Back catalogue: All genres

Review: Following their 15 part BBC radio series Pop Go The Beatles, the legendary Liverpool group returned for a set of two-hour holiday specials titled From Us To You. The first was recorded on December 18 at the BBC Paris Studio and aired on Boxing Day, December 26, 1963. Somewhat randomly hosted by Australian television personality - turned national pariah - Rolf Harris, the show included a special performance where the Beatles joined him for his 1960 hit 'Tie Me Kangaroo Down.' Also featured was the group's favourite British rocker, Joe Brown, accompanied by his band, the Bruvvers, who brought an extra dose of British rock 'n' roll to the event.

Review: On March 31, 1964, The Beatles recorded seven songs for the BBC's Saturday Club. Three of them were covers of American rock 'n' roll and country songs. The final segment aired on the BBC's General Overseas Service and earlier that day, the band filmed a live performance at the Scala Theatre in Kings Cross for their upcoming film, A Hard Day's Night. This EP includes 'The Hippy Hippy Shake', recorded for Saturday Club and originally broadcast on February 15, as well as the catchy 'Everybody's Trying To Be My Baby' and 'Long Tall Sally'. The band's tight musicianship can be heard throughout this record, which serves as a great example of The Beatles' dynamic early sound during their rise to global fame.

Review: There are as many opinions on 'Now & Then' as there are people, but regardless of your own thoughts on this revived Lennon sketch there's no denying the arrival of the final Beatles single has been one of the major musical events of 2023. Collectors and completists, meanwhile, of which we gather The Beatles have more than a few, will be trampling on top of each other to get hold of these Japanese editions of the single.

Review: With a million preorders in the UK alone, The Beatles' 'I Want To Hold Your Hand' soared to number 1 in December 1963 and knocked their own 'She Loves You' off the top spot. It became their first official single on Capitol Records and was backed by an aggressive marketing campaign. The single, which had 'I Saw Her Standing There' on the B-side, was rush-released in the USA in January 1964 and quickly hit number 1 on the Hot 100 by February 1st. Selling over 12 million copies worldwide, it marked the arrival of Beatlemania. Now it has been remastered from original US tapes by Kevin Reeves for this special 7" reissue.

Review: The second BBC bank holiday Beatles special From Us To You was recorded on February 28, 1964, at BBC Piccadilly Studios and it aired a month later on Easter Monday, March 30. Hosted by DJ Alan Freeman, the set featured The Beatles' debut performance of 'You Can't Do That,' which had been recorded just two days earlier. Initially considered for their next single, it was later placed as the B-side to 'Can't Buy Me Love,' which came in March of that year. Bonus tracks included here from the August 1964 show are 'Boys' and 'Long Tall Sally,' which serve to highlight the band's evolving repertoire and their energetic live performances during this period.

Review: Initially put forward as a potential Beatles single during the mid 1990s 'Anthology' period but shelved due to objections from George Harrison, 'Now and Then' has been trailed as the iconic band's 'final single'. It's re-emergence now in finished form (it was completed partially using AI, but also some studio trickery by Giles Martin) ties in with the reissue of the band's two 1973 'best of' compilations (the so-called 'Red' and 'Blue' collections). Like their two singles of the 90s, it features Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr and the late George Harrison finishing off an early 70s John Lennon demo, with a little help from producer Jeff Lynne. It comes backed with a freshly remixed, 'proper' stereo version of their debut single, 'Love Me Do', thus completing the band's musical journey once and for all.

Review: There's a chance this Liverpudlian four piece will be familiar by now. This, their 11th studio outing, first unveiled as the 1960s slipped into the 70s, is a bonafide epic from an outfit that weren't lacking in epics; in many ways a culmination of their time together, marking the end of their active years and beginning of their legacy. By this stage, then, they've emerged from years spent on the inner journey and time on the outer, space cadeting to the hallucinogenic fuelled tones of "Sgt. Peppers" and "Revolver". Of course, there's still plenty of explorations happening, but the gritty blues rock of opening track "Come Together" really sets the tone. Five decades on, it still sounds great and maybe even better than you remember. Even if you own the original, this anniversary edition is worth having.

