Bob Dylan is revealed as something of a touchstone in ‘Sound Bites: A Lifetime of Listening,’ the fascinating new book by Something Else! contributor Tom Wilmeth.

The lesser-known friends, family and musicians who influenced the Beatles finally receive their due in David Bedford’s ‘Fab One Hundred and Four.’

Howard Smith’s ‘Lost Interviews with Rock Stars & Icons’ lends new perspectives on historical figures we thought we knew well.

Keyboard player Don Randi takes us deeper into the often-overlooked world of those talented sidemen known as the Wrecking Crew.

Kit O’Toole counts down the best Beatles-related releases of the past year, ranging from books to CDs to DVDs to calendars and more.

Dave Morrell paints a vivid picture of the 1970s music business, punctuated by memorable hangs with musical idols like John Lennon and Ron Wood.

Jon Bream’s “many voices” approach on ‘Dylan Disc by Disc’ is a great way to explore Bob Dylan’s varied career from all angles.

Mark Blake’s ‘Pretend You’re in a War: The Who and the Sixties’ sets the stage for later successes, even as he delves deeper into what drove them.

Packed with cool pictures of musicians, vinyl, guitars and gig posters, John Blair’s ‘Southern California Surf Music 1960-1966’ is a surf rock bible.

Entertaining and clever in places, Gilad Atzmon and Enzo Apicella’s ‘A to Zion: The Definitive Israeli Lexicon’ makes for an interesting read.