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Paul McCartney: Many Years From Now (平装)
by Barry Miles
| Category:
Biography |
| Market price: ¥ 208.00
MSL price:
¥ 178.00
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Pre-order item, lead time 3-7 weeks upon payment [ COD term does not apply to pre-order items ] |
MSL rating:
 Good for Gifts |
| MSL Pointer Review:
A good read, full of details, clarifications, and memories of the Beatles, their music and realationships, from McCartney himself. |
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AllReviews |
1 2   | Total 2 pages 11 items |
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People (MSL quote), USA
<2007-01-12 00:00>
A must-read for anyone interested in the Beatles, the '60s, for that matter, modern culture itself. |
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An American reader (MSL quote), USA
<2007-01-12 00:00>
There are a large number of Lennon books, most maintaining John's carefully crafted public image that has been circulating post Beatles and post mortem. Some are too hard to believe. And then there are Lennon's interviews...the angry ones to be taken with a grain of salt, the later ones maybe closer to his true feelings, but how accurate? If Lennon had lived, perhaps we'd have his true feelings and recollections in book form now. All we can do is speculate and try to pick out what he said in anger or farce.
This is why I'm happy about this McCartney book. Of course there's a slant to it, but how could one resist doing so? Lennon's memory has been getting glossed over in book form for decades. I don't favor one over the other (unfortunately, the great partnership of Lennon/McCartney now has people choosing up sides!) but I don't want the people managing John's image (who weren't even there!) to have the final word in the Beatle history books!
McCartney's book is exceptionally interesting. He gets into what it was like to be the biggest star, most eligible bachelor and total rich guy with the world at his feet in the swingin' sixties. How cool, boppin' around London in his Aston Martin! Trendy clubs, willing women, drinks in the wee small hours. He was James Bond, but carried a guitar intead of a gun! While I hold Lennon and McCartney in equal esteem, I believe it was Paul who had more occasion to widen his views on music, art and the world in general during this time, and thus affect the Beatles music.
It is widely known that John and George tired of the fame game quickly. Paul used it as a learning tool. And while I care little for the avant-garde scene of the time, it's cool to learn just how involved in it Paul was, at a time when John was risking becoming an acid casualty. I feel McCartney has the right to set the record (no pun) straight regarding the Beatle's music. First, he was there, and second because the stereotypes are so overwhelming. John, the artistic/experimental? Well, Paul did this or that on his own or on John's tunes. Paul the romantic? Well John wrote this sweet ballad.
Paul doesn't dis Yoko in this book, in fact he's quite kind to her, and clearly still loves John. Paul doesn't deserve to be considered the lesser of the two, which seems to be a minor trend, simply because he was the more musical, which usually came out as more polished, less edgy.
This book gave me more of a clue as to what it was actually like to be a Beatle than any other. On occasion you get a great sense of "being there". And dang, then and now, the guy is cheerful! Throughout, he marvels at how cool it was and how fortunate they all were.
I've read a great number of Beatle books, and have always gotten the impression that early on fame overwhelmed Lennon, and he let go of the "leadership" role, willingly. Clearly, McCartney was the most gung-ho of the four, as well as being the most naturally musically inclined.
The saddest thing I found was, as in accounts about Lennon's Dakota years, even while a Beatle Lennon wasted a lot of time, being wasted and laying about the house, in apparent depression. Even so, at this time he still had the motivation to meet Paul's creative juices head on.
Lennon/McCartney was an incredible force, and this book gives one half of that force the chance to toot his own horn. Is that so wrong? People who've achieved a fraction of what Paul has have written much more boastful books. I can't even justify using the word "boastful" in this case.
PR men and women have written John's story, unfortunately. Paul deserves his say, and does so taking care, seemingly, to be fair to all! Cheers, Paul!
