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I think to be fair that there is a distinct undercurrent of both of them factors here with the Beatles 1962 - 1966 album; whilst there are some fantastic tracks, there are also some, I feel, that were included for the sake of it.
All together, the album contains 26 tracks, thirteen on ... Read review
of their career features hit singles (in chronological order) and selected album tracks, running from "Love Me Do" through the groundbreakingRubber SoulandRevolver...
early work which provided a potent reminder, if any were needed, of a band that completely changed the rock landscape.This authoritative critical review features insi...
of their career features hit singles (in chronological order) and selected album tracks, running from "Love Me Do" through the groundbreakingRubber SoulandRevolver...
of their career features hit singles (in chronological order) and selected album tracks, running from "Love Me Do" through the groundbreaking Rubber Soul and Revol...
A review by MizzMolko on Beatles 1962-1966, The - Beatles (The) August 6th, 2007
Author's product rating:
Originality
Definitely a cut above the rest
Lyrics
Thought-provoking
Quality and consistency of tracks
A couple of weak links
How does it compare to the artist's other releases
Good
Value for Money
Good
Advantages:
Some high quality songs
Disadvantages:
Some weaker tracks
Recommend to potential buyers:
yes
Full review
There is always a danger with compilation CD's that they'll ever depend too much on a few brilliant tracks and add in a lot of many which are of a lower standard. Or that you feel completely ripped off and should have just brought the back catalogue of all of the bands material.
I think to be fair that there is a distinct undercurrent of both of them factors here with the Beatles 1962 - 1966 album; whilst there are some fantastic tracks, there are also some, I feel, that were included for the sake of it.
All together, the album contains 26 tracks, thirteen on each other the two disks. This greatest hits compilation was released in 1973, just a couple of years before the bands partnership was ended completely.
Disk 1:
1. 'Love Me Do' (2.23)
Starting off the album in style was the Beatle's first single which originally peaked at number 17 in the British Singles Charts whilst scoring the band a number 1 in the US. This song is a really good way to start it off not just because it was the bands first single but also because of the joint lead vocals by Paul McCartney and John Lennon. Lennon also played harmonica here, giving the song the intended bluesy feel.
8/10 - a good way to start it all off.
2. 'Please Please Me' (2.03)
The next song has been at the centre of much debate as to whether this was the bands first official British number one. With that said, I don't particularly like the intro to this one but it gets better once into the first verse. Again, I think the joint vocal effort creates a good endearing sound, even this early on.
7/10 - perhaps a little too similar in places to it's predecessor.
3. 'From Me To You' (1.57)
This song wasn't highly praised by one of it's lead writers and to be honest, I have to agree with him; I find it a little too much too soon after 'Please Please Me'. While it's probably just a difference in taste, I really never felt (unlike the British public of the time) that it was better than average.
5/10 - definitely a weak track in my books.
4. 'She Loves You' (2.22)
Opened to much debate as to which hotel this track was written in, it really doesn't matter; it's one of the high points to me across both disks. Packed with raw energy, gritty guitar riffs and good harmonising vocals, this is one of the Beatles' best tracks.
9/10 - what more is there to say?
5. 'I Want To Hold Your Hand' (2.26)
Becoming the bands best selling single of all time, a million copies were pre-ordered before it was released! This one has a very fresh song and has a tune that when you reflect on the 1960's in terms of music you instantly think of.
8/10 - simple lyrics make this track effortlessly good.
6. 'All My Loving' (2.08)
Sticking to the same love song type formula, McCartney's vocals here remind me a little of one of the bands most dominant influences both in Elvis and Roy Orbison, a man who they were touring with at the time of writing.
7.5/10 - Certainly not a bad track but lyrically may seem a bit unoriginal after listening to the first five songs.
7. 'Can't Buy Me Love' (2.13)
Written in Paris on a piano, the song is obviously about love not being bought but being developed. This falls into a very similar bracket as most of their other songs, solely focusing on love in its entirety.
7.5/10 - same as 'All My Loving'
8. 'A Hard Day's Night' (2.34)
You can't help but laugh at the irony of this track following the latter song, the band stating how hard they work to buy their loved one what they want. Aw. This song was also a title track to one of the bands many commercial movies.
