I just watched two other reviews by respected audiophile guys (Mike at the In groove & Mazzy) they raved about the sound and how much better these new releases are.... so go figure???
Excellent review of the boxset. The "intervention" was a classic. That alone desverves to have an additional 10k added to your subscriber count. Thanks for putting out new content Robert. I always look forward to new videos from you!!
This is a great video Robert. Been watching for years and appreciate the effort you put into this one. You also made me feel better about passing on this boxset. I think ill pick up one or two down the road, but no need for all of them. Thanks again.
@@RobertFithenI agree, as a 68 yrs young Beatles fan and collector and within the last few yrs I've starting collecting again after a long absense, anyway I did pick up the first 5 albums individually and so glad I did, I think they sound fantastic and if they release another batch I'll pick those up as well! Love your channel and your acting!
I’ll agree to that, Robert. There should have been something exclusive to the box that that was probably more interesting for most people than The Beatles’ Story.
@@RobertFithen All i know is that had to be a ton of work to get all those folks in the video. Thanks for the effort. I got a real good laugh out of it.
Spoiler alert: When Robert smashes that Dire Straits record I was thinking- what if he flubbed the scene? But then I remembered he had 8 other copies of the same record to use for multiple takes 😂
I think I would like the fact that they're not sealed. Seems like I have to put a lot of effort into opening a lot of new records that are sealed so well I can't even find an opening or a seam to get started. lol
Great video and attention to detail. The info you gave about the different sources for the mono mixes was new to me and I find it sad and frustrating that it couldn't be more consistent.
Wow - this took an unexpected turn. I needed this intervention, too. So, in a show of solidarity, I'm going to break my cassette copy of Mötley Crüe's "Theater of Pain."
The Beatles Story was the first time, after Ed, I got to hear the beatles LIVE, Only a few seconds, but back in the day , this was a big deal! Thanks as always, you,re a hoot!
It was always that record that entertained me the way I knew radio and records could for people in the 60s/70s before watching tv and film was such a main part of entertainment
I got them all individual for $20 each. I like what I have hear so far, reminds me of my childhood. Each to their own, thanks for the review. There is a sale on, the company’s name begins with a U.
Well, enjoy your 2 months stay in the Bahamas Robert! (right in the middle of winter, such a good timing ;-) ) Seriously, that intervention scene was gold. Thank you. For the box set, I thought it was a cash grab going in and yep you confirmed it.
In 1972 I went to college and got to hear the UK pressings of the Beatles catalog and I found out quickly that our US versions were crappy sounding!! BC-13 is the best way to listen to the Beatles! Great job!! Go Robert
3:56 The only time that I know about this happening was with Ticket to Ride with the mono mix to make a fake stereo then folding it back down to make a mono mix
As a Beatles fan from the UK, I’m fascinated to know why US fans prefer the Capitol album song choices and pacing. However, even the 70s represses of US albums are sold for £30+ in VG+ condition due to rarity. It’s heartbreaking seeing the median discogs price be a third of what you paid!!
Honestly, I got he box set with accumulated store credit. I was curious to hear how these albums sounded without the bass rolled off. I grew up with the Capitol albums with their fun artwork and track listings which include hit singles. I think "Meet The Beatles" is superior to "With the Beatles". I grew up with the stereo versions of these albums, so these U.S. mono versions don't really do much for me.
I'd agree with you that it's probably a good idea to buy some tissue paper and place a sheet between each album to prevent the cover scratching. I've done this with similar box sets or stuff I've placed in storage boxes to prevent it and it works well, especially when there's a lack of room. Also, it REALLY helps if you ever worry about some of the glossy covers degrading and getting stuck to one another.
This might be the best UA-cam video this year. Thank you for making this. First ...thank you for your honesty about the boxset..and for clearing up which songs or albums are real mono or just fold downs or worse. Frankly I feel its really over priced And secondly thank you for injecting some humor back into this hobby that we enjoy. Hope you are doing well. Mark Anthony K Projekt Gemineye
Loved your take on this. Sorry about the record that fell off the jukebox. lol The end segment hits so close to home. Best, Tommy (a 60 year old collector who wonders where it's all going to end up.....).
OMG the second half of this video is PURE COMEDY GOLD to a record collector! LOL "...and all these walls...well, they might as well be a wall of heroin...and it ain't no coincidence...that you play these with a needle...think about it." Damn it man, that's rich! LOL
The United Artists version has earlier mono mixes that are not the same as the standard UK mono mixes. They have single track vocals in many cases and other differences. So I understand why was included.
@ The Something New mixes are the same as the UK mono mixes for the A Hard Days Night album. The United Artist mixes are earlier mixes. For example on And I Love Her Paul’s vocal is only double tracked on the hook and the middle eight. All UK mixes have him double tracked throughout and triple tracked on the hook and middle eight
I just checked the UK A Hard Days Night mono mixes and then Something New mono mixes. So it turns out I was wrong and right at the same time. The UK mix of And I Love Her has the double track vocals throughout and then triple tracked on the hook. But something new mono mixes, and the United Artists mono mixes are both earlier mixes that were done for the film. And then they were later improved upon for the UK release.
