 ""It was our policy to give our fans their money's worth"" | 2008-09-25 |
| - Reviewed By User: A2SDM2D1X3HE7Z |
| This was the Beatles' 2nd album in the UK. Like the debut, Please Please Me, most of this album was recorded in one session. The cover was inspired by the works of Astrid Kirschnerr, whom the Beatles became friends with while in Hamburg. I heard a few takes of "Hold Me Tight" where Paul's voice cracks slightly on take 23, "Let me go on... ohbloodyhell!" (he was even the perfectionist back in 1963). Of course, the engineer (running out of patience) screams "24!" as the Beatles seem to get it right on the take used. On With the Beatles, the Beatles give a nod to Motown with their readings of "Please Mr. Postman," "Devil in Her Heart" sung by George), "Money (That's What I Want" and "You Really Got a Hold on Me" (I recall the latter being on the Beatles' animated series, produced by Al Brodax, where a snake is tightly coiled around Ringo). The Motown influence would be realized on original songs like "Not a Second Time" (part of a trilogy of "no 2nd chance if you blow it the 1st time" songs, including "You Can't Do That" and "Run For Your Life" on later albums; John sang lead on each of the 3) and "All I've Got to Do" (with jazz progressions on the intro). This album also features George's writing debut "Don't Bother Me," a slightly bitter lament over unrequited love, which if he didn't get back, he certainly wasn't going to give any other girl a piece of his affections. "Little Child" is a simple song which recalls the influence of skiffle (folk and blues) with a harmonica played by John. "All My Loving" became famous as the 1st song the Beatles sang on Ed Sullivan. Paul croons sweetly "Till There Was You" from the 1950's show The Music Man. Ringo sings "I Wanna Be Your Man" which, though written by John and Paul wrote this, was 1st recorded by the Rolling Stones as their 2nd single. George sings lead on Chuck Berry's "Roll Over Beethoven." Finally, opening the album, John sings lead on the catchy and exquisite "It Won't Be Long" with an impressive closing chord progression. In the USA and Canada, most of these songs would make their way onto Meet the Beatles (which used the same cover photo) and others would find their way onto The Beatles' 2nd Album, both released the following year.br / |
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 "9 out of 14 songs are five star caliber in my iTunes..." | 2008-08-25 |
| - Reviewed By moviefanatic1899 |
This is a completely subjective review - not an in-depth analysis:
So I've had this playing in my car CD player for some time now, and I decided today that I'd sit down and assess the album in my iTunes - rank each song, and whatnot. It seems that a whopping 9 of the 14 songs I have felt worthy of receiving 5 stars - and I only give songs 5 stars if I feel they are worthy of repeat listening.
I regrettably do not have 'Beatles for Sale' as part of the catalogue of theirs in my iTunes, but looking at the other albums it seems as if I've rated more songs with 5 stars on this album than any other Beatles album with the exception of 'Abbey Road'. This does not mean that I think 'With the Beatles' is one of their artistic best, but it does give an indication that it is definitely worth owning due to its awesome listenability factor - you could give this album many repeat listens without getting bored of it. Here are the songs that I have rated 5 stars:
It Won't Be Long
All I've Got to Do
All My Loving
Til There Was You
Please Mr Postman
Hold Me Tight
Devil in her Heart
Not a Second Time
Money (That's What I Want)
I will say my least favorite on here is their surprisingly bland version of 'Roll Over Beethoven'. And with the large number of covers (exactly half of the album), it might be a turn off for some folks, but really, if you haven't heard them do stuff such as 'Till There Was You', you are missing out.
'She's got the devil in her heart
Oh, no, no, no, this I can't believe...' and with this, it seems I've finally gotten Coldplay's 'Viva La Vida' out of my head... thank you, George. |
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| "Wow" | 2008-06-28 |
| - Reviewed By User: A36JFH3NWV0DSN |
| This really is a pretty good group. The hairstyles are a little strange but I think they have the potential to be moderately successful. |
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| "Excellent" | 2008-05-31 |
| - Reviewed By User: A7MOT2V5I0BLD |
With the Beatles, one of the best collectable albums of the Beatles strongly recommended. I don't have that much to say, simple, the Mamas and the Papas of Pop and Rock music. The Beatles forever.
Cuban/French, Hector. |
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 "Okay album but it all sounds the same" | 2008-05-21 |
| - Reviewed By User: AQ4EDJDXBJUC7 |
Okay first off let me say im a big fan of the beatles but some there early stuff isnt the best. This album was the one that really started beatlemania but all the songs are about the same thing. Love, okay i mean its okay to have that as three of your songs but fourteen 2 minute songs is a little too much. But the beats are good and its a good basic rock album but its not as good as albums like revolver or sgt. pepper etc. Its okay
3/5 stars |
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| "Metamorpho With the Beatles........" | 2008-04-27 |
| - Reviewed By User: AHN34TYB15NWF |
People. As you know, your beloved Metamorpho can transport himself to different eras. Or so I've told you. And you have no reason to believe otherwise because nobody knows what is real or illusion more than a true Seer. And complete devotion is required, but not a pre-requisite. So, believe me, even with your own limitations on "reality". But - to the point, I can travel time with the help of certain ingredients, such as, malted milk shakes, caesar sald dressing, and salted cashews. There are, of course, other things I add. But they are kept secret because then everybody would time travel. Just think. Cleopatra would be bothered incessantly by lonely men in New York City. Not good people. And, besides, my special brew isn't even known by Colonel Saunders ( or his employees). Special. Huh?
