2004 Year End
Review - A "Fab 40th" Year
2004 was a
“news.......not really news” year for Beatles fans. Much
buzz was made over the Beatles 40th anniversary appearance on the Ed
Sullivan Show and the emergence of Beatlemania in the US. However,
there were also several false alarm reports of newly discovered audio
/ video footage. Many of these turned out to be hoaxes or
specified material that was already available in collector’s circles.
These reports tested the resources of even the most patient Beatles
fans.
The release of the Beatles' “The Capitol Albums Vol. 1" suggests that
there may be a continuation of 40th anniversary projects with at least
one more volume of US album reissues anticipated. What this means for
other projects - particularly a release of “Let It Be” on DVD is a
matter of much speculation. The 2004 announcement of the Cirque du
Soleil project suggests that in the future, the Beatles music may be
marketed in a broader sense.
A followup to the Beatles “1” album may appear in 2005.
The next significant project that Beatles fan can look forward to is
the 3 volume Beatles biography by Mark Lewisohn which will detail the
lives of the Beatles from John Lennon’s birthday to present day
activities. The first volume is expected in 2008 with subsequent
volumes staggered over the next dozen years. This project will follow
many Beatles fans into old age.
Paul McCartney is set to release a new album in 2005. Current reports
have him working with producer Nigel Goodrich (Radiohead, Travis).
Reports have been circulating about the new, as yet untitled, album
since 2003. Some tracks for the albums will feature Paul’s touring
band, others will feature Jason Falkner and Millenia Strings. As has
been reported, some of the tracks recorded at the earlier sessions may
not see the light of day.
The atmosphere for the recording of the new album is similar to what
preceded 1989's “Flowers In The Dirt”. Paul has been taking his time
with this new album, has done a lot of recording and seems determined
to create an album that he can proudly feature on tour.
Despite Paul’s standing as a living legend, nothing can be taken for
granted in today’s music industry. Many Beatles fan - myself included -
would like to see Paul refire his solo recording career with an
exceptionally strong new album.
Ringo Starr has recorded a new album set for release in 2005 using the
same team he used for “Vertical Man and “Ringo Rama.” The album is
reported to have a “country” feel. Ringo hasn’t been without his
challenges in the past year. In January, he underwent surgery on his
right shoulder; in August, he had surgery on his left shoulder and a
final procedure in November.
Since the welcome reissue of George Harrison’s Dark Horse catalog in
early 2004, things have been relatively quiet, apart from the recent
announcement of Genesis Publications “Concert For George” limited
edition book. However, the past 3 years have shown that Olivia Harrison
is aware of the need to maintain George’s legacy. Rumblings throughout
2004 have suggested that the long out of print Traveling Wilbury albums
may be the next reissues in the pipeline.
2005 will mark the 25th anniversary of John Lennon’s death, what would
have been his 65th birthday and the10th anniversary of “The Beatles
Anthology.” Fans should brace themselves for an onslaught of projects
for next year.
Yoko has already confirmed in a late 2004 interview that John Lennon’s
“Walls and Bridges” album is being prepared for reissue. Phillip Norman
(“Shout”) and Larry Kane (“Ticket To Ride”) both have books on Lennon
set for release in late 2005. The upcoming Broadway play “Lennon” will
also include renditions of 2 unreleased Lennon compositions (“India”
and “Now and Then”).
The Year in
Review:
January
Ringo begins the year coming off the release of his “Postcards From The
Boys” limited edition book by Genesis Publications. A trade edition was
marketed 9 months later.
From BBC News: "Ex-Beatle Ringo Starr has undergone an operation in Los
Angeles to remove bone spurs from his shoulders. The condition,
believed to have been caused by more than 40 years of playing, could
leave him unable to drum for six months."
According to Rolling Stone, "Former Beatles sound engineer Geoff
Emerick has written a book about his work with the band, Here, There
and Everywhere, to be published later this year . . ."
February
The Beatles “The First US Visit” was reissued on DVD in the US on Feb.
