If you don’t know “Abbey Road” from “Penny Lane,” then “Dreaming the Beatles” is not the book for you.

But if you’re the type who can argue for hours about which is the better Beatles album, “Revolver” or “Rubber Soul,” then Rob Sheffield’s unconventional rock-band bio is must-read material.

The Rolling Stone columnist recaps all the requisite anecdotes regarding the lives and music of John, Paul, George and Ringo. But he keeps the journey interesting by veering off the beaten path whenever possible and taking lesser-traveled side streets.

Sheffield also sprinkles in his own insights and crackpot opinions, the kind that can come only from a lifelong Beatlemaniac.

As a result, the book works on two levels: It tells the Beatles story, but also sparks arguments.

Sheffield maintains, for example, that Ringo Starr was a brilliant drummer – a position sure to rile fans who consider Ringo’s pounding to be barely competent.

As for the best-album debate, he tries to have it both ways, declaring that “Rubber Soul” is his favorite “even if ‘Revolver’ is slightly better.” That said, we now invite Beatles fans to choose sides. All of you “Sgt. Pepper” supporters are welcome to join in the fray, too.

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