The Beatles Anthology Vol.2 - Another Great Addition or Just Weird & Wonderful? (The Beatles Anthology Vol.2 - The Beatles)

Member Name: Caveat-Emptor

Product:	The Beatles Anthology Vol.2 - The Beatles
Date:	25/06/09 (6 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: 'See' the blueprints of songs that lie behind the classic tracks.

Disadvantages: Not instantly accessable, perhaps,

My review of The Beatles Anthology Vol.2 - by The Beatles

Accompanying the popular television series a while back, were the Anthology releases. This is Volume 2 of what became a very popular short run of albums.

Unlike the usual Beatles compilations -the Anthology ones go little more left field - being full to the brim with early and rare recordings. Moving on from Volume one (which was mainly concerned with the early years) Volume two moves into the realm of their more productive era - and giggles, out-takes and alternative -version's it's way through 45 tracks...

Album highlights include - John's development of the brilliantly introspective Strawberry Fields (a song inspired by a children's home of the same name, whose grounds John used to play in as a boy).

This isn't the finished version that was released (which itself was 2 different versions, a semitone apart that George Martin got the dubious honour of splicing seamlessly together after a request from John -who loved the first part of one recording, but the end of another) -this is the song actually being arranged through various versions -what a treat!!

Also I loved Got To Get You Into My Love -you get to hear a pre 'motown' version before the, now legendary brass section, harmony riffs have been added...

Real Love -the 2nd single of a (posthumously -in the case of John -although of course George has now passed away too) re-united Beatles, is a wonderful treat. This is another of Lennon's lost demos that Paul, George & Ringo have finished off (rather brilliantly)

CONLUSION (IN MY OPINION)
Much like volume 1 -volume 2 of anthology is, while being fascinating and important; not simply a pop on and play at a birthday party etc album... It's just too obscure for that. But as a something to contemplate, while considering the amazing rise of the fab four, and finished classic songs that these out takes led too... Anthology 2 can't be beat.

Definitely one for the fans - and a 'something to consider getting'' album for every one else - As for me; I love it!

Hope you found my review of some help, and good luck with your bargain hunting!!

Best wishes,
Brett

Summary: If you liked volume 1 you'll love volume 2.