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Post by christine~ on Aug 8, 2008 19:42:33 GMT -5
NOTE: Today the Amazon page shows 24 used & new from $0.01...! That's right ~ they said ONE CENT. Wow.  For the best book on Brian Epstein ever written (Well, equal to Ray Coleman's The Man Who Made The Beatles).
 True Beatle fans will never forget Brian, August 6, 2008 Review Written by James H. Cahill "Jim Cahill" (Topanga, California) on the Amazon.com website Great easy read about the genius behind The Beatles. While many harshly judge Brian as 'Monday Morning Quarterbacks' and criticize his deal making prowess, those who do forget there were no rules when Brian Epstein took the fabs to the top. There has never been a show business success story like this; there may never be a success story like this again, and Brian was in charge. He helped The Beatles conquer the world. Credit where credit is due. His elegant, upscale taste (putting the boys in tailored suits & combing out the mop tops) was a key factor in the world falling in love with the band. The fashion went hand in hand with the music revolution the Beatles led. Brian guided and shaped their theatrical presentation. He nutured the image of The Beatles as the epitome of self assured, witty 24 year old super heros-the world's press literally eating out of their hands. The outsider from Northern England whose grace and style the Beatles were modeled on. Their appearance, a reflection of Brian. The Saville Row suits. The impeccable style. The upscale rebel- never too posh. Brian was the aspirational leader of The Beatles. John Lennon adored Brian, listened to him, respected his savvy. As John went, The Beatles went. Brian's financial independence was THE key ingredient in securing The Beatles record deal. Brian found George Martin. Brian booked the boys on The Ed Sullivan Show. Brian moved the scene from Liverpool to London that ushered in the mod swinging 60's. Brian helped attract the entire world's attention for the first global satellite TV transmission when he secured The Beatles a spot to perform "live" for the world on TV. The "All You Need Is Love" LIVE satellite broadcast from Abbey Road ignited the Summer Of Love. Brian had the ability to skillfully manipulate the media long before any pop manager. To hell with the T-shirt deals and who made what on the god darn lunch pails. None of that matters. This was a tasteful, intelligent and visionary man who put his soul into a music act that transformed the staid music business into an artists' business. The glory of the LP era itself and the artistic music revolution that followed in The Beatles' wake all owe a debt of gratitude to Brian. The sad part of the story are the 'double life' demons he faced from his sadly closeted homosexuality. Today his lifestyle would be a non issue among the show business elite and he could live proudly and in broad daylight. That is the tragedy here. A man right for 'the moment' yet too far 'ahead of his time.' The personal pressures of the double life coupled with the professional pressures of handling the most 'in demand' artists in the history of show business proved too much for a 32 year old man to take. I thought I knew everything there was to know about The Beatles. I did not. When the book revealed that John's touching "You've Got To Hide Your Love Away" was written about Brian I cried a river of tears just matching the lyrics together with the my memories of Brian. Rest in peace, Brian — true (first generation) Beatle fans will never forget you. 5 stars! |
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syelar108
Knows Queens Dr from Chapel St
Alistair wannabe
Posts: 79
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Post by syelar108 on Aug 8, 2008 21:55:33 GMT -5
I see that you did post a comment/reply to this Amazon reviewer, Eppylover. ;D If Mr. Cahill didn't know about the movie before, hopefully he'll be psyched now?! Also see we have a new member named Sudie.  Yeah; thought I'd heard at one time that "You've Got To Hide Your Love Away" was written for Brian? Of course; it's used in The Beatles Anthology montage/dedication to him. So; Eppylover, are both that song and "Baby You're A Rich Man" really about our dear Mr. Epstein? Back in the U.S.S.R: Received your e-mail, and will be getting back to you soon. |
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Post by christine~ on Aug 8, 2008 22:21:54 GMT -5
Hey Rob. Just because Neil got the Threetles' approval to use Lennon's "You've Got To Hide Your Love Away" for the Eppy montage sequence, it's still no PROOF that John actually wrote it with Brian in mind.
