Beatles Gift Guide: Kit O’Toole’s Top 2018 Albums, Books, Movies, Box Sets and More

The year 2018 proved to be a bonanza for Beatles fans.  Box sets, books, and documentaries marked several notable occasions, including the 50th anniversary of the White Album, the 47th birthday of the Imagine album, and deluxe reissues of Paul McCartney and Wings’ Wild Life and Red Rose Speedway albums.

In addition, McCartney released his first new album in five years, and Ringo Starr published his latest photography book. For the Beatles and solo fans on your Christmas list, what follows is a guide to some of the best releases of the year; you will probably want to ask for some items for yourself!

BOOKS

These books are available through Amazon and Barnes and Noble, unless otherwise indicated. Prices vary from store to store.

Imagine John Yoko ($25): One of the outstanding books published in 2018, this hefty tome provides a detailed tour through the recording of John Lennon’s signature album. New and archival interviews with virtually everyone involved with Imagine (the LP and video album) largely tell the story, with rare photographs of studio sessions, group dinners, and behind-the-scenes pictures of the video shoot adding vital perspective. The book even includes floor plans of Tittenhurst Park, the Georgian manor where Lennon and Yoko Ono lived and recorded the album. This lush, oversized, and finest quality book stands as a vital addition to any fan’s library. 

The Beatles White Album and the Launch of Apple, compiled by Bruce Spizer ($20-$100):  Similar to his 2017 examination of Sgt. Pepper, The Beatles White Album contains a variety of chapters from noted Beatles experts on not only the album’s creation, but the development of the company Apple Corps. Beatlefan publisher Bill King, Beatlefan executive editor Al Sussman, Beatles in Canada author Piers Hemmingsen, and Spizer are among the authors offering various perspectives on the album, the company, and their impact on music and culture. Rare photographs and Apple memorabilia accompany the text. Copies are sold through Spizer’s website, and are available in three versions: digital only ($20), hardcover ($30), and a special numbered collector’s edition ($100).  

The Roof: The Beatles’ Final Concert, by Ken Mansfield ($23.02): Few people can say they were on the Apple Corps headquarters rooftop where the Beatles played their final concert on Jan. 30, 1969. Yet Mansfield, then the U.S. manager of Apple, proved one of the lucky few who witnessed that historic moment in person. Relive that moment through his eyes, and learn how he established a working relationship and friendship with the Beatles.  

Sound Pictures: The Life of Beatles Producer George Martin, the Later Years 1966-2016, by Kenneth Womack ($27.20): Picking up where Womack’s previous book Maximum Volume: The Early Years, 1926-1966 left off, Sound Pictures paints a three-dimensional picture of the Beatles’ legendary producer. In this volume, Martin transitions from the Beatles’ teacher to a collaborator, and embarks on the final phase of his career after the group’s breakup. Womack’s books fill the gaps in knowledge about the producer and provide insight into his personal and professional lives. 

Should Have Known Better, Volume 4, by Jude Southerland Kessler ($29.95): The latest volume in Kessler’s popular John Lennon Series traces Lennon’s life during the height of Beatlemania. Through narrative history, the book takes readers through the whirlwind year of 1964: the tours, the filming of A Hard Day’s Night, and the publication of Lennon’s first book In His Own Write.  Available for purchase at Kessler’s website. 

Ringo Starr and the Beatles Beat, by Alex Cain and Terry McCusker ($44.99): Liverpool drummers Cain and McCusker focus on the percussive elements of the Beatles’ work, obviously focusing on Starr’s techniques. Equipment he used and the development of his skills are explored, as is the band’s previous drummer Pete Best. Musicians and fans alike will appreciate the authors’ attention to detail and unique insights into a very important aspect of the Beatles’ music.

Eight Arms to Hold You Remastered, by Chip Madinger and Mark Easter ($19.99): Available through PDF only, this update of the author’s 2000 work is a compendium of the solo Beatles years, chronicling every official and unofficial recording, various interviews, and variants of official releases.  An ultimate reference for collectors, the2018 edition of Eight Arms still goes up to 2000 but has included over 25,000 more words (and many years of additional research).  Order copies at the authors’ website.   

