Book Review: Solid State: The Story of Abbey Road and the End of the Beatles

Womack's detailed account of the writing, recording, mixing, and reception of how The Beatles' final album was written and recorded is a treat for fans. It focuses on the dynamics between John, Paul, George, Ringo and producer George Martin and his team of engineers, who set aside (for the most part) the tensions and conflicts that had arisen on previous albums to create a work that boasted an innovative (and, among some fans and critics, controversial) studio-bound sound that included the new Moog synthesizer, among other novelties.

By Kenneth Womack

(hardcover) $19.98