Beatles Catalog Finally Remastered

[paulisded]

Finally! And two days before my birthday!

THE BEATLES’ ENTIRE ORIGINAL RECORDED CATALOGUE REMASTERED BY APPLE CORPS LTD. AND EMI MUSIC FOR WORLDWIDE RELEASE ON SEPTEMBER 9, 2009 (9-9-09)


London, England – April 7, 2009 – Apple Corps Ltd. and EMI Music are delighted to announce the release of the original Beatles catalogue, which has been digitally re-mastered for the first time, for worldwide CD release on Wednesday, September 9, 2009 (9-9-09), the same date as the release of the widely anticipated “The Beatles: Rock Band” video game. Each of the CDs is packaged with replicated original UK album art, including expanded booklets containing original and newly written liner notes and rare photos. For a limited period, each CD will also be embedded with a brief documentary film about the album. On the same date, two new Beatles boxed CD collections will also be released.

The albums have been re-mastered by a dedicated team of engineers at EMI’s Abbey Road Studios in London over a four year period utilising state of the art recording technology alongside vintage studio equipment, carefully maintaining the authenticity and integrity of the original analogue recordings. The result of this painstaking process is the highest fidelity the catalogue has seen since its original release.

The collection comprises all 12 Beatles albums in stereo, with track listings and artwork as originally released in the UK, and 'Magical Mystery Tour,' which became part of The Beatles’ core catalogue when the CDs were first released in 1987. In addition, the collections 'Past Masters Vol. I and II' are now combined as one title, for a total of 14 titles over 16 discs. This will mark the first time that the first four Beatles albums will be available in stereo in their entirety on compact disc. These 14 albums, along with a DVD collection of the documentaries, will also be available for purchase together in a stereo boxed set.

Within each CD’s new packaging, booklets include detailed historical notes along with informative recording notes. With the exception of the 'Past Masters' set, newly produced mini-documentaries on the making of each album, directed by Bob Smeaton, are included as QuickTime files on each album. The documentaries contain archival footage, rare photographs and never-before-heard studio chat from The Beatles, offering a unique and very personal insight into the studio atmosphere.

A second boxed set has been created with the collector in mind. 'The Beatles in Mono' gathers together, in one place, all of the Beatles recordings that were mixed for a mono release. It will contain 10 of the albums with their original mono mixes, plus two further discs of mono masters (covering similar ground to the stereo tracks on 'Past Masters'). As an added bonus, the mono “Help!” and “Rubber Soul” discs also include the original 1965 stereo mixes, which have not been previously released on CD. These albums will be packaged in mini-vinyl CD replicas of the original sleeves with all original inserts and label designs retained.

Discussions regarding the digital distribution of the catalogue will continue. There is no further information available at this time.

[ANC]

:thumbup:

Unfortunately I'll have to wait to get it...

[OGC]

another reason people don't feel much guilt when they download torrents. they've already payed for the music 3 or 4 times and now they remaster it and expect them to pay for it again.

[JerseyRich]

I already have a bunch of the records in mono...and honestly they sound much better than the stereo mixes. So having all the records that were originally mixed in mono is a pretty cool idea.

Unfortunately these boxed sets will cost a pretty penny...and in case they haven't noticed, people don't have much money lately.

[paulisded]

another reason people don't feel much guilt when they download torrents. they've already payed for the music 3 or 4 times and now they remaster it and expect them to pay for it again.

I agree with you when it comes to quite a few artists (hello, Mr. Costello) but the Beatles catalog has not been touched since it was first issued on CD in 1987. Those heavily-flawed discs have been in dire need of remastering, and according to a Mojo writer who was able to hear a few tracks these sound amazing.

[OGC]

I agree with you when it comes to quite a few artists (hello, Mr. Costello) but the Beatles catalog has not been touched since it was first issued on CD in 1987. Those heavily-flawed discs have been in dire need of remastering, and according to a Mojo writer who was able to hear a few tracks these sound amazing.

You are so right, they have been in need of remastering since they were originally released, so they should have remastered them when the original cds were released. Instead they just milk the fans for another round of cash so Paul can buy more pot and supply his ex with another leg.

