Ticket 2 Ride

Another Beatles product on the market, an addition to the Beatles Anthology series. For reasons I don’t entirely get, a new batch of songs from the vault were needed to accompany updated versions of “Free as a Bird”, “Real Love” and the recently created “Now and Then.”

I listened to the two-disc set out of curiosity and to decide whether to add it to my own collection. As a Beatles fan, I’ve collected most of their releases, but I have slowed on collecting new reissues.

Let’s briefly look at each track, then I’ll give my two cents.

“I Saw Her Standing There” the second take, and it sounds amazing. Not perfect, McCartney’s vocal is rougher, but the overall effect is a song that sounds more rock and roll than the one we’ve heard for over six decades.

“Money” possibly better than the more subdued version of the album release. No piano, grittier guitars and Lennon vocals.

“This Boy (Ringo’s Theme)” is pretty good, a bit rougher and laughing end to the song. The harmony vocals are superb.

“Tell Me Why” is a good version, less polished, but that’s its charm. They sound like performing it is fun. Lennon’s voice is more alive than the release version.

“Matchbox” rockabilly instead of Sun Records type rock. Ringo sings with more attitude than the original. Maybe not better, but very good.

“Every Little Thing” stripped to basics, this song is a warmer version, it pulsates much than the version we all know. I like it without the overdubbed flourishes.

“I Need You” a George song, it’s too fast here and doesn’t have the cool electric guitar effect. If performed live, this is probably what it would sound like.An example of the “produced” version being wholly better.

“I’ve Just Seen a Face” faster and rougher. Interesting for a listen, but that’s it.

“In My Life” not as pretty as the released version, but the beauty of the song is very evident. No harpsichord, just the guitars and base outlining the basic melody.

“Nowhere Man” mostly an instrumental version. The ringing guitar is more clear without Lennon’s vocal.

“Got to Get You Into My Life” More rocking guitar version without the horns and production polish.

“Love to You” another George song. Has McCartney’s harmony vocals, which are more annoying. The lead instrument is different. Otherwise close to the released version, but not different enough to be exciting.

“Strawberry Fields Forever” is a different version, unfinished from the original.

“She’s Leaving Home” strings only. Shows that’s it’s a beautiful song and a great arrangement. From the Sgt. Pepper boxed set.

“Baby You’re a Rich Man” stripped working version, with starts and stops. The psychedelic touches are absent.

“All You Need is Love” a run through for the worldwide broadcast, backing tracks have already been recorded. Lead vocals and orchestra are added.

“The Fool on the Hill” instrumental version. It’s a beautiful song, and longer, but did we need this version?

“I Am the Walrus” strings and horns only.

“Hey Bulldog” instrumental version. Why is this interesting?

“Good Night” from the White Album boxed set. A rougher version without the strings.

“While My Guitar Gently Weeps” an alternate version that breaks down.

“(You’re So Square) Baby I Don’t Care” McCarthy rocker in 50’s style.

“Helter Skelter” alternate version with too much reverb.

“I Will” only 27 seconds.

“Can You Take Me Back?” Longer version of the snippet heard on the White Album. In longer form this song quickly overstays its welcome.

“Julia” run through of Lennon’s song to his mother.

“Get Back” recorded during the rooftop concert.

“Octopus’s Garden” a weak version of a weak song.

“Don’t Let Me Down” a version that sounds very similar to the original, except for Lennon’s nonsense vocal break.

“You Never Give Me Your Money” a working version to the original, gospel-flavored vocal by McCartney. Looser and extended.

“Here Comes The Sun” a stripped-down version with just Harrison, McCartney and Starr playing. Lennon was usually absent on Harrison songs.

“Something” the orchestral backing only. I believe this was available on the Abbey Road boxed set.

“Free As A Bird” improved from the version that appeared on the initial Anthology series. Technology has improved Lennon’s vocal and the song has been remixed (by Jeff Lynne) and sounds brighter.

“Real Love” improved from the version that appeared on the initial Anthology series. Technology has improved Lennon’s vocal and the song has been remixed by Lynne.

“Now And Then” the released song of two years ago.

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Thoughts…

I have mixed feelings about this release.

The cost for this two CD set is $26 on Amazon, probably more at your local record shop. A vinyl copy is $62. For Paul McCartney fans, he just released a book, film and two-disc set of music for Man on the Run, a documentary about McCartney in the 1970s. Last year, he released a two-disc set of the best of Wings, and has been busy with other rereleases from his archives. Ringo has a new album due in April, to go with his Looking Up country album and Crooked Boy EP from last year. The Harrison and Lennon estates have released anniversary edition boxed sets of their catalogue materials. My point is that fans are deluged with product – both Beatles and solo. We simply can’t buy everything.

Okay, back to Anthology 4.

Some of these tracks are lifted from previously released boxed sets. Granted, not everyone shells out for these boxed sets, so they would be new for a lot of purchasers, but still…

There are reasons to buy this set. The last three tracks are one reason. Yes, they are available elsewhere, but these final songs sound great.

There are really no hidden treasures, nothing exciting, or new surprises from the vault. The set offers a few rehearsal or working versions that sound good as stripped-down versions that reveal unheard, minimized or absent elements from the original mixes.

Or, you may just be a completist and want everything released from the Fab Four.