Interesting 3 part interview with Geoff Emerick on Blender.com.
http://www.blender.com/guide/articles.aspx?id=1959
Lot of what's already in the book, but in his own words.
Geoff Emerick Interview
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westtexasrickenbacker
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The book is very interesting.
And I gather somewhat controversial, as Ken Scott is angry about some of Geoff's recollections.
I liked the book, and Emerick seems like a nice guy, but it almost seems like he had some bad feelings left over towards George.
I think he could have phrased a number of things more diplomatically when recalling George contributions to certain Beatle songs.
Ringo's too, for that matter.
And I gather somewhat controversial, as Ken Scott is angry about some of Geoff's recollections.
I liked the book, and Emerick seems like a nice guy, but it almost seems like he had some bad feelings left over towards George.
I think he could have phrased a number of things more diplomatically when recalling George contributions to certain Beatle songs.
Ringo's too, for that matter.
I think Geoff Emerick should have honestly titled his new book, "Why I F- - - - for a Buck."
This is much closer to the unvarnished truth of what this new book is his is all about.
1.-He paints Macca as nearly God almighty divine.
2.-JWL as 2nd rate artist/mediocre guitarist/song writer with a foul temper and with an attention deficit disorder.
3.-Geo H. as nearly talentless 3rd rate guitarist.
4.-And Ringo as an amiable dunce.
Needless to say in his new book The Geoff-ster makes himself look pretty damned good and a "boy genius" of the '60's recording control room too boot.
Quite neatly of course he waits until JWL and Geo. H. are both dead to fill his ink pen with venom and scribble this provocative nonsense.
Consider all this from the source and the main reason that would drive someone to write such a book.
And that is, mainly money and making himself look good.
Seemingly Geoffer-roni is fully aware that by trashing 3 out of 4 the iconic Fabs might place his gossipy dribble of a book under the Klieg Lights and get him interviews on various media sources to sell the wretched thing.
If you can't be good, be greedy. ...
This is much closer to the unvarnished truth of what this new book is his is all about.
1.-He paints Macca as nearly God almighty divine.
2.-JWL as 2nd rate artist/mediocre guitarist/song writer with a foul temper and with an attention deficit disorder.
3.-Geo H. as nearly talentless 3rd rate guitarist.
4.-And Ringo as an amiable dunce.
Needless to say in his new book The Geoff-ster makes himself look pretty damned good and a "boy genius" of the '60's recording control room too boot.
Quite neatly of course he waits until JWL and Geo. H. are both dead to fill his ink pen with venom and scribble this provocative nonsense.
Consider all this from the source and the main reason that would drive someone to write such a book.
And that is, mainly money and making himself look good.
Seemingly Geoffer-roni is fully aware that by trashing 3 out of 4 the iconic Fabs might place his gossipy dribble of a book under the Klieg Lights and get him interviews on various media sources to sell the wretched thing.
If you can't be good, be greedy. ...
"Your Greatest Power is the Power to Choose"
My take on the matter is that he was there. Naturally he is going like some people he worked with more than others. Just like we do. However, I don't remember him describing John George or Ringo in those words. But if thats what you got from it...
What's wrong with writing a book and doing it for money?
What's wrong with writing a book and doing it for money?
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And certainly nothing wrong (on the face of it) of writing a book to make money.
And some would would say what's at all wrong with "street walking" to make money.
BUT!
Ever notice how many people write books merely to cash in on someone else's celebrity?
There been more money made OFF of the Beatles then
the Beatles ever made for themselves through their own hard work and lasting efforts.
How many Beatles' related garbage books have been written by such questionable Fabs fringe connection folk as Peter Brown, Fred Seaman, Aunt Mimi's next door neighbor who briefly knew John's vetinerian's niece who in turn slept with Paul's Astin Martin mechanic in 1966, etc. et al.
But, I have a better idea here.
Why don't Ringo and Ken Scott write a "get even book" titled "That Bas - - - d Geoff Emerick!"
hmmm!
Anyone have the phone number of a hungry publisher?
And some would would say what's at all wrong with "street walking" to make money.
BUT!
Ever notice how many people write books merely to cash in on someone else's celebrity?
There been more money made OFF of the Beatles then
the Beatles ever made for themselves through their own hard work and lasting efforts.
How many Beatles' related garbage books have been written by such questionable Fabs fringe connection folk as Peter Brown, Fred Seaman, Aunt Mimi's next door neighbor who briefly knew John's vetinerian's niece who in turn slept with Paul's Astin Martin mechanic in 1966, etc. et al.
But, I have a better idea here.
Why don't Ringo and Ken Scott write a "get even book" titled "That Bas - - - d Geoff Emerick!"
hmmm!
Anyone have the phone number of a hungry publisher?
"Your Greatest Power is the Power to Choose"
I thought I heard that Ken Scott was writing his own book.
I think the fact that Geoff waited until decades after the Beatles broke up and all that to tell his side of the story means something. It is an interesting read, even without his personality descriptions....containing the techniques and backroom EMI happenings. He accomplished great things in the studio and has the hardware (grammy's, etc) to prove it.
I think the fact that Geoff waited until decades after the Beatles broke up and all that to tell his side of the story means something. It is an interesting read, even without his personality descriptions....containing the techniques and backroom EMI happenings. He accomplished great things in the studio and has the hardware (grammy's, etc) to prove it.
I'm perhaps the more eager to read the upcoming
book "Recording the Beatles".
I put my pre-paid order in this past July
(see website)
www.recordingthebeatles.com
This reportedly is the most ambitious, the most complete book of its kind published on this subject to date.