Review: The Beatles were quite possibly at their peak already by the time 1964 came around, certainly in terms of the adoration of their fans and the wild energy they brought to live shows. This set from that year captures that in mono and despite it only being one record it is packed with more than 20 early tunes from the Liverpudlian outfit. Plenty you will know like 'She Loves You' and 'I Saw her Standing There' but many you may not. Either way it is a fine reminder of the greatness of this band back from their earliest era.

Review: Debate has long raged about which of the Beatles' studio albums is their strongest, but 1966's Revolver frequently tops polls of fans and Fab Four scholars. This 'super deluxe edition' of the album, then, is long overdue. It naturally features a fully remastered and cleaned up stereo mix of the album that makes every vocal and instrumental element stand out with pin-sharp clarity ('Tomorrow Never Knows' and 'Elenor Rigby' have never sounded so good), as well as a cleaned up mono mix (disc four), two CDs of out-takes and alternative versions, and a bonus 'EP' boasting newly mixed and mastered versions of 'Paperback Writer' and 'Rain'. Throw in a 100-page hardback book featuring essays from Paul McCartney, Giles Martin and Questlove, and a treasure trove of Klaus Voorman photographs, and you have a fittingly luxurious package.

Review: A new special edition of The Beatles' Revolver comes courtesy of Apple, the original label on which the fab four released some of their most seminal works. Featuring a new mix and master by Giles Martin and Sam Okell, this version contains yet another 100-page book with a foreword by Paul McCartney and an unlikely essay by Questlove of The Roots.

Review: There's a chance this Liverpudlian four piece will be familiar by now. This, their 11th studio outing, first unveiled as the 1960s slipped into the 70s, is a bonafide epic from an outfit that weren't lacking in epics; in many ways a culmination of their time together, marking the end of their active years and beginning of their legacy. By this stage, then, they've emerged from years spent on the inner journey and time on the outer, space cadeting to the hallucinogenic fuelled tones of "Sgt. Peppers" and "Revolver". Of course, there's still plenty of explorations happening, but the gritty blues rock of opening track "Come Together" really sets the tone. Five decades on, it still sounds great and maybe even better than you remember. Even if you own the original, this anniversary edition is worth having.

Review: The 1964 U.S. Albums in Mono vinyl box set commemorates the Beatles' meteoric rise in the U.S. with a collection of seven landmark albums, including Meet The Beatles!, The Beatles' Second Album, and A Hard Day's Night soundtrack. Capitol and United Artists reshaped the UK releases, crafting albums for American audiences eager for the Beatles' fresh sound. This 8LP set (adding the The Beatles' Story 2LP documentary) is expertly remastered from original master tapes using an all-analog process, ensuring a faithful recreation of the original vinyl experience while enhancing sound quality. Each album is housed in its original artwork and includes essays by Beatles historian Bruce Spizer. From 'I Want to Hold Your Hand' to 'She Loves You', this collection will help you relive Beatlemania at its height, presenting a stunning audio experience that pays homage to the band's U.S. chart dominance in 1964. Perfect for both collectors and new fans.

Review: This 1964 release encapsulates the Beatles' remarkable evolution during their busiest year. Featuring tracks from the British Beatles for Sale alongside singles like 'I Feel Fine' and 'She's a Woman', it showcases their unparalleled ability to balance raw energy with introspective songwriting. Songs such as 'No Reply' and 'I'm A Loser' highlight the growing lyrical depth of Lennon and McCartney, while 'Rock and Roll Music' and 'Honey Don't' pay homage to their rockabilly roots. The inclusion of 'I Feel Fine', credited with pioneering guitar feedback in pop music, and the vibrant 'She's a Woman' bring a cutting-edge feel to the album. Meanwhile, gentle gems like 'I'll Follow the Sun' and 'Baby's in Black' add emotional range. The combination of its vibrant mix of acoustic textures, rock 'n' roll covers and groundbreaking singles ensures it remains a testament to the Beatles' brilliance at a pivotal point in their career.

