#1684411 - 09/11/06 12:49 AM
Recording the Beatles book released...
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Senior Member
Registered: 12/17/00
Posts: 228
Loc: Los Angeles,CA,UNITED STATES
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It's finally here. The culmination of a 15-year effort with uncounted miles and money expended to bring everyone the best book possible - on a subject that matters to most people here.
The books just arrived and are shipping within the week. Watch your mailbox (in fact, it's HUGE, so it may not fit in a mailbox - be sure your postman knows where to leave it safely!) We ship them out in the sequence they were ordered... the rest is up to the post office.
Those of you who are seriously desperate or some Abbey Road/Beatles/cintage gear info might want to leave several night open for reading. Or take the weekend off at home - whatever. I have had this happen where something cool arroved for me and I was unavailable to check it out; it kinda ruined the work I was supposed to be doing, as I was so distracted!
So, it's a LONG read - 530+ pages or so, and not much "fluff"; it's pretty dense information. Be prepared - and please post your thoughts on it here when you get a chance. Thanks!
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#1684413 - 10/02/06 06:22 PM
Re: Recording the Beatles book released...
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Senior Member
Registered: 07/22/05
Posts: 329
Loc: Hollywood, CA
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It is worth every single penny. Really incredible.
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#1684414 - 10/03/06 02:37 PM
Re: Recording the Beatles book released...
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Senior Member
Registered: 12/17/00
Posts: 228
Loc: Los Angeles,CA,UNITED STATES
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Thanks - check the web for various people who HAVE it now. They all seem to be more than happy with it... I look forward to chatting about it here. We could use the traffic! Go ahead and ask something...!
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#1695155 - 01/30/07 07:33 PM
Re: Recording the Beatles book released...
[Re: BrianK]
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MP Hall of Fame Member
Registered: 09/06/01
Posts: 2151
Loc: Rochester,NY,UNITED STATES
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Afer all that work, after all those hours of interviews,
after gettin so close to it all....
Are these historic sessions more or less magical to you now?
Its kinda like nailing Angela Jolie.
Doin so just might ruin the dream.
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#1695323 - 01/31/07 05:46 AM
Re: Recording the Beatles book released...
[Re: Kendrix]
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Senior Member
Registered: 12/17/00
Posts: 228
Loc: Los Angeles,CA,UNITED STATES
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>>In terms of recording, what does your book present that isn't in the Beatles Recordings book compiled by a terminally ill balance engineer at Abbey Road and presented in published form courtesy of Mark Lewissohn? <<
Microphones, mix desks and details of, tape machines, speakers, room size, effects and how they work. Changes from year to year in procedure and approach, interviews with dozens of Abbey Road (and other studios') staff about the sessions. Photos you've never seen of them in the studio, instrument information more accurate than other books, details of history of the gear they used - who designed it, why it was built. Tons more, really.
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#1695326 - 01/31/07 05:54 AM
Re: Recording the Beatles book released...
[Re: BrianK]
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Senior Member
Registered: 12/17/00
Posts: 228
Loc: Los Angeles,CA,UNITED STATES
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>>Are these historic sessions more or less magical to you now?<<
A topic I was worried about. Here's the answer - they WEREN'T magic, anymore than your or my sessions are (Ive had my share). We have created "gods" and mysteries and mythology that ain't real. These were people, creative people, working hard to get things done. This is how they did it, as realistic as we've found. I think the magic is not in the mystery of "not knowing", it's in knowing and seeing how GOOD a choice or idea was. I don't want people to think John Lennon could fly, nor would we want to think other historical things of him that weren't accurate, right?
I do somewhat feel like I know now what it was like to be there - VERY much like your daily sessions, because that's what they were. It was not even so special to the people who were there - many times they wanted to go home and eat or watch TV instead or work with The Beatles. But it wasn't terrible - that's the way you and I feel in the studio sometimes, eh?
Consider the staff there - were The Shadows magic? What about an orchestra playing Brahms' beautiful music, or meeting Sophia Loren or Judy Garland? What about Wings, or Pink Floyd 1975? Or Kate Bush coming in as a young girl with tons of talent? Alan Parsons Project, Tubular Bells - so many other things had magic there too - but also became daily life. As the Beatles were in their time.
Edited by BrianK (01/31/07 05:55 AM)
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#1695327 - 01/31/07 05:57 AM
Re: Recording the Beatles book released...