And it deals with extremely well researched, rock solid great information verses tawdry gossip of one man's ego.
Pricey at $100.00, it none the less is jam packed with great stuff and promises great things. ...
Can't wait!
book "Recording the Beatles".
I put my pre-paid order in this past July
(see website)
www.recordingthebeatles.com
This reportedly is the most ambitious, the most complete book of its kind published on this subject to date.
And it deals with extremely well researched, rock solid great information verses tawdry gossip of one man's ego.
Pricey at $100.00, it none the less is jam packed with great stuff and promises great things. ...
Can't wait!
"Your Greatest Power is the Power to Choose"
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iamthebassman
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"He paints Macca as nearly God almighty divine."
Is that a bad thing? Have you read any posts on this forum? There's plenty of McCartney praise/worship here, are we in the wrong as well?
"Quite neatly of course he waits until JWL and Geo. H. are both dead to fill his ink pen with venom and scribble this provocative nonsense"
Can you tell us how you know he in fact waited for the two Beatles to die before writing his book? How did he know they were gonna die? Explain.
"JWL as 2nd rate artist/mediocre guitarist/song writer with a foul temper and with an attention deficit disorder."
I can certainly imagine Lennon having a temper, etc. Having never had the chance to meet the man, most of what I know of him as a person is from people who did. You seem to disagree with the opinion of a man who worked closely with him, do you have similar personal experience with JL that you can share with us?
Is that a bad thing? Have you read any posts on this forum? There's plenty of McCartney praise/worship here, are we in the wrong as well?
"Quite neatly of course he waits until JWL and Geo. H. are both dead to fill his ink pen with venom and scribble this provocative nonsense"
Can you tell us how you know he in fact waited for the two Beatles to die before writing his book? How did he know they were gonna die? Explain.
"JWL as 2nd rate artist/mediocre guitarist/song writer with a foul temper and with an attention deficit disorder."
I can certainly imagine Lennon having a temper, etc. Having never had the chance to meet the man, most of what I know of him as a person is from people who did. You seem to disagree with the opinion of a man who worked closely with him, do you have similar personal experience with JL that you can share with us?
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westtexasrickenbacker
- Member
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- Joined: Fri Jun 16, 2006 8:46 am
I don't think the book is as scathing towards Lennon and Harrison as has been described. I do think Emerick could have certainly phrased things better and kinder. However, I don't believe it's out and out venon.
Geoff Emerick was there though, and his work was ground-breaking, there's no doubt about that. He had the great fortune of being both paired with George Martin and recording the Beatles, at a very young age, no less.
Other books from years ago confirm his prowess as a recording engineer, so he WAS something of a 'Boy Genius' in the studio. How many grammys has he won for best engineered album? And they were deserved awards.
It was well-known before this book that Ringo was hesitant to take a drum solo, and it was also known that McCartney did the solos on 'Ticket to Ride', 'Taxman', Sgt. Pepper's and some others, too. What wasn't really well known was why Paul played the solos? And Emerick's book casts light on that.
Huge fan of ALL the Beatles. Most of us fans knew that Paul could be a pushy perfectionist who could be a pain in the rear, John had anger issues and could rip one to shreds verbally, but he was also one heck of a witty guy who could have you laughing hysterically.
George was basically a nice guy who readily admitted he wasn't the same talent as a Clapton (although I still think he was great), and Ringo had insecurity issues because they controlled him so much.
The book simply sheds new light on these subjects. I just think he could have word things better.
Geoff Emerick was there though, and his work was ground-breaking, there's no doubt about that. He had the great fortune of being both paired with George Martin and recording the Beatles, at a very young age, no less.
Other books from years ago confirm his prowess as a recording engineer, so he WAS something of a 'Boy Genius' in the studio. How many grammys has he won for best engineered album? And they were deserved awards.
It was well-known before this book that Ringo was hesitant to take a drum solo, and it was also known that McCartney did the solos on 'Ticket to Ride', 'Taxman', Sgt. Pepper's and some others, too. What wasn't really well known was why Paul played the solos? And Emerick's book casts light on that.
Huge fan of ALL the Beatles. Most of us fans knew that Paul could be a pushy perfectionist who could be a pain in the rear, John had anger issues and could rip one to shreds verbally, but he was also one heck of a witty guy who could have you laughing hysterically.
George was basically a nice guy who readily admitted he wasn't the same talent as a Clapton (although I still think he was great), and Ringo had insecurity issues because they controlled him so much.
The book simply sheds new light on these subjects. I just think he could have word things better.
I'll stick with my story.
Emerick merely wanted to sell a book, make himself look comparatively good and he did it (deliberately-or so it seems) from a highly provacative angle.
He may have been heavily goaded by his publisher to take this point of attack.
As my father would have said, "With 'friends' like that, who needs enemies?"
In the end, I think the upcoming Kevin Bacon book "Recording the Beatles" will totally outshine and be taken far more seriously by true Beatles historians and aficionados long after the Emerick
book has been given it's allocated 15 minutes of Andy Wharhol fame.
Emerick merely wanted to sell a book, make himself look comparatively good and he did it (deliberately-or so it seems) from a highly provacative angle.
He may have been heavily goaded by his publisher to take this point of attack.
As my father would have said, "With 'friends' like that, who needs enemies?"
In the end, I think the upcoming Kevin Bacon book "Recording the Beatles" will totally outshine and be taken far more seriously by true Beatles historians and aficionados long after the Emerick
book has been given it's allocated 15 minutes of Andy Wharhol fame.
"Your Greatest Power is the Power to Choose"