Certainly an intelligent and authoritative look at the Beatles music, but a bit dry and technical. Still, interesting, even if it's a bit difficult at times. I wouldn't say it's a necessary book, but it's nice to have.

If you're obsessed, as many (at least new, as I was,) Beatles fans are, you may want to read every page of this usually highly technical book. Unlike most books, it does get into _every_ song. It's just that a lot of the discussion is pretty advanced music theory and terminology.

A Darker Shade of Pale is a very good book for anyone who likes Bob Dylan or is interested in early influences on modern music. The book deals with many aspects, especially influences on Dylan. It tells about people such as Blind Lemon Johnson, who were essential to Dylan's music. It also gives a sort of history of Dylan's life, from his humble beginnings near Hibbing, Minnesota up to his stardom at the time of the books publishing. The only potential problem with the book is that it isn't the easiest read. Many younger readers will be certain to have problems with the books content, and may even stop reading it. Older readers, especially Dylan fans, will probably enjoy the book much more. On a positive note, unlike most books about music stars, this book lacks the fluff. It tells the story how it was, no holds barred.