Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 30 October 2010
Having collected pretty much all the Beatles' CD releases since 1987, I would like to present my considered (but by no means definitive) views on the re-release of the 'Blue' Album Compilation (1967 -1970) which has been newly minted in remastered form by Apple Records.
For all fellow Beatles fans considering whether to invest (again!) in this title - I have played and compared it, track by track, against the original 1993 CD and also against previous digital releases that hold some of the same tracks, namely The Beatles '1' CD Album (from 2000) and the `Let it Be - Naked' CD Album (from 2003). My aim is to provide a useful, constructively-critical guide to anyone unsure about committing themselves to this purchase.
Disc 1
1. "Strawberry Fields Forever" - 4:10
I found the new version on the '2010 'Blue' Album to have far more detailed and defined mellotron in the opening bars of the song than the old 1993 CD, there's also better resolution to John's vocals to the point where the `splice' that makes up the two halves of the track can now be clearly identified; the increase in added information continues with the gently whispered '1, 2, 3, 4..1, 2' count by George Martin mid-song now clearly audible in the mix.
2. "Penny Lane" - 3:03
I think that the 2010 'Blue' version has much better bass definition than the 1993 'Blue' version and the piccolo trumpet and flute scores are now crisper and more believable, Ringo's symbols now have truer metallic edge and Paul's plaintive vocal is fuller in the mix.(It has to be noted that the version on the '1' album was particularly bright and brittle sounding in the brass section).
3. "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" - 2:02
It seems obvious to me that the Yellow Submarine - 'Songtrack' versions of the next three songs sound superior to anything available on the 1993 & 2010 'Blue' albums, in this case Paul's vocal is delivered with greater scale and dynamics, Ringo's snare has a real 'crack' to the impact on the drum skin and the French Horn parts are full of vigour.
4. "With a Little Help from My Friends" - 2:44
The superlatives continue with the Yellow Submarine - 'Songtrack' version of this track too, starting with the lead vocal from Ringo which has the kind of resolution that makes you believe he's in the room with you, allied to the stunningly detailed answering harmonies from John and Paul and the crisp and realistic tone to the tambourine that now doesn't sound like someone shaking aluminium bottle-tops. Nothing on the1993 or 2010 'Blue' album versions come anywhere near it.
5. "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds" - 3:28
Again I think that the Yellow Submarine - 'Songtrack' delivers the best rendition of John's psychedelic song than either of the 1993 or 2010 'Blue' album's can muster, the stereo image is wider and more expansive the effects-laden lead vocal is more powerful and direct, Ringo's drums have better presence and Paul's bass sound is both richer and fuller.
6. "A Day in the Life" - 5:06
I actually much prefer the new 2010 'Blue' album's version of this track to the previous 1993 incarnation, it's clear from the outset that the reverb-drenched lead vocal from John now has a larger scale and that his punctuated end delivery of '....made the grade...t-t-t-t-t' leaves far more echo to decay far deeper into the soundstage; the climactic Orchestration now has real bite and menace and the ring of the alarm clock that signals Paul's bouncy middle eight is crisper and more defined than on the previous version.
7. "All You Need Is Love" - 3:48
Back to the Yellow Submarine - 'Songtrack' CD for the best rendition of John's `One World' signature tune in my view, the sweeping string section of the Orchestration has a more clear sonic bite and the lead vocal is more solidly delivered than either version found on the 1993 or 2010 'Blue' albums; Ringo's opening drum-roll is far more precise and the wandering cellos reveal each bow movement from there score in greater detail.
8. "I Am the Walrus" - 4:37
The 2010 'Blue' Album gives a slightly wider and taller stereo image than it's 1993 counterpart, as a consequence the mellotron part is now more audible, Ringo's drums are better defined and John's heavily distorted vocal is more focused; the trumpet score is now particularly large and imposing allied to the stronger potency to the swirling effects tape that punctuates and ends the song.
9. "Hello, Goodbye" - 3:31
I think the Beatles `1' Album contains the better sounding version of this bouncy single from Paul than either of the 1993 or 2010 'Blue' albums, although the detail level in comparison to both is 'brightly lit' which may not suit all tastes, it does mean the Orchestration of the strings is relayed with a touch more realism and the strike of Ringo's drumsticks against his symbols is audibly `metallic' - Paul's bass figuring is also fuller and more rounded.
10. "The Fool on the Hill" - 3:00
It's clear from the outset that the 2010 'Blue' Album version beats the old 1993 'Blue' Album CD as Paul's dreamy vocal delivery now has stronger depth and fuller studio reverb, the background timpani, triangle and maracas are all better realised and defined.
11. "Magical Mystery Tour" - 2:51
The smoother trumpet intro to the 2010 'Blue' Album version and its more accurate portrayal of Paul and John's driving vocals throughout the song allied to stronger bass and striking cowbell percussion means it is clearly better than the previous 1993 CD release.
12. "Lady Madonna" - 2:17
I much prefer the new 2010 'Blue' Album remaster of Paul's boogie-woogie style thumper to both the old 1993 version and the version on The Beatles '1' Album, the tack piano is better defined, the sax solo is stronger and Ringo's drum kit has a meatier drive to the beat.
13. "Hey Jude" - 7:08
Again I feel that the new 2010 'Blue' Album has the better sounding version of Paul's classic single, his opening vocal sounds creamier and his punctuation at the microphone and the bass and drum tracks really hit home hard as the song builds to its climax. (It has to be noted that the Beatles '1' Album version was plagued with sibilance to the vocal and brittleness to the sound of the symbols in comparison)
14. "Revolution" - 3:21
In my opinion the 2010 'Blue' Album version of this rocker beats the 1993 incarnation in every department, it's a no-brain clear winner with superior drums, guitar, bass and vocals - wow.
