Michael John Angliss: I am a second-generation fan who didn't start buying Beatles' records until 1976, when the "1962-1970 Singles Collection" was released in the UK. My introduction to the albums was via the British vinyl editions that at the time appeared to be available only in stereo in the large record shops, such as HMV. When the compact discs were initially released, I was also rather disappointed that the mono versions of the first four albums had been issued, rather than the stereo versions I was familiar with. Despite what George Martin feels about the first two in particular, I liked the stereo versions of these albums with their prototype stereo mixes. The same goes for "A Hard Day's Night" and "Beatles For Sale" which were both recorded on four-track tape and should have been released in stereo on cd. The fact that isolated tracks from these albums have since been released in stereo, on various compilations, indicates to me that someone knows they had made a mistake in issuing the mono versions of these songs.
The compact disc versions have been rarely played as they are virtually unlistenable and can induce earache without too much effort. The sound is hard, strident and muddy. The packaging is similarly shoddy, looking like a cut and paste hack job. The later compact discs in stereo fare a bit better, although I know some fans have objected to the remixing done on some of them. However, having heard the "Yellow Submarine Songtrack" and compared it to the existing "Yellow Submarine" compact disc, it becomes apparent how bad the original compact discs now sound. If Capitol/EMI/Apple wants to release the US albums for those fans in the States then I don't have a problem with it. I am highly unlikely to buy them, as they are as unfamiliar to me as the UK versions are Stateside. However, as others have mentioned previously, it is annoying that the original UK back catalogue has still not been remastered or remixed while other projects that I would term as non-essential i.e. "Let It Be Naked" (dreadful title, perhaps they should have asked Ringo for one) and "Beatles 1's" (without "Please Please Me" and "Strawberry Fields Forever" and another uninspired title) are released. Now that the US versions have started to be released with stereo and mono versions on each disc, I would hope that when the UK catalogue is finally remastered in 2031, when I am 70, that the mono and stereo versions are included in the same manner. The argument about problems with royalties for stereo and mono versions on one disc obviously having been overcome I assume with the release of these US discs. I would also like to see in 2040 the complete Hollywood Bowl concerts from 1964 and 1965 released in stereo, rather than the edited album issued in 1977. In 2050, it would be interesting if the Anthology compact discs are recompiled to include those tracks that were omitted the first time around that everyone knows exists and to junk the spoken word commentaries on disc 1. One other note of interest, the latest edition of "Record Collector" in the UK states that there is a bootleg 2 DVD set available called "Chronicles" which reportedly contains all the promotional films in excellent quality. It also reports that a complete version of the Shea Stadium Concert has also leaked out. Forgive me for being cynical but I wonder whether these items have "leaked out" in the manner that information is "leaked out" before politicians officially announce it. If the reaction is bad they can quickly amend their policy before it becomes official. In other words, are Apple et al testing the water to see if there is any demand for these items prior to an official release, as if they didn't know! Anyway, when these items are officially released in 2061, when I am 100, I will download these from the super hyper broadband Internet device I am sure we all will own. Marc Uhl: The problem is, we are waiting too long for remasters of Beatles albums. Why EMI/Apple did not gave us remasters (remixes) of these albums? I don't think they will release remasters in the near future. Capitol made us now wait longer because of commercial reasons. Capitol can't sell their box sets when EMI comes with new remastered CD's. The sound on the Anthology DVD's is so wonderful! The US albums are too short and the added reverb is horrible. However, I like the mono versions of "And I Love Her" and "If I Fell". John McCreary: It's well known the fabs didn't want their music altered or tampered with. I would be very surprised if legal action isn't taken against Capitol. Dave Dexter & Capitol have too much time on their hands & are just out to make more money off the greatest band in history. Dexter makes me sick. He once said The Beatles were rather hopeless & also indicated George Martin didn't know how to produce. Who is trusting this guys judgement & what kind of authority does he have to tamper with the greatest songs of all time? Who at Apple is responsible for this? The "duophonic" or "fake stereo" recordings released by Capitol in the 60's were NEVER auhorized by George Martin or The Beatles - it was some empty suit at Capitol records who thought his versions with echo sounded better than the original recordings. Thats a fact. I'M REAL DISSAPOINTED WITH APPLE CORPS.Tom Passamonte: I don't want the capital lps released because I"M NOT PLAYING ON THEM.
Peter Neski: The Beatles Lps are so short you could fit both the Mono and The Stereo versions of the British albums along with each single on single remastered super audio cds. But what's with this high priced cheap poorly designed cardboard box,Where they can't even design a box set They don't even know how to do the cardboard sleeves They made them the wrong size!!!! While I didn't expect too much from Capitol, who would guess they do such a crappy job.The Japanese have been making wonderful Lp Style sleeves for years. One only has to look at japanese cardboard sleeve versions of the Hollies cds(many with bonus tracks). They have one Hollies album which is the same design as the Beatles for sale Lp, What a let down,I hope the sound Q makes up for this mess.