[badorties]

i'm at the point where remastering is such a non-issue and not an incentive to re-buy an album or even an entire catalog

as much as i adore elvis costello, the endless re-issues really ended my desire to acquire re-released and remastered albums

my love of music has plateaued a lot of late ... i've enjoyed filling up my ipod with my library and listening to it at the gym and during my 15 commute -- and i'll occasionally connect it to my home theatre

my friend to tried to sell me on the wonders of vinyl, and the beauty of sound -- but i'm more than fine with compressed mp3s

[Sue_Bender]

You are so right, they have been in need of remastering since they were originally released, so they should have remastered them when the original cds were released. Instead they just milk the fans for another round of cash so Paul can buy more pot and supply his ex with another leg.

I would agree with you if we were discussing almost any other artist, but these CDs are 22 YEARS old!

Other than a few compilations and "Let It Be: Naked", they haven't been repackaging their catalog. I don't know what albums/formats you've purchased "3 or 4 times". Are we talking vinyl, tape, and CD?

Even if they were remastered in 1987, the technology was shit...and would have required the inevitable 2nd remastering now.

It will be pricey, and that does indeed suck.

That being said, it's available for those who want these recordings in the best possible sonic form.

[SatCam]

Ill have to take out a second mortgage just to pay for this thing.

[TheMojoPin]

About fucking time. This is why I've always held off buying anything besides the anthologies and the red and blue comps and downloaded the rest. Can't wait.

[extracheese]

Completely off topic - but has anyone ever gone to Strawberry Fields in Central Park to hear the musicians who play Beatles songs for hours on end, every day?
This past sunday they had a drummer and 6 guitarists with 5 or so singing. It sounded
great. They played together and in sync with eachother. Very impressive.

[KnoxHarrington]

Now they need to get off their ass and make these available for download.

I'm sorry that Apple Computer took the name of Apple Corps, Paul, Yoko, et. al. Get over it and put this shit on iTunes.

[GregoryJoseph]

Trying to decide which remastered album to pick up first; either Revolver or Abbey Road.

As much as I love this band it irks me that George Harrison was never able to master tone.

[TheMojoPin]

That shouldn't even be a debate.

Revolver all the way if you can only get one.

[KnoxHarrington]

That shouldn't even be a debate.

Revolver all the way if you can only get one.

That's definitely the band at its peak: still working as a functioning unit, but yet expanding out of the "Fab Four" image.

And "She Said She Said" might be my overall favorite Beatles song.

[GregoryJoseph]

Perhaps Rubber Soul...

[danner1515]

I caved yesterday morning and ordered the mono box set off Amazon, despite its obscene price tag. I'm excited.

http://www.musicdirect.com/shared/images/products/large/ccap2.jpg

[GregoryJoseph]

Picked up Abbey Road today.

Beautiful.

[grlNIN]

That shouldn't even be a debate.

Revolver all the way if you can only get one.

Revolver over Abbey Road?

You are fucking crazy.

[Dude!]

Revolver over Abbey Road?

You are fucking crazy.

i'm sure lots of teenage girls
in the 60's
would make that choice

[KnoxHarrington]

In case you're wondering how they did in terms of sales, pretty fucking good, as you'd expect. 13 of the top 14 records in sales, and 15 of the top 20, were the remasters.

The one that sold the best? Abbey Road.

The one that sold the worst? Yellow Submarine

http://www.examiner.com/x-2082-Beatles-Examiner~y2009m9d15-Beatlemania-takes-over-charts-for-first-week-of-remaster-sales-reports-Billboard

I should also note that the "#1" compilation, though not officially part of this reissue, went back on the charts at #18.

[GregoryJoseph]

I swear that I am not being a "snob" or a "hipster" when I say that Sgt. Pepper is one of my least favorite Beatles albums. I could never understand the praise and admiration heaped on it.

Aside from "Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds" and "A Day In The Life" there is nothing else worth listening to.

A bit too cabaret for my tastes.

[mikeyboy]

I swear that I am not being a "snob" or a "hipster" when I say that Sgt. Pepper is one of my least favorite Beatles albums. I could never understand the praise and admiration heaped on it.

