Books - Reviews by Rosie Green

Books - Reviews by Rosie Green

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Member	Item		Review/Comment
Rosie Green 5th Jul 2022		Book Todd McFliker - All You Need Is Love To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb: How The Beatles And U2 Changed The World (2007)	Review Todd McFliker is one of South Florida's most passionate and knowledgeable music journalists. He graduated from Lynn University's College of International Communication with a M.S. in Mass Communication in 2005. Just two short years later, he published his first book, All You Need Is Love to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb, a clever title crafted from two legendary bands' powerful lyrics, The Beatles and U2. The book takes an extensive look into the history of the two powerful rock bands that changed the world and musical history in unprecedented ways. With a catchy index of quotes and lists of the bands' tours and records, McFliker succeeds in encompassing the kind of amusing and interesting facts that true fans crave. McFliker opens the book with a description of his first brushes with the music that later became the heart and soul of his writing career. I felt as if he was also expressing my innocent discovery of the phenomenal bands that have captured so many hearts before mine. Like him, I missed the generation in which the Beatles, and even U2, were adored by masses around the world. If not for writers and music lovers like McFliker, brave enough to delve backwards into the unfamiliar territory of a past generation, I would be left to '80s hair metal, '90s grunge, and the recent pop culture of the new millennium. If there's one cliché to come out of my parents' complaints on today's music, it's that music is definitely "not what it used to be." The level of passion, concern, and conviction of the bands born in the past, like the Beatles and U2, remain unmatched by most budding musicians today. Why has the music of the past, specifically the Beatles and U2, touched the pages of history while still gripping people's interests today? What sets them above the bands that come and go in our mp3 players and on our radio stations? McFliker's book gives an accurate and refreshingly concise account of the reasons for these bands' timeless appeal. While both the Beatles and U2 are regarded as culture-altering icons in our "me" centered society, McFliker focuses on the significant differences of the relationships between the members, the intention of the music, and the nature of the bands' impact. During his solo career, Lennon became an advocate of peace and love through his music, tours, and unique interviews, such as the "Bed-In," that captured international attention and inspired concern from the public. Both the Beatles and Lennon alone, redefined music as well as the purpose of music. And while similarities between the cultural effect of the Beatles and U2 exist, most will admit that the revolutionary music of the four British men cannot be mimicked or genuinely regenerated. While Lennon preached innovation through his music, Bono achieved, and continues to achieve, political change through his actions. He assumes the role of the ultimate political rock star, approaching presidents and politicians alike, lobbying for economical aid to starving and diseased countries. Although the bands are very different, many fans still consider U2 to be the offspring of the Beatles and Bono, the John Lennons of our time. While the Fab Four endured countless fractures in their personal and professional relationship until the final breakup in 1970 ,U2 still remains a healthy, live and kicking band whose members never once publicly criticized one another. All You Need Is Love to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb covers the contributions these two bands have made to our world in general as well as to the world of music. The Beatles revolutionized music through their lyrics, performances and recording strategies. U2 shook everyone's ears and hearts with invigorating and painfully honest messages. Never before has a book been able to thoroughly explore all the twists and turns of each of their journeys to make musical history, until now. Nadia Kijanka, Parklander 1 person found this review helpful. ✔︎ Helpful Review?