Brian Pogson: Well I guess it is a little too late. "IT" is out and you know I went and bought it just to see. Well it was a waste of money. First, all the hype about the including both mono and stereo. Did everyone not realize any Beatle fan already has the Mono version. Thanks Capital for giving us something we already had. Second, why didn't they put 2 albums on 1 disc. Again, thanks for the ripoff. The cardboard packaging, well very cheap and it will fall apart in no time. If it was so important to release all the Capitol Beatle albums of 1964, what happened to "The Beatles Story" or are you waiting for another chance to suck Beatle Fans dry. This set of songs should have been put out as rareties set. The sound of the recordings is nice and are an oddity for collectors. Capitol, you should be ashamed of yourself for your money grubbing attitude. I am also worried about "Apple Records" you agreed to this. What happened to you ! Beatle Fans made you. As a Beatle Fan I would love to offer my sevices in the future. Capitol ask a fan on how something is to be presented. Show some respect for the people that made your company what it is today. Capitol, I have always supported you, but now and in the future, I am not so sure. So......for all those people thinking of buying this Box Set : PLEASE DON'T - SEND A MESSAGE TO CAPITOL. THANK YOU
Joseph Self: By now, it's a moot point whether these versions should be released--I had it in my hands today in Best Buy. I looked at the price ($59.99), snickered, put it down and bought the new Aimee Mann live CD/DVD and the old Elvis Costello IMPERIAL BEDROOM reissue. Spent 30 bucks, got two discs that I'll actually play more than once, and still have 30 bucks left. I left feeling a winner. I hope others will do the same during the first week so as not to encourage any more of releases of this ilk.
Wayne Sandifer: Yeah but that's the way we heard those 4 LP's and they harbor certain memories I guess!. I agree the Brit versions are better because they have more songs-less actual product to buy! Paul Gonzalez: Because I want a newly remix Release of all the british album for the dvd audio format.
Richard Sinclair: I do understand why Americans who were there at the time want to be able to buy digital versions of the albums they grew up with but the bottom line is (or should be, anyway) this: the Capitol albums are NOT the albums The Beatles intented. Full stop (sorry, 'period'). In that way they are no better than some cheesy 'Now That's What I Call The Beatles Vol. 23' compilation. Releasing the Capitol albums opens a real can of worms. I mean, if I were a South American and EMI Brazil, for example, had THEIR own version of a much-loved Beatles album, well I'd want that released now. And I'd be perfectly within my rights. Maybe the Capitol albums are the only other versions out there, I admit I don't know, but I'm fearful they're not...As this is the way things are going I guess as long as the ORIGINAL, AS-THE-BEATLES-INTENDED-THEM (i.e. British) albums are ALWAYS available, maybe remastered but certainly not remixed, I guess that will have to do. I am shocked and disappointed if EMI/Apple/Paul and Ringo, Yoko and Olivia have signed off on the new American set. It's a complete reversal of policy. Oh well, I guess nothing's sacred any more.
Added Nov. 12, 2004Chris Kelly: You americans don't get it - you think the world revolves around you - these ain't real Beatles albums. These ain't what the Beatles compiled. These ain't what the Beatles wanted. These ain't what the Beatles KNEW. They were cheap attempts at cashing in on what Capitol saw as a fad. They are as cheesy as "Love Songs" or "Hey Jude" or "Rock 'N' Roll Music" or "Beatles Ballads" or "Reel Music" etc etc. If you want to buy them in this age of being able to compile your own CDs then more fool you. Do you think 24 bit mastering will improve the sound any more than what was released 17 years ago on compact disc, when the new sources are actually 60's copies of the tapes originally used, and also degenerated in some instances with sub standard effects? I think nostalgia is getting in the way of common sense here. I think the Beatles get it just about right when on the Hollywood Bowl recordings they try to describe a song to the american audience as being on the album before the albu! m before. The american sequences were anonymous to them, and hey, I agree.
John S. Damm: The phrase "Ugly American" was in response to certain American tourists who would travel to other countries(mostly Europe) and who could not hide their feelings that America was superior in every way to their host nation, particularly as to culture. A generation of "cultural elite" in this country and abroad bemoaned the "Ugly American" syndrome and pumped into us that we were in fact cheap knockoffs to European, African and Asian cultures. Well, these elite were right in this regard as to The Beatles' American catalog but now the "Ugly American" syndrome is alive and well with mostly elderly(or at least aging) U.S. Beatles' fans(many part of this same "cultural elite") who have complained all along that the U.S. versions of Beatles' albums are superior because that is how these over-indulged baby boomers first heard The Beatles. Please! Bruce Spizer primarily justifies this Volume I by pointing out that the majority of the tracks will appear on legitimate c.d.'s for the first time in stereo. A point well taken. However, as "Volume I" implies a "Volume II", etc., this "in stereo" argument will not hold up for the next round of American releases since The Beatles' c.d. catalog is in stereo from "Help!" on out. The American "Help!" l.p. album was a travesty with the incidental film music and alleged souvenir album jacket. But most appalling are the U.S. versions of the otherwise masterpieces, "Rubber Soul" and "Revolver." As to the former, the true scope of this "Ugly American" motivation becomes apparent by those whiny, Social Security-aged American Beatle fans who have never accepted the real "Rubber Soul" that changed the musical landscape in so many ways and lamely state that they must have "I've Just Seen A Face" on their RS album because that makes it more folksy! But most contemptible is the American treatment of the majestic "Revolver" gutted of three John Lennon treasures either because of Jesus or Capitol's insatiable butchering to give us the sordid "Yesterday And Today." Yes, only Satan and Paul McCartney could condone releasing in 2005 the Lennon-Lite version of "Revolver." Where does this U.S. imperialism stop? Does the world really need "The Beatles Again"(or "Hey Jude" or whatever the damn thing was called) because that is what our pampered forefathers and foremothers listened to back in the day? Nope, the Ugly Americans have reared their heads once again!