3rd and worldwide on Feb. 9th by Apple/Capitol Records, following
theatrical premieres in New York, Los Angeles and London. The release
was preceded by a hyped up Geoff Baker press release. The bonus 50
minute documentary makes the repurchase worthwhile and the audio /
video restoration is impressive. (Compare to “Live In Washington 1964"
by Passport Video for contrast).
The Beatles received the National Academy of Recording Arts and
Sciences President's Award at the 46th annual Grammy Awards in Los
Angeles on February 8, 2004, in honor of the 40th anniversary of the
Beatles arrival in the United States. Olivia and Yoko represented
George and John, respectively. Ringo and Paul submitted videotaped
comments.
George also won a posthumous Grammy for "Marwa Blues," in the best pop
instrumental category.
40th anniversary
hype includes a Beatles cover story in Rolling Stone
magazine (RS 942, February 19, 2004) and much media coverage through
January - February. One of the better efforts was "It Was 40 Years Ago
Today: The Beatles Invade America” an hour long special on WFUV radio
hosted by Dennis Elsas, a lifelong Beatles fan. The program celebrated
the Beatles' arrival in New York. It was detailed, concise and one of
the better radio programs that I've heard.
Other resources:
"The Four Complete Historic Ed Sullivan Shows Featuring the Beatles," A
two-DVD set that includes the three consecutive appearances from
February 1964, as well as one taped on August 14, 1965. The Sullivan
shows are presented in their entirety with the other acts and most of
the original commercials intact (except cigarette ads).
Bruce Spizer's book, "The Beatles Are Coming!- The Birth Of Beatlemania
In America" A comprehensive and lavishly-illustrated history of the
Beatles' American breakthrough - revealing for the first time the
precise mechanics and the many stunning coincidences that led to the
group going from being complete unknowns in America to mega-stars
selling millions of records - in just six dramatic weeks. "The Beatles
Are Coming!" features a forward by Walter Cronkite and 450 color and
original black & white photographs and documents - including 50
previously unpublished images. Two editions, a mass-market paperback
and a limited-edition hardcover are available.
Also of note was
"The Beatles" 40th Anniversary Collector's Edition"
published by American Media Inc. ($5.95 US / $6.95 Cdn.) with
introduction by Beatles' "Personal Promotions Manager" Peter Bennett.
This magazine has a wealth of approximately 300 photographs, many of
which were previously unpublished or rare. The text is concise and very
up to date (early 2004) including both group and solo activities.
Of course, an overview of 1964 would be incomplete without including "A
Hard Day's Night," currently available on DVD.
Apple / Capitol's reissue of the Beatles "The First US Visit" DVD
debuted at #1 on Billboard's "Top Music Video" chart for February 21st.
George Harrison’s “The Dark Horse Years 1976-1992" box set was released
on February 24th. This Capitol Records release included the 5 studio
albums that George recorded for Warner Bros., plus “Live In Japan.”
This marked the 1st time in several years that these albums were
available at retail. The box set included a bonus 90 minute DVD (which
was released individually 8 months later). The albums were also
available for separate purchase. Note: “Live In Japan” was released as
an SACD / CD hybrid disc marking the 1st time that any solo Beatles
product (or Beatles product, for that matter) has been made available
in a high res. audio format.
Citing copyright infringement, EMI issues a ‘cease and desist’ to DJ
Danger Mouse over “The Grey Album” which is a merger of musical samples
taken from The Beatles’ “White Album” overlapped with vox and beats
from Jay-Z’s “The Black Album”. The action led to a online civil
protest “Grey Tuesday” on February 24th which made “The Grey Album”
available for download over a 24 hour period.
The emergence of Apple’s iTunes reignited the trademark infringement
legal issue between Apple Computers and The Beatles’ Apple Corp.
CBC in Canada announced a documentary on the recording of “Give
Peace A Chance” to be broadcast in the winter of 2005. This is a follow
up to CBC’s award-winning 1999 documentary “John and Yoko’s Year Of
Peace”.
On February 27th, Paul announces his European summer tour itinerary
including Madrid, Paris, Zurich, Gothenburg, Oslo and Helsinki, St.
Petersburg (a return to Russia) and the headline act at Glastonbury on
June 26th as the tour finale.
