|
There's some subtle instrumentation picked up that isn't there on the mono version. I have a mono CD version of Please Please Me that was manufactured in West Germany. There's more punch, and even though the bass thuds a little bit, it sounds appropriate. I made my own CD with the 2009 version cuts immediately followed in succession by their mono counterpart.
I have all but one of the remasters now. If I had to have one version, it would be the mono version because it feels more accurate to time and place. The 2009 Remaster comes off better on the ballads like 'Misery' and 'Anna'. The truth is that the remastering works best on the later material.
The results in general were that the mono version works much better on rockers like 'I Saw Her Standing There', 'Please Please Me' and 'Twist and Shout'. The first couple albums, especially Please Please Me, were recorded in mono and sound best left that way. (I don't know if all of the ones we got here were made there).
Highlights are Lennon's vocals on "Anna", "Ask Me Why" and not least on "Baby It's You" and the Twist and Shout ". BreathtakingMost of the numbers were inherited from the group's live material, and this is obviously part of the reason that they were able to record in such a short time. John Lennon's vocal tour de force performance of "Twist and Shout" was also released only outside the UK. Eight tracks are Lennon / McCartney originals, including the singles "Love Me Do" and "Please Please Me" which had already been in the charts at the time of the album release.
The Beatles' first album was largely recorded in one day. McCartney shines on "I Saw Here Standing There" and "PS I Love You ". In the US it reached the number two spot - in fact "Do You Want to Know a Secret" managed to do the same in 1964 - a bit more surprising, I should say.Apart from Ringo's vocal on "Boys" and partly George's on "Do You Want to Know a Secret" it is in particular the vocals that are impressing; both individually and in harmony. An unbelievable performance by today's standards.
The obvious or single-choice "I Saw Here Standing There", did not come out in the UK, but was released several places in Europe and the following year also in the United States. George performing lead vocals works fine on "Chains" and together they are terrific on "Misery" and "There's a Place".Finally it should be mentioned, that without a producer like George Martin, it would never have possible to create a milestone like this under such circumstances. Then when you are listening to the music, which sound incredibly tight, inspired and accomplished, you may be in lack of words. It should be mentioned, in the name of truth, that four numbers originated from previously released singles.
The first album was a milestone in rock music. I've heard mono and stereo. My son bought me all the stereo remasters. Showed that they could play music made by girl groups as well as music they wrote. Technology wasn't good for stereo. I am 60 years old now.
I love the British versions, done better. Buy both. When the Beatles first 2 albums came out, on VJ and Capitol(American versions) we as kids were very excited. Stereo would not be effective for a few years after. Enjoy.Tom Petkavitch (S.C). It was all we could talk about.
My main point is that mono was a preferred version because most of us had mono players.
They don't let you know until you spend the money. Two things to make these cd's worth the money. What's the deal.CD is supposed to be remastered in Stereo. What a rip. Repackage 2 albums on one cd, 2-Make available for Download,so you can pick the songs instead of a record executive picking what he wants you to hear Love Me Do and P.S. I love You are mono.
I already have a copy but due to the remastering it sounds like the Beatles recorded this just yesterday. This is one of my favorites showing the talents of the Beatles early in their career.
|