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An American reader (MSL quote), USA
<2007-01-12 00:00>
I enjoyed this, and was relieved when it ended with the Beatles break-up, because I could care less about McCartney's solo career. It is a little biased, but, frankly, John and Yoko always went on, as George put it, "that we were idiots and only he and the wife had a clue." McCartney points out how Yoko had a big retrospective show, but since there wasn't enough work for a retropsective, she had to quick make some! (Some career!) And that the other three Beatles were billed for furthering Yoko's ambitions, like this gallery show. Perhaps the three Beatles could have been more receptive to Yoko, but John and Yoko could have been better- mannered themselves, and this book points that out. Also, it was refreshing for Paul to admit that he likes fame. Rather than the b.s. boo hooing that fame is all a burdern. He relates in here how he went in disguise by himself through France for 2 weeks, and got sick of it toward the end, and remembered why he wanted to be famous, so appeared in public as himself again, and was glad to be recognized. A good book. |
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An American reader (MSL quote), USA
<2007-01-12 00:00>
The most amazing thing about this book is the objectivity Paul is able to give. He openly admits when he handled things poorly with George during 'The Beatles' and 'Let It Be'. There are also many quotes from previous interviews with John and others, and it is continually stated that John and Paul have only disagreed on two of their songs on the writing of it (who's idea, middle-eight, etc), with Miles quoting others to support Paul's claim to only one of these disagreements. It is wonderful that the true love that was between them all shows through. This is great for Paul and Beatle enthusiasts, but die-hard John fans may find it hard to stomach; not only for sections discussing Yoko, drug use and other intimate insights, but even where, through past interview quoted, John himself gives more credit to Paul for songs that have been widely known as "John's songs" than they may like. |
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Isabelle (MSL quote), UK
<2007-01-12 00:00>
Miles and Mccartney have worked together to produce what is a highly personal and unique insight into the compelling world and times of The Beatles. The almost cartoon like characterisation of the Beatles maintained throughout all these years is blown apart. Most interesting of all, Miles and McCartney painstakingly explain the genesis and evolution of every single notable Beatles song. Their style is light and lively, crammed with anecdotes. The McCartney and Lennon songwriting partnership is explained from both John and Paul's perspective. Finally an account given by those uniquely equpped to comment. The most authorative book written about The Beatles – unputdownable. |
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Thomas Stamper (MSL quote), USA
<2007-01-12 00:00>
You're not going to find a better book that points out Paul's contributions to the Beatles. Paul's cooperation and reflections are the bulk of the book. Between passages of history, McCartney adds long quotes about his memories and experiences of specific events. He disagrees with the public record on some pretty interesting things.
First, he doesn't believe the popularly held idea that the death of Brian Epstein was anything but an accident.
Second, he says that the Beatles were never angry at the Maharishi. They didn't consider him a fraud as popularly reported. They had just learned everything they needed to learn from him and they wanted to get back to real life. Paul says he still meditates using the mantra taught to him by the Mararishi. John's song Sexy Sadie was indeed about some disillusionment with the spiritual leader, but the feelings weren't lasting.
Third, the collaboration between John and Paul lasted into the later years of the Beatles when most people assumed that they were writing their songs solo and tacking on the other's name. Paul talks about John's help with Hey Jude and his own contribution to the Ballad of John and Yoko.
Fourth, Paul is very fair with everyone. He doesn't blame Yoko for breaking up the Beatles. He thinks that Yoko probably saved the H addicted John's life and thus extended the life of the Beatles. He surprisingly doesn't blame Yoko for his conflicted relationship with John after the breakup.
People can argue on whether McCartney's vision is the reality or what he wants to portray. Either way, you won't get a complete picture of the Beatles without reading this book.
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Barron Laycock (MSL quote), USA
<2007-01-12 00:00>
Those of us who grew up watching the evolution of the Beatles and Paul McCartney will find this authoritative biography written by longtime friend Barry Miles a thought-provoking and interesting glimpse into many aspects of McCartney's otherwise quite private and personal life story. The view is startling, given the fact that so many in the media have forwarded the view that Paul was the lesser of the two main creative forces within the group. The account delivered here via a long-running series of interviews with Paul puts the lie to that notion, showing just how influential and fateful were Paul's contribution to the Lennon and McCartney writing genius. It also gives the fascinated reader a mind- boggling glimpse into the creative forces behind the individual songs, and travels knowingly along the historic path leading each of the "Fab Four" from poverty and obscurity to fabled fame and fortune. The result is a marvelous biography and an immensely entertaining reading experience.
The book is full of insider information about the genesis and sources of each of the songs and albums along the way, ranging from the creation of "I Saw Her Standing There" all the way to the "Long And Winding Road", at a time when the members of the group could barely stand to inhabit the same space for any period of time. We come to understand how the arrival of fame and fortune changed each of them forever, and although Paul's perspective is the only one aired here, one marvels at just how fair-minded and self-effacing he seems to be in assessing the values, contribution, and failings of each of the Beatles, himself included. It also shows just how instrumental the guidance of the so-called fifth Beatle, George Martin, was to both their initial breakthrough as well as to their successful riding of the wave-crest of fame that swept over them with such an enormous impact.
It also illustrates just how versatile and intelligent Paul has been, masterfully managing and orchestrating both his music and his fortune to become one of the wealthiest and most successful of the rock luminaries emerging from the sixties. And while his later music may have been disappointing in more critical terms, there is no doubting that he has been a continuing critical influence in the continuing evolution of popular music in the thirty years since the Beatles disbanded. Paul has had a rich and rewarding life, and has become a well-known benefactor of worthy causes and sometimes-reclusive widower of his long-time love and wife Linda, who died several years ago, succumbing to cancer. Still, the McCartney magic seems to shine, and this biography of him is both an interesting read and a privileged look behind the tall walls that he has built around himself in the last several decades. Given the crazed attack that fellow Beatle George Harrison suffered from a deluded fan, perhaps his concern about privacy and protection are all too well advised. Enjoy! |
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DelParto (MSL quote), USA
<2007-01-12 00:00>
Barry Miles's biography about Paul McCartney is rich with the words and facts straight from McCartney's accounts. Many Years From Now begins with a historical backdrop as it pertains to McCartney's childhood from post-war England and seafaring Liverpool to Hamburg's red light district where he and the Beatles honed their musical skills, and then to the swinging sixties London scene. Miles does a good job at setting up the narrative in a way to give the reader a feel of the sixties, which involved much drug taking and raunchiness. He examines much information in depth that had not been mentioned in previous Beatle related narratives.