Aside from "Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds" and "A Day In The Life" there is nothing else worth listening to.

A bit too cabaret for my tastes.

I agree (http://www.ronfez.net/forums/showpost.php?p=1338002&postcount=19)

[paulisded]

I swear that I am not being a "snob" or a "hipster" when I say that Sgt. Pepper is one of my least favorite Beatles albums. I could never understand the praise and admiration heaped on it.

Aside from "Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds" and "A Day In The Life" there is nothing else worth listening to.

A bit too cabaret for my tastes.

I agree with this opinion.

40+ years on, Sgt. Pepper is to beloved more for its influence than the actual music. Everything surrounding the album is groundbreaking - right down to being the first album package to include inserts, lyrics, etc.

Unfortunately, songs like She's Leaving Home, Being For the Benefit of Mr. Kite, Fixing a Hole, etc. haven't aged well.

I must say, though, that both the stereo and mono versions sound amazing.

[KnoxHarrington]

I swear that I am not being a "snob" or a "hipster" when I say that Sgt. Pepper is one of my least favorite Beatles albums. I could never understand the praise and admiration heaped on it.

Aside from "Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds" and "A Day In The Life" there is nothing else worth listening to.

A bit too cabaret for my tastes.

I've always found it interesting that in the midst of the Summer of Love, the Beatles released an album that looked forward to being old ("When I'm 64"), examined a young person leaving home from the perspective of the parents ("She's Leaving Home"), and even celebrated a fairly old-fashioned courtship of an authority figure ("Lovely Rita").

Of course, you will see a common thread in those songs, and in the songs mentioned as worth listening to above.

[hammersavage]

In case you're wondering how they did in terms of sales, pretty fucking good, as you'd expect. 13 of the top 14 records in sales, and 15 of the top 20, were the remasters.

that's the craziest thing ever.

It's amazing how every 5 years or so, The Beatles become the hottest band in the country. From what I remember, it happened in 95/96 with the anthology, 00/01 with 1's, and now.

[KnoxHarrington]

that's the craziest thing ever.

It's amazing how every 5 years or so, The Beatles become the hottest band in the country. From what I remember, it happened in 95/96 with the anthology, 00/01 with 1's, and now.

My bet is that eventually the "#1" album will be the biggest selling album of all time.

It'll be the sampler people use to get into the Beatles.

[grlNIN]

My bet is that eventually the "#1" album will be the biggest selling album of all time.

It'll be the sampler people use to get into the Beatles.

Don't know about that, my mom got me into The Beatles when i was around 10 by buying me Rubber Soul, Revolver and Abbey Road for Christmas. That will most likely be something i do for my children as well.

[TheGameHHH]

Don't know about that, my mom got me into The Beatles when i was around 10 by buying me Rubber Soul, Revolver and Abbey Road for Christmas. That will most likely be something i do for my children as well.

thats actually a pretty awesome idea, i might do that for my kids when i have them.

[grlNIN]

thats actually a pretty awesome idea, i might do that for my kids when i have them.

She was in her mid-late teens when they were around. I remember having a Halloween party in 5th grade and we forgot to get prizes for games. She came downstairs and gave the winners her Beatles pins from when she was my age.

I bet those things would have been worth a lot now.

[Death Metal Moe]

OK so I was never a big Beatles fan but I checked out these new remasters.

Only question I have is, is this annoying panning effect on a lot of the songs the way they were originally or is this part of the remastering?

Because it's fucking annoying. Some of it is in one speaker, some of it is in another speaker and it stays like that for awhile. I don't like it at all.

[TheMojoPin]

I've always found it interesting that in the midst of the Summer of Love, the Beatles released an album that looked forward to being old ("When I'm 64"), examined a young person leaving home from the perspective of the parents ("She's Leaving Home"), and even celebrated a fairly old-fashioned courtship of an authority figure ("Lovely Rita").

Of course, you will see a common thread in those songs, and in the songs mentioned as worth listening to above.

Yeah, it's an oddly "conservative" album, both in terms of the era it came out and just compared to the Beatles' other albums. Even stuff like "...Mr. Kite" fits into this, what with its blatant love of all things old timey (plus it's the laziest thing Lennon ever wrote).