March
“Beatles with Tony Sheridan: The Beginnings in Hamburg - A Documentary”
DVD is released on March 2nd in North America. The documentary is good
but the definitive documentary of this period of the Beatles’ formative
years hasn’t been made yet. If you’re interested in capturing the
spirit of this era, check out the “Backbeat” theatrical film. The DVD
also includes more than an hour of bonus interview footage including
the seldom interviewed Astrid Kirchherr and the “often heard about but
seldom seen” Klaus Voorman. The DVD allows fans several viewing
options: playing the entire program (interviews and songs), playing the
songs with introductions from Sheridan, playing only the interviews, or
playing just the songs. Apparently, the timing of the DVD release was
meant to coincide with the 40th anniversary of the Beatles arrival in
the US. Universal was unable to secure the rights for “Cry For A
Shadow” in time and released the DVD in spite of this. A waiting period
to allow for the inclusion of “Cry For A Shadow” would have been the
best long range decision. As it is, the UK edition (with “Cry For A
Shadow”) is the definitive version (unfortunately regional coding makes
this unplayable on most North American DVD players). Otherwise, this
DVD is a good deal, especially considering the budget line price.
George Harrison "The
Dark Horse Years 1976-1992" debuted at No. 18 on
the Billboard “Top Internet Album Sales” chart for March 13th. This
placing is impressive, especially considering the suggested retail
price of $132.98. The fact that the box set is selling so well online
may be due to retail distribution factors (i.e. many people having
difficulty finding this item at retail or the choice of many outlets to
carry only the individual Dark Horse albums.)
Rolling Stone magazine (#944) has the Beatles listed on the 2004 "Rich
List" at #19, selling 203,000 units of the Beatles Anthology DVD set.
Paul McCartney is listed at #43, with $10 million of his recent tour
earnings spilling into 2003, among his other earnings.
Beatles chauffer Alf Bicknell dies.
George’s was
posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
by Tom Petty and Jeff Lynne. Olivia and Dhani Harrison accepted the
award for George at the 19th Annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Induction Ceremony held Monday, March 15, 2004 at the Waldorf Astoria
in New York.
While accepting the award, Olivia quoted the poet Rabindrath Tagore:
"Blessed is he whose fame does not outshine his truth." Then, referring
to George, she added: "Despite his immense fame, his truth will never
be forgotten.''
Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band "Tour 2003" CD was released by
Koch on March 23rd. This 70 minute CD was recorded on the opening night
on the 2003 All-Starr tour, with new band members (Colin Hay (Men At
Work), John Waite (Babys, Bad English) and Paul Carrack (Ace,
Squeeze, Mike and the Mechanics). The opening night venue was Casino
Rama in Ontario. Although the band hadn’t quite jelled yet, the venue’s
name similarity to Ringo’s last studio album (“Ringo Rama”) must have
been an irresistible promotional angle. Otherwise, it might have been
better to record a later date once the band hit it’s stride
On the same day, BMG Heritage issued Harry Nilsson's "The Point" DVD
which is narrated by Ringo.
"Paul McCartney: The Music and Animation Collection" 2 DVD set was
released on April 13th by Buena Vista Home Video. The set features 3
McCartney animated films: "Tropic Island Hum", "Tuesday", and "Rupert
And The Frog Song".
According to Beatlefan, Paul McCartney has enlisted Bryce Goggin as a
third producer for his new album, having previously worked with David
Kahne and Nigel Godrich. Paul is also reported to have been recording
in L.A. with a new 'power-trio lineup', Matt Chamberlain on drums and
guitarist/multi-instrumentalist Jason Falkner with Paul on bass.
Ringo Starr, while
in an appearance on Los Angeles public TV station
KCET, said he'll resume recording in May with producer Mark Hudson on
the album he began last November. Ringo already has half a dozen tracks
completed and he intends to record a total of fifteen. Joe Walsh makes
a guest appearance on the album. Ringo also confirmed that he won't be
touring this year. He also mentioned that a coffee table edition of his
"Postcards From the Boys" book will be published in December.
April
In early April, it was reported that Chronicle Books will publish "Each
One Believing", a book documenting Paul McCartney's 2002-2003 tour,
including band reminiscences and photos by Bill Bernstein. The book is
set for a fall release.