Thanks for the informative review Robert. Also the intervention hit close to home. When you start hiding records and CDs in the washer and dryer, its time to come clean.
Oh man, the ending made me think shit do i need an intervention too? Im also getting older n half dead oh man just always have a record playing, always have a record playing! 😂
What Mr Jazz Fan had to say really spoke the most deeply to my soul. After all, "jazz... is life." I think this box set is a neat idea. However, its inherent flaw is that, although it is a pretty faithful reproduction of its source materials, its source materials (the original US Capitol albums) were unfaithful reproductions of their own source materials (the original UK Parlophone albums). Like you said, there are tons of fold-downs. I am not a fan of the US Capitol albums, but I could not resist grabbing Meet The Beatles (one of the few Capitols I hung onto) at Target for $37. It was just cool to say I bought an all-analog Beatles album brand-new in Target. And I enjoyed the listening experience for what it was: a fine reproduction of Meet The Beatles, NOT With The Beatles. According to the insert, I Want To Hold Your Hand and This Boy are the only true mono tracks, and they definitely sounded the best. The others sounded fine for fold-downs, but obviously they have a ceiling. But my experience was positive. A bit of a gimmick, perhaps, but fun. And I now need to find a Wally Traugott stereo Meet The Beatles. You have inspired me. I might have to hunt down late 70s stereo recuts of everything on Capitol now!
Those late 70s Capitol pressings are definitely underrated. Be sue to get "Yesterday and Today". Most late 70s (except Jacksonville) pressings of that album have replaced the fake mono with true stereo versions.
I received my complimentary copy of the Rolling Stones' In Mono box but somehow I doubt I'd get sent this one, although I did receive the 2023 red and blue expanded editions when they came out. I'll still do a video if I do, though.
Haha, great video! Not quite the ending I was expecting. Lol I know it's not worth it.. I was determined to wait this out, until prices came way down, but after hearing how limited and heavily allocated it is, I caught a bit of fomo and went for it, but only because I found a working 20% off coupon from The Sound of Vinyl. That took the sting away some. 😬 I also picked up the Target MTB pressing, so guess I'm stocked up now. 😅 I already have all the UK & and some German pressings, etc - mono & stereo, but didn't really have these US pressings, besides super beat up copies I inherited, that are pretty much unplayable, so it'll be nice to have clean, new copies to spin. 👍 Yes, it's a sickness, but I love the Beatles! 🍻
I’ll go ahead and defend this set. When Apple released the 2014 CD set of the US albums, they used the UK mixes instead of the original US versions (as bad as they are) in a number of cases, and people lost their minds. So I think they took the right approach here by using the original US tapes. So what I would say is this - - if you grew up with these albums, as I did, this will be like an old friend. If you grew up listening to the UK versions, you will probably think that this is an atrocity. It’s very much a “your mileage may vary“ kind of thing.
I agree that they correctly used the US mixes, but they could have added an exclusive album of UK mixes or rare tracks or something to justify that outrageous price tag.
5:30 - Original mono Capitol LPs are difficult to find - -in great shape, really. I picked up the Target exclusive of Meet the Beatles, found a really decent sounding Beatles 65 in mono at a record show last week, and would like to score a new copy of Beatles' Second Album. I'm in the minority of fans and critics in that I loved the mixes of She's a Woman and I Feel Fine. Those were the first and fiercest versions I'd ever heard, and I was disappointed in the UK versions - too light. The two songs sounded like they were performed live and I've always loved them.
I wish I could have bought this, but with my surgery coming up, I so was not gonna shout out $300+ for it, but looking forward to hearing them when I get my copies in, I bought them individually.
At least the AHDN UA soundtrack contains the longer "I'll Cry Instead". I don't know if you remember, but the STEREO pressing of the UA soundtrack had the instrumentals in stereo and the Beatles tracks in mono (Tell Me Why was panned back and forth slightly off center to "imitate" stereo, but it was the mono tape). So by hearing the UA soundtrack in mono you are missing very little.
I remember that silly panning. I grew up with the mono version and didn't hear the stereo one until I was in my 30's and actually laughed when I heard that panning.
To get the best sound out of MONO records you have to have a Mono Cartridge as well if anyone is not aware of that . .I know you are Rob but some may not..
Hey Robert, I have all the UK release Beatles albums many times over. I have 2 copies of the UK 2014 Mono box set because…….. Well anyway, I’ve long been intrigued by the story of the U.S. releases that Dave Dexter Jnr put together, but have never seen or heard any because decent quality copies are rare in the U.K. I’m really keen to hear first hand how the U.S. we’re listening to The Beatles. About a year ago I’d made a commitment to myself that I’d start searching in earnest to put together a decent U.S collection. To date I’d not found or purchased any so when this box set was announced I was excited to be able to scoop up half the collection in one go. It’s got me thinking that perhaps this set is aimed less at the U.S. market and more at the rest of the world. Loved your review and am keen to hear more on the U.S. perspective. All the best buddy!