[TheMojoPin]

Only question I have is, is this annoying panning effect on a lot of the songs the way they were originally?

On the first few albums, yes.

[KnoxHarrington]

On the first few albums, yes.

A lot of albums of the early stereo era are definitely like that. They felt like they had to show it off.

[KnoxHarrington]

So having listened to all the albums in the remaster (not every song, mind you, just all of them), I give you this challenge: pick one song from each remastered album.

Here's my list:

Please Please Me: Love Me Do
With The Beatles: All My Loving
A Hard Day's Night: A Hard Day's Night
Beatles for Sale: Eight Days a Week
Help!: You've Got To Hide Your Love Away
Rubber Soul: Norwegian Wood
Revolver: She Said She Said
Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band: A Day In The Life
The Beatles: Dear Prudence
Yellow Submarine: It's All Too Much
Abbey Road: Here Comes The Sun
Let It Be: Get Back
Magical Mystery Tour: Baby You're A Rich Man
Past Masters, Vol. 1: She Loves You
Past Masters, Vol. 2: Rain


What ya got?

[GregoryJoseph]

Please Please Me: I Saw Her Standing There
With The Beatles: It Won't Be Long
A Hard Day's Night: Any Time At All
Beatles for Sale: I'm A Loser
Help!: You've Got To Hide Your Love Away
Rubber Soul: Girl
Revolver: Got To Get You Into My Life
Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band: A Day In The Life
The Beatles: Helter Skelter
Yellow Submarine: Hey Bulldog
Abbey Road: Golden Slumber (and the rest)
Let It Be: I've Got A Feeling
Magical Mystery Tour: Hello Goodbye
Past Masters, Vol. 1: I'm Down
Past Masters, Vol. 2: You Know My Name

[fezident]

This is/was the wrong time to release this "definitive" set. Only two Beatles are alive.
When Paul dies (and Ringo, I guess) The Beatles catalog will get the same treatment that the MJ catalog is current undergoing at Universal and Sony. Every scrap of those recordings is getting remastered... sometimes remixed... and re re re released. This will be true of The Beatles body of work too. And in a few years, the advances in mastering technology will make these current recordings (somewhat) obsolete anyway.
The release of The Beatles stuff NOW, will reduce the impact of the "new, ultimate, definitive, collector's, limited edition" boxes that will surely hit the shelves after Sir Paul leaves this earth.

[Kublakhan61]

Please Please Me: Twist and Shout
With The Beatles: Little Child
A Hard Day's Night: Any Time At All
Beatles for Sale: Kansas City/ Hey-Hey-Hey-Hey
Help!: Dizzy Miss Lizzy
Rubber Soul: Girl
Revolver: Tomorrow Never Knows
Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band: A Day In The Life
The Beatles: I'm So Tired
Yellow Submarine: Hey Bulldog
Abbey Road: Oh! Darling
Let It Be: Across The Universe
Magical Mystery Tour: Blue Jay Way
Past Masters, Vol. 1: Matchbox
Past Masters, Vol. 2: Lady Madonna

[TheMojoPin]

Please Please Me: Love Me Do
With The Beatles: Don't Bother Me
A Hard Day's Night: Can't Buy Me Love
Beatles for Sale: I'll Follow the Sun
Help!: Ticket to Ride
Rubber Soul: In My Life
Revolver: Taxman
St. Pepper's...: A Day in the Life
The Beatles: Helter Skelter
Yellow Submarine: Hey Bulldog
Abbey Road: Something
Let It Be: Two of Us
Magical Mystery Tour: Baby You're a Rich Man
Past Masters, Vol. 1: I Feel Fine
Past Masters, Vol. 2: Get Back

[A.J.]

