ROBERT RODRIGUEZ AND JERRY HAMMACK – RIBBONS OF RUST: THE BEATLES’ RECORDING HISTORY IN CONTEXT: VOLUME 1 – JULY 1954 THROUGH JANUARY 1963
BEMIS PUBLISHING GROUP
BOOK REVIEW BY AARON BADGLEY
Robert Rodriguez and Jerry Hammack are not strangers to Beatle Fans. Jerry Hammack has written a series of books that are the go-to texts about The Beatles recording sessions titled the numerous volumes of The Beatles Recording Reference Manual, while Robert Rodriguez not only hosts an excellent podcast known as Something About The Beatles, but he has also written numerous books, including the FAQ series and the brilliant Revolver: How The Beatles Reimagined Rock ‘N’ Roll. The word “expert” gets tossed around a lot, but these two are definitely experts on The Beatles. They have come together to write a much-needed book about our favourite Fab Four.
To find new and undiscovered areas in the land of The Beatles is not an easy task. But Rodriquez and Hammack have taken on a different perspective and a different way of looking at The Beatles that has been briefly been touched upon in the past, but Ribbons Of Rust: The Beatles’ Recording History In Context: Volume 1 – July 1954 Through January 1963 tells The Beatles story within the context of their influences, experiences, home lives, and environment. It is an ambitious endeavour, but they pull it off by allowing themselves the time and space to tell the story.
The authors have, very wisely, split the information into volumes, in order to give every year and era its proper due. This, the first volume, looks at the individual members and the influences and world around them. It makes for interesting reading and places the members of the band, as well as George Martin, within context. No, The Beatles did not exist in a bubble, but their influences helped them create their own distinct space in the universe while interacting with the larger world.
Interacting is a keyword here. Many of the topics and discussions come with a QR code, click on it, and you are transported to the song. It is an excellent way for readers to hear what The Beatles were hearing at the time. It is quite a brilliant way to illustrate the point being made. I was very happy to see the inclusion of the very rare song “I’ve Just Fallen For Someone”, by Johnny Gentle, also known as Darren Young. The Beatles’ first professional tour was supporting Gentle, who co-wrote this song with Lennon, although Lennon’s name was not on the record. Still, it is a great story, and it is included in the book.
Ribbons Of Rust: The Beatles’ Recording History In Context: Volume 1 is an extremely-well written and thoroughly-researched book. There are plenty of photos and details. There is a great deal of information here, and it is all fascinating. Joe Jackson once said that today The Beatles are part of our DNA, and it is hard to understand how they stood apart at the time. Hearing “Love Me Do” with the other releases is a great place to start and does give you the chance to go back in time. Ribbons Of Rust: The Beatles’ Recording History In Context: Volume 1 is a valuable resource and a welcomed addition to The Beatles growing library.
ISBN-10: 098925559X
ISBN-13: 978-0989255592
PURCHASE RIBBONS OF RUST: THE BEATLES’ RECORDING HISTORY IN CONTEXT: VOLUME 1 – JULY 1954 THROUGH JANUARY 1963 VIA
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