A COLLECTION OF BEATLES OLDIES (BUT GOLDIES!)

This out of print LP compilation, the first released from the band in the U.K. in late 1966, was really released by their record label because the band wasn`t going to have a new album recorded and released by late 1966. Since 1963, the band have recorded and released two new albums per year, but by 1966, they didn`t do it. So, this compilation was assembled and released while the band members took some holidays after their last tour in 1966 and before returning to the recording studios in late 1966 to record their Sgt. Pepper`s album.

This is a compilation of songs, with most of them being previously released as singles in the U.K. and with two others simply being taken from some albums (Michelle, Yesterday). This album also included a new song previously unreleased in the U.K. called Bad Boy, which it really wasn`t as new, being recorded in 1965 and also being previously released in an American album by the band titled Beatles VI. So, for British fans who didn`t have listened to this song yet it really was a hook to buy this compilation album.

This compilation has never been released on CD, but, with the exception of Michelle and Bad Boy, all these songs were released in The Beatles`1 CD, and Bad Boy was released on the Past Masters Volume One CD.

My neighbour (almost) tortured the life out of me with this cassette thirty years ago. He was and still is (according to his Facebook profile) a big Beatles fan. I am just turning into a Beatles fan and I stumbled over this cassette some days ago together with the Hollywood Bowl live album (cassette).

This is an OK compilation of mostly their pre-prog songs. The review by Guillermo has described why this album was released and I refer to him for the full story. With the exception of Bad Boy, there is nothing here which is not good. Eleanor Rigby is the best song on this compilation. I am satisfied that it is not released on CD. That would be a waste of resources. The songs are great. The idea back in 1966 was OK and I am sure Brian Epstein and The Beatles really appreciated the xtra income from this album. But in this day and age; this is the The Beatles compilation you don't need. The artwork is nice though.

2 stars

A Collection of Beatles Oldies (But Goldies!) was released in 1966 and is quite rare as a result as one of the first of their infinite compilation releases. The problem is it now has outgrown its value apart from the rarity of having it on vinyl. As for any CD release it is pretty much worthless as there are more compilations that offer better production and value, so this one may never be released as a CD making it even more valuable to collectors.

Having said that the album still has some curios that are not often found on other compilations. The addition of Bad Boy is a delight, one of my favourite Lennon tirades about a boy who cant do nothing right, with such wonderful lyrics as He put some tacks on teachers hair, butchers all the little girls hair... ah that's classy writing. All the other tracks on virtually every compilation. She Loves You "Yeah Yeah Yeah" we heard it already fifty times. From Me To You, We Can Work It Out, Help! They are everywhere. Michelle is here too but I hate the song so not welcome to my ears. Yesterday is quintessential and I always have time for I Feel Fine, Day Tripper, A Hard Day's Night, and Paperback Writer. There's not much prog apart from some innovative musicianship on Eleanor Rigby, but its not a bad album for its day. The vinyl is the only way to get hold of this. Collectors only.