Mark Bellamy: The Capitol versions should not be released simply because the Beatles themselves did not intend them to be released in this manner. I grew up on the American versions but when I finally got a hold of a British release back in 1976, I was absolutely stunned at how much Capitol played with the music. Never mind how they were placed on the albums, it is the sound of the recordings I am referring to. Why did Capitol have Dave Dexter put echo on everything? Listen to the Capitol version of "I Feel Fine", as opposed to the British release and you'll see what I mean. I don't necessarily think that this is a rip-off because people will buy it. My guess is that Capitol will eventually release these as individual albums anyway. Anybody else agree? Besides, there are other recordings that should be released, such as the X-MAS fan club recordings or Hollywood Bowl concert, as well as the mono versions of "Sgt. Pepper" and "White Album". Since Capitol is re-releasing these, they should ! FINALLY put out the butcher cover on "Yesterday and Today", which I assume will be in Vol.II?Eric Robinette: It's not so much that I DON'T want the Capitol LPs on CD...it's that I think this release is, in the end, superfluous. I'm what I guess you would call a second generation fan. I was born in 1970, so I heard the American albums first, but I've spent most of my Fab-loving life with the British ones, which I strongly prefer. That said, I understand the nostalgia for the Capitol discs, and if first generation (or other) fans want them, more power to them. But to me, this all seems like an excuse to separate me from my money, for what? A box set which consists entirely of tracks I already own. Hoo-ya. Yes, I know, you get new-to-CD sound mixes and running orders that some fans are still "used" to, but I'm sorry....that's just not worth $55 to me. If I wanted the American compilations that badly, the solution for me is real simple: CD burner. I wouldn't mind the idea so much IF the sound of the original 1987-88 CDs had been improved first. But releasing the American configurations is a poor, poor substitute for a very badly needed and long overdue remaster. It really galls me that the CD catalogue of the greatest band in the world consists mostly of second-rate masters or, in this case, misguided packages. Bottom line: Unless the CD project gives me compelling value , I won't give Capitol/Apple my money...or my funny paper.
Brandi Clark: While I don't agree with what Capitol did to the Beatles' carefully-crafted and intricately arranged recordings, I do respect the fact that the US LPs were the way in which many fans came to know the Beatles. Having these versions in cd format as well could be invaluable to nostalgic fans in love with the arrangements they first treasured. Of course it might become problematic for new fans wishing to buy the "true" albums, and easily making a mistake when purchasing, but I suppose this could be remedied by clear packaging.
Tom Lane: It would be OK if people like George Martin, etc. and the remaining beatles were involved in the process. If capital is not going to go through the original master tapes and clean them up right, then I am afraid that the new cd's will not sound any where near as good as they should. I am a beatle fan and a poor job would be blasphemy.
Patrick Storedahl: I love the Beatles. But I think you freaks should give it up. It's like free speech, if you don't like it don't buy it. If Capitol can make a buck they're going to do it. I'd lay money that some of those who don't want Capitol to release this will even buy it themselves just to bitch about it. Sounds an aweful lot like burning Beatle records to me. I think you're all putting far to much time into something that really doesn't matter. In short, get a life. Added Oct. 30, 2004
Aaron Schab: The release of the Capitol LPs on CD cheapens the legacy of the Beatles. There is no need to magnify the mistakes Capitol made in the '60s by perpetuating them on CD - the catalog should reflect the Beatles' original intentions: PERIOD. I am amazed they have permitted this release to go forward - with so many other possible releases, why release this junk? The original Beatlemaniacs can fire up their record players (I still listen to the old LPs, too) but there is no reason to clutter history for the following generations by having 3 alternate versions of each Beatles album. This is a rip-off.
Michael Bleicher: I agree with the others who say that nostalgia is a poor excuse.at least it's only a boxset, so new fans won't end up buying these albums. I suppose in the long run it doesn't matter, and the music is great, anyway, but doesn't it just seem a bit...pointless? Rather money grubbing. I'd rather see the British CDs remastered (and remixed, in some cases, but that's ANOTHER debate). Anyway, I don't think I'm going to buy this box, but I may end up buying Volume II, because currently that'd be the only way to get mono "Rubber Soul" and "Revolver"s (you arrange the tracks from those albums and "Yesterday and Today"), unless EMI/Apple finally gets off their collective arse.Vince Hamen: The claim by certain people that they would prefer to hear the American versions out of nostalgia is a poor excuse. Would they say the same about a poorly edited version of, say, an early film that later is restored to its original lenght using a new 35 mm print?
Trevor Eivers: Firstly, cause its not the way the Beatles themselves meant them to be heard in the first place. Secondly because why pay for these CDs, when hopefully all the same tracks will be remastered and released on the original albums in the next few years? Added Oct. 26, 2004
Matt Hoiem: *All tracks are found elsewhere some form or another
*Would just leech more money from buyers
*The only reason to do it is for collector's sake
*The Beatles never had the American releases as part of their original concepts, merely as the overseas record arangers ideas.