Disc 2
1. "Back in the U.S.S.R." - 2:45
In my opinion the 2010 'Blue' Album version only just pips the 1993 'Blue' Album version - as this track probably comes the closest to saying that there's no dramatic sonic improvement, the vocals are a little clearer and the tack piano is a smidgen better focused with a touch better sound to Ringo's drum kit - but it's all very slight.
2. "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" - 4:45
I think the new 2010 'Blue' Album presents a perceptible upgrade to the previous 1993 release, George's vocal is sweeter with a touch more studio echo, Paul's bass is smoother and Ringo's kit now holds the beat with real 'snap' to the snare and metallic 'tap' to the high-hat.
3. "Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da" - 3:05
Again, it's my belief that the new 2010 'Blue' Album holds the improved version of this quasi-Reggae track from Paul, the core bass, piano and drums are all better presented and the handclaps that open the track now sound like human hands rather than damp rags.
4. "Get Back" - 3:14
I think the best adaptation of this driving single from Paul comes packaged within the `Let it Be -Naked' CD from 2003, the stereo image is far more accurate and the soundstage wider and deeper; Paul's bass is stunningly deep and the piano parts (both standard and electric) are far more defined within their own space in the sonic image - amazing.
5. "Don't Let Me Down" - 3:33
It's clear to me that the `Let it Be -Naked' CD has the superior version of this heartfelt song from John, Ringo's bass drum has a real 'kick' to it and the backing track of bass and piano are cleaner and more accurate than the new remaster.
6. "The Ballad of John and Yoko" - 2:59
It was a close call, but the version from The Beatles '1' CD seemed to me to have better vocals and piano than the remastered version on the 2010 release; it also suffers less tape-hiss and the simple drumming provided by Paul is relayed with better clarity.
7. "Old Brown Shoe" - 3:18
I believe The 2010 'Blue' Album has the best sounding version of this song from George, the remastering now brings clarity to the bass, tack piano and most especially to George's lead vocal which turns from the 'muffled' sound on the 1993 release to a delivery that more accurately describes that it was captured in the space of a vocal booth.
8. "Here Comes the Sun" - 3:05
It's clear that George's beautiful song of freedom and renewal gets a fresh outing on The 2010 'Blue' Album remaster, it trumps the previous 1993 CD version in most departments with significantly improved lead guitar, drums and bass; the background sound of the moog synthesiser is `fatter' and the Orchestration in the closing bars is portrayed with a wider and more crystalline stereo image.
9. "Come Together" - 4:20
As this Chuck Berry influenced rocker from John is based mainly on the trio of guitar, bass and drums it's significant to hear the improvements of all these instruments on the 2010 'Blue' Album remaster, John's heavily reverb-drenched vocal and Ringo's thumping drum fills are a clear step up from the older 1993 CD as well as the newer 2000 '1' release.
10. "Something" - 3:03
George's gorgeous love song gets a definite clean and brush up on the 2010 'Blue' Album version - his vocals, Paul's bass and the backing organ and Orchestration are all a major upgrade when compare to the dry 1993 CD and over-processed and sibilant '1' CD version.
11. "Octopus's Garden" - 2:51
It's clear to me that the 2010 'Blue' Album version of this upbeat song from Ringo beats the previous 1993 CD in every way, the drum track drives harder the high-hat and symbols now relay the detailed `tap' of drumstick on metal and the lead vocal, harmonies and bass figures all register far more distinctly in the stereo mix.
12. "Let It Be" - 3:52
As previously outlined, unless you're a huge fan of the 'Spector' mix of this single I'd point you in the direction of the 'unadulterated' version that exists on the 'Let it Be - Naked' CD from 2003 as the piano, vocals, drums, bass and harmonies are all superior in every respect. (for those of you who are partial to the `harps & harmonies' version then, although it falls short in key areas for me, the new 2010 remaster isn't too shabby).
13. "Across the Universe" - 3:48
Again, unless you're only interested in the 'Spector & Klein' origins of this track I'd wholeheartedly recommend the version on the 'Let it Be - Naked' Album, as you're closer than ever before to John's plaintive vocal held against a sparse but dynamic background of acoustic guitar and swirling swarmandel. (if you must hold to the overdubbed version, then the new 2010 remaster is a fair alternative - with only slightly improved sound over the 1993 'Blue' CD).
14. "The Long and Winding Road" - 3:38
A final call for all 'Phil & Alan' fans who can have a decent upgrade in sound by visiting the new 2010 remaster - but, in my honest opinion, the real gold lies buried within the `Let it Be -Naked' Album as this `undubbed' version clearly excels in all areas, you can easily distinguish between the makes of instruments within the generously expansive mix as Paul delivers crystal clear vocals over his Blunther piano parts and John delivers his best bass attempts on the 6 string Fender Bass whilst George's Telecaster solo has never sounded so rich and true.
So in closing, I can recommend this new 2010 Apple records release to all those new to the Beatles' musical catalogue as it's the best place to continue your journey of discovery of their recorded work (after the `Red' 1962 - 1966 Album) - for all those others, like me, who are already 'addicted', you can buy this CD knowing most of the tracks will give an upgrade in sound quality to the 1993 release....
However, if you don't have them already, I also recommend that you buy the `Let it Be - Naked' & The Beatles '1' CD albums to fully realise the best sounding versions of these 28 tracks.