The UA Hard Day’s Night album was the only reason that the film was made - if it tanked, they’d still making a killing with the LP. Capitol’s answer, Something New, featured 5 of the 8 songs (only 4 of which made it to the film since Dick Lester dumped “I’ll Cry Instead for “Can’t Buy Me Love” for the bit in the field) in UA’s album, but it couldn’t officially be a soundtrack. Remember, soundtrack albums were big business at the time.
Got it for Christmas. LOVE it. AND whether intentional or not, on the Beatles 2nd Album "I Call Your Name" is an alternate take. I think it's a mistake, but my ears perked up straight away when I heard the opening. I pulled out the vintage 2nd Album with the Apple label, and definitely something worth noting here. It's definitely an error. Not sure HOW this happened.
I’ve been on the fence about buying these LPs. (No interest in the box set or The Beatles Story.) I’ve collected clean original mono copies of the Capitol LPs and enjoy them as artifacts from that era. I just don’t know if I would actually play the new copies all that much. I could buy some cool vintage LPs (that I would actually play) with that same $180.
This may be blasphemous, but my dream Beatles release would be a Giles Martin stereo remix edition of the US albums. Great intervention, takes me back to my younger days.
I picked up the Hard Days Night at my local store and I have to say it sounds fantastic and I’m not biggest Beatles fan, probably will pick up a couple more but no box set spent that $ on the Rhino Doors that dropped on Friday, had to add the skit at the end is not only hilarious but so true for us all, you know how many times I said no more this month and something new comes out I feel like I have to have
I am very excited about this release and bought the individual records. I have never listened to the Beatles Story. I have the cd box set maybe ill give it a listen.
Thanks for this, Robert. Good review. I'm also more of a Beatles in stereo fan, but I bought the box set. The sound on 'Meet The Beatles' is underwhelming. But from 'The Beatles' Second Album' on, the sound is more open and dynamic.
Thanks. I'm having doubts if I will buy the box or not but this helped. I will get the blue MTB cause of it's novelty and just to have the album that started Beaylemania ij the US and AHDN cause essentially its a different album from the UK.
don’t need to watch this one…the answer is ‘no’…how many more times do they expect us to pay for the same recordings? If you’re a Beatles fan because you enjoy their music then get the EMI 2009 mono box set…The Beatles and their production team intended us to listen to their work up & through 1967 which includes Sgt Pepper & their psychedelic era…I do like the current remixes for the late period stuff (Let It Be…Naked is my choice for that material) peace
I saw the price my local shop was selling the standalone records on their own and paid 180 all together. Having the Beatles Story and actual box to me is definitely not worth the extra 120. I have everything Beatles on CD, but besides the reissue of Red last year and the singles box set, don't have anything pre-Revolver, so I gave these a go. I can kinda now put myself in my parents' shoes and experience the Bealtes like they did the first time around. I remember when I got their standardized (mostly UK, except for Magical Mystery Tour) that everything before Rubber Soul "looked wrong" and the running orders of Rubber Soul and Revolver were strange... now I get to have the steange feeling if hearing it "her" way. LOL
@@RobertFithen I really hope you're right. There are still many worthwhile releases the Fabs could give us - Rubber Soul deluxe reissue, Shea Stadium, Star Club, Magical Mystery Tour/Yellow Submarine deluxe reissue, and many more. I want Apple to focus on those. But I'm afraid some accountant is going to see that the 1964 box sold out in less than a month and the that individual mono album reissues are selling well, and then decide that the next project should be a 1965/66 box with a ridiculously inflated price (again) and no decent extras (again). So frustrating because it really doesn't have to be this way.
I pre-ordered 4 of the LP's where my originals were BEAT TO SHIT from being played a lot on my Webcor record eating/playing machine I had in till I got better turntable in August 1968. Still waiting for delivery from the In-Groove.
The Hard Day's Night UA release is in intrical part of the Beatles' US canon. It contains the short version of "I'll Cry Instead" along with instrumental tracks from the movie. Something New has the longer version of "I'll Cry Instead" and you do get the German version of "I Want to Hold Your Hand." - These LPs are easy to get in the USA, however, if you want copies close to mint condition, you're paying upwards of $100+ a pop.. Only the crappy condition ones are $10.. This release was to pay homage to the Dave Dexter mastering that are ONLY available in the USA. The 2014 Mono box is much better sonically over these. This box is a must have for collectors and people who want fresh copies of the US releases. The 2014 mono box was prices cheap and I believe they lost $$ on that one. This one is priced higher but no extras are included.
Dave Dexter mastering is not on "A Hard Day's Night" soundtrack. German "I Want To Hold Your Hand" is on "Something New". So, these are not reasons to have the US "Hard Day's Night Soundtrack". The price of the box set is ridiculous because you can get the individual albums for cheaper.