Review: ***B-STOCK: Sleeve damaged but otherwise in excellent condition***


If you use the online network-cum-existential-need-to-know community Reddit, then it won't surprise you to learn there's a vast and almost unfathomably broad sub group dedicated to The Beatles. Within this, at least a handful of people have posed the question: "if the Beatles had done an MTV Unplugged concert in approx 1968 what stripped down classics might be in the resulting brilliant Unplugged Album?" Forgive the grammar - we took the speculative quandary verbatim from an internet that long-since descended into a linguistic void. Nevertheless, those stumped by this query will be delighted to know that such a record does exist for us to use as a touchstone. Albeit without the MTV bit. And what tracks made the cut? Well, 'Why My Guitar Gently Weeps', 'Revolution', 'Julia', 'Cry Baby Cry', and 'The Continuing Story of Bungalow Bill', among others.

Review: There are some very special Beatles reissues landing right now and this is one of them: The Lost Studio Tapes 1962-1964 comes on limited hand-numbered blue vinyl double 10". It is a remarkable collection that takes a deep dive into the world of what might have been as these priceless recordings reveal the creative process that shaped cultural history. Featured is the Beatles' audition for Decca Records, the most controversial recording session in popular music history. Despite the impressive tape produced during this session, Decca Records famously decided not to sign the Beatles. Now, nearly 60 years later, you can listen in and decide for yourself what they were

Review: The newly reissued A Hard Day's Night captures The Beatles at the height of their early brilliance. Released during the frenzy of Beatlemania, the album shows John Lennon and Paul McCartney's unstoppable songwriting partnership. From the iconic opening chord of the title track to the infectious energy of hits like 'Can't Buy Me Love' and 'I Should Have Known Better', it brims with youthful exuberance and sheer musical craftsmanship. While Rubber Soul marked a shift towards experimentation, A Hard Day's Night thrives on its confidence and irresistible pop-rock melodies. The film songs on Side-1 deliver unforgettable moments, but the overlooked gems on Side-2 reveal the band's deepening musical sophistication. With tight harmonies, catchy hooks, and electrifying performances, this is a reminder of The Beatles' unparalleled ability to blend fun with musical mastery. Even today, A Hard Day's Night stands as a landmark album that is always a welcomed reissue to press and enjoy.

Review: Today, pop stars use visual vehicles to further their reach, image and reputation every day, but back when A Hard Day's Night arrived, the idea of casting a band in a musical movie in which they played themselves, produced simultaneously with a studio album, was still more than novel. Largely unproven territory, the runaway success of this concept would go on to set a precedent. 36 hours in the lives of the group as they prepare for a TV performance, it not only breaks the theatrical fourth wall, it speaks to what was then an emerging appetite among fans to see more rounded, 3D renditions of their idols - now mainstreamed. Inspiring countless TV and cinema releases, from Ferry Cross The Mersey with Gerry and the Pacemakers, to the Monkees' series, A Hard Day's Night remains one of the best examples of the Beatles as revolutionary pop stars.

Review: They say that in life, we only regret the things we don't do. So imagine how you'd feel having sat in on The Beatles' 1962 audition for Decca Records if you then simply thanked the Fab Four for coming in and told them, through a smile of pure dishonesty, that they would be hearing from your assistant. A call that would never come. The label's loss was EMI and Parlophone's gain, in the end, and now we have the evidence to prove just how short sighted Decca execs were. The Decca Tapes, as it sounds, is a full setlist of everything that was played on that fateful morning. More so, it's a document of what could be the greatest misjudgement and oversight in 20th Century pop history. Still, you can't win 'em all.

Review: Famously first released in 1973 and transferred to CD in the 1980s with no significant remastering, the Beatles two colour-coded 'best of' collections have long been in need of an overhaul. Apple has typically gone all-out on this 50th anniversary re-issue, not only remastering everything (or at least those tracks that hadn't already been tweaked by Giles Martin in recent years), but also expanding each collection to three discs via the addition of other fan favourites and tracks that missed out first time round. As for the vinyl itself, it has been half-speed remastered to guarantee superior sound quality. This boxed edition boasts both compilations, plus an insert with fresh liner notes from music journalist-turned-Guardian scribe John Harris.

