An Original the Beatles’ Songwriting Sources (Amazon U.S.)

Niccolini takes a novel approach to explaining the inspiration for much of the Beatles’ catalog. Formulating a theory based on biography, popular culture and psychology, she analyzes the majority of the songs through the prism she creates. While one can certainly argue with her conclusions, she deserves credit for thorough and original research and consistency in her approach. While not every song analysis rings true, the majority are insightful and certainly thought provoking.

Readers who are looking for something more than the usual shallow examination and blathering adulation found in most books on Beatles’ music will appreciate this book. The author’s early chapters require perseverance to comprehend her thesis, but in the end the reader’s patience is rewarded by a new perspective on the music that has provided the soundtrack of the past half-century.