I BOUGHT THE 6 BEATLES ALBUMS FROM AMAZON. GOT THEM ON FRIDAY. COST ME $ 140.00 ! 😀 THEY SOUND GREAT ! 👍❤ ...THE BEATLES STORY I HAVE IN STEREO IN MINT CONDITION. THE BOX AND THE MONO BEATLES STORY I DON'T NEED. OVER PRICED AT OVER $300.00 😳
All I want are unlimited new pressings of the Parlophone mono tapes that Sean Magee remastered for the 2014 box set. Those are definitive according to *everybody* & hi-res digital masters are surely available, 24/7, whenever Apple wants to actually let their fans who don't have a spare $1000 hear the real music on good vinyl. 😭
It seems like the plan might be to hold off on that (and all-analogue stereo releases) and put out other configurations first to maximize on profit. They probably assume (correctly) that if they issued definitive vinyl versions, people would buy those and be satisfied, never returning to buy remixes, new projects, soundtracks, etc.) It's all about the $$$
“Wait, it’s a record collector, he don’t have any friends” 🤣🤣
That line was way too relatable...
I haven't laughed that hard in ages. 😂
I Love the sense of humor that you bring to your channel!
Thanks!! Glad you appreciate the atrempts at humor.
Wow Robert I love the brutal honest review again, the hype was crazy about this one. we need this intervention .
I just watched two other reviews by respected audiophile guys (Mike at the In groove & Mazzy) they raved about the sound and how much better these new releases are.... so go figure???
Dropped in for the review, stayed for the floor show 😂 great work.
Thanks!!
Excellent review of the boxset. The "intervention" was a classic. That alone desverves to have an additional 10k added to your subscriber count. Thanks for putting out new content Robert. I always look forward to new videos from you!!
Thanks! I wonder how many turned off the video before the intervention.
This is a great video Robert. Been watching for years and appreciate the effort you put into this one. You also made me feel better about passing on this boxset. I think ill pick up one or two down the road, but no need for all of them. Thanks again.
Especially when individually they're less expensive. This box really makes no sense.
@@RobertFithenI agree, as a 68 yrs young Beatles fan and collector and within the last few yrs I've starting collecting again after a long absense, anyway I did pick up the first 5 albums individually and so glad I did, I think they sound fantastic and if they release another batch I'll pick those up as well! Love your channel and your acting!
Haha , Love the intervention !! 😂😂😂 ‘ A fortune pissed away ! ‘ I thought Aja might have been the breakthrough needed 😂
It was too far away from the old woman. Dire Straits was in arm's reach. Lol
Did not expect the intervention. But very funny and amazing production quality/editing!
Thanks!!
I’ll agree to that, Robert. There should have been something exclusive to the box that that was probably more interesting for most people than The Beatles’ Story.
29:03 is perfection!! So funny Robert!! Cheers!!
Thanks!! A rare jazz fan who has little to say. lol
Absolutely brilliant. The best thing I have ever seen on a vinyl collectors channel! 👍
Wow! Thank you!
Holy shit.......Intervention Guy and Turn my Chair Around Cowboy Guy need to make more appearances. Great video!
Lol I remember Cowboy Guy from the Album Vs Album video, years ago 😂
Thanks!
Great memory. Jazz guy was there too. Lol
@@RobertFithen Ahh yes! My favorite was "Pink Vinyl" Guy. Is he still alive??? 😬🤪
@@RobertFithen All i know is that had to be a ton of work to get all those folks in the video. Thanks for the effort. I got a real good laugh out of it.
Five Star Beatles box review! The vide gets my vote as the Best 2024 You Tube record review! Congratulations!
Thanks!! I put some effort into it.
Spoiler alert: When Robert smashes that Dire Straits record I was thinking- what if he flubbed the scene? But then I remembered he had 8 other copies of the same record to use for multiple takes 😂
My wife watched this with me and couldn't agree more about the intervention for me! 🤣
you, sir, really put in the work - well done
Thanks!!
I think I would like the fact that they're not sealed. Seems like I have to put a lot of effort into opening a lot of new records that are sealed so well I can't even find an opening or a seam to get started. lol
Buy them separately without the Beatles Story and the box and save $120.
I got 3 coming. Paid $20 each.
Exactly - other reviewers love these releases & the sound
Where did you find them that cheap? Everywhere that I’m looking I see them for $30 each. Which is not terrible but still.
@@SM7609 udiscover sale going on.
Great video and attention to detail. The info you gave about the different sources for the mono mixes was new to me and I find it sad and frustrating that it couldn't be more consistent.
Thanks!!
I'm so out of the loop that I didn't even know there was yet another Beatles boxset on the market.
Seems there's always one.
Wow - this took an unexpected turn. I needed this intervention, too. So, in a show of solidarity, I'm going to break my cassette copy of Mötley Crüe's "Theater of Pain."