As promotion for “Paul McCartney: The Music and Animation Collection,”
Paul participated in a MSN webcast on Monday, April 12th. He also
appeared on CBS’ “The Early Show” on Monday, April 12th and Tuesday,
April 13th.
Paul McCartney's "Give My Regards To Broad Street" was released on DVD
by Fox on April 20th in Canada and the US.
Toronto's Beatlemania Shoppe announces the Canadian premier of "The Art
of The Beatles." Running from April 30, 2004 to May 9, 2004, the
exhibit is the largest of its kind ever held in Canada. It features
over 100 pieces showcasing original artworks from The Beatles' 1967
feature film Yellow Submarine, as well as limited edition photography
and artwork from the 1965 ABC television Saturday morning Beatles
cartoon series.
On April 25, MTV news reports that Mark Lewishohn has a deal to author
a 3-part Beatles biography: "After an intense bidding war, publishing
house Crown coughed up seven figures for the North American rights to
an ambitious Beatles project, a three-volume biography about the band
to be published over the next decade by Beatles authority Mark
Lewisohn. Said one publisher who pulled out of the bidding when it got
too expensive: "To call it just a book is missing the point. This would
treat the Beatles as important figures of the 20th century, as if the
history of the Beatles is the history of the '60s in its entirety." The
first volume will center on the years 1940-1963, the second volume on
1964-1967, and the third on 1968 to the present day. ..."
On April 27th, Columbia/Legacy/Sony released a remastered edition of
the "Porky's Revenge!" soundtrack (with George's cover version of Bob
Dylan's "I Don't Want To Do It").
The “Lennon” broadway play is announced.
Paul McCartney records “A Friend Like You,” a duet with Brian Wilson,
for Wilson’s next solo album, “Gettin’ In Over My Head”. Unfortunately,
the song is one of the weakest tracks on the album - reminiscent of
"The Girl Is Mine" or "Ebony and Ivory".
Apple announces the release of the Beatle’s “Yellow Submarine”
children’s book. The book, one of the rare book publishing ventures
undertaken by Apple Corps., was set for release in September. To appeal
to all Beatles fans across the world, the Yellow Submarine picture book
was printed in eight languages - English, French, German, Italian,
Japanese, Dutch, Norwegian and Portuguese..
May
On May 25th, Paul
McCartney's European tour begins in Gijon, Spain. Set
list additions include “Flaming Pie”; “You Won't See Me”; “She's A
Woman”; “In Spite of All The Danger”; “I'll Follow the Sun” (with
reprise); “For No One” and “Helter Skelter”. In addition to a
rearranged version of “Here Today” (performed solo by Paul as a tribute
to John), “All Things Must Pass” was performed (dedicated to George)
and as a nod to Ringo, a singalong version of “Yellow Submarine”.
An interview with Barbara Orbison indicates that the “Traveling
Wilbury” albums would be reissued in the last quarter of 2004.
Larry Kane, author of “Ticket To Ride,” is planning a book on John
Lennon to be released in December of 2005.
On Friday, May 28, Paul McCartney opens the "Rock in Rio-Lisboa" music
festival in Lisbon, Portugal. The festival which attracted hundreds of
thousands of spectators also featured Peter Gabriel and Sting, among
others.
June
“Uncut” magazine features a major interview in it’s cover story on with
Paul McCartney. Included with the magazine is a free CD compiled by
Paul, featuring 15 tracks by his favorite artists, including Brian
Wilson, James Taylor, George Harrison, Frank Sinatra, and Nitin Sawnhey.
Miramax Home Entertainment announces the UK Region 2 DVD release of
“Paul McCartney: The Music and Animation Collection” for 27th September
2004.
On June 20th, Paul McCartney performs his 3,000th live show in St.
Petersburg, Russia’s 2nd largest city. The appearance also coincides
with Paul’s 62nd birthday. Media hype speculated about McCartney’s use
of dry ice to ‘seed the clouds’ fending off rain for the event.
Paul McCartney's 2004 European tour concludes with a performance at the
Glastonbury music festival at Worthy Farm in Pilton, Somerset on
Saturday, June 26, 2004.
