The Beatles takeover: T Magazine's top picks of the week

Here’s what to watch, read, binge and play this week

Binge this week: 'The Beatles: Get Back'

More than a band’s rise, it is the story of a band’s breakup that everyone clings on to. The most acrimonious ones go on to become the stuff of legends. If The Beatles be the greatest band, like many of those who lived through the peak of Beatlemania believe, then what better breakup than their falling out. Peter Jackson’s latest documentary offering aims to put a rest to that. What emerges is the remarkable tenderness the four legendary lads from Liverpool held for each other, even as they creatively drifted apart and magical chemistry that gave the world a catalogue of timeless classics. 

Watch this week: 'Yesterday'

In keeping with the new wave of Beatlemania, what better place to revisit than the 2019 musical comedy Yesterday. Directed by Danny Boyle of Trainspotting and Slumdog Millionaire fame, the film hopes to answer an epic question perhaps no one dared to ask: if The Beatles never existed, would their songs be as cherished as we know them to be? We may never know the true answer (thankfully), but Yesterday does showcase The Beatles’ never-waning appeal – with help from Ed Sheeran. Starring Himesh Patel and Lily James, the movie also explores the pressures of instant fame along with idiosyncrasies of parallel universes.

Read this week: 'Pills, Powder, and Smoke'

Released last year, Antony Loewenstein’s book titled, Pills, Powder, and Smoke: Inside The Never-Ending, Bloody War On Drugs is a detailed investigation into the individuals, officials, activists and traffickers caught up in the long-spanning War on Drugs in the West. Why this book is especially fascinating is Loewenstein’s coverage of the drug war from the frontlines across the globe from London to remote African villages. This insightful account reveals how the War on Drugs has slipped past its early goals and its agenda has nothing to with ending drug use or addiction but rather about controlling markets, territory and people. 

Listen this week: 'Dil Kay Isharay'

Yes, we can take a break from The Beatles now. Instead, let's give one of our own local lads a shout. A fresh crop of young singers seems to be emerging in Pakistan. Amongst them is the young and talented Taha G with his soulful lyrics and catchy beats. The Karachi-based singer whose music has been inspired by his own past experiences released his latest song, Dil Kay Isharay last month. The song, released along with a music video (available on Youtube) is an upbeat love song that is perfect for idyllic winter drives. 

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