1966 And All That

I've been reading Steve Turner's Beatles '66: The Revolutionary Year.  The title's not lying--it's all about The Beatles in 1966.  The theory behind the book is that particular year was a transformative one in their lives and careers, "the year that changed everything."

True.  But not especially meaningful.  The Beatles went through so much that every year in the 60s was a transformative year.  Let me demonstrate:

1960--Their first residency in Hamburg where they learn to tear it up so well that they return to Liverpool the most exciting rock band in town.

1961--Their first professional recording (backing Tony Sheridan) and the year they sign with manager Brian Epstein, who will put them on the road to success.

1962--Their first recording as The Beatles and their first chart hit in Britain.

1963--Beatlemania takes over Britain.

1964--Beatlemania takes over the world (and they star in A Hard Day's Night).

1965--Their music becomes more sophisticated as they record and release Rubber Soul.

1966--They experiment more than ever in the studio (and stop touring), recording and releasing Revolver.

1967--They put out Sgt. Pepper, perhaps the high point of the 1960s cultural revolution (and Brian Epstein dies).

1968--The Beatles record The Beatles (aka "The White Album") and the cracks start showing between the band members.

1969--They get it together and record their last hurrah, Abbey Road.

1970--They officially break up.

Don't get me wrong, I'm enjoying the book.  But you could write such a book for each year they were around.  I wish someone would.