Beatles Anthology Highlights

I certainly hope to cover more than just one band this month, but since I've been on a Beatles roll lately, I'd like to keep it up.

The Beatles Anthology CDs back in the mid-'90s were quite a treat for fans of the group, offering numerous live tracks, alternate versions of popular hits, demos, unreleased outtakes, radio spots, spoken-word bits, and more. In its massive six-CD format (publicly released as three 2-CD sets), however, the Anthology has become known more for its historical value (which, to be fair, is gigantic) than for quality entertainment. As nice as it is to have so much additional Beatles material, many of the tracks consist of inferior quality outtakes (not a surprise - that's why they weren't released), marginally different alternate versions, instrumental backing tracks, and muddy sounding demos. Not the easiest stuff to listen to more than once.

But among this filler, many true gems can indeed be found, and in my opinion, the Anthology can be whittled down to two excellent hour-length CDs that would prove a highly worthy addition to the Beatles' catalog. Now granted, two CDs wouldn't sell nearly as many copies as six, so business-wise the current Anthology makes perfect sense. But artistically speaking, a two-CD release would have been a pure knockout. As I see it, the tracklisting would be heavy on quality songs, group-written originals, significantly different alternate takes, and well-played covers. And it would look like this:

CD 1
1. Free As A Bird - This song is more okay than great, but gotta include this reunion track.
2. Beatle Greetings (speech) - The band introduces themselves on this short track. It's not actually on the Anthology (it's from the Live At The BBC CDs), but I would have put it there.
3. Ain't She Sweet - From 1961 sessions with Tony Sheridan. Not a bad song, and Lennon's on lead vocals.
4. Cry For A Shadow - Nifty instrumental from the same sessions and a Lennon-Harrison original.
5. Three Cool Cats - Great song from the Beatles' 1962 Decca audition.
6. Like Dreamers Do - Also from the Decca audition and written by McCartney.
7. Hello Little Girl - More Decca audition material and a great one by Lennon.
8. Besame Mucho - A pleasant cover of this pop standard from a 1962 studio session.
9. How Do You Do It - Before they wrote "Love Me Do", this was slated to be their first single.
10. One After 909 (complete) - Eventually released on the Let It Be album, this early version (from 1963) rocks just as hard.
11. I'll Be On My Way - Another track from Live At The BBC, this Buddy Holly-esque Lennon song would have fit well on the Anthology.
12. Soldier Of Love - Same goes for this Live At The BBC track; a fantastic cover.
13. Can't Buy Me Love - This alternate version is virtually as good as the hit single. Really!
14. And I Love Her - Thought this song was just a ballad? This knockout rock 'n' roll version proves otherwise.
15. Shout - Definitely can't leave off the Beatles playing "Shout!"
16. You Know What To Do - A fine George Harrison original never developed past the demo stage.
17. Leave My Kitten Alone - R&B outtake from Beatles For Sale that would have fit nicely on the album.
18. If You've Got Trouble - Ringo sings on this Lennon-McCartney original left off the Help album. Not the Beatles' best, but definitely decent B-side quality.
19. That Means A Lot - Another Help reject, this McCartney song is one of the Beatles' finest outtakes.
20. 12-Bar Original - Instrumental outtake from the Rubber Soul sessions. Pretty derivative of the song Green Onions but still has a good Beatles flavor.
21. Got To Get You Into My Life - Very different version of the released track on the Revolver album. Features some alternate lyrics, a prominent organ, different backing vocals, and no horn section.
22. I'm Only Sleeping (rehearsal) - This short clip has cool-sounding vibes (the instrument) that didn't make it into the released version.
23. Christmas Time (Is Here Again) - Only on the "Real Love" single and not on the Anthology itself, this seasonal recording from 1967 is a neat pop song in itself.
24. Strawberry Fields Forever (Take 7 and edit piece) - The original track took its first minute from Take 7 and the rest from Take 26. Here is the full Take 7, which sounds quite different than the released version and features an additional verse.
25. Penny Lane - This remix is mostly similar to the released version, but the totally different solo and ending make it well worth hearing.

