Get Back: The Unauthorized Chronicle of the Beatles’
Let It Be Disaster
by Doug Sulpy and Ray Schweighardt
[1997 St. Martin’s Press, New York]
AMG Rating: 7

If the Beatles’ obvious disintegration in the film Let It Be seems
depressing, consider what authors Sulpy and Schweighardt went
through in researching this book: they listened to every available bit
of tape from twenty days’ worth of recording done for the project.
The authors list and describe hundreds of attempts at rehearsing
and recording material originally intended for a live performance,
although many of the listed titles are either very brief (many running
only a few seconds) or formless jams.

The overall picture of the band is discouraging and unflattering.
Presumably because the book is not authorized by the Beatles,
none of them (or anyone else) is directly quoted; the authors only
describe what is said over the course of the sessions. As a result,
what could have been a fascinating “fly on the wall” documentary
often reads like a paraphrase of court transcripts. This drawback is
likely to limit the book’s appeal to a wide audience.

Still, those familiar with the Beatles’ history may be interested to
learn that the band was aware of their decline and that they weren’t
disciplined or motivated enough to stop it. When Harrison cites
manager Brian Epstein’s death as a turning point, McCartney
points out the pessimism that has crept into the band since then,
calling it a “chore” to be a Beatle by 1969. They marvel at how the
same band that produced Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club
Band could be so sloppy and unproductive just two years later.
Also apparent is the extent to which Lennon has already opted out
of the band, contributing few songs, generally letting Ono speak for
him, and shrugging off the possibility that Harrison may
permanently leave the band.

Despite the band’s hostility and disarray, there are lighter moments
chronicled here, such as the discussion of cover versions of their
material and the pleasure they take in playing old rock and roll.
Verbatim quotes would be especially welcome in the segments
where the Beatles are enjoying each other and their music.
As it is, Get Back is better read as a reference book than a
documentary. — James A. Gardner

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