Read by William Hughes

In Solid State, Kenneth Womack offers the most definitive account of the conception, recording, mixing, and reception of Abbey Road. In February 1969, the Beatles began working on what became their final album together. Abbey Road introduced a number of new techniques and technologies to the Beatles' sound and included "Come Together," "Something," and "Here Comes the Sun," which all emerged as classics. Womack's colorful retelling of how this landmark album was written and recorded is a treat for fans of the Beatles. Solid State takes listeners back to 1969 and into EMI's Abbey Road Studios, which boasted an advanced solid state transistor mixing desk. Womack focuses on the dynamics between John, Paul, George, and Ringo and producer George Martin and his team of engineers, who for the most part set aside the tensions and conflicts that had arisen on previous albums to create a work with an innovative (and among some fans and critics, controversial) studio-bound sound that prominently included the new Moog synthesizer, among other novelties. As Womack shows, Abbey Road was the culmination of the instrumental skills, recording equipment, and artistic vision that the band and George Martin had developed since their early days in the same studio seven years before. A testament to the group's creativity and their producer's ingenuity, Solid State is required reading for all fans of the Beatles and the rock 'n' roll. "A fascinating, in-depth look at the creation of Abbey Road…Womack displays a detailed and insightful analysis that fans will hope he applies to the band's other albums." "Womack takes us on a journey through 1969, providing an engaging chronicle of the recording of this landmark record. It is a must-read for anyone who knows the album-and the better you know Abbey Road, the more you'll enjoy Solid State." "One of the world's foremost Beatle scholars takes a fascinating tour through the band's final masterpiece. Kenneth Womack sheds light on the struggle and strife behind 'that magic feeling,' as four artists on the verge of splitting apart somehow came together to make some of their best-loved music. Solid State is a brilliant and essential trip." "Solid State takes readers on a memorable walk across Abbey Road and into the hallowed halls of EMI Studios as Beatles expert Kenneth Womack explores the recording of the group's swan song LP. A fab job as always from Womack." "Music writer Womack delivers a fascinating, in-depth look at the creation of Abbey Road…a detailed and insightful analysis."

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