Tune In

The Beatles: All These Years

By: Mark Lewisohn

Narrated by: Clive Mantle

Length: 43 hrs and 43 mins

Publisher's summary

Tune In is the first volume of All These Years - a highly-anticipated, groundbreaking biographical trilogy by the world's leading Beatles historian. Mark Lewisohn uses his unprecedented archival access and hundreds of new interviews to construct the full story of the lives and work of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr.

Ten years in the making, Tune In takes the Beatles from before their childhoods through the final hour of 1962 - when, with breakthrough success just days away, they stand on the cusp of a whole new kind of fame and celebrity. They've one hit record ("Love Me Do") behind them and the next ("Please Please Me") primed for release, their first album session is booked, and America is clear on the horizon. This is the lesser-known Beatles story - the pre-Fab years of Liverpool and Hamburg - and in many respects the most absorbing and incredible period of them all. Here is the complete and true account of their family lives, childhoods, teenage years, and their infatuation with American music; here is the riveting narrative of their unforgettable days and nights in the Cavern Club, their laughs, larks, and adventures when they could move about freely, before fame closed in.

For those who've never read a Beatles book before, this is the place to discover the young men behind the icons. For those who think they know John, Paul, George, and Ringo, it's time to press the reset button and tune into the real story, the lasting word.

©2013 Mark Lewisohn (P)2013 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

“Beyond essential . . . a wildly evocative portrait . . . The saga is clearer and richer here than it’s ever been. Lewisohn writes in novelistic detail and with the obvious conviction that none of the previous Beatles biographies have ever been good enough.” (Entertainment Weekly)

“A radical event and a joy to read . . . Lewisohn’s work stands as a monumental triumph, a challenge not merely to other Beatles biographers but to the discipline of biography itself. If only all important subjects had their Lewisohn.” (Washington Post)

“The biggest, deepest Beatles book ever.”—Rolling Stone “The widest possible angle on an extensive and engrossing group biography built on a well-raked mountain of exacting new research . . . expertly controlled and propelling.” (New York Times)

Comprehensive doesn't cover it.

This is an intense, no-holds-barred, look at the Beatles from their youngest days up until the brink of going big. It's obviously monstrously long, but captivating throughout.

better than average bio

It may be the subjects, I am a baby boomer, but I was more interested in this than in most biographies I've listened to. It has more detail than needed, would have been just as good, maybe better, with a third less material. It's 43 hours long, and only goes thru about 1962, I think it's the first of 3 in the series.

A Beatles fan now!

I'm 55 and only heard the Beatles on the radio. Never owned any albums from them or new anything about their history. Oh my this book goes into so much detail, it's FANTASTIC!!! Looking forward to part II.

Incredible research

As a huge Beatle's fan I thought that everything had already been written. This book is a revalation. The almost day by day narrative is so detailed in puts you into the lives of the 4, 5 or 6 Beatles, depending on the year. I finished it this morning and have already started from the beginning again. Awesome record of an amazing band and time in history.

Details, Details, Details

A wonderful and VERY detailed account of The Beatles early years which ends just as their rise to fame begins. Can't wait for the next installment.

A splendid time is guaranteed for all

If you could sum up Tune In in three words, what would they be?

Magical Mystery Tour

What was one of the most memorable moments of Tune In?

Learning about the friendships and struggle that took place

What about Clive Mantle’s performance did you like?

The narration complimented the material

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

It was extremely long and detailed. I enjoyed every minute of it but savored it to last a little longer.

Any additional comments?

I cannot wait for volume two!! I may have to quit my day job to listen if its anywhere as good as this one.

The greatest story of our time

Mark Lewisohn has done what we've all been waiting for - he's written a comprehensive, corroborated history of the Beatles that looks at the four individual members of the group we know along with all known associations and family backgrounds, and rolled it up into a marvelous volume that covers from the beginning of time through the crucial year of 1962. This was an epic listen which I plan to follow with a reading of the actual book. It's a monumental achievement and a must-read for die-hard Beatle fans everywhere.

BEATLES FANS

If you could sum up Tune In in three words, what would they be?

Must Beatles Fans

Who was your favorite character and why?

Everybody

What does Clive Mantle bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

accent and enthusiasm

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

You must go to Liverpool

Any additional comments?

Can't wait for next two volumes!

Brilliant retelling of the Beatles early years

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Absolutely, especially one who is a musician or a Beatles fan. This is a fabulous retelling of what the Beatles were doing prior to them making it big, emphasizing their arduous journey from Liverpool to Germany, back home and then to America.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Tune In?

Finding out how mischievous Paul was in the early years, he was as big of a trouble maker as John was. And learning how many hard, gruelling hours they put in prior to making it big. The back story on each Beatle was very fascinating, as were their individual stories prior to making "The Beatles"

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Far, far too long to do that, but definitely worth the time spent listening to it.

I loved every minute

Would you listen to Tune In again? Why?

I would listen to Tune in again. It was every bit as entertaining as a novel.

What did you like best about this story?

It's a memoir of the best music of my youth.

What about Clive Mantle’s performance did you like?

I really enjoyed his reading and the voices of each of the characters.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Not so much a moment, it was the inner lives of these icons that makes this book so compelling.

Any additional comments?

I couldn't put it down.