Another Day in the Life, by Ringo Starr (Collector Edition, £325): Those wanting to splurge on a unique gift should consider Genesis Publications’ latest limited release: a new collection of Starr’s photographs. This volume focuses heavily on Starr’s more recent travels and activities (also including a number of photos with McCartney), but does offer some vintage Beatles photographs and anecdotes from the author himself. The collector’s edition is numbered and signed by Starr, and can be ordered at the Genesis website. 

The Beatles Recording Reference Manual: Volume 3: Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band through Magical Mystery Tour (late 1966-1967) [The Beatles Recording Reference Manuals], by Jerry Hammack, Edited by Gillian G. Gaar ($35): The latest addition to Hammack’s recording manual series takes an in-depth look at a particularly creative portion of the Beatles’ careers.  While technical, the author guides readers from the first take to final in language that musicians and fans can understand. 

Honorable mentions:

Maharishi and Me: Seeking Enlightenment with the Beatles’ Guru, by Susan Shumsky ($17.69)

Looking for the Fourth Beatle, by David Bedford ($52.99)

As Time Goes By, by Derek Taylor (2018 reissue, $14.28)

Visualizing the Beatles: A Complete Graphic History of the World’s Favorite Band, by John Pring and Rob Thomas ($15.21)

Advertising the Beatles: A Unique Look at How Beatles Products Were Merchandised to the World, by Ray Zirkle ($24.95)

DVDs/BLU-RAYS

Imagine/Gimme Some Truth ($17.49 Blu-ray; $11.99 DVD): Considered one of the first video albums, Imagine showcased songs off the album as well as tracks from Ono’s solo work Fly. Unlike previous reissues, the 2018 version is remastered from the original negatives, thus no more scratches or overly dark prints.  As a bonus, the remastered 2000 documentary Gimme Some Truth: The Making of John Lennon’s Imagine Album is included; however, the pristine Imagine restoration alone is worth the price of admission. Along with the book, the double feature perfectly complements the box set. 

Looking for Lennon ($35.99 Blu-ray; $17.29 DVD): Author David Bedford and historian Garry Popper – both Liverpudlians – trace Lennon’s childhood and teenage years by visiting Lennon’s home, schools, and other points of interest.  In addition, the documentary includes interviews with Lennon’s friends, family, and associates. Anyone wishing to learn more about the musician’s early life – and discover debunked myths – would find Looking for Lennon a valuable resource. 

Deconstructing the Beatles: The Early Years ($29.95 DVD): Scott Freiman’s acclaimed “Deconstructing the Beatles” lecture series has dazzled audiences with his multimedia presentations on the group’s music. The latest entry in his filmed lectures The Early Years contains two films: Deconstructing the Birth of the Beatles and Deconstructing The Beatles’ 1963: Yeah, Yeah, Yeah!  Through music, photos, and illustrations, Freiman leads the audience through their development from a rough-and-ready bar band in Hamburg to recording at EMI Studios under Martin. Bonus material includes audience Q&As and a discussion with SoundPictures author Womack. Available through Culture Sonar. 

ALBUMS

Egypt Station, by Paul McCartney ($9.97): McCartney’s first album since 2013’s New, Egypt Station provided the artist with his first No. 1 album since 1982’s Tug of War and his first to debut at the top of the Billboard 200.  The Target edition also includes the two bonus tracks “Get Started” and “Nothing for Free” ($16.99 at Target).

Concert for George ($24.96): The deeply moving tribute from Harrison’s closest friends received a reissue this year in several forms, one being a two-CD set featuring remastered recordings. Other packages include two-disc DVD and Blu-ray sets containing the complete filmed concert, the original theatrical version, rehearsals, behind-the-scenes footage, and interviews with Ringo Starr, Jim Keltner, and Ray Cooper. 

