Lennon on Lennon

October 1, 2016

John Lennon never wrote a memoir, and so far Paul McCartney has resisted the idea of an autobiography, but in two new books the musicians through their own words speak with candor and reflection, bringing an intimate and revealing look into their already well-examined lives. As one of rock's most self-searching and questing artists, Lennon's conversations were mixtures of wit, naked openness, and political and social commentary. Editor Burger (Springsteen on Springsteen) has selected 19 interviews from print, radio, and television, most either never published in print or not easily accessible today. The transcripts are presented chronologically, providing a background introduction that contextualizes each. From an early radio interview in 1964 to the famous Dick Cavett TV appearances of 1971 and concluding with an interview done only hours before his tragic murder in 1980, Lennon's sardonic humor, intelligence, and honesty are displayed in these revealing discussions. Music, activism, songwriting, and, of course, the Beatles are all topics woven together throughout the pieces.

Journalist Du Noyer (In the City: A Celebration of London Music) first interviewed McCartney in 1989 and spoke to the musician dozens of times over the next 25 years. He gives readers a portrait of the former Beatle extensively using McCartney's own words. The author mixes different conversations from throughout the period to create a continuous flow to the narrative, which encompasses the arc of McCartney's career. After a roughly chronological examination from pre-Beatles to the 21st century, Du Noyer turns to thematic chapters on songwriting, touring, classical music, art, fashion, love, and celebrity. McCartney's conversational style is direct and casual, illustrating the author's belief that McCartney's music has been a continuing balance between art and show business, and that the totality of his career makes him one of the foremost musicians of our time. Reading each musician's own words one sees the differences in temperament, introspection, philosophy and style, and also the many reasons why they together and alone remain towering figures in rock music VERDICT Both titles are essential new additions to the voluminous Beatles literature and the group's principal songwriters and will be of interest to those already familiar with their life stories.--James Collins, Morristown-Morris Twp. P.L., NJ

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