Great review. I loved the “intervention”. Admit it, you loved that show!
Love your honest unfiltered reviews and comedic skills! This video was better than the box set possibly deserves. The addiction is real though... 😅
Thanks!! I will probably re-upload the "Intervention" part without the Beatles box review as a separate video.
@@RobertFithen Yes! it truly deserves to stand on its own. It's generally applicable anyway to anyone bitten by the collector bug...
The second half of this video was like the second half of Prince's 'Temptation'
This may be your best video 😂😂😂!!! Man keep them coming please!!!!
Thanks!! I will try
The Beatles Story was the first time, after Ed, I got to hear the beatles LIVE, Only a few seconds, but back in the day , this was a big deal! Thanks as always, you,re a hoot!
It was always that record that entertained me the way I knew radio and records could for people in the 60s/70s before watching tv and film was such a main part of entertainment
Thanks!
And let's not forget the medley that's on the story as well,
Lololol - wasn't expecting an ACTUAL intervention, ha! The "clueless cool rock shirt girl" was a nice touch!
I'll be sure to let her know. Lol
Very informative and funny video! I hope you spun Neil Young's The Needle and the Damage Done after making this! 😃
I got them all individual for $20 each. I like what I have hear so far, reminds me of my childhood.
Each to their own, thanks for the review. There is a sale on, the company’s name begins with a U.
Well, enjoy your 2 months stay in the Bahamas Robert!
(right in the middle of winter, such a good timing ;-) )
Seriously, that intervention scene was gold.
Thank you.
For the box set, I thought it was a cash grab going in and yep you confirmed it.
The effort is commendable, Cheers from Cape Town.
In 1972 I went to college and got to hear the UK pressings of the Beatles catalog and I found out quickly that our US versions were crappy sounding!! BC-13 is the best way to listen to the Beatles! Great job!! Go Robert
Thanks!! I've got some excellent German pressings that are now my go-to
That was one hilarious trip. Keep us posted how the rehab in The Bahamas is progressing. Get well soon. 😂
3:56 The only time that I know about this happening was with Ticket to Ride with the mono mix to make a fake stereo then folding it back down to make a mono mix
Ending is hilarious! Well-drawn comic characters.
Thanks!!
As a Beatles fan from the UK, I’m fascinated to know why US fans prefer the Capitol album song choices and pacing. However, even the 70s represses of US albums are sold for £30+ in VG+ condition due to rarity. It’s heartbreaking seeing the median discogs price be a third of what you paid!!
Simple answer, it’s what we knew. The uk packages were unknown to us back in the day, so they don’t have the nostalgic appeal.
Honestly, I got he box set with accumulated store credit. I was curious to hear how these albums sounded without the bass rolled off. I grew up with the Capitol albums with their fun artwork and track listings which include hit singles. I think "Meet The Beatles" is superior to "With the Beatles". I grew up with the stereo versions of these albums, so these U.S. mono versions don't really do much for me.
All I see is a fortune pissed away! 😂😂😂
I'd agree with you that it's probably a good idea to buy some tissue paper and place a sheet between each album to prevent the cover scratching. I've done this with similar box sets or stuff I've placed in storage boxes to prevent it and it works well, especially when there's a lack of room.
Also, it REALLY helps if you ever worry about some of the glossy covers degrading and getting stuck to one another.
Absolutely
This might be the best UA-cam video this year. Thank you for making this.
First ...thank you for your honesty about the boxset..and for clearing up which songs or albums are real mono or just fold downs or worse. Frankly I feel its really over priced
And secondly thank you for injecting some humor back into this hobby that we enjoy.
Hope you are doing well.
Mark Anthony K
Projekt Gemineye
"Video of the year" Wow! Thanks! Hope you're doing well, too. Wish I had the schedule to be on more streams.
Robert, you've outdone yourself with the wild intervention playlet. Loving the loopy dramatics. Bravo, buddy. Has Mark Knopfler called to complain? 😜
Thanks!! not yet.
Loved your take on this. Sorry about the record that fell off the jukebox. lol The end segment hits so close to home. Best, Tommy (a 60 year old collector who wonders where it's all going to end up.....).
OMG the second half of this video is PURE COMEDY GOLD to a record collector! LOL
"...and all these walls...well, they might as well be a wall of heroin...and it ain't no coincidence...that you play these with a needle...think about it."
Damn it man, that's rich! LOL
Thanks!! I'm glad I was able to get the box set to give .e a reason to make the second part.
UA-cam has gone crazy with the ads lately. This video had 26 🤦
That's a bit overkill.
The United Artists version has earlier mono mixes that are not the same as the standard UK mono mixes. They have single track vocals in many cases and other differences. So I understand why was included.
Aren't they the same as the "Something New" mono mixes?
