For Beatles fans, 2021 proved to be a bonanza: the year of the long-awaited Get Back documentary, the Let It Be box set, a deluxe 50th anniversary celebration of All Things Must Pass, and much more. New music from Ringo Starr, along with stellar books exploring less-examined areas of Beatles and solo-era scholarship, made for a memorable 12 months.
This guide should satisfy all the fans on your holiday gift list — and you may want to include some of these items in your own letter to Santa. All items are available on Amazon except where noted. Prices subject to change.
BOOKS
All Things Must Pass Away: Harrison, Clapton, and Other Assorted Love Songs, by Kenneth Womack & Jason Kruppa ($22.10): Friends and colleagues Eric Clapton and George Harrison produced two of their most consequential works in 1971: Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs (as Derek and the Dominos) and All Things Must Pass, respectively. Womack and Kruppa examine the parallels between the two works, how the two musicians influenced each other, and the creative processes and personal issues they experienced during this crucial period.
The Beatles Magical Mystery Tour and Yellow Submarine, by Bruce Spizer ($30 at beatle.net): The latest installment in Spizer’s Beatles Album Series focuses on the period between Sgt. Pepper and Yellow Submarine, discussing the recording of the soundtrack albums to both Magical Mystery Tour and the animated film, the landmark recording and filming of “All You Need Is Love” for the Our World TV program, and much more.
Grandude’s Green Submarine, by Paul McCartney ($14.77): Kids and their parents who enjoyed the adventures of McCartney’s quirky “Grandude” and his grandchildren will surely love this fun and colorful sequel.
The Lyrics: 1956 to the Present, by Paul McCartney ($60): The closest McCartney will ever come to an autobiography, the two-volume set features lyrics from 154 Beatles and solo songs. Each set of lyrics is accompanied by rare photos and images of handwritten lyrics, along with excepts of interviews conducted by poet Paul Muldoon. McCartney shares details about his life and how they impact his songwriting process, making The Lyrics is a must for any fan.
The Beatles Mach Schau in Hamburg, by Thorsten Knublauch (€65,00 at Apcor): Seen as the definitive account of the Beatles’ years in Hamburg, Knublach’s 540-page hardcover book features a detailed history as well as rare photos and memorabilia from the Beatles’ formative years honing their craft in Germany.
Fandom and the Beatles: The Act You’ve Known for All These Years, edited by Kenneth Womack and Kit O’Toole ($26.12): While the Beatles themselves are obviously the central focus of their story, the fans play just as important a role in history. Featuring chapters by prominent scholars, this book studies how fandom has changed throughout generations, and how Beatles enthusiasts have contributed to the band’s history.
Little Wing: The Jimmy McCulloch Story, by Paul Salley ($50): Wings fans will appreciate this long overdue first official biography of Jimmy McCulloch, the guitarist who first appeared on the track “Junior’s Farm.” He tragically died at 26, but Salley’s book demonstrates just how much McCulloch accomplished in such a short time.
The Beatles: Get Back ($35.98): The perfect accompaniment to the recent documentary, Get Back features photos of the Beatles recording at Twickenham Studios as well as Apple Studios. Transcripts of their conversations allow the reader a fly on-the-wall experience as the Beatles record what would become Let It Be, making the book a must-own for any fan.
Linda McCartney’s Family Kitchen: Over 90 Plant-Based Recipes to Save the Planet and Nourish the Soul, by Linda McCartney with Paul, Stella, and Mary McCartney ($23.80): Culinary lovers on your list will treasure this lavishly illustrated, vegan-friendly cookbook, all based on recipes by the late Linda McCartney. Family photos and stories accompany the recipes.
The Beatles: Fab Four Cities: Liverpool-Hamburg-London-New York, by Richard Porter, David Bedford, Susan Ryan ($21.86): Whether you’re planning an excursion to any of the four cities mentioned in the new year — or are content with being an armchair traveler for now — this guide book provides maps, details, history, and personal reflections from the authors and Beatles experts.
It’s All in the Mind: Inside the Beatles’ Yellow Submarine Vol. 2, by Robert R. Hieronimus ($32.49 at Yellow Submarine Book): The sequel to Inside the Yellow Submarine: The Making of The Beatles’ Animated Classic, It’s All in the Mind further explores the making of the beloved Beatles film. This new volume features 16 interviews with additional artists who worked on the movie as well as other behind-the-scenes stories, and analyzes why Yellow Submarine has stood the test of time.
Honorable Mentions
The Beatles and Fandom: Sex, Death, and Progressive Nostalgia, by Richard Mills ($39.95)
Beatles Recording Reference Manuals Vols. 1-5, by Jerry Hammack (hardback Editions, completely updated, $45 each)
The John Lennon Series: Shades of Life Pt. 1, by Jude Southerland Kessler ($24.95 at The John Lennon Series)
The Beatles and the 1960s: Reception, Revolution, and Social Change, by Kenneth L. Campbell ($29.95)
The Beatles 100: One Hundred Pivotal Moments in Beatles History, by John M. Borack ($24.99)
CDs, VINYL AND CASSETTES
Gimme Some Truth: The Ultimate Remixes, by John Lennon (Target exclusive vinyl, $34.99): Collectors will enjoy receiving this limited-edition version of last year’s release, featuring two LPs on opaque blue vinyl.