July
On July 6th, a 40th anniversary screening of the Beatles "A Hard Day's
Night" was held at Sony Theatre in London's Golden Square.
International versions of the 2 disc AHDN DVD set that was released in
the UK, Canada and the US in fall of 2002 appear for retail during the
spring / summer of 2004. The DVD content appears to be the same as the
2002 release but there are interesting variations in the cover art.
Ringo turns 64 with very little media hype.
Yoko retools her “Double Fantasy” song "Every Man Has a Woman Who Loves
Him" while addressing the gay marriage issue: "Every Man Has a Man Who
Loves Him" and "Every Woman Has a Woman Who Loves Her." The single’s
artist is listed simply as “ONO.”
In an example of “news.......not news,” a much hyped 4 1/2 hour audio
tape of Beatles' out takes was found in a suitacse filled with Beatles
memorabilia. The suitcase was purchased at an Australian flea market
for $35. The tape was widely reported to include a rare track titled
“I’m In Love” and was even streamed on the Times web site. In fact,
this track has been available for years on bootlegs. John's 1963 demo
of "I'm In Love" was commonly available, circa 1993, on VigOtone
's "Arrive Without Aging" (VT-6869).
"A&E in Concert: Paul McCartney in Red Square" has been nominated
for 5 Emmy awards.
In Toronto, Hewlett-Packard’s “The Beatles! Backstage and Behind the
Scenes” photography exhibition marks the 40th anniversary of the
Beatles' arrival in North America.
It is reported that Paul will tour again in 2005.
August
A limited edition CD single was announced by EMI Records for release on
September 20th. The disc features "Tropic Island Hum" along with the
original recording of "We All Stand Together," to mark it's 20th
anniversary. The single is a companion piece to Paul McCartney's "Music
and Animation Collection" DVD that was released in the UK on September
27th.
Other announcements include the September 21st release of Ringo Starr
and The New All-Star Band "Tour 2003" DVD and George’s "The Dark Horse
Years: 1976-1992" stand-alone DVD release (November 2nd). The Harrison
DVD was previously available in the box set bearing the same name.
It was announced that Paul had re-recorded his "Live Aid" performance
of “Let It Be” which will be included on the upcoming DVD release.
A Ringo imposter makes the rounds in St. Augustine, Florida, getting
fans and police officials worked up in the process.
The September issue of Mojo magazine has a cover story on the Beatles
1964 US tour and related free CD. There were two different 15 track CDs
(red and blue versions) so fans had to buy two issues of the magazine
to get both CDs.
Two Lennon CDs: “Acoustic” and a reissue of “Rock ‘n’ Roll” is
announced for fall release.
Yoko records her version of “Give Peace A Chance”.
The annual Mathew Street Festival is held in Liverpool.
September
On September 8th, PBS televised "John Lennon's Jukebox" as part of its
"Great Performances" series.
The EMI site in Germany has a listing for a "Double Fantasy / Milk and
Honey" 2 CD set. The track listing is exactly the same as the single
disc remastered versions. The release date is October 1, 2004.
The release date for John Lennon’s “Acoustic” CD in Japan
is September
29th (the same day that the "Rock 'n' Roll" reissue is being released
in Japan). The initial Japanese edition will include an "Imagine Peace"
white guitar pick. World wide release dates vary according to country
of origin.
"The Concert For George" has won "Best Broadcast Multichannel Live
Performance" and "Best Standard Resolution Title" honors at the "2004
Surround Music Awards".
Geoff Baker is fired as Paul McCartney’s PR rep.
A ‘big band’ arrangement of “Boys” is recorded by Ringo and
appears on Jules Holland’s “Friends 3" CD.
The trademark issue between Apple Computers and the Beatles’ Apple
Corp. is reignited with the emergence of iTunes and the widespread use
of Apple’s iPod.
The Broadway play “Lennon” is confirmed for spring 2005.
Paul McCartney and Heather Mills McCartney launch the Adopt-A-Minefield
Auction.
