneth Womack

Narrated by: Paul Woodson

Length: 15 hrs and 7 mins

Publisher's summary

Maximum Volume offers a glimpse into the mind, the music, and the man behind the sound of the Beatles. George Martin's working-class childhood and musical influences profoundly shaped his early career in the BBC's Classical Music department and as head of the EMI Group's Parlophone Records. Out of them flowed the genius behind his seven years producing the Beatles' incredible body of work, including such albums as Rubber Soul, Revolver, Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, and Abbey Road.

The first book of two, Maximum Volume traces Martin's early years as a scratch pianist, his life in the Fleet Air Arm during the Second World War, and his groundbreaking work as the head of Parlophone Records, when Martin saved the company from ruin after making his name as a producer of comedy recordings. In its most dramatic moments, Maximum Volume narrates the story of Martin's unlikely discovery of the Beatles and his painstaking efforts to prepare their newfangled sound for the British music marketplace. As the story unfolds, Martin and the band craft numerous number one hits, progressing toward the landmark album Rubber Soul - all of which bear Martin's unmistakable musical signature.

©2017 Kenneth Womack (P)2017 Tantor

9 out of 10

Quality & engaging I Enjoyed the how’s & why’s from George Martins angle over all Good book

Amazing Insight!

John, Paul, George, Ringo, and most importanly George Martin.
I Luv books like this one.

Something for George

Overall I was happy to finally have a biography that deals with George Martin, famed Beatles producer, musician, and arranger (along with many other titles). I found the material to be good, but I finished wanting more, even out of the abbreviated period Womack discussed (next volume comes out very soon, I believe). Having read Tune In by Mark Lewisohn, I felt like nerly everything that was discussed in Womack's book was pulled from Lewisohn's book, which was disappointing with exception of the period after 1962. The bits after 1962 felt like they will be even more fleshed out when Lewisohn's next volume comes out, so I felt like I was not getting anything substantive. Perhaps the next volume will give me more information to better understand how he evolved (or continued to evolve).

On the top shelf of my Audible books!

Even though I'm a big Beatles fan and a Martin fan, when I bought this audiobook, I thought, "well, I'll try it, but I probably won't finish this one." But I was wrong. I not only finished it in a few days; I thoroughly enjoyed every minute. I even bought the follow-up 'Sound Pictures' right after finishing.

From previous bad experiences with audiobooks about music producers (or the like), I thought it would go bad in one of two ways: one, the book could lean too much on Beatles fluff with appearances by Martin and his life; or two, it could go the other way and be too studio technical and/or life event detailed for pleasant audio listen. But, The author surprised me by pulling off the perfect balance. It has all the technical details I would want but doesn't go so far as to unhinge from the storyline. He keeps the narrative at the center of each chapter. It moves very well through the details and technicalities of each session. I feel like I learned a lot about Martin and producing music. I rarely re-listen to audiobooks, but in this case, I probably will. I have a few road trips coming up and am excited to enjoy the follow-up book.

Extremely informative but tiresome accents

I've been waiting for this book/audiobook for a long time, for an informed and detailed telling of George Martin's work in the EMI studios with the Beatles during the 1960s. In that regard, this one excels, covering each recording session (and the songwriting work leading up to it) in compelling detail.

As for the narration, I realize there are a lot of quotes from George Martin, the Beatles, etc. in the written book and that they must be incorporated into the audiobook. But, as with Volume 1 of Lewinson's Tune In, substandard or lazy Liverpudlian accents quickly detract from the excellent story. Paul Woodson, the narrator for this audiobook, is American born but spent a few childhood years in the UK. Still, neither his uppercrust George Martin accent or the foursome's heavy Scouse accents are done very well. Everything else is excellent.

Exceptional

an exceptional biography of George Martin. from his humble beginnings to his work with the greatest rock and roll band in the world. George Martin's life his told with just enough detail to make an often told story fresh.

A must for a true Beatles Fan

My only complaint is where the book ended.....up until that point the story was fascinating and well read. My only complaint he could have gone further...even after the breakup of the band each of the band members had interactions with Martin and he worked with them in their solo work and that is also a important part of the story. The author made you think he had a word limit and he got to the end of his allotted words and abruptly stopped writing. That being said to that point it was in depth and interesting. The performance was very good.

Awesome!

Outstanding writing and narration. I enjoyed the book very much! Thanks for a great perspective !

Very entertaining and informative

M R Reagan
A great book with a good balance between the life of George Martin and his days with the Beatles. The recording details are fantastic but just as interesting was learning about George the man.
Thank Ken loved the book.

The Fab Five

What an incredible book focusing on George Martin and his life with the Beatles. Can you imagine what their career would have been like had their paths not crossed with Martin?