Rock

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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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 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: 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.