8/10 - a little harder on the guitar which I personally liked.
9. 'And I Love Her' (2.31)
Slowing down the pace drastically, the song is very much a fine Beatles ballad. Paul's vocals here are very convincing and gentle which I think showed, even this early on, great promise for him as a solo artist.
7.5/10 - perhaps a little too soppy for my liking!
10. 'Eight Days A Week' (2.45)
Following quite a similar sound to 'A Hard Day's Night' in my view, this song was never performed like as the band didn't favour it! The track has been covered by eight artists at the moment which is a testament to the track itself.
7.5/10 - starting to get a little tired of the 'love me' lyrics.
11. 'I Fell Fine' (2.19)
Apparently a favourite with late Nirvana front man, Kurt Cobain, I think that alone says a lot about the Beatles music; that it is accessible to many different types of people, including a grunge rocker. A good supporting baseline helps make this track memorable.
8/10 - a very happy, upbeat track!
12. 'Ticket To Ride' (3.10)
I think that there is a distinct show of progression in this track with a subtle hint of melancholy in places. Lennon provides some very bluesy vocals here which helps add to the character of the track.
8/10 - a great change of direction.
13. 'Yesterday' (2.05)
This song is the proud winner of the song most covered by other artists! There is said to be 3000 covers out there which is huge. It's not hard to understand why; it was almost a risk for the band, at least in my eyes, as a departure from the more optimistic love songs into a much more sombre, heart wrenching song with a simple guitar and instrumental backup.
9/10 - not hard to understand why this is one of the most popular songs of all time.
Disk 2:
1. 'Help!' (2.19)
One of the songs that arguably made the band international superstars. At number one in both the UK and US for three weeks, it does seem very much a cry for 'Help!' because of the quick success the band had gained.
9/10 - too catchy for it's own good!
2. 'You've Got To Hide Your Love Away' (2.11)
Lennon's throaty vocals perhaps make the track unintentionally dark. I wouldn't say this was a terrible song but I've never found myself overly liking it either because it felt a bit of a lower standard to some of their other songs.
6.5/10 - Not too bad just not one of my favourites.
3. 'We Can Work It Out' (2.16)
I think this is one of the best examples of the true Lennon/McCartney collaborations which shows two very different ideas on the same subject matter (arguing with a lover and contemplating a break up).
8/10 - It is almost like two voices which I personally liked.
4. 'Day Tripper' (2.49)
Released as a double A-Side with 'We Can Work It Out', this is one of the bands more rocky, harder songs with the guitar at the beginning setting the tone very well for the track ahead.
8.5/10 - one of the bands most memorable songs.
5. 'Drive My Car' (2.27)
Taken from the 'Rubber Soul' album this is another well known track but also one that is comical. Containing a euphemism for sex (which is very noticeable to my innuendo loving ways), this one's very amusing to listen to.
7.5/10 - beep beep beep beep yeah!
6. 'Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown)' (2.05)
Featuring George Harrison on the sitar, it adds a very interesting twist to what would have normally been just another Beatles' love song.
7.5/10 - another song that although I don't rate too highly, is one that shows a great progression in the bands music.
7. 'Nowhere Man' (2.44)
A swift change follows to a song that isn't about love! Written almost entirely by Lennon, this song features heavily in the animated film 'Yellow Submarine'.
8/10 - the change in direction is very welcomed at this point.
8. 'Michelle' (2.42)
Definitely not one of my favourites. It's a bit dreary to my ears and the 'ooos' in the background I find slightly irritating. The 'I Love You' lines to me almost seemed a little out of place with the rest of the song.
5/10 - not a song that I really feel is one of their best.
9. 'In My Life' (2.28)
Taken from a poem by Lennon about his childhood and teenage years, this one is very simplistic and in keeping with the more 'traditional' Beatles' sound.
7.5/10 - becomes a little repetitive.
10. 'Girl' (2.33)
A song that sounds remarkably like 'Michelle'. Kind of goes back to the years of being a confused teenager which I do think that most people could relate to.
