The Beatles: The BBC Archives 1962-1970
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This is a wonderful hardbound book written by Kevin Howlett printed on quality paper stock loaded with great photos and pretty much all the recorded interaction the Beatles had with the BBC during those years including previously unpublished BBC interviews. There's also interesting narrative and comments in the text. So far it looks like a wonderful book. It comes with a supplemental folder containing a glossy B&W photo of the Beatles at the BBC as well as reproductions of some interesting documents. At 336 pages is a nice coffee table sized book and it comes in a box which appears to contain a reel-to-reel tape. I got my copy on Amazon and quite like this book! Another wonderful Beatles resource! I'd say the only thing it is missing is copies of the actual audio from the interviews. Some of those have been released on CD, but perhaps a more definitive set is forthcoming. If anyone knows any more please post.
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Indeed it is a great book. I've reviewed it (along with loads of other Beatles books) on my site, if you're interested: http://rnrchemist.blogspot.com/2013/10/book-review-beatles-bbc-archives.html One of the finest non-Lewisohn Beatles books to come out in a while.
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Great review Dr.Beatle and thanks for the link to your site/reviews. I agree that this book/set is a 10 out of 10! Like I said the only thing that would have made it even better would have been a definitive set of CDs and DVDs with the Beatles' interviews/peformances. Is there anything such as this forthcoming?
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Thanks for the kind words! Are you talking in terms of BBC? There is an "unofficial" set (of which I have a copy) that is 13CDs and contains EVERY BBC session and interview they did between 1962-1965...I think there are less than 20 songs that are missing (the tapes of which are lost to history forever). If you're talking in terms of the BBC interviews mentioned in the book up to 1970, I don't know but I'd imagine there quite a bit on the "unofficial" circuit but I haven't looked for it.
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Yes, the BBC interviews. I'm a completist I guess
and it would be nice to have the whole set of interviews on CD at some point. How is the sound quality of the set you own? I do have the two BBC albums on Apple and it would be great if the BBC were to issue an "offical" set up to their impeccible standards. I'm assuming that the TV appearances are available on DVD somewhere. If you have a chance please drop me a PM and let me know where one might be able to find the 13-CD set. Thanks! -
It would be nice but I don't think they'll do that, sadly. That's why we should be glad there are other channels for that stuff
I loved in this BBC book how it came with facsimile documents, which were a really cool touch. (PM sent by the way) -
I know that the book was published by Harper-Collins, but did the BBC play any sort of role in it other than making the tapes available to the author? With this new surge in Beatles interest I guess there's a chance that all of the BBC sessions will be released by Apple. Sure would make a great set. I would also love to see a lot of the scrubbed takes and studio banter being released on authorized labels. Some of the bootlegs I just picked up give some wonderful insight into the atmosphere in the studio and the creative process. Like Deluxe versions of the Beatles albums just like Macca is doing with his solo work except on an even grander scale. Of course most of us will go broke trying to buy it all, but at least it'll be out there
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Unfortunately I don't think Apple sees things the same way we fans do
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Erik in NJ:
This is a wonderful hardbound book written by Kevin Howlett printed on quality paper stock loaded with great photos and pretty much all the recorded interaction the Beatles had with the BBC during those years including previously unpublished BBC interviews. There's also interesting narrative and comments in the text. So far it looks like a wonderful book. It comes with a supplemental folder containing a glossy B&W photo of the Beatles at the BBC as well as reproductions of some interesting documents. At 336 pages is a nice coffee table sized book and it comes in a box which appears to contain a reel-to-reel tape. I got my copy on Amazon and quite like this book! Another wonderful Beatles resource! I'd say the only thing it is missing is copies of the actual audio from the interviews. Some of those have been released on CD, but perhaps a more definitive set is forthcoming. If anyone knows any more please post.
I just bought this book on Amazon! This is a great book Erik, thanks for writing a thread on it.
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You're welcome John. You will love it!
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Got this book/box over the holidays at Barnes and Noble. Reading it now. I wanted to chime in and say this book is a must read. One of the best books ever written about the band! 10/10.
