The Beatles - Past Masters, Vol. 2
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Free Music Notes for Past Masters, Vol. 2
Free Music Review: A must-own compilation for any Beatles fan
Hit: 5 Stars
As everyone knows the Beatles released thirteen classic studio albums between 1963 and 1970. However, the US and UK versions of the albums did not always contain the same track-lists, and in addition, there were many non-album singles released. When Capital Records went about releasing the entire Beatles catalogue on compact disc in the late 80s, the problem arose of how to take care of all non-album singles. In order to give consumers the Beatles entire recording output, all non-album singles and EP cuts were released on two CDs "Past Masters Volume I" and "Past Masters Volume II." (1988). These two CDs act as companion pieces to the Beatles thirteen studio albums.
"Past Masters Volume II" is undoubtedly the stronger of the two compilations as it mainly focuses on the Beatles prime material, from the mid-to-late 60s. Indeed, all of the songs featured here are easily as good as anything from the proper studio albums. While many of these songs are well known Beatle classics, i.e., "Day Tripper," "We Can Work it Out," "Paperback Writer," Hey Jude," etc, many lesser known, but equally excellent songs are included here as well. Lennon's psychedelic "Rain," and Harrison's eastern-flavored mystical "The Inner Light," stand as two of the band's more underrated songs that fans are sure to love.
As you go about building your Beatles collection, both "Past-Masters" are essential purchases, with the second volume being the stronger of the two.
Free Music Review: Great Compliment to Any Beatles Collection
Hit: 5 Stars
The Beatles need no introduction when it comes to the elite of Rock/Pop music. When trying to "rank" the greatest artists of the Rock/Pop era, there is no doubt that the quartet from England ranks number one on just about every list. Going even further, the Beatles might be the top act in the history of modern music - among any genre. The release of the Beatles material on CD was considered a major event - and these CDs remain in high demand even today. The Beatles catalog consists of some legendary albums: "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band", "Rubber Soul", the 'White' album, "Abbey Road", and "Let it Be" are just some examples of some of the legendary albums that they have released. The Beatles have also released several greatest hits albums as well as the "Anthology" collection that have included rare material. One thing that is important to note is that the Beatles released several songs as "singles" only. In 1988, two CDs, "The Beatles: Past Masters Volume 1 and 2" were released. This collection would include some of the songs that were released as "singles" only as well as some additional versions of classic songs; and rare outtakes. The second volume, "The Beatles: Past Masters Volume 2" focuses on the more creative part of the Beatles era - the late 1960s. This collection proves to be a great compliment to those who have the CDs of the original albums released by the Beatles.
The liner notes do a great job at explaining the background for each song included. Here is a synopsis of the 15 songs:
"Daytripper": This is a well-known song, but many don't realize it was only released as a single. This song features some great guitar and bass work.
"We Can Work It Out": Another well-known song. This is an amazing song and Paul's vocals are as good as they get. There are great harmonies overall. It is also worth noting this was only released as a single - the "B" side of "Daytripper". This song is the stronger song compared to "Daytripper". This song was about Paul's relationship with British actress Jane Asher.
"Paperback Writer": Also released as a single only. This song is sometimes overlooked when looking at the whole Beatles catalog. More great harmonies and some intriguing lyrics.
"Rain": The "B" side of "Paperback Writer", this song may not be as familiar to casual Beatles fans. Not the strongest Beatles song, but not a bad one.
"Lady Madonna": Another single only released that gets overlooked. George Harrison wrote this tune. I like the "Rag Time" feel to this song.
"The Inner Light": This is the "B" side to "Lady Madonna". George Harrison wrote this tune and it exemplifies the period when India was influencing both Harrison and the Beatles.
"Hey Jude": Many people forget that this legendary song was released as a "single only". The history of this song is well documented. Many people consider this song the best of the entire Beatles catalog. There are those who subscribe to the fact that this may be the greatest song of the Rock era - and I would tend to agree. This song proved that a seven minute song could be an enormous success. I never get tired of the four minutes of "Nah nah nah nah nah nah" that finish the song. What is amazing is that this song would go on to become on of the greatest live songs ever performed (too bad it would be Paul McCartney as a solo artist to do this live as opposed to the four Beatles getting the opportunity to do this live).
"Revolution": While this was released on the 'White Album' (two versions: "Revolution 1" and "Revolution 9"), there was also a third version released as the B-side of "Hey Jude" (this was actually the first released). It is this B-side that is included on "Past Masters Volume 2". This version of the song has a faster tempo than "Revolution 1" which is include on the 'White Album'.
"Get Back": Many people know this as a Beatles song done with organist Billy Preston. This song is different than the version included on the "Let It Be" album. The big difference is that this version doesn't have the "live" feel of the "Let It Be" version.
"Don't Let Me Down": This is another collaboration with Billy Preston. This was the B-side to the single version of "Get Back".
"The Ballad of John and Yoko": This is a well-known and controversial song released as a single by the Beatles. This song has an early 1960s feel to it. What many people don't realize (or forget) was that this song was actually a duet by Paul and John (Ringo and George are don't contribute to this track).
"Old Brown Shoe": This was the B-side to "The Ballad of John and Yoko". This song has lead vocals by George Harrison.
"Across the Universe": This was also released on "Let It Be", but this song has some "wildlife" sound effects (as this was a charity effort for the World Wildlife Fund). The India influence is felt on this song.
"Let It Be": A different version than the title track of the Beatles last album, but doesn't feature the guitar solo heard on the album version.
"You Know My Name (Look Up the Number)": This was a song released as the B-side of "Let It Be". This song can best be described as a hodge-podge of five separate recording parts. The result might sound silly, but it somehow comes together - and it is a very enjoyable track.
As mentioned above, the liner notes do an excellent job at explaining why the background and context for each of the tracks. Overall, this is an outstanding collection. Whether one is looking to compliment his/her existing Beatles collection or looking to build a Beatles collection, this the perfect addition. The sound quality is excellent. Highly recommended.
Free Music Review: A Much Better Compilation Than 1.
Hit: 5 Stars
I bought this Beatles compilation because it had just my 3 favorite Beatles songs of all time. Day Tripper, Hey Jude, & Ballad of John and Yoko. Before I bought this, I listened to The Beatles 1 and so many songs I didn't like, so I bought this and it was much better. I think The Beatles do Hey Jude really well and it is one of my all time favorite songs. The ending just rocks. It is just a track that I can listen to over and over and over again. I like this one much better than other Beatles compilations.Free Music Review: Important Collection of Singles
Hit: 5 Stars
A recent review of one of these albums insisted that any true music fan needs to own all 13 Beatles albums and the two volumes of Past Masters. All I can add to this statement is my unreserved assent. The Beatles are of course the greatest (rock?) band of all time, and unlike most artists their entire corpus is worth both the time and the money. This is not a best of album, but rather a collection of all the singles that did not find their way onto one of the original releases. The songs are not less important for this, and Past Masters, Vol. 2 is a significant addition to any Beatles collection. My personal favorites on here include Hey Jude, the speeded-up single of Revolution, Don't Let Me Down, and the Ballad of John and Yoko; however, with the possible exceptions of Old Brown Shoe and You Know My Name, everything on here is a classic worthy of the Beatles at their best. Were it released as an album while the Beatles were still together, it would rank along with Revolver, the White Album, and Abbey Road. A must have.Free Music Review: An Lp worth having
Hit: 4 Stars
I like Past masters volume one better but Hey Jude we can work it out Let it beare all worth having. Godbless