So, according to Sky News, here in the UK The Beatles albums will be released this year on September 9 to coincide with the release of The Beatles: Rock Band game.
The Applelites have finally got their finger out and may just have helped to save the band’s reputation (in some respects). For I believe that The Beatles name has been slightly tarnished over the last few years and quite frankly it has been an embarrassment to them that their outstanding and distinguished catalogue hasn’t been released in solid gold versions let alone the relatively simple task of re-mastering the audio! Apparently it has taken four years to put this together? I ask the question, what have they been doing? I mean it only took the boys seven to write, record and release the stuff in the first place! I will say however that I cannot wait to see the package as there are some mouthwatering prospects in store. I am particularly intrigued by the ten disc Beatles In Mono project which will stand alongside the fourteen disc set. This is something we have all clamoured for since the discs were released back in 1987. It is shocking that they haven’t been available (legally) since before now. I believe that this is the absolute core of the band’s sound. It is how the vast majority of their records were sold. It is how the vast majority of the records were mixed and it is one of the main reasons they became popular. Stereo ripped the heart and soul out of those recordings, there is no doubt about that at all in my mind. So, to get the chance to hear these recordings straight from the master, shined up to a shiny thing with today’s powerhouse technology and perhaps more importantly to play it back on today’s brilliant players, is a prospect that I for one cannot wait for.
There is a downside to all of this though.
The fact is that there can’t be much more in the can for the band and so we might be close to the actual end of the road, release wise, and it may even be part of the reason why it has taken so long to get to this point, who knows? So we may as well enjoy it as it could be the last of the really big noises The Beatles can make and it comes as something of a relief. Whilst I did kinda nearly enjoy watching the Love documentary, I definitely won’t enjoy the game, because I am not interested in it even from a nosey parker point of view. It is just not what it’s about for me.
The other zillion dollar question for those interested of course is will we see a digital release online? I have been particularly excited by the prospect that the Beatles will take matters into their own hands in this department as it once more will elevate their status beyond the norm and it shows that the band won’t be pushed around by the biggest boy in the playground. It’s a separate issue to what I’m talking about here, but why should artists be held to ransom by the other apple? So, go Beatles, go!
All of that said, fans will ALWAYS want more and hey, I’m no different.
I’ve got two words for you - Hollywood and Bowl!
So, if you’re going to do it, do it absolute Apple!
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3 comments:
Honestly, who cares what Apple/EMI does or doesn't do? Everything we say we want (and I'm right there with everyone else, complaining about these reissue plans -- we have to pay twice for stereo AND mono?!) is available. Period. If you want to hear it, you can. Whether it comes wrapped in a shiny package from Best Buy, or a torrent found through Pirate Bay, it's out there.
I read the (long, long, long overdue!) news today, oh boy! 8-) Can't be negative about this at the moment (although I'm sure my rational bits will kick in soon enough), too busy grinning from ear to ear!!! Mono box set; come on!! 8-)
One thought - I wonder whether Macca enjoyed listening to (& approving) the remastered "Let It Be"?!? Must have been a bit odd... here's hoping he hasn't messed with it. But, for now, all I can do is smile!!! I play even have to play the game I'm afraid; I know how you feel, but you have to admit it's a brilliant ploy to get the 3rd & even 4th gen BAs involved...
End of the road for Beatles releases? I doubt it. With each new music format that comes out in the coming years, the Beatles music has the opportunity to be re-worked and remastered for that new format. Plus, I suspect someday we'll see a remixing of the catalog to provide a different take on the music...perhaps a 5.1 remix or perhaps just better balanced stereo mixes. Not anytime soon, but eventually...
Not to mention numerous other potential projects that gather dust. The Hollywood Bowl album is available for re-issue, expansion, remastering, remixing, what have you. Then there's the Let it Be film, which remains on the shelf and currently unavailable. Magical Mystery Tour could stand for a polish too, as the current DVD is rather faded looking. Plus, think of all the outtakes from the Let it Be sessions (both on film and on tape) that could be worked into some kind of package. Or how about a standalone DVD of the rooftop concert? Wouldn't that be nice?
Then there are songs from the vaults that still surface, such as the recently leaked take of Revolution. I suspect someday we'll see a new stab at the creation of a rarities set...much like the Anthology discs, just reworked, repackaged, remastered, with new bits added that we haven't heard before.
Plus, we have yet to see a truly official and fully legal release of the Decca sessions.
Also, the possibilities that remain that more BBC material could be released...perhaps not on lavish CD sets, but at least as downloads available to supplement one's Beatles collection.
Finally, I could also envision some sort of box set (or sets) being made for specific albums, such as Sgt. Pepper or the White Album. Imagine a box set that contained both mono and stereo masters, alternate mixes, alternate versions, demos, session recordings that show the development of these songs, along with a deluxe booklet and fuller length DVD documentary about these albums...well, that would be pretty welcome too. If Pet Sounds can serve as the basis for a successful box set, why not one of the Beatles albums.
So while I welcome the remasters with anticipation (especially the mono discs), I think there is still a lot that can be done in the future to continue to bring Beatles music to fans in new and interesting ways!
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