Paul McCartney's animated film theme "Tropic Island Hum," coupled with
his 1984 hit "We All Stand Together" (Parlophone), entered at No. 21 in
the UK chart , his highest singles chart ranking since "Young Boy"
reached No. 19 in 1997.
MusicTap reports that Capitol will release "The Capitol Albums, Volume
1" on November 16th. This adds more fuel to the speculation regarding
the release of the Beatles albums in their US versions.
A judge orders the FBI to release the remaining John Lennon files.
October
Ringo was interviewed by CBS News on his new book and his upcoming
album set for release in the spring of 2005.
Lennon’s killer is denied parole.
Beatles / George Harrison memorabilia was stolen from the car of George
Harrison’s sister while delivering items to the Clinton Library.
This year John Lennon would have celebrated his 64th
birthday.
A new children’s book “John’s Secret Dreams - The Life of John Lennon”
introduces John Lennon to a new generation.
The Rolling Stones "Rock 'n' Roll Circus" film (including John and
Yoko) was released on DVD in Germany on October 4th. The US release is
set for October 8th .
On October 12th, Capitol confirms the release of the Beatles "The
Capitol Albums, Vol. 1" for November 16th. "The Capitol Albums, Vol. 1"
will be released in the UK on November 15th. A release date for
November 17th has been set for Japan. Reportedly, Apple only agreed to
this project under the condition that it be issued as a "limited
edition" release.
Paul McCartney performs at the Adopt-A Minefield Gala on October 15th .
"The act we've known for all these years" becomes a Cirque du Soleil
production: A new musical play will be based on the Beatles music.
Paul McCartney's "Liverpool Oratorio" was released by EMI Classics in
the UK on November 16 as a double DVD with 5.1 surround sound. The DVD
includes a 'making of' documentary titled "Ghosts of the Past". The DVD
also includes a segment titled "Echoes" in which Paul revisits his old
school, which is now Liverpool Institute of the Performing Arts (LIPA).
A key feature on the DVD is Paul singing a song called "In Liverpool"
which has never before been released in any other format.
"Lennon Legend / Gimme Some Truth" 2 DVD set is repackaged in a double
clamshell DVD case. This is a region 2 DVD, playable in the UK, Europe
and Japan. To be released on November 1st.
A rare Beatles interview video clip is uncovered at the South West Film
Archive in Plymouth. It was found in a film can mislabeled as a sports
reel..
Paul McCartney and Tony Bennett perform "Just
the Thought of You.'' together at the Bridge School Benefit on
October 23rd.
The “Live Aid” DVD set is confirmed for November 16th.
“The Real Buddy Holly” DVD is released on October 28th. This 1985
BBC-TV documentary was produced by Paul McCartney. Paul introduces the
film and appears from time to time, once to deliver an acoustic
rendition of Holly's “Words of Love”.
Even though it cost 90p to make, the first Lennon/McCartney disc is now
valued at £100,000. However, the fragile first pressing of The
Quarry Men's version of "That'll Be the Day" is owned by Paul McCartney
who is unlikely to ever sell it. Although the recording preceded the
formation of the Beatles, John Lennon, Paul McCartney and George
Harrison appear on the recording - along with drummer Colin Hanton and
pianist John Duff Lowe.
November
On November 2nd, John Lennon’s “Acoustic” and “Rock ‘n’ Roll” (reissue)
CDs are released in the US as is George Harrison’s “Dark Horse” DVD.
Paul McCartney participates in an Adopt-A-Minefield webchat on November
4th.
Each One Believing - London Photo exhibit is held in London; November
5th through 27th
On November 6, Capitol Records updated their Beatles web site to
promote the Capitol Albums box set. The main page has 2 animations: one
for the CDs and the other for the accompanying booklet. The site also
features a sampler of selected tracks.
The New Rolling Stone Album Guide sadly excludes the solo career of
George Harrison from the latest update. Later it was reported that the
omission would be corrected in subsequent printings.
Paul McCartney records an audio holiday greeting for amazon to promote
his "Each One Believing" book .
John Lennon's "Acoustic" enters the Billboard Top 200 album chart at
#31 for the week of November 7, 2004.
