The Beatles in Stereo Box Set

The Beatles second UK LP (With The Beatles) is definitely not among my favorite Beatles albums, in actuality it is arguably their least great LP. That is not to say I do not enjoy hearing it in it’s 2009 remastered form nor is it to say that this album doesn’t have any groovy tracks on it because because I definitely do and it definitely does.

I do believe that when considering just the 8 original songs on the album, it is probably the least inspiring selection of original songs the Fab Four ever released on an LP (the underrated Beatles For Sale has a far better selection of 8 original songs) on the other hand, the covers on this album are pretty good (superior to the covers on Beatles For Sale.)

My most favorite original songs to listen to on the With The Beatles Remastered CDs are the first three songs. In particular I have been enjoying song #2 “All I’ve Got To Do” in the remastered mono. It sounds fantastic.

Another original that has really been growing on me a bit is song #9, “Hold Me Tight.” Paul McCartney wrote and sang this one and he’s been very dismissive of it. And while I’ll agree the song isn’t perfect, I do think it is a good time.

“Till There Was You” is my favorite cover on the album. It is an extremely cheesy sickly sweet love song but I think in some strange way it works because of that. The LP’s last song, “Money” is a great way to end the record. When I listen close to the versions of this song included in remastered box sets I actually hear the song as much more unhinged than I realized. It rocks pretty darn hard.

For most of the albums I do prefer the stereo versions (particularly with the mid to late 60s albums) when it comes to the 2009 Beatles remasters but I do think that this particular album sounds a bit better in mono.

But all things considered, The Beatles in Stereo Remastered Box Set is more bang for your buck. Get both box sets if you can, but I’d go for the stereo if it’s all you can afford.