[Re: BrianK]
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Senior Member
Registered: 12/17/00
Posts: 228
Loc: Los Angeles,CA,UNITED STATES
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>>Its kinda like nailing Angela Jolie.
Doin so just might ruin the dream. <<
Maybe that's our next project?
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#1695403 - 01/31/07 10:26 AM
Re: Recording the Beatles book released...
[Re: BrianK]
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MP Hall of Fame Member
Registered: 09/06/01
Posts: 2151
Loc: Rochester,NY,UNITED STATES
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>>Are these historic sessions more or less magical to you now?<<
A topic I was worried about. Here's the answer - they WEREN'T magic, anymore than your or my sessions are (Ive had my share). We have created "gods" and mysteries and mythology that ain't real. These were people, creative people, working hard to get things done. This is how they did it, as realistic as we've found. I think the magic is not in the mystery of "not knowing", it's in knowing and seeing how GOOD a choice or idea was. I don't want people to think John Lennon could fly, nor would we want to think other historical things of him that weren't accurate, right?
I do somewhat feel like I know now what it was like to be there - VERY much like your daily sessions, because that's what they were. It was not even so special to the people who were there - many times they wanted to go home and eat or watch TV instead or work with The Beatles. But it wasn't terrible - that's the way you and I feel in the studio sometimes, eh?
Consider the staff there - were The Shadows magic? What about an orchestra playing Brahms' beautiful music, or meeting Sophia Loren or Judy Garland? What about Wings, or Pink Floyd 1975? Or Kate Bush coming in as a young girl with tons of talent? Alan Parsons Project, Tubular Bells - so many other things had magic there too - but also became daily life. As the Beatles were in their time. Thats exactly what I was expecting you to say. Isnt fame strange?
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#1695425 - 01/31/07 10:49 AM
Re: Recording the Beatles book released...
[Re: BrianK]
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MP Hall of Fame Member
Registered: 02/04/06
Posts: 5944
Loc: the united britain great kingd...
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>>Are these historic sessions more or less magical to you now?<<
A topic I was worried about. Here's the answer - they WEREN'T magic, anymore than your or my sessions are (Ive had my share). We have created "gods" and mysteries and mythology that ain't real. These were people, creative people, working hard to get things done. This is how they did it, as realistic as we've found. I think the magic is not in the mystery of "not knowing", it's in knowing and seeing how GOOD a choice or idea was. I don't want people to think John Lennon could fly, nor would we want to think other historical things of him that weren't accurate, right?
I do somewhat feel like I know now what it was like to be there - VERY much like your daily sessions, because that's what they were. It was not even so special to the people who were there - many times they wanted to go home and eat or watch TV instead or work with The Beatles. But it wasn't terrible - that's the way you and I feel in the studio sometimes, eh?
Consider the staff there - were The Shadows magic? What about an orchestra playing Brahms' beautiful music, or meeting Sophia Loren or Judy Garland? What about Wings, or Pink Floyd 1975? Or Kate Bush coming in as a young girl with tons of talent? Alan Parsons Project, Tubular Bells - so many other things had magic there too - but also became daily life. As the Beatles were in their time. Great answer!  
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#1695437 - 01/31/07 11:01 AM
Re: Recording the Beatles book released...
[Re: Trucks]
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Cosmic Cowboy
10k Club
Registered: 05/23/00
Posts: 14215
Loc: NY Hudson Valley, USA
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Yeah...there's no magic in the daily operations... ...it's only when you listen to the finished product that you start to consider if "magic" was somehow employed.  Most days...it's a real GRIND to get things done...it's a LOT of work...and after an all day session, tracking even a couple of instruments... ...I'm tired...blown out. But...it's that "nice" kind of tired. It feels like you really did something cool, even if at the time all you could think about was how hungry you were...or that you REALLY needed to go pee...or sometimes, that you were someplace else.  I still would love to have been a fly on the wall for one or two of those Beatles sessions!
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miroslav - miroslavmusic.com"Just because it happened to you, it doesn't mean it's important."
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#1695554 - 01/31/07 02:21 PM
Re: Recording the Beatles book released...
[Re: Trucks]
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Cosmic Cowboy
10k Club
Registered: 05/23/00
Posts: 14215
Loc: NY Hudson Valley, USA
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You plannin' a vist to the USA anytime soon...?