5/10 - again, not one that I rate highly.
11. 'Paperback Writer' (2.18)
The eleventh single for the band got to number one in many counties including their homeland. Although not on a Beatles studio album, the song was written after drummer Ringo Starr expressed interest in writing a book.
6.5/10 - not dreadful but not a winner in my eyes.
12. 'Eleanor Rigby' (2.08)
One of the bands most recognisable tracks, none of the Beatle's play instruments on this song but instead a string band play the entire background music. This track was inspired by those who had lost loved ones in the World Wars.
9.5/10 - one of the saddest but brilliantly crafted songs you'll ever hear.
13. 'Yellow Submarine' (2.37)
Ringo finally gets his moment in the spotlight on this track written as a sort of children's nursery rhymes. Although entirely naff, it was received very well by the public, remaining at number 1 in the British charts for four weeks.
7.5/10 - one word: comical!
Without a doubt, I prefer the first disk in comparison to the second. I feel that the tracks are overall of a lot higher quality and consistency and it to me is just a more enjoyable album to listen to.
I don't think that the artwork will ever be remembered as one of the greatest album covers of all time but it does create a nice follow on picture for the sister album released 'The Blue Album'.
I found the red case to be a bit cheap looking when this is actually quite an expensive album to buy:
Play - £14.99 HMV - £13.99 Amazon - £12.49
I suppose if you look at it in relation to the number of tracks, this isn't too bad but I do feel that there are better buys out there; the bands '1' album includes 27 number one selling singles, the majority of which are of very high quality.
I would recommend this album to two audiences; the first, like myself, who are just 'casual' listeners to their music, or who have only just started listening to the group. Failing that, if you are a diehard fan who wants every piece of merchandise available.
All in all, not a bad collection but not one of the greatest I have ever come across.
Advantages: Twenty Six Superb Beatles Songs, Every one a Gem Disadvantages: A Total Rip off
..., Many years ago the Beatles split up with much wailing and gnashing on teeth among their fans. As will all good groups the record companies saw their cash cows going west and started to think of ways to maintain their lucrative earnings on the back of this prodigious talent. Apple / EMI came up with two excellent compilations known as The Red (this one) and The Blue (1967-1970) albums which contained the most essential of the Beatles' recordings. ... ...that old), but were obviously a prime target for CD Re-issue.
My two complaints about these boxed sets is that they can still cost you between twenty and thirty pounds to buy. That is exorbitant for previously recorded material and from that point of view I would advise that you avoid these albums unless you can get them for substantially under twenty pounds. You can pick them up from Amazon for 18.99 GBP plus postage.
My second complaint relates ...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful
Advantages: Tremendous group of songs of varying styles. Disadvantages: None
...63 minute celebration of The Beatles best tracks during the 1962-1966 period. The production by George Martin of these tracks only enhanced what was already a group destined for greatness. The album starts with the happy love pop song innocence of that era with tracks such as "Love Me Do", "Please Please Me", "From Me To You", "She Loves You", and "I Want To Hold Your Hand" Then we move on to "All My Loving" which starts to show a more complex musical ... ...Out" start to show The Beatles move towards more angst ridden love songs. "Nowhere Man" in my opinion is one of the best tracks on this album and has a similar style to it of much of John Lennon's later solo work. "Michelle" is a true work of beauty. It has periodic French lyrics in it and is a Beatles take on folk music only 5 times better than most other folk music you'll ever hear. It is poetic and sounds like a tune that must have been around ...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful
Advantages: Music, words, sound, feel, Lennon Disadvantages: Ringo - that's all
When you're considering Beatles compilations, there's really only two you should even think about - there's this, 1962-66 The Red Album, an dits companion, 1967-70 The Blue Album. They were issued back in 1973 and were among the first albums I ever bought. They've got all the singles and all the best bits from the Fab Four over their eight year period when there was no one bigger.
1962-66 catalogues their early releases on Parlophone and EMI through ... ...different world, and while the Beatles certainly changed and grew while they were together, the stuff you get on this double album is simple, unadorned, honest and remarkable music. The twin lead vocals of McCartney and Lennon are magnificent.