Review: Meet The Beatles!, we meet again! Using the original 1964 master of the fab four's breakout second album, UMR have successfully surmounted yet another reissue campaign of The Beatles' second-most star moment. Having topped the popular album chart in 1964 and remaining at number one for over 11 weeks, it was as of the ensuing superstardom of the band was fated; originals like 'I Want To Hold Your Hand' and 'I Saw Her Standing There' lay among its greats. And, by constantly referring to the original first pressing, this reissued album is faithful to the original release while also enabling more musical information to be heard than was possible before. Featuring faithfully replicated artwork and a new four-panel insert with essay by American Beatles historian, Bruce Spizer. 180gram audiophile pressing.

Review: The Beatles' second album, came out in April 1964, just two months after their iconic appearance on the Ed Sullivan show. Filled with high-energy rock 'n' roll and r&b, it's a lively collection that delivers non-stop excitement. Unlike its predecessor, Meet The Beatles!, this release features a mix of Lennon-Mccartney originals and six cover tracks, including classics like 'Roll Over Beethoven' and 'Please Mister Postman'. This all-analogue reissue of The Beatles' second album uses the original 1964 mono master to create a faithful recreation of the iconic release. the lacquers, ensure the sound remains true to the original pressing, while revealing more musical details than ever before. The 180-gram audiophile pressing brings a warmth and clarity to tracks, In addition to the meticulously replicated artwork, the release includes a four-panel insert with an essay by American Beatles historian Bruce Spizer, giving fans an added glimpse into the album's history. whether you're a lifelong beatles fan or someone discovering their music for the first time, this reissue is a great opportunity to experience a classic in its original form. As with many Beatles reissues, the second album is a fantastic way for newer generations to discover the band's early work. the mix of electrifying hits and unique covers makes it an exciting chapter in their ever-evolving discography.

Review: This limited edition 10" double album is a real Beatles lover and vinyl collector's dream. It comes on red vinyl and showcases the very best of the Beatles from 1962 to 1966 so truly captures the essence of the legendary pop outfit in the studio, in concert, and live on air. Spanning the halcyon years when the Beatles were at their most tight and cohesive, this anthology highlights their touring, recording, and broadcasting brilliance. This deluxe collector's edition also includes a full-length e-book and features classics like 'Love Me Do,' 'Yesterday,' 'Day Tripper,' 'Help!' and "She Loves You'.

Review: There's a chance this Liverpudlian four piece will be familiar by now. This, their 11th studio outing, first unveiled as the 1960s slipped into the 70s, is a bonafide epic from an outfit that weren't lacking in epics; in many ways a culmination of their time together, marking the end of their active years and beginning of their legacy. By this stage, then, they've emerged from years spent on the inner journey and time on the outer, space cadeting to the hallucinogenic fuelled tones of "Sgt. Peppers" and "Revolver". Of course, there's still plenty of explorations happening, but the gritty blues rock of opening track "Come Together" really sets the tone. Five decades on, it still sounds great and maybe even better than you remember. Even if you own the original, this anniversary edition is worth having.

Review: If you use the online network-cum-existential-need-to-know community Reddit, then it won't surprise you to learn there's a vast and almost unfathomably broad sub group dedicated to The Beatles. Within this, at least a handful of people have posed the question: "if the Beatles had done an MTV Unplugged concert in approx 1968 what stripped down classics might be in the resulting brilliant Unplugged Album?" Forgive the grammar - we took the speculative quandary verbatim from an internet that long-since descended into a linguistic void. Nevertheless, those stumped by this query will be delighted to know that such a record does exist for us to use as a touchstone. Albeit without the MTV bit. And what tracks made the cut? Well, 'Why My Guitar Gently Weeps', 'Revolution', 'Julia', 'Cry Baby Cry', and 'The Continuing Story of Bungalow Bill', among others.