By George By Bachman, by Randy Bachman ($12.59): The Guess Who and Bachman Turner Overdrive alum interprets a number of Harrison solo and Beatles classics, at times radically reinventing them.  Highlights include a jazz rendition of “If I Needed Someone” and a ZZ Top-like reimagining of “Taxman.” Those who appreciate Beatles and solo covers – particularly dramatic re-conceptions – should find Bachman’s album an intriguing listen. 

BOX SETS

White Album: Super Deluxe Edition, by the Beatles ($129.99): Probably the No. 1 item on every Beatles fan’s wish list, the 50th anniversary deluxe edition represents the ultimate deep dive into a turning point in the band’s career.  The package includes a lush remix of the original album, the Esher demos, and three CDs of outtakes. A hardback book chronicling the making of the album and a Blu-ray containing a 5.1 surround audio mix complete the box set. A true fly-on-the-wall experience, the entire package provides an in-depth look at how a rock classic was created. For those who care most about the remixed album and the Esher demos, a three-CD version is also available ($22.97). 

Imagine: The Ultimate Collection, by John Lennon ($73.74): A loving salute to Lennon’s most enduring classic, the four CD and two Blu-ray box set contains the remastered original album, raw studio mixes, elements mixes, and outtakes. Other extras include a 5.1 surround sound mix, the Evolution documentary chronicling the recording of the album, and an archival interview of Lennon and Ono by broadcaster Elliot Mintz. A two-CD version containing the remix and select B-sides and outtakes is also available ($19.97)

Wild Life and Red Rose Speedway Deluxe Box Sets, by Paul McCartney and Wings ($103.99 and $181.49 respectively): The latest Paul McCartney archive collections spotlight these 1970s releases in typically lavish fashion.  Remixes of the original albums, singles, outtakes, and demos, along with reproductions of McCartney’s original handwritten lyrics, let fans experience the making of these two albums. Rare video of rehearsals and even the infamous James Paul McCartney TV special represent just two of the many jam-packed extras in the sets.  Diehard enthusiasts will particularly appreciate these two Archive Collection releases. 

VINYL

Due to the astounding resurgence in vinyl interest, several 2018 releases appeal to collectors.The following represents a sampling of the new editions issued this year, many on 180-gram vinyl. 

White Album: Deluxe Edition 4 LP (remix and Esher demos) ($88.88)

White Album 2LP (remixed album only) ($37.99)

Limited Edition Yellow Submarine 50th Anniversary 7” Picture Disc ($36.99)

Egypt Station Exclusive Deluxe Vinyl (extra artwork) ($39.98 at Paul McCartney’s site)

Egypt Station Standard Vinyl ($34.98 at Paul McCartney’s site)

Concert for George (4 LP) ($58.26)

Red Rose Speedway Reconstructed (2 LP) ($25.08)

Wild Life (2 LP) ($23.45)

Imagine: The Ultimate Collection (2 LP) ($31)

Traveling Wilburys Vol. 1 Picture Disc ($28.35)

EVERY LITTLE THING

Ladies and Gentlemen … The Penguins!, by Ivor Davis ($17.99 hardcover; $12.81 paperback): Have little ones on your list and want to introduce them to the Beatles?  This charming book by Davis (author of The Beatles and Me on Tour) tells the story of a famous penguin rock group that bears a striking similarity to a certain band. Follow their adventures, which are endorsed by none other than Paul Mackerel and George Halibut.  Featuring colorful, whimsical illustrations, the story of their rise to the top will surely inspire children to go fishing for the Beatles’ music. 

Christopher Radko Beatles Ornaments ($36-$100): Fans love decorating the tree with Beatles trimmings, so why not gift them with these blown-glass works of art? This year’s selection of fine European glass ornaments includes Yellow Submarine-themed works, instruments, and odes to Sgt. Pepper.  The 2018 collection is available at the Fest for Beatles Fans website. 

Yellow Submarine Socks for Men, Women and Children ($8-$14): Pay tribute to the 50th anniversary of the psychedelic animated film … on your feet. Available in adult and children’s sizes, the socks display charming images of the submarine, fish, and colorful flowers.  Available at the Fest for Beatles Fans website.