Until somebody can show me a direct quote from John himself on that (or indeed a direct quote from any Beatle that any song they wrote definitely had Brian in mind), then to me it will always be a strong possibility, but by no means a solid fact.
Y'know, there is ONE proven example ~ in George Harrison's original handwritten lyrics to his song "The Art of Dying" ~ of Brian being truly written into a song by a (former) Beatle. However, unfortunately George wussed out changed his mind and replaced the name "Mister Epstein" with "Sister Mary" in the final recorded version.
Sadly, the only other proof that Brian was ever thought of in any Beatle song was the short crappy anti-tribute that John bellowed out in the bootleg (never meant to have been recorded in the first place) "Brian Epstein Blues."
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jim
Realizes he was more than merely a manager...
Posts: 10
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Post by jim on Aug 9, 2008 11:33:56 GMT -5
hello all
i wrote this review the other day and was happy that it led to christine (great site here) and the information that there will be a brian movie-
when i get the chance i will recount for those who care a story of how brian literally changed the course of my life-look for that when I get a moment
i'll also comb through the book again to find the "Hide Your Love away" connection to Brian-I'll post page number when I locate---anyway-thanks for having me-I'd love to contribute to the on going discussion of this great man and quiet legend who so impacted my life
peace
Jim Cahill
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syelar108
Knows Queens Dr from Chapel St
Alistair wannabe
Posts: 79
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Post by syelar108 on Aug 9, 2008 19:17:09 GMT -5
The "Brian Epstein Blues" song is news to me, Eppylover. Any sound-bite available on that? Thought I'd read a quote somewhere that "Baby You're A Rich Man" was about Brian? My mind gets so fogged with all this info, and I need you to straighten it out!  Yeah; "You've Got To Hide Your Love Away" is open for debate. I just looked at Wikipedia's page, and found this quote, "The song, according to musician/singer Tom Robinson, is a reference to Brian Epstein, the group's manager, who was homosexual (homosexuality was a criminal offense in Britain at the time)." Hmm... I thought this was supposed to be a reference to the song's origin, Wikipedia? I wouldn't debate the 'Head Of My Order' in any case, unless it would be on our 'differed' opinions of The Hours and Times. Don't wish to go there... ;D BTW: Did you have a chance to look at the 'Cabbage Man' image I sent you? It's the pic. from The Beatles: Illustrated Lyrics . Also; did you ever get that Spanish Internet article (bio info about Eppy) translated? |
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Post by christine~ on Aug 9, 2008 21:53:11 GMT -5
Yes, Jim! Please tell us LOTS about yourself ~ brag, even. ;D Like I just told another Eppylovin' friend a minute ago via email, it's such a wonderful feeling to finally realize, after over 40 years, that I was not the only person to be changed by this sweet man ~ that there are indeed a few more of us in hiding. (I am assuming you also were aware of him during the Beatles' touring years, at least before his death ~ or were you still too young?) I still seem to be the only person out there who prefers to envision Brian as the wickedly witty fella he was in real life ~ as described by the friends who really knew him well, including Alistair Taylor, Derek Taylor, Nat Weiss ~ rather than the pathetic morose image that's been perpetuated by history via Peter Brown, Albert Goldman and the like. But then again, comedy has always been the #1 force in my life. Like George Carlin, I bounce between insane humor and curmudgeonly grouchiness ~ frequently mixing the two. Anyway....... I'm so pleased that you're on board with us now, Jim! We are really looking forward to your story, when you get the chance. Let's see if you can beat mine...!  |
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Post by christine~ on Aug 9, 2008 22:34:41 GMT -5
And then christine wrote:Robin, honey, I will have to get back to you. "Someone" just came home, and I've got to disappear for the night. I will attempt to upload that little "Brian Epstein Blues" soundbite to Megaupload from my ext h.d. tomorrow for you. It's nothing to write home about, that's fer shure. Ugh.
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jim
Realizes he was more than merely a manager...
Posts: 10
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Post by jim on Aug 10, 2008 11:28:39 GMT -5
thanks-will do
and yes---i was a first generation fan
born 54---so i was at the perfect age to have my life impacted by the great brian
will tell that story in a more formal post-
looking forward to sharing it with this great community
thanks in advance for such a well put together forum
you have much to be proud of here
jim
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jim
Realizes he was more than merely a manager...