Please Please Me: Please Please Me
With The Beatles: All My Loving
A Hard Day's Night: You Can’t Do That
Beatles for Sale: No Reply
Help!: I’ve Just Seen A Face
Rubber Soul: If I Needed Someone
Revolver: For No One
Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band: She’s Leaving Home
The Beatles: Sexy Sadie
Yellow Submarine: It's All Too Much
Abbey Road: Because
Let It Be: Two Of Us
Magical Mystery Tour: Strawberry Fields Forever
Past Masters, Vol. 1: I Feel Fine
Past Masters, Vol. 2: Rain

[grlNIN]

Please Please Me: Baby it's You
With The Beatles: All i've Got to Do
A Hard Day's Night: And I Love Her
Beatles for Sale: Eight Days a Week
Help!: Ticket to Ride
Rubber Soul: Nowhere Man
Revolver: Tomorrow Never Knows
Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band: A Day in the Life
The Beatles: Julia
Abbey Road: Something
Let It Be: Get Back
Magical Mystery Tour: Hello, Goodbye
Past Masters, Vol. 1: She Loves You
Past Masters, Vol. 2: Don't Let Me Down

[west milly Tom]

Please Please Me: I Saw Her Standing There
With The Beatles: You Really Got a Hold on Me*
A Hard Day's Night: You Can't Do That
Beatles for Sale: I'll Follow the Sun
Help!: Ticket to Ride
Rubber Soul: Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown)**
Revolver: I'm Only Sleeping
Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band: A Day in the Life*** first thing
The Beatles: Happiness Is A Warm Gun/Yer Blues
Abbey Road: Oh! Darling
Let It Be: Across the Universe****
Magical Mystery Tour: Penny Lane
Past Masters, Vol. 1: I Feel Fine
Past Masters, Vol. 2: Don't Let Me Down*****

*Song that got me into the beatles
**First song I learned to play on the guitar
***First thing I ever agreed with girlNIN on
****favorite song of all time, ever
*****second thing I ever agreed with girlNIN on

:drunk:

[grlNIN]

Please Please Me: I Saw Her Standing There
With The Beatles: You Really Got a Hold on Me*
A Hard Day's Night: You Can't Do That
Beatles for Sale: I'll Follow the Sun
Help!: Ticket to Ride
Rubber Soul: Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown)**
Revolver: I'm Only Sleeping
Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band: A Day in the Life*** first thing
The Beatles: Happiness Is A Warm Gun/Yer Blues
Abbey Road: Oh! Darling
Let It Be: Across the Universe****
Magical Mystery Tour: Penny Lane
Past Masters, Vol. 1: I Feel Fine
Past Masters, Vol. 2: Don't Let Me Down*****

*Song that got me into the beatles
**First song I learned to play on the guitar
***First thing I ever agreed with girlNIN on
****favorite song of all time, ever
*****second thing I ever agreed with girlNIN on

:drunk:


See? I am not that horrible.

you will all learn to love me in my absence.

[GregoryJoseph]

"Don't Let Me Down" is one of my all time favorite Beatles songs, but I had to pick "You Know My Name" because it's so bizarre it fascinates me.

[RhinoinMN]

"Don't Let Me Down" is one of my all time favorite Beatles songs, but I had to pick "You Know My Name" because it's so bizarre it fascinates me.

I'm with you. Song is great.



Good evening and welcome to Slaggers
Featuring Denis O'Bell

[TheMojoPin]

I'm with you. Song is great.

It is, though I like the extended Anthology-version more.

[Dude!]

Please Please Me: P.S. I love you
With The Beatles: All My Loving
A Hard Day's Night: Things We Said Today
Beatles for Sale: I'm A Loser
Help!: Ticket to Ride
Rubber Soul: You Won't See Me
Revolver: Good Day Sunshine
Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band: A Day In The Life
The Beatles: Glass Onion
Yellow Submarine: All You Need is Love
Abbey Road: Polythene Pam/She Came in Through The Bathroom Window
Let It Be: Dig a Pony
Magical Mystery Tour: I am the Walrus
Past Masters, Vol. 1: I Feel Fine
Past Masters, Vol. 2: Old Brown Shoe

[A.J.]

"Don't Let Me Down" is one of my all time favorite Beatles songs, but I had to pick "You Know My Name" because it's so bizarre it fascinates me.

Brian Jones plays a mean sax on it.

There are 2 versions of the song: the one on Past Masters 2 and Anthology 3 (I think it was). I think the difference is that the order of the sections is flipped.

