“The British Invasion” by Barry Miles (Sterling Publishing)

by Beverly Paterson in Reviews

“The British Invasion” by Barry Miles (Sterling Publishing) 

Clocking in at over three hundred pages in length, “The British Invasion” is the perfect coffee table book. Those familiar with the music, art and fashion of the times probably won’t find any real revelations here, but the photos of the performers and assorted artifacts are drop dead gorgeous. Reprints of articles from vintage magazines are a joy to behold, and the text is superbly written.

 Profiles of The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Zombies, The Yardbirds, The Hollies, The Dave Clark Five, Herman’s Hermits and countless other fave raves are joined by summaries on the James Bond films, “The Avengers,” “The Man From U.N.C.L.E.,” Jane Asher, Laurence Harvey and Julie Andrews, along with models such as Jean Shrimpton and Twiggy. “The British Invasion” further covers the second wave of the movement, with pieces on the psychedelic splendor and hard rocking hullabaloo of Pink Floyd, Traffic, Procol Harum, The Jimi Hendrix Experience, Deep Purple and Led Zeppelin.

America’s answer to the rock and roll resonating from across the pond is additionally addressed, with tidbits on The Byrds, The Monkees, The Beau Brummels, The Lovin’ Spoonful, The Buckinghams and Paul Revere and The Raiders. The mutual admiration society and friendly competition between The Beatles and Brian Wilson of The Beach Boys is also discussed. Like the swinging sights and sounds it celebrates, “The British Invasion” is fun, colorful and exciting.