CD 2
1. Real Love - This second reunion track is more Beatle-sounding than "Free As A Bird"; I'm surprised Lennon didn't include it on Double Fantasy.
2. I'm The Greatest - This is the one track that probably requires explanation, since it's from Ringo Starr's 1973 self-titled solo album. But I'm including it because really, it's a Beatle song in all but name. Ringo sings and plays the drums; Lennon wrote the song, sings harmony, and plays piano; George Harrison plays the guitars; Billy Preston, the "fifth Beatle" on the Let It Be Album, plays organ; and Klaus Voormann, who designed the Revolver album sleeve, chimes in on bass. Yes, McCartney is absent (he does contribute elsewhere on Ringo's album), but more Beatles are involved here than on the huge hits "Yesterday" and "The Ballad Of John And Yoko". 'Nuff said.
3. A Beginning - Pleasant Disney-style orchestral arrangement designed as an intro for Ringo's White Album track "Don't Pass Me By".
4. You Know My Name (Look Up The Number) - This extended version of the 1969 B-side is better and sillier than the original song.
5. Happiness Is A Warm Gun - Lennon demo from the Beatles' 1968 "unplugged" Esher sessions. In unfinished form, but a great acoustic version of the song.
6. Helter Skelter - Not the legendary 21-minute jam of this song, but as an edited version of a 12-minute take, it's not bad and differs significantly from the released track on the White Album.
7. Junk - A good McCartney demo from the Esher sessions that ended up on his first solo album.
8. Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da - This alternate version is quite different than the original, but just as good.
9. While My Guitar Gently Weeps - Fantastic demo very different than the released version. No Eric Clapton on lead guitar, of course, but Harrison nails it acoustically and McCartney contributes a nice organ part.
10. Not Guilty - Another Harrison original. I like this track better than the released version on his 1979 self-titled solo album.
11. What's The New Mary Jane - Lennon-written White Album outtake. Not his best, but good enough for this CD.
12. Step Inside Love / Los Paranoias - An off the cuff jam beginning with a song Macca wrote for Cilla Black and ending with an ad-libbed group piece.
13. Teddy Boy - This outtake from the Get Back sessions ended up on McCartney's first solo album.
14. Medley: Rip It Up / Shake, Rattle & Roll / Blue Suede Shoes - Good oldies medley from the Get Back sessions.
15. All Things Must Pass - A nice Harrison demo from the same sessions. Ended up as the title track on his 1970 triple album.
16. Something - Fantastic demo of the hit song that includes a countermelody verse not on the released version.
17. Come And Get It - A huge hit for Badfinger, this song began as a McCartney demo from the Abbey Road sessions. Widely considered to be the best track on the Anthology.
18. The End - Wouldn't want to end the CD any other way. This remix of the Abbey Road track features some significantly different guitar parts and ends on a very familar final chord.

So there you have it - The Beatles' Anthology Highlights. Was it tough to compile? Not too much, but I did waver on a few songs, such as the waltz version of "I'll Be Back" and the beautiful vocal-only mix of "Because", before ultimately leaving them off. Also, I didn't include any of the live-in-concert tracks; instead I would compile all nineteen of them into a separate CD: "The Beatles Live In Concert". Happy listening!

Paul Is Live

Speaking more of the Beatles, I saw Paul McCartney in concert the other day, and he was fantastic! He played for nearly 3 hours, and the setlist mixed Beatles classics (Magical Mystery Tour, Hey Jude, Penny Lane, Let It Be, Yesterday), early Fab Four fan favorites (Till There Was You, In Spite Of All The Danger, I'll Follow The Sun), solo and Wings hits (Live And Let Die, Band On The Run, Jet, Maybe I'm Amazed), and choice cuts from his new album (Fine Line, Jenny Wren, English Garden).

On stage McCartney sang and played wonderfully, alternating every few songs between guitar, bass, and piano. For a guy who's 63 years old, he moved pretty well too, even pulling a few Pete Townshend-like guitar poises. The crowd definitely got into the action as well, joining on many singalongs and giving multiple standing ovations.

Macca also peppered the show with plenty of humorous between-song banter, and his backing band totally rocked too, especially his talented keyboardist who perfectly recreated numerous instuments (such as the French horn solo on Penny Lane and the strings on Eleanor Rigby and Yesterday) on his Yamaha synthesizer. (Makes me want to get one of those things!)