Posts: 10
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Post by jim on Aug 10, 2008 11:56:13 GMT -5
christine OK-i read your story and there's NO way mine will top that_no one will EVER top yours so maybe i shoot for the "Top 5" very well done too christine -with the links and photos--very creative when i get a moment i will put mine into a post jim |
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Post by christine~ on Aug 10, 2008 16:22:10 GMT -5
The "Brian Epstein Blues" song is news to me, Eppylover. Any sound-bite available on that? Uploaded and available now, Rob! { HERE } Thought I'd read a quote somewhere that "Baby You're A Rich Man" was about Brian? My mind gets so fogged with all this info, and I need you to straighten it out! Supposedly. Another one of those often-referred-to yet never-proven assumptions. You know me ~ I need more than hearsay. Yeah; "You've Got To Hide Your Love Away" is open for debate. I just looked at Wikipedia's page, and found this quote, "The song, according to musician/singer Tom Robinson, is a reference to Brian Epstein, the group's manager, who was homosexual (homosexuality was a criminal offense in Britain at the time)." Hmm... I thought this was supposed to be a reference to the song's origin, Wikipedia? Ah yes. So now some musician named Tom Robinson is THE expert. Right. Like I said, hearsay. And hearsay upon hearsay. I wouldn't debate the 'Head Of My Order' in any case, unless it would be on our 'differed' opinions of The Hours and Times. Don't wish to go there... ;D Well, just because something isn't my own cup of tea, doesn't mean it's wrong for everyone. Those who know a bit more about the real Brian are aware that he didn't resemble that constantly mopey character. His personality switched back and forth numerous times a day in the blink of an eye, but amongst his young friends, as the BeeGees' In The Summer Of His Years describes him, "he would always smile, he would laugh every day"... and in "daylight ... he would save his tears" ... Like I've said before, though, The Hours And Times at least leaves Bri's character its dignity. That's a lot more than most portrayals have done. ( See what Jude Law's thankfully-aborted movie was planning on doing to him) BTW: Did you have a chance to look at the 'Cabbage Man' image I sent you? It's the pic. from The Beatles: Illustrated Lyrics . Also; did you ever get that Spanish Internet article (bio info about Eppy) translated? Oh jesus, I certainly HOPE that wasn't supposed to be him! That is one of the creepiest images ~ aughh ~ the skinny chin doesn't resemble him one iota, and he did NOT have earlobes. p.s. Stephy just glanced over saw the pic on my monitor. I told her that Robin thinks there's a possibility this was supposed to have been Brian. Stephy had the same reaction as me ~ "that is so NOT Brian!" ~ so there ya go, hahaa. If the cabbagehead artist ever comes up to me and says he did mean it to personify Brian, I will give him SUCH a V-8 headsmack!  Also; did you ever get that Spanish Internet article (bio info about Eppy) translated? Ha! I forgot all about that old LJ exchange with our haris_on_tour. What was it, two years ago? When I get the chance, I'll put another bug in ole Zedral Z's ear. Come to think of it, I wouldn't know where to find that post again, anyway!  |
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Post by christine~ on Aug 16, 2008 17:27:47 GMT -5
. OK-i read your story and there's NO way mine will top that_no one will EVER top yours Well ~~ there are still people alive who were actually friends of Brian and such. I would say that anyone who ever had direct contact with him would beat me by a long shot! As would anyone closely/family/genetically related to him (Henry, Joanne, Aunt Stella, etc). --- Sorry I don't reply right away ~ my life is a little scary right now.  But, still eager to hear your story when you got a minute, Jim!  |
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jim
Realizes he was more than merely a manager...
Posts: 10
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Post by jim on Sept 10, 2008 10:18:01 GMT -5
Hope everything goes well for you christine ....I am now reading the Coleman Brian book which is really terrific....