@ The Something New mixes are the same as the UK mono mixes for the A Hard Days Night album. The United Artist mixes are earlier mixes. For example on And I Love Her Paul’s vocal is only double tracked on the hook and the middle eight. All UK mixes have him double tracked throughout and triple tracked on the hook and middle eight
I just checked the UK A Hard Days Night mono mixes and then Something New mono mixes. So it turns out I was wrong and right at the same time. The UK mix of And I Love Her has the double track vocals throughout and then triple tracked on the hook. But something new mono mixes, and the United Artists mono mixes are both earlier mixes that were done for the film. And then they were later improved upon for the UK release.
Great video, they should’ve just reissued the 2014 mono set
Totally agree.
Got to get people to buy this first.
Thanks for the informative review Robert. Also the intervention hit close to home. When you start hiding records and CDs in the washer and dryer, its time to come clean.
Oh man, the ending made me think shit do i need an intervention too? Im also getting older n half dead oh man just always have a record playing, always have a record playing! 😂
The Record Store in Fort Worth, Texas only ordered two box sets.
that ending is classic! Those record sleeves have to look better than the Stones mono record sleeves where the Stones have red faces...
lol the ending of this video took me by surprise
What Mr Jazz Fan had to say really spoke the most deeply to my soul. After all, "jazz... is life."
I think this box set is a neat idea. However, its inherent flaw is that, although it is a pretty faithful reproduction of its source materials, its source materials (the original US Capitol albums) were unfaithful reproductions of their own source materials (the original UK Parlophone albums). Like you said, there are tons of fold-downs.
I am not a fan of the US Capitol albums, but I could not resist grabbing Meet The Beatles (one of the few Capitols I hung onto) at Target for $37. It was just cool to say I bought an all-analog Beatles album brand-new in Target. And I enjoyed the listening experience for what it was: a fine reproduction of Meet The Beatles, NOT With The Beatles.
According to the insert, I Want To Hold Your Hand and This Boy are the only true mono tracks, and they definitely sounded the best. The others sounded fine for fold-downs, but obviously they have a ceiling. But my experience was positive. A bit of a gimmick, perhaps, but fun.
And I now need to find a Wally Traugott stereo Meet The Beatles. You have inspired me. I might have to hunt down late 70s stereo recuts of everything on Capitol now!
Those late 70s Capitol pressings are definitely underrated. Be sue to get "Yesterday and Today". Most late 70s (except Jacksonville) pressings of that album have replaced the fake mono with true stereo versions.
Hehe I was pleased to see it was the real box set this time. And this is a perfect fitting set for you
That really took a turn! Love it!
Great video. I appreciate the straight skinny.
Thanks!
Insulting the intelligence of record buyers is a stupid marketing strategy. Excellent vid. Different and humorous. Nice work.
Thanks!!
Great video
I received my complimentary copy of the Rolling Stones' In Mono box but somehow I doubt I'd get sent this one, although I did receive the 2023 red and blue expanded editions when they came out. I'll still do a video if I do, though.
I got this with store credit. Lol
legendary awesome video have a great weekend Robert and also I feel sad ❤😢
Thanks!!
I will invest the money in a complete set of Steely Dan records then🙂
A near mint mono Second Album will set you back about 300 dollars, if you can find one. I bought one back in 2006. It cost over 200 dollars.
I’d rather have that for $300. Actually, I’d just buy Danzig’s first record if I had $300 to spend on records
Haha, great video! Not quite the ending I was expecting. Lol
I know it's not worth it.. I was determined to wait this out, until prices came way down, but after hearing how limited and heavily allocated it is, I caught a bit of fomo and went for it, but only because I found a working 20% off coupon from The Sound of Vinyl. That took the sting away some. 😬
I also picked up the Target MTB pressing, so guess I'm stocked up now. 😅
I already have all the UK & and some German pressings, etc - mono & stereo, but didn't really have these US pressings, besides super beat up copies I inherited, that are pretty much unplayable, so it'll be nice to have clean, new copies to spin. 👍 Yes, it's a sickness, but I love the Beatles! 🍻
Always good to save those "percent off" coupons for a big purchase like this.
The intervention bit was genius, loved it! So so funny!
Thanks!!
I’ll go ahead and defend this set. When Apple released the 2014 CD set of the US albums, they used the UK mixes instead of the original US versions (as bad as they are) in a number of cases, and people lost their minds. So I think they took the right approach here by using the original US tapes. So what I would say is this - - if you grew up with these albums, as I did, this will be like an old friend. If you grew up listening to the UK versions, you will probably think that this is an atrocity. It’s very much a “your mileage may vary“ kind of thing.
I agree that they correctly used the US mixes, but they could have added an exclusive album of UK mixes or rare tracks or something to justify that outrageous price tag.
5:30 - Original mono Capitol LPs are difficult to find - -in great shape, really. I picked up the Target exclusive of Meet the Beatles, found a really decent sounding Beatles 65 in mono at a record show last week, and would like to score a new copy of Beatles' Second Album. I'm in the minority of fans and critics in that I loved the mixes of She's a Woman and I Feel Fine. Those were the first and fiercest versions I'd ever heard, and I was disappointed in the UK versions - too light. The two songs sounded like they were performed live and I've always loved them.