This was my second McCartney show (I saw him on his 2002 Driving Rain tour), and while the two concerts certainly felt similar, I'd have to say Paul was even better this time around! The only disappointment was his not playing "When I'm 64", but maybe he's appropriately reserving that one for his big birthday in 2006.

Ringo Starr and more Matisyahu

Ringo Starr probably has had the least musically illustrious solo career of all the former Beatles, but his newest album Choose Love is just phenomenal. I like it so much, in fact, that I reviewed it on Amazon.com, as printed below in slightly revised form:

"I never thought I'd be saying this in 2005, but Ringo Starr has delivered his best album ever. I love much of his early '70s work (Ringo and Goodnight Vienna in particular), but this one truly takes the cake. The songs are all short, catchy, energetic, contain artsy touches of unpredictability while entirely maintaining focus, and have a great early Beatles feel to them. Ringo sings wonderfully, his drumming is excellent, and his backing band is topnotch. The album's production also has a very classic feel, and it all sounds fresh even after multiple listenings. No filler on the CD either; every song is truly a standout. (Although if I had to name some favorites, they'd be "Fading In Fading Out", "Give Me Back The Beat" and "Free Drinks.") Hope he brings this stuff out on tour!"

And on an unrelated note, Matisyahu (from the post below) has announced plans to release a new studio album in January: http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/news/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1001477041. If he can capture even half of his amazing live show in the studio, this one should be a classic.

Hasidic Reggae

Okay, so I said I was retired from the music blogosphere. And yes, I'm still busy with work. But I recently attended a fantastic concert that I just can't resist raving about. The guy's name is Matisyahu, and he's a Hasidic reggae rapper. That's right - a Hasidic Jew, black hat and all, singing funky reggae/rap music.

I don't normally even listen to these styles of music, but some friends of mine were attending the show and had an extra ticket. So I came along, not quite knowing what to expect, but thinking I probably wouldn't enjoy it nearly as much as, say, a Weezer or Tom Petty concert.

But boy, was I wrong. I didn't know any of Matisyahu's songs beforehand, but they were all amazing - full of great, passionate singing; virtuoso playing by his backing band; and catchy melodic hooks all throughout. His stage presence was completely rock 'n' roll too; apart from the obvious difference in look and dress, Matisyahu moved like Roger Daltrey singing "My Generation" at a knockout Who concert. Also, the show was at a small venue (I'm guessing about 500 people in attendance), so we were able to stand just a couple feet from the stage. To use the same scale as my album reviews, I'd definitely rate this concert as a 5 out of 5!

Matisyahu may not be too famous yet, but I think his popularity is about to explode - he has a studio and live album out, plus a single and MTV video for the song "King Without A Crown," and is set to guest on the rock band P.O.D.'s next album (due out in early 2006). If anyone is interested in checking him out, see his website (http://www.hasidicreggae.com/) for updated tour dates and much additional news and information.

Update

Well, it's been a while since I've posted here, and I still plan to review those Beach Boys albums (as well as continue the site beyond them) when I get the chance. Unfortunately, work has really gotten in the way as of late. I had plenty of free time when I began this blog because I was on summer vacation (between MBA graduation and starting my current job). But now that work has really kicked into gear, it has been tough to find time to craft thoughtful reviews. (I'd rather wait than write substandard pieces.)

So I'm going to put this blog on hiatus for the moment. I suppose I don't really need to make a formal announcement considering my lack of posting over the last month, but I did want to let any readers know what's going on.

Hopefully things will settle down soon; I have certainly enjoyed writing about music, and would love to continue the blog in the future. Until then, please feel free to scroll through the archives, and I look forward to resuming it as time permits.

The Not So Famous Guide To The Beatles

I'd planned to review a number of Beach Boys albums this week, but have been traveling on business, so unfortunately I have to postpone the piece yet again, probably until this weekend. But in the meantime, I'd like to check in with some commentary on that other famous "B" band, the one staffed by John, Paul, George and Ringo.

