Past Masters, Vol. 1

Although they're the band that made history more than any other, The Beatles `Past Masters, Volume I' may be judged as a quaint archive of their music. In danger of being pigeon-holed as a half repetitive, half extraneous addition to one's C.D. collection, I was pleasantly relieved to find much to embrace from the selections. Having songs that are repeated on the smash `1,' it is a hard sell considering there are five songs* on both albums.The good news is how wonderful the less available songs are received by hungry ears yearning for a bigger Beatles' diet. I almost bought this C.D. for "She's a Woman" alone. The B-side of the truly stunning "I Feel Fine," it features arguably one of Paul's best early vocal performances. Truly belted out with gusto, this gem has the guitar twang and percussion to match, layered with some textured piano. In a vintage vein, "This Boy" works well as the UK's flip-side for "I Want to Hold Your Hand". Sometimes a forgotten ballad, except in the movie 'A Hard Day's Night,' it captures their fifties romantic affinity well. "Bad Boy" is a rascally number, sung with power by John with a back-up that should all that prove the Beatles were catapulted by their Hamburg performances as much as their novelty haircuts. And, speaking of Hamburg, two German versions of their songs ("I Want to Hold Your Hand" and "She Loves You") show a gratitude for the preparation that tested their mettle with fire. While two versions seem a bit repetitive, I've yet to hit fast-forward. Paul's prowess pervades "I'm Down," a flip side with substance backing up the heralded "Help!". Continuing with the essentials, "I Call Your Name" sounds like the song that got away from the 'A Hard Day's Night' soundtrack.Aside from the big five hits, the rest of the C.D. is merely very good. "Matchbox" isn't Ringo's remake of 'Boys,' but it rounds out the other songs nicely. "Long Tall Sally" proves Paul's earnest devotion to Little Richard and sports a spirited rendition. "Yes It Is" is slightly languid with the exception of John's booming voice which is in fine form. "Thank You Girl" is heartwarming, yet similar in this vein. "Slow Down" is perhaps the most excellent of the lesser gems, even if John's vocal talent is in danger of drowning out the rest.So much to love and discover on `Past Masters, Volume I'. Hopefully, you'll try it out and unearth the hidden treasures for yourself.(*"Love Me Do," "From Me to You," "She Loves You," "I Want to Hold Your Hand," and "I Feel Fine" can be found on this collection and `1'.)

Great sound quality. Very good song selection. I especially enjoyed the German version of I want to hold your hand. Highly recommend it. Great seller.

The Beatles Past Masters series from 1988 features two volumes, with the first covering from 1962-1965. This disk captures many songs that were released as singles, such as the classics "She Loves You" and "I Want to Hold Your Hand." The version of "Love Me Do" here is different than the Please Please Me release, and features Ringo on drums rather than a session sit-in.There is great clarity in these tracks, and you can also catch an idea of the recording technique of the era, as some parts of tracks are modified mid-song, like Ringo's drums in "She Loves You.""This Boy" features an early example of Beatles three-part harmony, along with dual guitar parts, a gentle acoustic strum combined with a more rapid electric part. A great performance by John Lennon on the lead vocal part.Two novelty tracks included are the German versions of "I Want to Hold Your Hand" (Komm, Gib Mir Deine Hand) and "She Loves You" (Sie Liebt Dich) recorded as a tribute to the Fab's Hamburg days.One of the sleepers is "I Call Your Name" with John Lennon on lead vocals. The lyrics have an interesting circular twist, and there are some tricky tempo changes that are unusual for an early Beatles R&B tune."Slow Down" is just good fun, a danceable fave with boogie woogie piano, stop/start instrumentation and another fine vocal performance by John Lennon."Matchbox" is a Carl Perkin's tune with Ringo on vocals and is another fun rockabilly roadhouse song. "If you don't want my peaches honey, please don't shake my tree." Check out George's twangy solo."I Feel Fine" has the famous distortion intro, excellent guitar melody, and soaring harmonies, "I'm so glad that she's my little girl..." Nice bouncy drum/bass rhythm as well."She's a Woman" has never been a favorite of mine. The choppy guitar is kind of irritating and Paul's vocals are strained to near hernia level."Bad Boy" is yet another fun Lennon number with great rocking guitar."Yes It Is" is a slow ballad with three-part harmonies. To get a true appreciation of this song, check out the version from the Anthology series, which takes John's rough cut and melds with the more perfected version. Impressive."I'm Down" closes out with a Paul rave-up, a fun R&B tinged tune with Bad Beach Boys meet Little Richard vocals and some wild organ.

great music

What can I say? It's the Beatles for God's Sake! This is a wonderful collection of their top hits. What other group has had such a huge impact on MUSC in such a short period of time. Sad they aren't around to do retro concerts like other groups that I grew up with. I was at the World Premier of the movie "HELP! in London in 1965 and caught a brief glimpse of them (and the Queen Mother) in person. About ten years ago saw Paul and Linda McCartney eating in a private "back room" of an Italian Restaurant in OLD TOWN Oklahoma City and saw the grin on the face of their waiter after receiving a $500 tip from Sir Paul. This album will bring back memories for you too. (even if you weren't a Beatles FAN!)

Past Masters 1 & 2 are absolutely essential. Like it says in the liner notes, if you have the thirteen albums (from Please Please Me to Let It Be) and Past Masters 1 & 2, then you'll have everything The Beatles officially released.Highlights - Bad Boy, Matchbox, I'll Get You, Yes It Is, Long Tall Sally and I Call Your Name. These tracks were rare until Past Masters was released. They're wonderful songs too.I first listened to Past Masters 1 & 2 when I was 12 and, boy, what a time it was for me to listen to these wonderful songs. I have very nostalgic memories about these two albums. Every time I listen to them, I am reminded of my childhood and the wonderful times had. I was just beginning to learn to play the guitar. Past Masters 1 & 2 and Rubber Soul were the albums of my childhood.

I like this CD because it contains the music singles The Beatles never released on their UK albums. As volume 1, it is enjoyable and convenient to hear them in this fashion.

it’s what it is👍 no skips, works good.

Part of the missing tracks from nu albums tracks

内容は、言わずもがなのビートルズのCD、いい商品です。

Merci pour cet album qui complète ma collection. Quelques titres qui ne figuraient pas dans les autre albums que je possède sont les bienvenus. Bien cordialement.

Past Masters Volume One ist aus dem 1988 und somit schon 27 Jahre alt. Die Zusammenstellung der 18 Songs ist aber einmalig und zeitlos. Es gibt auch für mich noch einige unbekanntere Titel auf dem Album zu entdecken. Vor allem die B-Seiten der Singles. Klasse finde ich natürlich die beiden deutschen Songs: "Komm, gib mir Deine Hand" und "Sie liebt Dich". Zu jedem der Songs gibt es kurze Liner Notes von Mark Lewisohn auf englisch. Ein Ohrwurm ist für mich der Song "Matchbox" geworden, eine verdammt coole rockabilly Nummer von Carl Perkins.