With the Beatles [180-Gram Vinyl] [Reissued] [Remastered]

by The Beatles

Overview

With the Beatles is a sequel of the highest order -- one that betters the original by developing its own tone and adding depth. While it may share several similarities with its predecessor -- there is an equal ratio of covers-to-originals, a familiar blend of girl group, Motown, R&B, pop, and rock, and a show tune that interrupts the flow of the album -- With the Beatles is a better record that not only rocks harder, it's considerably more sophisticated. They could deliver rock & roll straight ("I Wanna Be Your Man") or twist it around with a little Latin lilt ("Little Child," one of their most underrated early rockers); Lennon and McCartney wrote sweet ballads (the achingly gorgeous "All I've Got to Do") and sprightly pop/rockers ("All My Loving") with equal aplomb; and the propulsive rockers ("It Won't Be Long") were as richly melodic as slower songs ("Not a Second Time"). Even George Harrison's first recorded song, "Don't Bother Me," is a standout, with its wonderfully foreboding minor-key melody. Since the Beatles covered so much ground with their originals, their covers pale slightly in comparison, particularly since they rely on familiar hits (only "Devil in Her Heart" qualifies as a forgotten gem). But for every "Roll Over Beethoven," a surprisingly stiff reading of the Chuck Berry standard, there is a sublime moment, such as Lennon's soaring interpretation of "You Really Got a Hold on Me," and the group always turns in thoroughly enjoyable performances. Still, the heart of With the Beatles lies not in the covers, but the originals, where it was clear that, even at this early stage, the Beatles were rapidly maturing and changing, turning into expert craftsmen and musical innovators. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine

Product Details

Release Date:	11/13/2012
Label:	Capitol / Emi
UPC:	0094638242017
Rank:	4861

Tracks

1. It Won't Be Long
2. All I've Got to Do
3. All My Loving
4. Don't Bother Me
5. Little Child
6. Till There Was You
7. Please Mister Postman
8. Roll Over Beethoven
9. Hold Me Tight
10. You Really Got a Hold On Me
11. I Wanna Be Your Man
12. Devil In Her Heart
13. Not a Second Time
14. Money (That's What I Want)

Album Credits

Performance Credits

The Beatles   Primary Artist
George Martin   Guest Artist
Paul McCartney   Guitar (Bass)
George Harrison   Guitar
Ringo Starr   Drums
John Lennon   Guitar,Vocals

Technical Credits

Paul Hicks   Remastering
Paul McCartney   Composer
Berry Gordy, Jr.   Composer
Chuck Berry   Composer
Janie Bradford   Composer
Freddie Gorman   Composer
George Harrison   Composer
Robert Bateman   Composer
John Lennon   Composer
Richard Dropkin   Composer
Brian Holland   Composer
Georgia Dobbins   Composer
William Garrett   Composer
George Martin   Producer
Sean Magee   Remastering
Meredith Willson   Composer
William Robinson   Composer
Smokey Robinson   Composer
Guy Massey   Remastering
Richard Drapkin   Composer
Mike Heatley   Liner Notes
Tony Barrow   Liner Notes
Kevin Howlett   Liner Notes
Norman Smith   Engineer
Steve Rooke   Remastering
Sam O'Kell   Remastering
Don Covay   Composer