However, the book meanders off the main subject. Miles guides the reader through McCartney's life, and attempts to emphasize origins of McCartney's creative and artistic side. And somehow, his narrative gets lost in the shuffle when he over emphasizes the advant-garde and how it connects with McCartney's life - the intermittent mention of Allen Ginsberg, William Borroughs, and Willem de Kooning weaves in and out as influential people who may have encouraged him to rediscover his poetry and artwork. In addition, Miles writes long narratives about McCartney's inner circle - John Dunbar, Marianne Faithful, Robert Fraser, the Ashers, etc. and at times makes the reader ask, what about the Beatles and how did this have an affect on their music?
Indeed, the core of the book is about the relationship between McCartney and the Beatles. No doubt, there is bias when Miles examines the Lennon and McCartney songwriting collaboration. He as well as McCartney emphasize that McCartney was the director both musically and creatively for the Sgt. Pepper sessions and album cover and the disastrous Magical Mystery Tour escapade. Some Beatle fans may take this biography as the world according to Paul McCartney or Barry Miles's perception that McCartney led and helped keep the Beatle machine operating until it could no longer operate any longer. McCartney's claims of doing this or contributing that to a Beatle song may shatter the image of the Lennon and McCartney songwriting team that most diehard Beatle fans have been accustomed to, but the information that Miles and McCartney disclose leaves much evidence to which route the Beatles were heading towards after 1966 and up to 1970 - a slow divorce. Yet, McCartney honestly clarifies misconceptions that had been placed on him as a result of the breakup of the Beatles.
Whatever the case, the songs of Lennon and McCartney remain in the minds of those who endear them. The myth or the legend will still surpass any new revelation that may be revealed. If Many Years From Now is Beatle revision in terms of the phenomenon and magic that was created, so be it. For every new listener that comes across the Beatles' music, this is yet another addition of information of what the Beatles were and how they and Paul McCartney affected many lives through their image and music.
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An American reader (MSL quote), USA
<2007-01-12 00:00>
First authoritative and thorough look at Paul McCartney. This book seemed to be Paul's attempt to catch up with the large interview legacy that John Lennon left behind, without having to risk letting an interviewer select the questions. Barry Miles clearly loves Paul, and at no time challenges or pushes Paul's recollections or points of view. That said, the book is probably as close as the public will come to a look at the inner Paul McCartney, who has always appeared to be the most open and public-friendly, but is in fact the most guarded. I was annoyed at author Miles' few swipes at John Lennon, especially his snide "lying in a black bag" crack about John's method of protest. Whatever Miles might think about the effectiveness of such actions, it is John and not Paul that inspired and continues to inspire action against oppression and oppresors. In Eastern Europe, it is widely believed that public reaction to John Lennon's death helped mobilize the end of the iron curtain. But these are my only criticisms, I did enjoy the book, and I do love Paul, for all he's given and continues to give to us. |
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An American reader (MSL quote), USA
<2007-01-12 00:00>
This book is great for all Beatles and Paul McCartney fans. Paul's quotes and words about what the songs are really about are terrific. The story rarely gets boring as it tells almost everything about Paul's life, from losing his mother and meeting John, to playing in Hamburg, to the fame of the Beatles and finally to the present time and all that fits in between. One trouble I found with the book is how ready Barry Miles is to put down John as a doped up, lazy junkie...very far from the truth. He also finds ways to put Paul on an altar and condemn nearly EVERYTHING John has done. This is not true at all of Paul's words which are quoted as he rarely has anything bad to say about John, which is reassuring. Finally, another fault I found with the book is how Paul seems to be a glutton for credit of nearly every great Lennon-McCartney song...he gives himself much of the credit of the great songs of John's and claims he could almost never write a "middle-eight". Most disturbing of these claims is his taking 40% of the writing credit for "Norwegian Wood", says he wrote the entire musical part of "In My Life", and he takes a lot of credit for "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds". However, he is not as ready to share the credit with many of his songs. But all in all I would recommend this book for Beatle fans as it gives an inside view of how things began and tells a story behind most of the songs made and then gives good details surrounding the break-up and justifies his actions when suing the other Beatles. |
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