Anyway, this time I wound up at some place in Liverpool called the Cavern Club. I think it was somewhere in the early 60's. Anyway, while nursing a drink and watching the mayhem a band on stage was creating, a man named Brian Epstein sat at my table. "What do you think of them"?, he asked. "Oh, I don't know", I said. "I think they are good but kind of rough looking. They sound good... but I don't know about that drummer". "You're quite right", he said, "but that can be taken care of", as I noticed a cheshire cat smile spring across his face. "And who are you"?, I inquired. "I am their new manager and I have very big plans for them", he replied. "Well", I said with total aplomb, "You'll never sell this group with them looking like street hoods. Clean them up - give them matching outfits, and maybe you'll have a shot", I said, nursing a shot of brandy. "You know, you're right"!, he said with great excitement. "Yes. and while you're at it, ditch that drummer for one more lovable. He just doesn't fit in", I said with total audacity (which is one of my strong points). "I will talk to them. Thanks"! And he ran off leaving me there to search for a Seeress. Take my word people, a Seerest was in very short supply in the early 60's. (I can say no more).
Anyway, this review is about that group. A group that broke all the boundaries. Personally, I thought that this Brian Epstein was looney to consider managing them and yet, yet, at that club I heard something that was great. Something that had a certain charisma - an appealing and infectious sound. They were different, sure, but with a sound that was filtered with their own cohesive abilities. They did old tunes with their own sound. And, to me, this was very new and interesting and alluring for the time.
Little did I know that after their first effort, they would go on to produce this perfect pop masterpiece. And, make no mistake about it, it truly is a pop masterpiece. We are talking about the Beatles, as you know. And they went on in future years to produce many masterpieces. But, for me, in regards to sheer joy, uplift, youthful exhuberence, and rock that was entirely unique and different than what had come before, this is a shining beacon in their catalog and everso shall remain.
What strikes me as so fresh is the interplay of vocals between Lennon and McCartney and the harmonies within. Add to that these chords that were never used in pop music before such as the ending of "It Won't Be Long" and the beginning of "All I've Got to Do". What is incredible to consider is the total group effort to making every nuance of sound count. They were a united unit at this point, each one adding an essential piece to a much bigger puzzle.
Of all their albums, and there are many, none of them make me happier than this one. It grooves, it loops, it does somersaults in the soul somehow. I mean, sure, this music conveys teen angst and the yearning of young love which was so prevailent at the time. But, it's the energy, the pop hooks, the construction of what they were doing which is so imprortant here.
You can't help but be caught up in this sound. The frantic strumming and oh so appropriate lead guitar in "All My Loving". The side by side rythmn and picked out lead in George's "Don't Bother Me". The harmonica rocker of "Little Child" with Lennon's exclaimation whoop! And let's not forget McCartney's foray into doing a show tune, "Till There Was You". What rock group of the time would have dared do this tune? But they did. And, got away with it too boot!
They took known songs and made them their own. "Please Mr. Postman" "Roll Over Beethoven", and "You've Really Got a Hold On Me" are examples of this. Yet, somehow they made the old sound new with their execution. In many ways, I prefer these to the originals. The Beatles, as time has proved, were always one step ahead of everyone. Then again, they set the bar high at this point and, with each evolution, the bar got higher and higher.
In closing, there are moments here I wait to hear. And, believe it or not, I never fail to get that charge I've heard a million times before. Why? Because it's the joy of music. It's the spark of life. It's four young men with confidence and total control. But mainly, it's the combination of four extraordinary musicians that captured our hearts and souls. And, that is for all time people. Anyone who doesn't have this in their archive is sinning against themselves. If so, I would recommend Metamorpho's handy, dandy reality cure. I could suggest a monetary donation. However, do keep in mind, it is priceless. Now, let me travel back there. That Brian Epstein owes me a drink and he also promised a young lady to fawn over your worthy Metamorpho!
All My Seering ------Metamorpho ;)
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| "From the Boneyard of Forgotten Classics..." | 2008-04-26 |
| - Reviewed By User: A27PS7WTIL86J |
| Just for the cover's alone, this record is worth the price of admission. The soulful "You Really Got A Hold On Me" along with "Please Mr. Postman" and "Money" are some of the best tracks on the record. While "Till There Was You" foreshadowed McCartney's talent as a balladeer. Pity these gems don't get more airplay on the radio, but I guess that's why we have CD players. Enjoy! |
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| "Awesome but Meet the Beatles! is better" | 2008-03-13 |
| - Reviewed By User: A1NOXDKW6DNKQ1 |
| Great album but if you can find Meet the Beatles! it is the only US release that was better than the UK release, it has less songs ad more original songs. |
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| "Big Fan" | 2008-02-23 |
| - Reviewed By User: AXBZX57RNZGNE |
| Saw the "Love" show in Vegas. Forgot how much I liked their stuff, so got online and purchased 13 CD's of the Beatles. Need I say more. |
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| "WITH THE BEATLES" | 2008-02-22 |
| - Reviewed By User: A1V3PHJ0HJ18LH |
This is the closest you are going to get to:"MEET THE BEATLES"
but still missing three songs:"I WANT TO HOLD YOUR HAND","I SAW
HER STANDING THERE"and"THIS BOY".I have the cassette tape of:
"MEET THE BEATLES"but to the best of my knowledge it was never
issued on cd???Although,the first two Beatle songs are very easy
to find "THIS BOY" is only on:PAST MASTERS Vol.1"...
While on the subject of English groups,the number two group:
"THE DAVE CLARK FIVE"is nowhere to be found on :"AMAZON" new or used??? It's like they never existed or fell off the surface of the Earth???However,"THE HISTORY OF THE DAVE CLARK FIVE" has
been reissued but the only place you can find it is on:Ebay... |
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