I wish I could have bought this, but with my surgery coming up, I so was not gonna shout out $300+ for it, but looking forward to hearing them when I get my copies in, I bought them individually.
Individually is probably better (each in shrink warp) and definitely less expensive.
At least the AHDN UA soundtrack contains the longer "I'll Cry Instead". I don't know if you remember, but the STEREO pressing of the UA soundtrack had the instrumentals in stereo and the Beatles tracks in mono (Tell Me Why was panned back and forth slightly off center to "imitate" stereo, but it was the mono tape). So by hearing the UA soundtrack in mono you are missing very little.
I remember that silly panning. I grew up with the mono version and didn't hear the stereo one until I was in my 30's and actually laughed when I heard that panning.
To get the best sound out of MONO records you have to have a Mono Cartridge as well if anyone is not aware of that . .I know you are Rob but some may not..
Hey Robert, I have all the UK release Beatles albums many times over. I have 2 copies of the UK 2014 Mono box set because…….. Well anyway, I’ve long been intrigued by the story of the U.S. releases that Dave Dexter Jnr put together, but have never seen or heard any because decent quality copies are rare in the U.K. I’m really keen to hear first hand how the U.S. we’re listening to The Beatles. About a year ago I’d made a commitment to myself that I’d start searching in earnest to put together a decent U.S collection. To date I’d not found or purchased any so when this box set was announced I was excited to be able to scoop up half the collection in one go. It’s got me thinking that perhaps this set is aimed less at the U.S. market and more at the rest of the world.
Loved your review and am keen to hear more on the U.S. perspective.
All the best buddy!
Thanks!! You're lucky to have not just one, but two of the UK mono box.
27:30 - It ain't no coincidence you play them...with a needle. 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
The UA Hard Day’s Night album was the only reason that the film was made - if it tanked, they’d still making a killing with the LP. Capitol’s answer, Something New, featured 5 of the 8 songs (only 4 of which made it to the film since Dick Lester dumped “I’ll Cry Instead for “Can’t Buy Me Love” for the bit in the field) in UA’s album, but it couldn’t officially be a soundtrack. Remember, soundtrack albums were big business at the time.
Seems like making you sell records from your collection would make more sense than just breaking them.
Got it for Christmas. LOVE it. AND whether intentional or not, on the Beatles 2nd Album "I Call Your Name" is an alternate take. I think it's a mistake, but my ears perked up straight away when I heard the opening. I pulled out the vintage 2nd Album with the Apple label, and definitely something worth noting here. It's definitely an error. Not sure HOW this happened.
With "I Call Your Name", the mono take is different than the stereo one.
i am new to this channel, i live in switzerland, i just order the box
I’ve been on the fence about buying these LPs. (No interest in the box set or The Beatles Story.) I’ve collected clean original mono copies of the Capitol LPs and enjoy them as artifacts from that era. I just don’t know if I would actually play the new copies all that much. I could buy some cool vintage LPs (that I would actually play) with that same $180.
I didn't actually pay money for it. Just store credit and I probably won't be keeping it. If you've got the cash, go for something else.
This may be blasphemous, but my dream Beatles release would be a Giles Martin stereo remix edition of the US albums. Great intervention, takes me back to my younger days.
Youre right, that would be awful. Lol
I picked up the Hard Days Night at my local store and I have to say it sounds fantastic and I’m not biggest Beatles fan, probably will pick up a couple more but no box set spent that $ on the Rhino Doors that dropped on Friday, had to add the skit at the end is not only hilarious but so true for us all, you know how many times I said no more this month and something new comes out I feel like I have to have
I wish I would have known about that Doors set. Now it's too late.
Wow it dropped Friday I jumped on it 8am thought it would last at least week, They will release the albums individually eventually
“ I guess I’m glad to have it” lol
I had to try to convince myself. I don't really think it's working
Mono is good, mono is your friend, mono love you long time.
Until you get mono
@@RobertFithen Swollen pride.
@@BrianRoberson-k7g T'was a pun.
@@RobertFithen I'm gland that you clarified that.
I am very excited about this release and bought the individual records. I have never listened to the Beatles Story. I have the cd box set maybe ill give it a listen.
Your “Hard Days Night” record fell of the table…
Why didn’t they include Help or Rubber Soul?
It's just supposed to be the 1964 albums (which really doesn't explain "The Early Beatles")
Holy $hit I knew I'd witness a live record intervention eventually, but I didn't think it'd be you... pls get help Towelie!!!
Thanks for this, Robert. Good review. I'm also more of a Beatles in stereo fan, but I bought the box set. The sound on 'Meet The Beatles' is underwhelming. But from 'The Beatles' Second Album' on, the sound is more open and dynamic.
fkn funny! Good work, Robert.
Thanks!!
Lol loved this.
Robert, did you buy this box set or did the record company send one to you?^
I got it with a bunch of store credit that was saved up. I probably won't keep it.
