I always thought they were just different and vive la difference. The time when there was some actual call-response (e.g. Sgt. Peppers/Satanic Majesties) didn't really last that long, but it was the the best time, with no need to take sides (imho). Kind of like a good game when you don't care who wins--you just enjoy the show.Interesting to follow certain lines of influence, as when Lennon/McCartney helped the Stones cover one of their songs and in the process schooled them on the craft and necessity of songwriting, a favor that Dylan in turn--albeit in a different way--performed for L/McC.I generally want to know about an author in order to interpret her/his writing. The more I read about music and the lives of those in the music business (including the musicians), the less I feel this is the case with music, which is only diminished by the information. The contrast is well evoked in this book when it describes such phenomena as Beatlemania and the summer when Sgt. Pepper floated out of car windows all across the US. Next to such power and richness the lives of the principal players are sadly disappointing. You want greatness and all there is is money-grubbing pettiness and superficiality--at best.Keef, though, he's the man. I received my copy through Goodreads First Reads.I like the Beatles. I like the Stones. Therefore I liked the book. Provides an insight to the socio-political associations of both groups (whether purposeful or not), as well as the individual dynamics that drove each band to success. I also thought the 26 track playlist suggested on the first page was a neat addition. Overall fun and enjoyable read.
What do You think about Beatles Vs. Stones (2014)?
Starts out great, doesn't go the distance.
—shandd