Where to start and what to mention. The very earliest stuff like Please Please Me, Love Me Do, Hard Day's Night, at first might seem like any skiffle rock band of the time, but they're masterpieces, understated ...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful
Advantages: Very melodic Nice lyrics Disadvantages: Some excellent songs are not included
...music critics consider The Beatles were the best pop group ever and certainly I believe they have few equals. In my view the late John Lennon was something of a genius-a truly brilliant songwriter and the intensity of some of his early numbers such as Eight Days A Week, I Want To Hold Your Hand and Love Me Do,was phenomenal. The Red Album,1992-96 covers what I would term the age of innocence of the four young lads from Liverpool. This was the early ... ...Another characteristic of the Beatles were that their songs were so melodic. Even as the progressed and produced songs such as Paperback Writer, I Am a Walrus, Lucy and Diamonds in the Sky, Penny Lane, the melodic strains were still there and you could understand most of the words.These,I should add,are featured on the Blue Album. The Beatles,especially, John Lennon wrote great lyrics and if you listen to songs such as Imagine and Jealous Guy, John’s ...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful
Originality
Lyrics
Quality and consistency...
How does it compare to ...
Value for Money
very helpful
12.03.2002
The Best Review ofBeatles 1962-1966, The - Beatles (The)by
andybain
Advantages: brilliant songs, brilliant everything Disadvantages: pricy in some shops, could probably have fitted on one CD
...It defines what The Beatles are, the fast pulse-racing pounding music that made them the most famous group in the world with songs like Can’t Buy Me Love, She Loves You, A Hard Day’s Night. I could list them all, each one is truly great. If you want to introduce somebody to The Beatles then this is the album to do it. It contains all of their well know songs and some that are maybe not as well known to the everyday normal person. Definitely buy it ...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful
Label / Distributor: Apple / EMI Operations/CEVA Logistics
Producer: George Martin
Pieces in Set: 2
Studio / Live: Studio
Stereo: Mixed
Format: Performer
EAN: 77779703623
Catalogue Number: CDPCSP 717
Additional notes
Album Notes: The Beatles: George Harrison (vocals, guitar, sitar); John Lennon (vocals, guitar); Paul McCartney (vocals, bass); Ringo Starr (vocals, drums). Digitally remastered in 1987-1988 by Mike Jarratt (Abbey Road Studios, London, England), except for "She Loves You" (1992). 1962-1966 (RED ALBUM) includes a booklet with liner notes, lyrics and photographs. From the famous pair of red and blue, this one was always the poor relative, being one or two positions behind in the charts and selling one or two million fewer copies. Quite why will never be known, as the singles contained on this were bigger hits, and make for a better greatest hits package. You cannot tamper with the general opinion of the record buying public. What would be easier is that the every government throughout the world give every child a complete set of Beatles albums when they start school. Everybody reading this book must be familiar with every track on this album, even if they did not own it. They will always be the greatest popular 'beat combo' in the world.
Album Reviews: Q (10/93, p.118) - 4 Stars - Excellent - "...Musically, joy is unconfined....[THE RED and BLUE ALBUMS] vividly trace the story of [the Beatles'] development..." NME (9/18/93, p.35) - (10) - Classic. Melody Maker (10/9/93, p.41) - "...[a] timeless wonder...."
Titles on disc 1
1.: Love Me Do
2.: Please Please Me
3.: From Me To You
4.: She Loves You
5.: I Want To Hold Your Hand
6.: All My Loving
7.: Can't Buy Me Love
8.: Hard Day's Night
9.: And I Love Her
10.: Eight Days A Week
11.: I Feel Fine
12.: Ticket To Ride
13.: Yesterday
Titles on disc 2
1.: Help
2.: You've Got To Hide Your Love Away
3.: We Can Work It Out
4.: Day Tripper
5.: Drive My Car
6.: Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown)
7.: Nowhere Man
8.: Michelle
9.: In My Life
10.: Girl
11.: Paperback Writer
12.: Eleanor Rigby
13.: Yellow Submarine
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