I will share my story soon...I've been totally busy
I too am writing a book in which the Brian story plays an importantl part as it literally changed my life...I will share it here soon-
promise
love this board
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Post by christine~ on Sept 10, 2008 11:59:25 GMT -5
Thanks for checking back with me, Jim! I am so glad you're reading the Coleman book. And letting me know you appreciate this forum helps so very much because sometimes I wonder if there are only, like, a handful of us lurking about. Yeah, I've been a bit busy too, and will probably become more so ~ being currently embroiled (neat word, "embroiled") both in this (semi-)amicable divorce thingy (I hate being emo) and a (semi-reluctant) job search for both me and my just-graduated-from-h.s. daughter ~ pondering: Barnes & Noble looks more inviting than the grocery store job, even though they're both minimum wage ~ my self-esteem has been beaten down so badly that I feel virtually unemployable, bawww  ~ so, my time constraints will probably tighten more and more, too. I feel an online obligation to watch this forum daily, and to post to my "fans" at LiveJournal. I know I'm not the only one who is looking forward to your story! But, we know, first things first!  |
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jim
Realizes he was more than merely a manager...
Posts: 10
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Post by jim on Sept 13, 2008 14:18:39 GMT -5
hi christine
thanks for the update_sorry bout the divorce_but every door that closes opens another_
not that it's any of my business, but with your clear set of web skills (communication/moderator/publishing) you may want to look at craigslist job listings for a gig where someone (business in your area) who is looking for web skills_this is a great example of how you understand both publishing as well as community_barnes & n and grocery ok_but you might be surprised what else is out there_you have a great spirit and tremendously positive outlook from what I've seen of you here and i wouldn't discount that
this board is beautifully done and I usually don't participate in user groups but this one feels special and you my dear are a shining bright star here among many very cool and very literate people_grab what ever gig you feel you need to keep rocking_but I would not discount always being on the look out for something web related_you are that good at it
I owe you my story and I will do it_promise_ and also promise to stay in touch with you and your wonderful friends here
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Post by christine~ on Sept 13, 2008 16:38:32 GMT -5
 Wow Jim, you make me blush! I sure wish I had that much confidence in my own dubious abilities. Prospective employers always give me that "What can you do" thing, and I'm always trying to fight back the " ummm...nuthin'" response. I often think I need a real-life mentor right here in the house.  But yeah, I will peruse the ole Craigslist, thanks! I confess to not being extremely web-savvy, or I wouldn't be using proboards ~ I would already know how to get and use my own domain, and I'd use SQL or whatever, not a basic "paint by numbers" provider ~ hahaa I am sooo clueless about those programs. Didn't think of Craigslist before ~ thanks again! The np and online want ads are so icky, y'know. |
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leigh
Lurking 'round The Cavern
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Post by leigh on Sept 14, 2008 18:37:56 GMT -5
I completely agree with Jim -- 100%.
Christine, you are such a talented writer, have a sharp wit , and obviously possess an enormous amount of knowledge. Your writing skills are extraordinary. One of my sons works with a publishing firm in New York. Judging from the stories he tells me, you would be well suited for some type of work that involves writing, AND you can create a web page that rivals most.
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jim
Realizes he was more than merely a manager...
Posts: 10
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Post by jim on Sept 15, 2008 15:52:34 GMT -5
yes leigh_thanks for supporting my position in propping up christine
there is no software that can't be learned-what does take special talent is vision, wit, organization and developing community-these are all where the web is heading-companies need smart, talented people who can communicate via the web, organize via the web, blog via the web_christine you can do all that and MORE
anyway_really just another rah-rah message to christine to keep thinking the "good thoughts" as one door closes_and
to say you have friends here_thanks again leigh for your supportive words too_
jim
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jim
Realizes he was more than merely a manager...
Posts: 10
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Post by jim on Dec 26, 2008 22:41:26 GMT -5
Merry Christmas to all on this great board
Let's all pray for a great 2009 and good things ahead for all
to the top!!
xxoo
Jim
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Post by yerblues1968 on Dec 30, 2008 1:09:18 GMT -5
Ditto to you, too, Jim. I hope the same thing and peace and plenty for everyone in the coming year.
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