Justin (fiveo@bga.com): Because I think that the American songs sound better on LPs and I think that they would sound sucky on CDs. I think that the Beatles should be available on vinyl and tapes.
Ward Whipple (wardo68@aol.com): I still own a working turntable, so if I ever want to hear any of the albums and be transported back to when I first dropped the needle on side 1, I can do just that. If the CDs were being released by EMI for the first time ever in 2000, a case could be made for having the mono and stereo versions back to back on the same disc. But I would still use the "British" sequences, becuase that was how they were originally intended. ... If you want to hear Beatles VI, play your record, or make a custom recording onto tape or CD. They don't owe us a damn thing.
Raphaël Vandenberghe (Rafvdberghe@hotmail.com): I'm against it, because, the British versions were those "made by" the Beatles, as they wanted it, and mixed like they heard it !
Martin John Kyprianides (martin_kyprianides@usa.net): I am a UK Beatles fan of 30. Started listening to Beatles LPs at age of 10. My view is that absolutely no way on earth should Capitol Records in the U.S. be allowed to rip off Beatles fans all over again with their butchered albums. Thank God Capitol were prevented from doing this in 1987 when the Beatles back catalogue was transferred to CD. If they MUST do it (and I'd be surprised if the remaining Beatles let them) then perhaps the Capitol U.S. LP's could be issued as a "limited edition" on good quality 180gm vinyl replicating the original U.S. releases between 1964 and 1966 (after Revolver, American and British LPs were issued in identical fashion - thank God!). BUT my plea to EMI is keep these LPs off CD, PLEASE. Sure enough, I can understand that a lot of older American Beatles fans are fond of LPs such as Meet The Beatles and Beatles '65, it's easy to understand because these are the records they grew up with. But would I be prepared to buy Rubber Soul and Revolver re-released on CD to reflect the original U.S. vinyl releases with songs in the wrong order and some songs actually missing? I don't think so. Let's forget transferring those awful-sounding early Capitol LPs to CD, instead let's start campaigning EMI in the UK (they make all the decisions, remember) for a new set of 24-bit digitally re-mastered CDs based on the UK releases. This should include the Past Masters Vol 1 & 2 for non-album tracks, the Red/Blue compilations and a full-length uncut Live At The Hollywood Bowl. Forget Love Songs, Reel Music, Ballads, 20 Greatest Hits and all the other shoddy late 70s/early 80s compilations - they were a rip-off. Instead let's also see MONO versions of Sgt Pepper (a special Millennium edition perhaps? after all it is THE album of the Millennium in just about every poll) & The White Album as well as the first 4 LPs in Stereo.
Mike Tandrow (MTandrow@aol.com): The Capitol albums do not need to be released on CD -- what they did to the original British releases is unforgivable. They were motivated by greed, period. Why validate this disgusting, artless practice?
Caesar Isaac (caesar775): It is absurd. Everyone knows Capitol simply released Beatle records in such a form to basically make more money off the Beatles. We have all the British records already, why not just be content with the sequences that the band intended in the first place? But of course, being a Beatles fan, chances are i would buy the American issues if they did came to light, anyways....
Noel Stock (nlstock@iexpress.net.au): If the original U.S. 11 track versions are released, they should carry a disclaimer explaining that they are for collectors only and are NOT the original UK versions so that curious young fan know which is which. They could also contain liner note explaining their history-the U.S. company reasons (profit) for not releasing the original versions by the Beatles. I understand nostalgia, but let the true history of these albums be on them too.
Mitch Stewart (stewartmitch@hotmail.com): EMI is long overdue for a Beatles reissue campaign. Some of the material on the Anthology (eg: Kansas City, being a typical example) are better sound-wise than the CD's made in 1987. Digital mastering techniques have come a long way in 5 YEARS let alone 12! So, the idea of releasing the U.S. versions should NEVER be a priority. Even the CD sleeves should be brought up to date. I would even agree to the first two CD's being rereleased in mono (as definitely intended) but the stereo mixes for "A Hard Day's Night" and "Beatles For Sale" were quite good. Check out the red and blue albums. You'll get my drift. It will happen, I believe. The new "Yellow Submarine" soundtrack could only be the tip of the iceberg.
Fred Young (f.young@tvdsb.on.ca): 1) The mixes were awful (too much echo). 2) Most of the albums were only about half an hour long. 3) The Fabs themselves did not approve these compilations. 4) It would just be another way to relieve collectors of their hard earned cash.
D.R.Pettit (pettit4842@home.com): I hope someone from Capitol reads this page. I'd like to address my comments to you. Judging by the reactions of all these Beatle fans, you must be able to see what a bad idea it would be to release the American versions on CD. These people are not just Beatle fans, but Beatle fans with money to spend. And as far as I know, Capital is still in business to make a profit. So why not scrap this idea, and consider some of the ideas repeatedly presented here instead? First, release the first four LP's (plus From Me To You,Ask Me Why,etc.) in stereo. (Yes, stereo was primative back then, but they do sound great!); second, release "Live At The Hollywood Bowl" on CD. This is the only known Hi-Fi Stereo recording of the Beatles in concert. (The energy created by the Beatles & their fans on this record gives me the chills everytime); third, hw about releasing a video of Beatle performances? This could include (unaltered of course) promo films, TV performances, musical scenes from their movies, etc. (Just once, I'd like to see an old clip without some narrator yapping through the guitar solo!) These are just a few of the suggestions presented on this page,all superior to the Capitol version idea. Give the people what they want, and maybe they'll give you their money.
