Ticket 2 Ride

The second Beatles album, but the first one released on Capitol Records in the U.S. Capitol had passed on the first album and early singles, they were relegated to smaller labels. That mistake was quickly corrected.

With the Beatles! had the iconic black and white album photograph by Robert Freeman, which has been copied many times in 60 years. Released on 22 November 1963 in the U.K., the American version arrived on 20 January 1964. The American versions of the U.K. releases until Sgt. Pepper, had fewer and somewhat different song listings, and even different album titles and artwork.

For me, this album is a little weak, although considering that two singles, “She Loves You” and “I Wanna Hold Your Hand” were released prior to this album, and do not appear on this album (the U.K. releases), nor do their B sides, “This Boy” and “I’ll Get You”, With the Beatles has charm as their innocence is replaced by worldwide fame. Imagine if those four songs had replaced four of the covers on the U.K. album version. I know, “Roll Over Beethoven”, “Money” and “You Really Got a Hold on Me” are classic songs, and the Beatles’ versions are well-known, but the Beatles songwriting didn’t need bolstering; but the cover songs were popular and were instantly recognized over Beatle originals.

The Beatles were a busy band, when they weren’t on the road, they were in the studio, making appearances, or performing on the BBC. The creative juices were flowing as George Harrison contributed an original to the album, to go with the three covers that he sang lead on. Harrison proved that he was more than just the junior member of the firm.

Keep in mind, the Beatles had not yet arrived in America when this album was released. They arrived 7 February 1964, and America met them on 9 February, on The Ed Sullivan Show.

Written by Lennon/McCartney unless noted. Lead vocals listed next to song title. The album was produced by George Martin and engineered by Norman Smith. The album sessions were spread across July, September and October, 1963.

Side one

1. “It Won’t Be Long” Lennon 2:13 – A nice rocker to start the album, frantic in the right places, smooth harmonies in others. An overlooked gem. https://youtu.be/5O_YXMGnBUI?si=rudUZoofMhN0zjDM
2. “All I’ve Got to Do” Lennon 2:02 – Lennon the balladeer, he can downshift to something sweeter. Another gem. https://youtu.be/TNywJFg0lxw?si=BAhgoxc7cZZXHSFe
3. “All My Loving” McCartney 2:07 – McCartney takes the mic in one of the album’s best-known tracks. Nifty guitar work by Harrison and Lennon.
4. “Don’t Bother Me” (George Harrison) Harrison 2:28 – This is George Harrison’s first solo songwriting credit. Dismissed by many as a minor success, it was written in a minor key, which is very fitting for the sardonic Harrison. The double-tracking of his lead vocal was a nice touch. https://youtu.be/gCxGFkEf2Y4?si=CcEExm9ElKyNn3Ib
5. “Little Child” Lennon with McCartney 1:46 – A rocker for sure, they swing, but a minor Lennon/McCartney original.
6. “Till There Was You” (Meredith Willson) McCartney 2:14 – A chance for McCartney to sing a nice ballad with nylon guitars, but a song I never liked. Perfect for the Lawrence Welk Show.
7. “Please Mr. Postman” (Georgia Dobbins, William Garrett, Freddie Gorman, Brian Holland, Robert Bateman) Lennon 2:34 – The Beatles had outgrown this type of song. I would have preferred another of their originals to this cover. Lennon delivers a knockout vocal. A better rock and roll singer? Nope.
   Total side one length: 15:24
   
   Side two
8. “Roll Over Beethoven” (Chuck Berry) Harrison 2:45 – Maybe the best version of this song, Harrison turns in a very strong vocal and great guitar work.
9. “Hold Me Tight” McCartney 2:32 – A slight song, rather formulaic for Lennon/McCartney, but their vocal harmonies boost the overall impact of this song from more than filler.
10. “You Really Got a Hold on Me” (Smokey Robinson) Lennon with Harrison 3:01 – Another dip into Motown, the Beatles had a great grasp of R&B. Nice vocals by Lennon and Harrison. George Martin on the soulful piano.
11. “I Wanna Be Your Man” Starr 1:59 – A rocker for Ringo to sing, the song was also given to The Rolling Stone for one of their first singles. The other Beatles help with vocals. Two minutes of raucous rock and roll. https://youtu.be/RWmTgXuvJYo?si=7Ro3aqJTe8wsCLjJ
12. “Devil In Her Heart” (Richard Drapkin) Harrison 2:28 – An unnecessary song.
13. “Not a Second Time” Lennon 2:07 – Not a classic, but their vocal harmonies song has some fascinating moments, interesting chords and harmonies. Another great local by Lennon. Martin on piano. https://youtu.be/0-QukOhEUUE?si=OGE9kaFzDaH7n7aA
14. “Money (That’s What I Want)” (Janie Bradford, Berry Gordy) Lennon 2:49 – A fine version, it’s a great song with an infectious groove. A nice way to finish the album. The Beatles put some jingle in Berry Gordy’s pocket covering this song.
    Total side two length: 17:43