[Arkbugark]

I got all the old versions on cd back in the 80s when they came out and they sucked. MMT sounded the worst of them all. I got the new stero remasters and Im real happy with them.
When George Martin remastered them for cd in the 80s his hearing must have been shot becasue they have way too much trebble. The new ones have great bass added to them so Im happy with the mix. I will probably ask for the mono collection for xmas or something.

[paracetamol flanders]

I'm sure these remasters sound AMAZING. but fuck the Beatles. I could scarcely think of a band I am more sick of; their fans doubly so. Except for you people. I LOVE YOU. Even though you've been duped, yet again.

[TheMojoPin]

I'm sure these remasters sound AMAZING. but fuck the Beatles. I could scarcely think of a band I am more sick of; their fans doubly so. Except for you people. I LOVE YOU. Even though you've been duped, yet again.

Duped by what?

[Dude!]

I'm sure these remasters sound AMAZING. but fuck the Beatles. I could scarcely think of a band I am more sick of; their fans doubly so. Except for you people. I LOVE YOU. Even though you've been duped, yet again.

go enjoy your marron 5

[KnoxHarrington]

Duped by what?

Sometimes, I find the notion that the Beatles might be overrated creeping into my mind.

Then I listen to "A Day In the Life", or "Hey Jude", or "Long Long Long", or any of dozens of other songs, and I realize that, no, you can't overrate the Beatles. Yes, they can be that good.

[grlNIN]

Sometimes, I find the notion that the Beatles might be overrated creeping into my mind.

Then I listen to "A Day In the Life", or "Hey Jude", or "Long Long Long", or any of dozens of other songs, and I realize that, no, you can't overrate the Beatles. Yes, they can be that good.

To be honest, 2 of the 3 songs you just listed are probably the worst examples to use in their defense.

I can't think of any of their songs that give me a more disgusted, visceral reaction than "Hey Jude".

[TheMojoPin]

NA-NAAAAAAAAA-NA-NA-NA-NAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!

Yay.

[paracetamol flanders]

go enjoy your marron 5


It's spelled MORON 5, sir!!!

[beachbum]

I looked at them at Barnes and Noble.Now I usually don't shop for music there so I was shocked to see that they were 18.95 each.I was thinking to hell with the Beatles.I then saw them afew days later at a truck stop.The highest priced place on earth for 14.95.The exact same cd's.Fuck Barnes and Noble.

Most of my Beatles stuff is on vinyl.I don't really listen to them anymore but since I have been going back and buying more old stuff lately I'll probably pick these up.Just not at B&N.The only Beatles I currently have on CD are the White Album and Sgt.Peppers.I will at least pick up Rubber Soul and Let it Be.

[Dude!]

I looked at them at Barnes and Noble.Now I usually don't shop for music there so I was shocked to see that they were 18.95 each.I was thinking to hell with the Beatles.I then saw them afew days later at a truck stop.The highest priced place on earth for 14.95.The exact same cd's.Fuck Barnes and Noble.

Most of my Beatles stuff is on vinyl.I don't really listen to them anymore but since I have been going back and buying more old stuff lately I'll probably pick these up.Just not at B&N.The only Beatles I currently have on CD are the White Album and Sgt.Peppers.I will at least pick up Rubber Soul and Let it Be.

you hang out at truck stops?
hmmm...............

[GregoryJoseph]

I looked at them at Barnes and Noble.Now I usually don't shop for music there so I was shocked to see that they were 18.95 each.I was thinking to hell with the Beatles.I then saw them afew days later at a truck stop.The highest priced place on earth for 14.95.The exact same cd's.Fuck Barnes and Noble.

Most of my Beatles stuff is on vinyl.I don't really listen to them anymore but since I have been going back and buying more old stuff lately I'll probably pick these up.Just not at B&N.The only Beatles I currently have on CD are the White Album and Sgt.Peppers.I will at least pick up Rubber Soul and Let it Be.

7-11 is selling them for $13.99, FYI.

[beachbum]

you hang out at truck stops?
hmmm...............

Not in the men's rooms.That's what rest areas are for.





I drive an auto carrier.I know I know,I didn't mean to brag.:wallbash:

[beachbum]

7-11 is selling them for $13.99, FYI.

See what I mean?And thanks.