![August 5, 2004 -- German Beat http://www.germanbeat.info/off_bt1_cd.html]( "August 5, 2004 -- German Beat http://www.germanbeat.info/off_bt1_cd.html")
August 5, 2004 -- German Beat
http://www.germanbeat.info/off_bt1_cd.htmlCan You Love It Again?
In 1960 and 1961 the Beatles for several months lived in Hamburg, where they were engaged by small local clubs. In this period, producer Bert Kaempfert signed the five musicians for the Polydor label. They recorded there first songs with Tony Sheridan. The first singles went over the counter. It wasn`t until 1964 that the complete historic recording sessions were released on an LP with the title "The Beatles' First".
Next to the titles that Sheridan sings, this album also includes a song interpreted by John Lennon (Ain`t She Sweet), as well as a pure instrumental (Cry For A Shadow). This album has been re-released various times and has sold millions of copies worldwide. Universal Germany presents this material now as a double-CD in a so-called Deluxe-Edition "It is 40 years ago".
The complete Stereo and Mono versions are to be found on this legendary Anniversary album. The additional "My Bonnie" version, and two further tracks by Tony Sheridan round "First" off.
The album is momentarily marketed exclusively via JPC. Admittedly, the concept of Stereo- and Mono-Versions isn`t entirely new. Three years ago the Bear-Family used the same concept. However, in the case of Universal, it is well-known that they are very keen on good sound quality. The 2000-released remastered version of the Stereo Album "In The Beginning (Ca. 1960)" sounded better than anything previous.
This new release is to be measured with this. We can conclude that sound-wise, "First" stays true to the Universal-standard both in the Stereo as well as the Mono mixes. The Bear Family Double-Pack is slightly below this, subjectively. The Booklet to "First" does not leave it unmentioned that there are not only two vocal versions of "Sweet Georgia Brown" but also two instrumental ones. On the 2000er "In The Beginning" contrary to the claim in the booklet, the non-Beatles instrumental was used however with a vocal from 1962 while "First" is based on the original Beatles track. The very distinct background harmonies of John, Paul and George can already be spotted. For the release of the 1964 "First" album, Sheridan recorded new vocal tracks. Tony`s then-manager also had the not so original idea to include a reference to the Fab Four in the lyrics: "in Liverpool they even there, they criticized the Beatles` hair" On the DVD, Tony`s and the Beatles` original version of "Sweet Georgia Brown" is to be heard.
After all which can be heard on the current Double CD, the seasoned Hamburg-Days-Afficionado who already owns everything ("Karussell-CD", "In The Beginning 2000", "Beatle Bop/Hamburg Days" the DVD and other older vinyl releases), asks himself: what additional incentive does this album offer? In an earlier press release, it was claimed the album would include a "rare Beatles interview" in German and English language that would have been it. How about the artwork? Nicely done with informative liner notes in German and English with lots of images of relics, as well as Photos, Reports, Recording protocols. A great package ideal for Newbies. As a present to rock`n`roll fans it is even urgently recommended.
Seasoned fans without a slavish urge to complete their collection got to be brave and ask themselves, "Can you love it again?"
Tracklist
CD 1: ORIGINAL ALBUM (stereo)
Ain't She Sweet
Cry For A Shadow
Let's Dance
My Bonnie
If You Love Me, Baby (Take Out Some Insurance On Me)
What'd I Say
Sweet Georgia Brown
The Saints
Ruby Baby
Why (Can't You Love Me Again)
Nobody's Child
Ya Ya
BONUSTRACKS:
My Bonnie (German Intro)
My Bonnie (w/0 Intro)
CD 2: ORIGINAL ALBUM (mono)
Ain't She Sweet
Cry For A Shadow
Let's Dance
My Bonnie
If You Love Me, Baby (Take Out Some Insurance On Me)
What'd I Say
Sweet Georgia Brown
The Saints
Ruby Baby
Why (Can't You Love Me Again)
Nobody's Child
Ya Ya
BONUSTRACKS:
My Bonnie (GermanIntro)
My Bonnie (w/o Intro)
Let's Twist Again (Tony Sheridan)
Top Ten Twist (Tony Sheridan)
