For perhaps the first time in history, thanks to my current listening project (the entire lp collection, alphabetically), I just listened to several records by The Beatles, and followed that up with a Sidney Bechet collection.  Jeff Beck is next.  Anyway, here’s what I just checked out:

• Meet the Beatles – some serious mop tops and Beatle boots on the back lp jacket.  One of the greatest versions of “‘Till There Was You” ever, perhaps second only to the Sonny Rollins version.
• The Early Beatles – I have always liked the way that “P.S. I Love You” is put together, and this lp has my favorite version of “A Taste of Honey.”
• A Hard Day’s Night – this is a first pressing.  Great tunes with funny, cute, sometimes cheesy instrumentals that don’t feature the band in any way.
• Beatles VI – rockin’.
• Help – this has always felt to me like the album that starts them on the path to Sgt. Pepper.  It’s clear that they don’t want to be merely rock stars any longer, but still have to hold that down.  “Ticket to Ride,” in particular, seems to me as if it is foreshadowing the studio trickery to come.
• Rubber Soul – I love this one.  “I’ve Just Seen a Face “is one of my very favorite Beatles tunes and if I could sing and play guitar (at all, really), I would rush on down to Passim for open mic night and belt this one out.
• Magical Mystery Tour – No, really, I’m the walrus.
• Yellow Submarine – Nothing quite like rock in 7/4.

See some things missing from that list?  Yes, and it’s because this is just the lp portion of my collection.  Speaking of lps, when I was a kid, the right channel of my dad’s stereo was out, so I learned The Beatles Revolver (in simulated stereo) in only one channel.  Imagine “Tomorrow Never Knows” with the drums only being heard through the reverb.

Oh, and since I haven’t said this yet, let me say it: Paul McCartney is an incredible bass player.

Next up on the list is a Sidney Bechet collection – Master Musician.  I love that guy.  In addition to great time, a great sound, fantastic groove sense, super groovy vibrato, and an excellent hat, Bechet is a master of spelling.  His solos are fascinating – in part – because the core content derives from a literal spelling of each chord that passes.  This will go on to be one of the most utilized improvisational approaches in the jazz language, but at this moment (1920s) he sounds freakish.

Best, R.