Lennon & McCartney:Together Alone
by John Blaney

One heart, two minds

Blaney writes as a self-professed fan and record collector in this exhaustive account of the two former Beatles’ solo careers. Together Alone’s dense narrative and full discography is fastidiously detailed: the product of a man in awe. Chronologically arranged from 1966 onwards, Blaney moves between the two bodies of work in an interesting way, which, perhaps wisely, never allies itself to one side more than the other. Instead, he portrays their work as essentially different and therefore incomparable, despite sharing a common heritage.

Described as a critical discography, it doesn’t shy away from highlighting the low points, though you get the feeling that Blaney doesn’t go far enough in his criticisms, especially with regard to some of McCartney’s overly sentimental forays. Lennon’s less successful experiments, however indulgent, seem more forgivable in the light of his obvious need to keep progressing artistically, and the often painful honesty of his subject matter. Such evenhandedness will either appeal to or annoy you, and while it probably won’t change your opinions on either artist, maybe that’s the point. What it does offer is an excellent and detailed catalogue of their work, written with all the precision of an academic paper.

ISBN 1906002029

Reviewed by Adam Free
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