Most everyone knows all the Beatles' hit songs, so it can be tough to contribute to the literature about the group without sounding somewhat redundant. So, in an attempt to be decently original, I'd like to give my recommendations on some Beatles songs that are relatively un-famous. Here's my picks for the best of the bunch, no hit singles allowed:

There's A Place (1963)
This gem from the Please Please Me album is as catchy as any of the group's early hits (the middle-eight in particular is one of the best in all of rock music), and features great cerebral lyrics that were way ahead of their time.

I'm Happy Just To Dance With You (1964)
Simple, ultra-catchy, very danceable. The title tells it all. From the Hard Day's Night album.

Things We Said Today (1964)
Also from Hard Day's Night, this song is one of Paul McCartney's best ever. I think it may have been the B-side of the "Hard Day's Night" single as well, but it wasn't the hit song itself, so it's legit for this list.

I'll Be Back (1964)
Yet another album track from Hard Day's Night. (Can you tell this is one of my favorite Beatles' albums? :-) This song is so great that it doesn't even have a real chorus in the traditional sense, and yet it still sticks in your head for weeks.

That Means A Lot (1965)
This outtake from the Help album wasn't released until Anthology 2 in the mid-'90s, but wow, it's fantastic. That's how amazing the Beatles were - even their throwaways are better than many hit bands' best stuff.

The Continuing Story Of Bungalow Bill (1968)
My favorite track from the White Album, this super-catchy John Lennon tune tells the story of a tiger hunter in India who seems all tough on the outside but is really a weenie. Add to that some fabulous mellotron playing and a lyrical reference to comic books, and you've got an absolute Beatles classic. I once had a summer camp counselor who played this song over and over every day in our cabin, and I still never got sick of it.

Martha My Dear (1968)
Okay, I'll admit this song is a bit unusual. Nothing but McCartney singing and on the piano with a brass band behind him, and the musical structure is very odd. But you'll still listen to it and say "wow, that was great!"

Hey Bulldog (1969)
In my opinion, this track is by far the best from the Yellow Submarine mini-album. For anyone who thought the Beatles forgot how to play true rock 'n' roll when they went psychedelic in the mid-'60s, here's the evidence they didn't.

Two Of Us (1970)
So the Sgt. Pepper hippy dippy phase is over and the Beatles want to get back to basics. Here's one of the best examples of how they did it. With beautiful harmony singing, a fantastic instrumental beat, and poignant lyrics about Lennon's and McCartney's relationship as songwriters and as close friends, this leadoff track from the Let It Be album is one of the group's best.

You Know My Name (Look Up The Number) (1970)
This weird and hilarious B-side to the "Let It Be" single doesn't sound too much the Beatles, but all you need to know is that it's Paul McCartney's favorite song that they ever did. And you can't get a much better recommendation than that.


Well, there's a Top 10 for you. I'm sure many (if not most) people would certainly disagree with at least some of these selections, but to my ears, these songs are golden. Here's to Paul and Ringo playing them on their next solo tours!

I'm back

The Hardblog Cafe is officially back online! The wife and I just returned from a trip to Israel and South Africa, and it was completely amazing. It'd be a long story to sum up just how wonderful it was (perhaps in a future post when I have more time), but I'd recommend those places to anyone. The mainstream US media portrays life in both countries as far worse than it actually is, but in reality both are highly thriving, the scope of which doesn't really hit you until you set foot there.

Here is a picture of Tracey and me in an Israeli snack shop. Yeah, I know it's not the most scenic pic, but it's one of the few close-ups where I wasn't wearing a hat that cast a shadow across my face. (Plus I wanted to try out Blogger's new photo function.)



Anyway, on a music-related note, as per the chosen subject of this blog, I bought two CDs at a Tel Aviv record store of a phenomenal Israeli band called Rockfour. I already owned a couple of their English-language albums, and they're both completely amazing, so you can definitely bet I jumped when I saw some of their original Hebrew-only albums (which are hard to find outside of Israel)! I also picked up an excellent CD of a 1973 release by a group called Kaveret. (They have great classic rock in Israel too!)

More to come on those as well, but as I mentioned in my previous post, it's time to tackle the Beach Boys next.