Dale Clark (dclark2171@aol.com): I am against the Capitol re-releases on CD. They were a poor example (mst of the U.S. didn't know any better until CD's came out) of typical American marketing. Less music...same amount of money. I challengeeveryone here to go look at a major CD store (Best Buy..etc.) and thumb through the ELVIS CD catalog. RCA has re-issued over and over again. It is really sad. I do, however, would like to see the COMPLETE hollywood bowl concerts. I also know there is a Bootleg CD Stereo version (of fine quality) of YESTERDAY and TODAY album with the butcher cover. From what I hear..the attention to detail is tremendous. Front cover is cropped exactly, booklet explaining the "Butcher cover" history, Back artwork is also consistant. Even has Black capitol label with multi colored band around perameter. I could even see that as a legit release. The LP does carry some history. Also......EMI does need to release stereo versions of the first 4 LP's as well as a mono "Sgt. Pepper."p> John V. Gergesha (jvgergs@idirect.com): Quite frankly, after allready owing the original LP issues, I purchased the entire Beatle catalogue on CD and really have no desire to purchase any Capitol LPs on CD all over again. I found it rather refreshing, and enlightening to hear the original releases the way the Beatles intended them to be heard. I would love to see more Anthology-type releases. I own many bootleg LPs, covering everything from the 1966 Budokhan Hall concert to the Let It Be sessions and would like to see THOSE on CD down the road. Gerg Hanlin (greghanlin@yahoo.com): When I first heard a English pressing on the Parlaphone label of I FEEL FINE I was astounded at how clean it sounded. Especially during the opening feedback. All U.S. pressings of this song had an unbelieveable anount of static during the song and it was especially noticeable during the feedback part. Maybe there are some people out there who wouldn't mind all that unnecessary backround noise, but I sure would. I guess it all comes down to a matter of choice. And I would certainly choose not to buy CD versions of the American releases. The only way I would buy the American releases would be if the CDs featuring songs from the first 4 U.K. CDs' were to be released in stereo.
Alan Brodie (AlBrodie@AOL.com): I cannot think of a single good reason to release the American albums on CD. And here's another reason. It's been thirty five plus years since those albums came out. There is a whole legion of young Beatles fans today who weren't born until the 1970's. Why confuse these new fans by cluttering the CD bins with duplicate and inferior copies of the same songs. Make it simple. Keep everything the way the Beatles inteded. Though I will give creedence to the argument that the first four albums should be reissued in stereo.
Michael Perkins (Perkins96@Sprynet.com): The original British releases were as The Beatles intended them to be. I see no need to release the Capitol versions, unless possibly as collector's limited editions. The "Something New", "Beatles VI", and especially "Hey Jude" album jackets were pretty cool! Added June 1, 1999
Joseph Bongiorno (JLBong9359@aol.com): The US format should not be released for the same reason Ted Turner should never have colorized Black and White movies........It's not how thw artist intended it to be seen, heard or enjoyed.
Phil Mulliner (Mulliner22@aol.com): I purchased a CD recorder and made my own using both the UK CDs and clean vinyl LPs as the source. I photocopied the original art work reducing it to CD size. The CDs I have made look and sound great. I also have made the compilations "Love Songs," "Rock 'n' Rol Music," "Reel Music," etc., therefore, I have no use for official versions, which I don't think Apple will release anyway. This was a very enjoyable project for me. I also made stereo versions of the first four mono CDs. Try it...it's as easy as recording cassettes!
Gilbert Neal (heresmydemo@mindspring.com): Aside from the thrill of being able once again to play hockey-stick guitar to "Beatles Second Album" as I originally did back in 1973, I think we should defer to the Beatles original wishes.
Steven Sidoti (Sidotis@scowen.com): Who cares about the American Versions on CD, the important thing is to get the first four LP's (CD's) available in STEREO!!! wouldn't you say????
Ross Morrison (rainman@access1.net): No purpose, what needs to be done is the catalog be remastered, true stereo versions are available on "A Hard Day's Night," and "Beatles for Sale." Issuing any CD with only 11 songs, which amounts to about 25 minutes would be a joke. Plus the sound quality of the American/Capitol issues are horrible.
Mike Wilcox (conwilco@ix.netcom.com): I feel fans have had enough of inferior product and the multiple issue of titles, that have no significant difference (in sound and packaging). Capitol, EMI and Apple have misrepresented or outright lied to the buying public about every Beatle release. Initially, they released sound versions of songs, they said didn't exist. Now they release product, like "the White Album", representing that product, by way of omission, with fans presuming it was remastered. It seems that that the individuals who are making these decisions are trying to put one over on customers. You would think, Colonel Parker was running the show!!!! If the group prinipals and the record companies really want to redeem themselves...if they really care about the fans and buying public...they would come up with a mechanism to turn in that useless, inferior product, and "give some" to the fans, who have believed their carny sales tactics, and put up just enough, with their elite, and arrogant sales pitch.