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miroslav - miroslavmusic.com"Just because it happened to you, it doesn't mean it's important."
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#1697907 - 02/05/07 09:15 AM
Re: Recording the Beatles book released...
[Re: Trucks]
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Senior Member
Registered: 12/17/00
Posts: 228
Loc: Los Angeles,CA,UNITED STATES
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I think "fame" is like a telescope (An analogy begins...!) - it's based on something very real, but depending on where you stand it seems normal, or HUGE, or even smaller than normal.
I have met famous people I consider worthless, and some seriously great. But some nonfamous people are also wortheless, and some SHOULD be famous.
...and I think fame only makes sense on a local level - that girl's a great cook! And 75 people know it. That guy's an amzing drummer - and 189 people know it. But John Bonham, the man, a drummer - as great as he was - should 17 million people know it?
Edited by BrianK (02/05/07 09:16 AM)
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#1697955 - 02/05/07 10:41 AM
Re: Recording the Beatles book released...
[Re: BrianK]
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MP Hall of Fame Member
Registered: 02/04/06
Posts: 5944
Loc: the united britain great kingd...
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Absolutely, Brian! Great analogy by the way (almost as good as "life is like a box'o'choclates"  ). Some people will get "fame" (deserving or not) and other deserving souls wont, the problem I have is with anybody being worshipped as if they are bringers of some magical higher power, regardless of how famous they become They are all people underneath (well most of em), some of em lucky, some of em talented... etc.. Doesnt mean we shouldnt appreciate them for what they have brought to the table (like the Beatles, although im not a great fan, they injected some good ideas into musoland) but magical, they aint!
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#1698370 - 02/05/07 10:29 PM
Re: Recording the Beatles book released...
[Re: Trucks]
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MP Hall of Fame Member
Registered: 06/15/06
Posts: 9231
Loc: rural PA
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Hey guys....just sneeking around, and found this thread.
I'll look for your book, Brian. ?Amazon? I read the book by Geoff Emerick, and really enjoyed that a lot.
I agree that the day in, day out work of creating something is most definately good old fashioned WORK. And, even revered artists, such as The Beatles, are, after all, flesh and blood folks, perhaps just like you or I.
But, sometimes the blood, sweat, and tears work does result in MAGIC. And, sometimes the same group of individuals can somehow repeat the magic. And rarely, the magic is repeated over and over again.
I agree that I'd not revere the individuals as magical. But, I do think that some of the resultant product, when it comes to The Beatles, or The Who, or Led Zep....etc., IS/WAS MAGIC!!
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#1699947 - 02/09/07 10:00 AM
Re: Recording the Beatles book released...
[Re: mdrs]
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MP Hall of Fame Member
Registered: 09/06/01
Posts: 2151
Loc: Rochester,NY,UNITED STATES
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Brian,
Ive got a few days off of work in Florida ( unfortunately to watch my father -in- law fade away). Im takin the opportunity to spend some time with your incedible book.
Im actually reading it page by page.
One question:
With all the technical guys EMI had, first at Abbey latter at the main opeations center at the Hayes complex, how did they avoid the inherent conflict of interest / not invented here syndrome that would normally permeate decison making by human beings trying to justify thier existence?? (is that senence long enough?)
Who decided to use the telefunken gear versus in the in-house designs?
Who's ears ruled these decisions and how did they deal with the inherent politics of going for the third party gear?
I give them great credit for this- however they pulled it off.
Edited by Kendrix (02/09/07 10:03 AM)
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#1700165 - 02/09/07 04:45 PM
Re: Recording the Beatles book released...
[Re: mdrs]
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MP Hall of Fame Member
Registered: 09/06/01
Posts: 2151
Loc: Rochester,NY,UNITED STATES
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MDRS,
I got mine from Santa.
However, if you dont want to wait till next Christmas it's title is "Recording The Beatles" an it's published by Curvebender.
I expect Googling that up should do it for ya.
Cheers
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#1706147 - 02/21/07 06:34 PM
Re: Recording the Beatles book released...
[Re: mdrs]
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Senior Member
Registered: 12/17/00
Posts: 228
Loc: Los Angeles,CA,UNITED STATES
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Agreed - it IS nerdy, but it also have substantial information: ideas you can try, primarily to EXPERIMENT and change. Do you mic your drums like other people do? Do you record in the room like you always have? Do you mix to make it sound "great" all the time?
