Album Reviews

The BBC did not preserve the master tapes of any of The Beatles BBC appearances. The tape was considered more valuable than the performances recorded therein. That's not exactly a secret. The audio used for the original edition of this set first issued in 1994 came from BBC Transcription Service vinyl, tape copies and radio broadcast tapes provided by fans.

The original was issued by Capitol on a double LP gatefold set that was not exactly distinguished for either the packaging or sound. But how good could it get should EMI choose to give it another go round? We now have the answer.

New sources surfaced for the same performances in the intervening years and executive producers Kevin Howlett and Mike Heatley listened to all of them before choosing which made the "final cut". Everything that had been mastered for the 1994 set was remastered using the latest digital technology and more importantly, with less fear that some tape hiss might intrude upon the musical proceedings. While the original "clean up" hitter, Abbey Road senior mastering engineer Peter Mew contended the final product back then was "the definitive article", a quick comparison between this remaster and the first one proves otherwise.

To produce the 1994 edition tapes and discs were dubbed onto Sony 1630 and then processed using the Sonic Solutions digital work station. In those days hiss had to go, even if at the expense of high frequency music.

This new edition sounds considerably more open and transparent than the 1994 edition. Though the performances are the same, the sources occasionally differ. Some recorded performances were used on a variety or BBC shows so where a version was found with no one talking over an intro or outro it was used.

Every track was remastered. The press blurb claims for this set "a remarkable improvement in the sound of the album" and I agree. High frequency extension and overall transparency are vastly improved, though keep in mind the source material.

The 71 tracks (14 of which are spoken), originally on two LPs are now on 3 and the Optimal, German pressing is far superior to Capitol's original. Add the glossy triple-gatefold packaging and well-produced graphics and you have a package fit for a shelf filled with a great Beatles vinyl collection. Yes the source is digital but for whatever reason or reasons the vinyl has that extra "something" whatever it is.

The anniversary of the Beatles' first Ed Sullivan appearance on February 9th, 1964 is days away as this is written. These early, basic performances are packed with raw energy. They only hint at what was to come just as the latest Paul McCartney album only hints at what Paul once could do, but for fans both sides of the phenomenon that was/is The Beatles are important! They inform and amplify the pleasures produced by the "core" albums and I for one can't imagine not having and listening to them.

When I hear people who purport to love The Beatles say they can't understand why I can listen to and seriously enjoy New Paul's latest album, I don't understand what they are talking about. This guy has been with me and I've been with him for 50 years! Now is not the time to drift off. He's not and either am I. Plus the album has many great songs only he could have written that refer to the earlier days.

The original Live at the BBC didn't often leave the shelves but when it did the listening pleasure was considerable. This one sounds much better and will not be gathering dust.

P.S.: You can still download for $40.00 from iTunes "The Beatles Bootleg Recordings 1963" a 59 song compilation of previously unreleased performances and outtakes that sounds very, very good. If you're a fan, I suggest you do before it's gone.