Raul Quiroga (quiroga@math.cinvestav.mx): The Beatles themselves did not intend the albums to be the way Capitol issued them in the USA.
Brian O'Rourke (xmute@pathcom.com): Ideally I'd like them all to be re-mastered by the Beatles and include all songs from an album's sessions. I don't mean outakes, but it would be nice to include the singles that were recorded at the time. Failing this ideal solution, I'd prefer to hear the recordings as George Martin and the Beatles intended, not as Capitol did. Although a release of the mono mixes might be interesting, a close listening to your original North American mixes should reveal different mixes than on the CD releases. My version of "Slow Down" has a slightly different guitar solo, on my version of "Rain" (the original single, mono release, not the stereo version found on later compilations)the tamborine is back in the mix, not sticking out like a sore thumb. Some differences are regional! l, for example I have Canadian versions, which I believe didn't include the extra reverb that tunes like "Misery" received in the U.S.A. Another example is the dramatically different mix on the UK mono release of the White Album, different solos, endings and keys are in this release. A lot of possible releases, but it might be easier just to stick with the UK releases. We can't hold on to every moment of the past. Some things have to be lost to history.
Randall Waverly Tatum (Ringo@Visi.Net): The Capitol LPs are not worth the time and effort to be put on CD, since the British versions,as perfected by John, Paul, George and Ringo, are far superior,and issued as originally intended.The whole point of this is,how do you really want it,as an untouched finished masterpiece by the artists themselves,or as a hap-hazard, last-minute effort by recording company executives who cared more how to milk extra money from The Beatles cash cow than they did about the artists original masterpiece!! The original British versions have been such a relief to this Beatles fan. How nice it is to actually have 14 songs on one CD, ya know. I dont feel so ripped off anymore!! Sure,you can keep your old American versions,but as for me, I'm throwing out the Capitol Crap and I'm headed straight for EMI/PARLOPHONE, AS ORIGINALLY INTENDED!!!!!! Capitol always ripped us fans off, BUT THE BEATLES NEVER DID!!
Johnny Savage (jsaulovich@berksys.com): These albums were configured without any consideration of artistic merit. They were created strictly for profit. To allow Capitol to profit once again would be shameless. If they are to be for sale, it should be by mail-order only.
Ravi Kiran (Dragon32@bruce-lee.com): If the U.S. mixes are released on CD to please U.S. fans, why not Japanese, Australian, German, French, Brazilian, Taiwanese, Canadian, Italian, etc. mixes? Do we really need to please the U.S. fans in this manner? Look at all the Elvis best of CDs on the market! If we release the U.S. albums on CD, then we will be oversaturated with products! What I want are remixed and remastered versions of the UK albums, all of them released in remixed stereo. I also want "Sgt. Pepper" and the White Album in mono, too. If we release the U.S. mixes, why not every mix of every song under the sun?!? I am against the idea of releasing WHOLE U.S. albums, but maybe we could have the false start of "I'm Looking Through You" as a bonus track on the UK "Rubber Soul." And the "Help!" and "A Hard Day's Night" instrumentals could be bonus tracks on the UK "Help!" and "A Hard Day's Night."
Roger Drolet (rdrolet@videotron.ca): The Beatles decided to release their albums as the original british versions. The American fans can find ALL the material on the different CDs now on sale in the U.S. market.The Capitol's vinyl LP's are part of history, but Apple doesn't have to make this move ONLY because the American fans (or industry) want it. The United States isn't the center of the world !!!
Trevor Hilton (corpimag@corporateimage.com.au): This "does my head in". All you Seppos who want the patently inferior U.S. compilations need only get your own CD-R writers and bloody well do it yourselves. The U.S. releases were NOT, EVER EVER intended by the artists or their producer to be sequenced in that order. And 11 tracks instead of 14 per album was purely and solely a way of maximizing publishing androyalties for Capitol. This is typical of the Seppo-centrism that the rest of the world has to constantly endure. In late 1984, the UK aid-for-Africa pop-group ensemble sang "Feed The World". Then the Seppos followed up with "We ARE The World". And I think that says it all. Americans are a damned race anyway. Good riddance to 'em. Liz Martin (dizymisslizzy@hotmial.com): No because they weren't highly repected after people found out what happend. I don't think it would be good also because every thing has been released already.
Bruce Burgess (bwburgess@yahoo.com): The British releases are far superior in terms of content, sound quality and cover design and they are the albums the Beatles wanted released. I would far sooner see Apple and EMI spend their time remastering all of the UK releases in stereo and releasing their 1965 to 1968 releases in mono. "Hollywood Bowl" on CD and any previously unreleased material should also be given priority. Also, by not releasing the "butchers" on CD, the value of these albums will increase, as they become increasingly more difficult to find.
Kevin J. Langan (Lowbasso@aol.com): Regardless of how Beatle albums were released in the US in the 60's, The Beatles themselves decreed how their music should have been presented through the EMI recordings. We, as Beatle fans, should preserve their wishes and ensure that all future Beatlefans will hear the music for the first time in the proper order The Beatles intended it to be heard. Only fans who were alive in the 60's will have had to suffer through Capitol's cheap "Make-a-fast-buck" compilations. Remember, there are many Beatle fans around today and will be even more in future generations who will know only the EMI CD releases which are properly done. If we "original 60's Beatle fans" need to hear the Capitol versions, we can pull out our old records. I for one have not listened to a single Capitol version since the EMI CD versions came out and probably never will again. And I am an original Beatle fan from the 60's.