Bob Dylan: 1970 With Special Guest George Harrison, by Bob Dylan ($16.17): This three-disc package features previously unreleased studio recordings, including a session with Harrison on May 1, 1970. They performed nine tracks together, including Dylan compositions such as “Gates of Eden” and “One Too Many Mornings” as well as covers like the Everly Brothers’ “All I Have to Do Is Dream” and Carl Perkins’ “Matchbox.”
McCartney III Imagined, by Paul McCartney and various artists ($12.43; vinyl; $25.10; splatter vinyl, $54.74): After McCartney released what he called his “rockdown” album in 2020, he invited contemporary artists such as Beck, Phoebe Bridgers, Dominic Fike, Anderson .Paak, and St. Vincent to either cover or remix tracks from McCartney III. What resulted was McCartney III Imagined, an interesting collection of younger generations’ reinterpretions of the Beatle’s most recent work.
Ram (limited edition 50th anniversary half speed-mastered vinyl), by Paul and Linda McCartney ($35.98 at McCartney’s official site): Audiophiles on your gift list will welcome this special pressing of McCartney’s landmark 1971 album, now widely considered one of his best releases.
Ram On: The 50th Anniversary Tribute to Paul & Linda McCartney’s ‘Ram’, by Fernando Perdomo and Denny Seiwell ($18.99): Speaking of Ram, a tribute album was released this year co-produced by Perdomo and the album’s original drummer, Seiwell. Featuring lesser-known artists as well married couple Carnie Wilson (of Wilson Phillips fame) and Rob Bonfiglio, this project serves as a charming, energetic salute to the McCartneys’ beloved collaboration.
Zoom In, by Ringo Starr ($11.19 CD; $16.99 vinyl; $12.98 cassette): Since Starr announced he will now issue EPs rather than full albums, we can look forward to more frequent releases. Zoom In was the first, and proved to be a strong debut with such tracks as the fun “Teach Me How to Tango” and the first single, the New Year’s Eve-appropriate “Here’s to the Nights.”
Change the World, by Ringo Starr ($11.98 CD; $19.98 vinyl; $12.98 cassette): The second EP picks up where Zoom In left off, with the title song being a particular highlight. Other tracks include the Linda Perry-penned “Coming Undone” and the reggae-flavored “Just That Way.”
In Their Own Write: The Weeklings Live! by the Weeklings ($15): Like the Beatles and power pop? New Jersey’s Weeklings will definitely appeal to fans of both on your gift list. Attendees of the Fest for Beatles Fans in New York are already familiar with their musicianship, and will enjoy this live recording featuring original compositions as well covers of Beatles tracks such as “The Word” and “Baby You’re a Rich Man.”
BOX SETS
Plastic Ono Band Super Deluxe Box Set ($96.99): John Lennon’s first solo album (not counting his avant-garde works with Yoko Ono) receives the deluxe treatment with this lavish box set. Containing six CDs and two Blu-ray audio discs, the set features outtakes, demos, “elements” mixes, jams, raw studio mixes, and a new 2021 mix of the original album. A 132-page hardcover book chronicles the making of Plastic Ono Band, and two postcards as well as a poster rounds out the package.
All Things Must Pass Super Deluxe Box Set ($120.57): George Harrison’s masterwork celebrated its 50th anniversary this year, and this five-CD (plus one audio Blu-ray) set is a bonanza for fans of the classic album. Demos, outtakes, studio jams, the remixed original album, a booklet with rare photos and details about the sessions, and a poster makes for an appropriate tribute to a masterpiece.
Let It Be Super Deluxe Box Set ($114.80): Released about a month prior to Get Back, the long-awaited Let It Be box set contains pristine versions of some of the sessions long circulating on bootlegs. The five CDs contain a new stereo mix of the original album, two discs of rehearsals and Apple sessions, the 1969 Glyn Johns mix, an EP, and a Blu-ray featuring Dolby audio mixes. A hardback book written by Kevin Howlett (with a foreword by McCartney) further chronicles the history of the sessions and debates the supposed constant gloom surrounding the project.
DVD/BLU-RAY
The Beatles and India (£14.99 DVD; Blu-ray to be released 1/7/22 at £18.99; order at Cherry Red Records): The connections between the group and the country are well-known, but this documentary digs even deeper into how the Beatles impacted India, as well. Interviews with those who were with the band while they studied under the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, as well as discussions as to how the country influenced the Beatles’ music are included.
- How John Lennon Came Roaring Back on the Beatles’ White Album - November 22, 2023
- Five ‘With the Beatles’ Deep Cuts That Illustrate Their Lasting Debt to R&B - November 20, 2023
- Five Must-Hear Deep Cuts from the Beatles’ ‘Past Masters’ - March 7, 2023