These Beatle guys were in danger of losing their audience all the time, but instead, they pushed to move ahead of the crowd and find new things, even if those new things didn't sound "good" like the day before. Now we find those new things sound good decades later, even become references for what is cool. And they are distinct and original - trying for that can make us a better world of music.
Edited by BrianK (02/21/07 06:34 PM)
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#1707581 - 02/24/07 02:11 PM
Re: Recording the Beatles book released...
[Re: linwood]
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MP Hall of Fame Member
Registered: 09/06/01
Posts: 2151
Loc: Rochester,NY,UNITED STATES
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Brian,
When G. Martin visited the US and found that Europe was falling behind in recording technology: Was that all about his meeting with Tom Dowd and the first 8 track rig at Capitol records NYC?
FWIW- After a very long time I just took a second viewing of the Tom Dowd DVD. It left me feeling so incredibly connected to this guy I never met and to all that music.
It got me to feeling that deep emotional connection that many folks never get to feel. What an inspirational video that is for anyone that's into music production.
Edited by Kendrix (02/24/07 02:12 PM)
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#1707617 - 02/24/07 03:52 PM
Re: Recording the Beatles book released...
[Re: Kendrix]
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Senior Member
Registered: 12/17/00
Posts: 228
Loc: Los Angeles,CA,UNITED STATES
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George visited several places - most notably Capitol Studios in Los Angeles. He was most impressed by their sound and work. Visually, their studios were more modern than Abbey Road, and they had very different methods. This continued an already-established connection between Capitol and EMI London. George Martin may be "the name" you know, but other Abbey Road staff also visited Capitol and CBS in NY to learn their methods. Peter Bown and Malcolm Addey are also important here, maybe moreso.
Keep in mind that this was the 1950s; until the Beatles, George Martin was likely the least important producer at EMI. Hard to imagine, but as talented as he was, there were other talents there, selling tons of records.
Tom Dowd - certainly a fascinating guy. All over the world, there are studio people who do not have documentaries, with nearly equal histories and successes. Bill Putnam, Joe Meek, those of Radio Recorders, CBS 30th Street, RCA Nashville... so many. Time for more articles and books?
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#1707618 - 02/24/07 03:54 PM
Re: Recording the Beatles book released...
[Re: BrianK]
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Senior Member
Registered: 12/17/00
Posts: 228
Loc: Los Angeles,CA,UNITED STATES
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Tom built their Ampex 8-track at Atlantic in NY. Capitol was in Los Angeles, originally on Melrose, then moved to the famous Tower building in the late 1950s.
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#1707640 - 02/24/07 05:21 PM
Re: Recording the Beatles book released...
[Re: BrianK]
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MP Hall of Fame Member
Registered: 09/06/01
Posts: 2151
Loc: Rochester,NY,UNITED STATES
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Tom built their Ampex 8-track at Atlantic in NY. Capitol was in Los Angeles, originally on Melrose, then moved to the famous Tower building in the late 1950s. Ooopps my bad. Of course it was Ahmets Atlantic studios.
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#1707656 - 02/24/07 06:38 PM
Re: Recording the Beatles book released...
[Re: BrianK]
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MP Hall of Fame Member
Registered: 09/06/01
Posts: 2151
Loc: Rochester,NY,UNITED STATES
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Tom Dowd - certainly a fascinating guy. All over the world, there are studio people who do not have documentaries, with nearly equal histories and successes. Bill Putnam, Joe Meek, those of Radio Recorders, CBS 30th Street, RCA Nashville... so many. Time for more articles and books? Ive read about both of those gents and their contributions to the industry and its technology. Fortunately, ive also heard their incredible productions. Its all good. There arent too many producers or studio operators left these days that push the envelope technologically. Those that do seem to be from the old days. Most folks just amass a collection of manufactured gear. I expect the days of "rolling your own" console and outboard gear are long gone. How much in-house design work does EMI still do today?
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#1710469 - 03/01/07 08:09 PM
Re: Recording the Beatles book released...
[Re: Kendrix]
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Senior Member
Registered: 12/17/00
Posts: 228
Loc: Los Angeles,CA,UNITED STATES
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Not much - BUT they are technically VERY advanced - fiber optics in the walls, in=house web teams, etc. No one COULD build gear like that - even the heavy stuff was always done at Hayes, a big factory.
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