Thanks. I'm having doubts if I will buy the box or not but this helped. I will get the blue MTB cause of it's novelty and just to have the album that started Beaylemania ij the US and AHDN cause essentially its a different album from the UK.
don’t need to watch this one…the answer is ‘no’…how many more times do they expect us to pay for the same recordings? If you’re a Beatles fan because you enjoy their music then get the EMI 2009 mono box set…The Beatles and their production team intended us to listen to their work up & through 1967 which includes Sgt Pepper & their psychedelic era…I do like the current remixes for the late period stuff (Let It Be…Naked is my choice for that material) peace
I only got past the first sentence. Don't need to read this comment to reply.
I saw the price my local shop was selling the standalone records on their own and paid 180 all together. Having the Beatles Story and actual box to me is definitely not worth the extra 120.
I have everything Beatles on CD, but besides the reissue of Red last year and the singles box set, don't have anything pre-Revolver, so I gave these a go. I can kinda now put myself in my parents' shoes and experience the Bealtes like they did the first time around.
I remember when I got their standardized (mostly UK, except for Magical Mystery Tour) that everything before Rubber Soul "looked wrong" and the running orders of Rubber Soul and Revolver were strange... now I get to have the steange feeling if hearing it "her" way. LOL
That's what they are for. Nostalgia. That's why I got them. It certainly wasn't for sound quality.
Think EMI / Apple Jumped The Shark 🦈 With This Box. The Intervention Was Warrented. One Less Dire Straits Album ..
I agree. I think Apple knows it, too. They apparently scaled back quantities quite a bit.
@@RobertFithen I really hope you're right. There are still many worthwhile releases the Fabs could give us - Rubber Soul deluxe reissue, Shea Stadium, Star Club, Magical Mystery Tour/Yellow Submarine deluxe reissue, and many more. I want Apple to focus on those. But I'm afraid some accountant is going to see that the 1964 box sold out in less than a month and the that individual mono album reissues are selling well, and then decide that the next project should be a 1965/66 box with a ridiculously inflated price (again) and no decent extras (again). So frustrating because it really doesn't have to be this way.
I'll pass. I was 10 years old in '64 and had all of these. I did buy the CD set a while back, but strictly as a nostalgia trip.
It's not sealed to prevent stores from breaking them up and selling them individually.
Getting them individually is actually cheaper though.
I pre-ordered 4 of the LP's where my originals were BEAT TO SHIT from being played a lot on my Webcor record eating/playing machine I had in till I got better turntable in August 1968. Still waiting for delivery from the In-Groove.
The Hard Day's Night UA release is in intrical part of the Beatles' US canon. It contains the short version of "I'll Cry Instead" along with instrumental tracks from the movie. Something New has the longer version of "I'll Cry Instead" and you do get the German version of "I Want to Hold Your Hand." - These LPs are easy to get in the USA, however, if you want copies close to mint condition, you're paying upwards of $100+ a pop.. Only the crappy condition ones are $10.. This release was to pay homage to the Dave Dexter mastering that are ONLY available in the USA. The 2014 Mono box is much better sonically over these. This box is a must have for collectors and people who want fresh copies of the US releases. The 2014 mono box was prices cheap and I believe they lost $$ on that one. This one is priced higher but no extras are included.
Dave Dexter mastering is not on "A Hard Day's Night" soundtrack. German "I Want To Hold Your Hand" is on "Something New". So, these are not reasons to have the US "Hard Day's Night Soundtrack". The price of the box set is ridiculous because you can get the individual albums for cheaper.
We need the stereo copy 😊...it is still not good when it is mono...I have with the Beatles in stereo on CD it sounds great 😊
Ha! That Led Zeppelin chick gave me flashbacks of some of the dates I had! 😬
Lol
I BOUGHT THE 6 BEATLES ALBUMS FROM AMAZON. GOT THEM ON FRIDAY. COST ME $ 140.00 ! 😀 THEY SOUND GREAT ! 👍❤ ...THE BEATLES STORY I HAVE IN STEREO IN MINT CONDITION. THE BOX AND THE MONO BEATLES STORY I DON'T NEED. OVER PRICED AT OVER $300.00 😳
All I want are unlimited new pressings of the Parlophone mono tapes that Sean Magee remastered for the 2014 box set. Those are definitive according to *everybody* & hi-res digital masters are surely available, 24/7, whenever Apple wants to actually let their fans who don't have a spare $1000 hear the real music on good vinyl.
😭
It seems like the plan might be to hold off on that (and all-analogue stereo releases) and put out other configurations first to maximize on profit. They probably assume (correctly) that if they issued definitive vinyl versions, people would buy those and be satisfied, never returning to buy remixes, new projects, soundtracks, etc.) It's all about the $$$
@RobertFithen Blargh. At least now you know you can pull off bangs?
I love this video lol.
Thanks!! I appreciate that.
OhMan!!! That is fucking awesome!
Thanks!!