Ringo introduces Beatles performance footage on ABC's "American Music
Awards" broadcast on November 14th. Contrary to advance
promotion, the footage wasn’t exactly “rare”. ABC originally
aired the footage on November 15th, 1964, as part of the "Around the
Beatles" TV special and the segment was already well circulated among
collectors.
Paul McCartney plays bass for the remake of “Do They Know It’s
Christmas” by Band Aid 20.The single is set for release on November
29th.
A “collector’s edition” of “Backbeat” is scheduled for release on
January 25th, 2005.
U2 perform a cover of the Beatles' "Rain" at the Clinton Presidential
Library dedication.
The "Concert For George" is the subject of an upcoming book by Genesis
Publications. Each copy is signed by Olivia and comes in a
silk-screened box. A special screening of the concert is announced in
the US for November 29th and December 1st in Los Angeles, New York,
Austin, Chicago and San Francisco.
Paul McCartney is
featured on the January 2005 cover of "Guitar World
Acoustic" magazine.
“The Grey Album” video is leaked online.
The Beatles "Capitol Albums Vol. 1" entered at #35 in it's first
week
on the Billboard Album chart with sales of 37,000 copies. The media
storm over the release makes an interesting - if somewhat silly -
sideshow for Beatles fans.
My views: It would be too bad if the negative comments discouraged fans
from purchasing this box set. Like many people, I found the packaging
to be of poor quality but the sound was much better than I expected.
Ted Jensen's remastering job was exceptional, especially considering
that these were not 1st generation tapes. Thankfully, they were not
digitized, "no-noised" or compressed like many recent remasters. The
tracks have a warm analogue feel while having an animated, lively
sound. I thoroughly enjoy these discs and am appalled that the negative
spin almost prevented me from purchasing this box set and drawing my
own conclusions.
It's ironic that many of the initial comments about poor sound quality
were issued before this set was actually released. At least one critic
(Michael Fremer @ musicangle.com) had the integrity to retract his
criticism upon hearing the results. Admittedly, I have no sentimental
attachment to the US releases. To me, this is not about track listings
or cover art - it's about quality music and great sound. In my opinion,
these tracks bury their counterparts on the 1987 CDs regardless
of the "US vs British" rhetoric. It would be sad if the negative
fallout prevented this project's continuation.
December
The upcoming Broadway play “Lennon” is reported to include unreleased
Lennon songs.
A guitar played by George Harrison and John Lennon is auctioned for
half a million dollars. Someone had a merry Christmas!
"The Grey Album" makes #9 on a top 10 list. Not bad for an album that
was never released!
Ringo does the Santa tracking for NORAD.
Meanwhile in a trademark issue, Ringo is disputing the logo for an
adult film company “Starr Productions” out of concern that children and
young adults may somehow associate the adult film company with Ringo
Starr.
On December 27th, BBC Radio 2 broadcast a 2 hour documentary style
radio special on the Beatles which was based on the Christmas records
which were sent out exclusively to Beatles fan club members from
1963-1969. The broadcast turned out to be archived BBC radio Christmas
programs featuring the Beatles and related artists.
Early 2005 News
On January 4th 2005 "46664 1 Year On" - The EP " is to be released for
download on iTunes. The EP includes the track "Whole Life" by Paul
McCartney & David A. Stewart which is the 1st time a Paul McCartney
track of any kind is being available for official download .
Paul McCartney’s long rumored “Love Songs” album which was set for
release on February 8th 2005, has been postponed yet again. The
inclusion of Beatles songs such as “Yesterday” ; Here, There and
Everywhere” and “For No One” has become a point of contention between
McCartney and Yoko Ono, who is withholding her approval. This dispute
may put the release on indefinite hold.
Apple / Capitol / EMI is expected to release “The Capitol Albums, Vol.
2" late in 2005. A followup to The Beatles successful “1” CD may also
appear in 2005. I think we can guess the title!
"The Rutles: Can't Buy Me Lunch" (2002 film) is being released by
Warner on March 1, 2005. "Willie & the Poor Boys" (1985 concert
film, featuring Bill Wyman, Ron Wood, Charlie Watts, Kenney Jones, John
Entwistle, Ringo Starr, etc.) will be released by Classic Pictures on
March 8, 2005.