Michael McGrath (mcgper@msn.com): When I was 13 or 14, I had started to collect the Beatle albums then available on vinyl...living in Puerto Rico meant that all I could get were the American versions. As a real fan, I had always wished to have had the British versions which not only had more songs but were tracked in the order the Beatles wished, With the American versions, I felt discouraged in trying to complete my collection, because even if you did collect all the American albums there would still be holes in your collection even with the Rarities album. When the CD's came out, I was happy that at last everyone around the world could have the albums the way they were meant to be and with the Past Masters your collection would be complete! Good riddance to those choppy Capitol versions. Instead of asking for those in digital format, shouldn't we be asking for remastering & repackaging of the British catalogue complete with liner notes by Lewhison and the first four in stereo! That to me seems more important! And with the remastering I believe that the "Past Masters" tracks should all be spread as bonus tracks on the CD's according to the period in which they were released. This to me, along with "Christmas Album" & the alternate "Let It Be" should be what fans should demand!
Nik Everett (NikEverett@aol.com): My feeling is split because it might be cool to have the singles released as the American mixes...but how 'bout this for a discussion? I would like the first few albums going up to "Help!" to at least have stereo mixes. I have a Japanese vinyl version of "A Hard Day's Night" in stereo that's incredible. I don't like the mono CD version.
Kevin Hendryx (KevinHendryx"@mail.utexas.edu): I second the "thumbs down" vote for all the good reasons stated by my fellow critics, and most importantly, because that's what Paul, George and Ringo want (John too, no doubt). Who would deny their wishes in favor of EMI/Capitol's? Would we also prefer "corporate" versions of films or books? Or should we respect the wishes of the creator? Let's forget the inferior U.S. albums and concentrate on lobbying for worthwhile NEW releases: the complete "Hollywood Bowl" or other live concerts; the Christmas Fan Club album; the original "Get Back" album; stereo "A Hard Day's Night" and "Beatles For Sale" CDs; mono "Sgt Pepper" and the White Album; a couple of good, complete, undoctored promo films videotapes; or how about these album ideas: an expanded Yellow Submarine ST that includes ALL the songs presented in the film as well as the long version of "It's All Too Much" and the Martin orchestral music (because the album as it now stands is the weakest in the Beatles catalog, and something should be done about it); or a "restored" edition of Sgt. Pepper that uses the original running order of Side 1 and includes ALL the songs recorded during the "Pepper" sessions, e.g. SFF, "Penny Lane," "It's Only A Northern Song," etc. And not forgetting the group "OM" at the end of "A Day In the Life"!
Simon White (simon@atomicnet.com.au): Capitol ripped off the U.S. public once... don't let them do it again.
Added Jan. 28, 1998
Dragon32 (Dragon32@bruce-lee.com):If the Capitol mixes (or should I say butcherings) of the
Beatles are released on CD, then other countries will put
out their own mixes and clutter up the market with some more
useless stuff. Now, if some alternate Parlophone mixes were
released, fine, but don't release those accursed Capitol mixes.
I like the fact that there isn't a lot of useless stuff on the
market. What is so special about the Capitol mixes? I can
add annoying echo to the tracks on my computer! Here is what
I would like to see released:
Un-Spectorized "Let it Be" album; "Hollywood Bowl" CD;
The whole UK catalog remastered with extensive liner notes
and foldout LP sized reprints of the UK LP covers;
extended "Making of Pepper" video;
making of "Abbey Road" (album) video. That's it. Don't want to clutter up the market with bastardized
remixes from C*pitol.
ralph46@email.msn.com: I agree that we grew up listening to the Beatle releases with a great deal
of echo. In fact, I spent a good part of the '70s trying to obtain the
true stereo releases. I then discovered that the mono version of the
tracks were, in fact the ones the Fab Four "approved" prior to release.
George Martin and Geoff Emerick re-mixed the tracks for stereo. So if
you're a purist, you should clamor for the mono releases. An interesting note is that most (if not all) of the tracks on the first
four British CDs were the mixed-down stereo versions...not the true mono
version.
Added Jan. 18, 1998
Brian Flota (flotab01@student.ucr.edu): I'm a big Beatles fan and I feel that the U.K. versions of the Beatles
albums are superior.
Having said this, I must remind you that the Beatles records I listen to
(I'm only 22 years old) are different from the ones my dad grew up
listening to. My Beatles listening experience is quite different from my
dad's (he also experienced Beatlemania). The mixes are poor on the U.S.
albums, but this is what the kids back in the sixties had to listen to.
Re-releasing the U.S. albums on CD would be cool, but, that would cost piles
of extra money. If they decide to rerelease these, they should also
reissue some of the comp records like "Rock N' Roll Music" and "20
Greatest Hits," which kick ass.
