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Beatles forever
A recently released book explores the four-decade-long popularity of a rock and roll icon.
By Craig ReemPublished: September 01, 2008
Chapman University English literature Professor Matthew Schneider, who
left Orange County a few weeks ago after more than 15 years on campus,
says he had the same questions many of us do – what is it about The
Beatles that resonates across generations?
His just-released book notes they are part of a “literary Romanticism”
that didn’t die with the end of the 1800s, but lives on in culture and
with social icons like the famed Liverpool four.
“They spoke to the tenor of their times, but also were revolutionary,”
he argues. In fact, “love” and “revolution” are recurring words in
their songs – words that also define the Romantic Age. “The Beatles
believed in the dignity and significance of ordinary individuals,”
which is Romanticism at its essence.
While Schneider didn’t write his newly released title as a textbook, it
is yet another tool in defining the culture of the 1960s, with a twist
and a shout about a group’s ageless influence.
Schneider, 50, as a child of the times and a student of history,
understands The Beatles well. “Behind them lies the literary-cultural
tradition of Anglo-American Romanticism,” he writes. “They were
fortunate enough to have been born at the right place and time.”
Now, go play “Let It Be.”
Other music-related books:
“Jazz: A History of America’s Music,” by Geoffrey C. Ward and Ken Burns, Alfred A. Knopf, $35
The companion book to Ken Burns’ PBS documentary contains an early picture of a young Louis Armstrong, which sets the tone for this insightful photo-rich look at one of America’s greatest inventions. The whole package feels like a celebration.
“Rolling Stones 500 Greatest Albums of All Time,” by the editors of Rolling Stone, Wenner Books, $25
This is very much a tour of the 1960s – when pop music was at its best. There are some real jewels you may have forgotten, as well as some you’ll argue for, or against.
“Tearing Down the Wall of Sound: The Rise and Fall of Phil Spector,” by Mick Brown, Vintage Books, $16.95
The pop-record producer, who also wrote the hit “To Know Him is to Love Him” and worked on the Beatles’ last album, has lived a strange life. And, as we all know, Spector is up on murder charges.
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His just-released book notes they are part of a “literary Romanticism” that didn’t die with the end of the 1800s, but lives on in culture and with social icons like the famed Liverpool four. “They spoke to the tenor of their times, but also were revolutionary,” he argues. In fact, “love” and “revolution” are recurring words in their songs – words that also define the Romantic Age. “The Beatles believed in the dignity and significance of ordinary individuals,” which is Romanticism at its essence. While Schneider didn’t write his newly released title as a textbook, it is yet another tool in defining the culture of the 1960s, with a twist and a shout about a group’s ageless influence. Schneider, 50, as a child of the times and a student of history, understands The Beatles well. “Behind them lies the literary-cultural tradition of Anglo-American Romanticism,” he writes. “They were fortunate enough to have been born at the right place and time.” Now, go play “Let It Be.” Other music-related books: “Jazz: A History of America’s Music,” by Geoffrey C. Ward and Ken Burns, Alfred A. Knopf, $35 The companion book to Ken Burns’ PBS documentary contains an early picture of a young Louis Armstrong, which sets the tone for this insightful photo-rich look at one of America’s greatest inventions. The whole package feels like a celebration. “Rolling Stones 500 Greatest Albums of All Time,” by the editors of Rolling Stone, Wenner Books, $25 This is very much a tour of the 1960s – when pop music was at its best. There are some real jewels you may have forgotten, as well as some you’ll argue for, or against. “Tearing Down the Wall of Sound: The Rise and Fall of Phil Spector,” by Mick Brown, Vintage Books, $16.95 The pop-record producer, who also wrote the hit “To Know Him is to Love Him” and worked on the Beatles’ last album, has lived a strange life. And, as we all know, Spector is up on murder charges. |
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