Ines Sanchez (kxb26@rabbit.INS.CWRU.Edu): I think 90% of the debate over who wants to hear the Bealtes LPs and in
which fashion is relatively silly when you consider what we're talking
about: CDs!!! If you want to hear "Revolver" the way the Beatles intended,
pop in the CD and hit play. If you want to be transported back to the
Capitol version, just program the tracks in the order you want! Anyone old
enough to want that has to have a copy of the U.S. track listing somewhere
(on an LP or cassette, on the net, or whatever.) As for the "step-child"
albums ("Something New," "Yesterday & Today," etc.) these can usually be made
by combining tracks from one or two albums (at most), so one can just make
a cassette. The other side of this involves the lame instrumental
soundtrack music from "Help!" and "A Hard Day's Night," and I doubt anyone
misses that. Finally, regarding alternate mixes, I think fans should
accept the EMI mixes out of respect to Sir George, Sir Paul, John, George,
& Ringo. Those mixes are undisputedly what they wantd us to hear. All the
EQ and reverb applied by Capitol was an abomination, and was often used to
overcome the limitations of LP format.
All Beatles CDs should be identical from country to country, so future fans
can hear the same music the same way.
Instead of arguing over releasing the U.S. versions, we should be putting
pressure on Capitol to update the CD catalog. Every major "classic"
performer (the Stones, the Beach Boys, Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, the Byrds,
Stevie Wonder, Simon & Grafunkel, the Who, Elvis, Steely Dan, Clapton) has
had their CDs updated at least once. EMI needs to recreate ALL the
original artwork, and could even augment what they have with rare photos,
etc. It would also be nice to have some mono mixes (like Sgt. Pepper & the
white Album) available with the stereo versions. Finally, Captiol should
re-release "Live At the Hollywood Bowl" with the few tracks on "Rarities"
that are still rare. These are more important issues that should be
addressed before the question of the U.S. LPs.
Naguib Tahan (ntahan@saonet.ucla.eduU: When I was younger (about the time of junior high) I really got into the
Beatles. My mom started it off giving me the "Twist and Shout" EP and
Parlophone single "Hello Goodbye"/"I Am The Walrus." By this time, though,
we had moved to the U.S. and I only had access to U.S. album configurations.
(I actually didn't know about the differences). With the release of
"Live at the BBC," I was once again pulled into the Beatles - and now a
lot older (36) and hopefully wiser, (and with an adult-size pocket book,
instead of my precious weekly allowance), I sought out any possible
configuration, remix, remaster, etc. I guess you could say I became a
completist. Having said that (and heard all the variations I could lay
my hands on), I must say that the U.K. configurations are the truest as
they represent JPG &R's original intent. There are exceptions of
course: The US MMT configuration has stood the test of time; but there
again, the German true stereo mix is far more aurally and physically
satisfying. This could last forever, then, if you see what I mean. My
true wish is for the release of all U.K. stereo mixes not currently
available, i.e.., "The First Four", all the mono mixes not available:
"Help" through "Yellow Submarine," and perhaps a third (and fourth ?) "Past
Masters" volume(s) to cover the oddities from around the world. These
could wrap up the remaining mixes, oddities, etc., both stereo and mono.
The accompanying booklets to these volumes could provide alternative
album, single, EP artwork from around the world, and inform the listener
how the CD could be ordered to match the original release.
Added Jan. 11, 1998
Simon White (simon@atomicnet.com.au): Capitol ripped off the US public once... don't let them do it again. No Capitol-butchered versions.
Added Nov. 15, 1997
Joanne Lund (jsonjal@worldnet.att.net): I'm not sure how I feel about the idea of reissuing the US versions of the Beatles original European releases. On one hand I believe that if it is merely a matter of nostalgia for these configurations, then why not? On the
other hand, as an American consumer, my initial exposure to the Beatles was
through these cobbled together American releases("Beatles VI"; "The
Beatles Again"). Mid-period American releases such as "Revolver" had omitted
tracks that were included on the European releases. Why? Possibly so that
Capitol could eventually put them out on some subsequent compilation? New
fans wanting to build their collections might purcahase the US versions
unknowingly. I feel that Beatles records should be enjoyed as the artists
had intended, so I'll stick with my European versions, thank you very much.
Added Aug. 30, 1997
Pskay3@aol.com: No. I think the foreign ones are cooler and better looking covers and stuff.
I'm 14 and I just got into them and I like the other versions a lot and I only
kind of know about those versions. Not those American versions.
Added March 29, 1997
EFI3@aol.com: The only reason Capital started releasing Beatle records at all was when they
had proof that they could make money by doing so. Capital boke up the albums
in effort ro maximize profits. They included many instrumentals from the
movies to fill albums and released the songs on others. Sometimes, in an
effort to diferentiate their versions from the British counterparts, they
screwed up . This is most notable on the Capitol version of "Help!" where the
Beatles are positioned to spell HPEL. I wouldn't mind seeing the later
albums from Pepper on released on Capitol. Frankly, I think that album is
completed with "A Day in the Life" and the noise after that ruins the
effect. As for the earlier versions, they belong to a safely locked away as
a bad idea.
Raul (al588619@campus.cegs.itesm.mx): Don't do it. We have all the songs. It will be like just trying to get
some more money.
Artur Hausner (artur@dtk.com.pl): I'm a long time the beatles fan. I love them.
I know that John, Paul, George and Ringo hated the American albums. I don't like them either. Only the U.K. albums are true.