ANTHOLOGY 3

ANTHOLOGY 3 : Finally we've come to the final part of the 3 set of 3 CD Anthology that tells the story of The Beatles by The Beatles themselves.Quite frankly, I was quite exhausted myself and am feeling slightly glad that this has comes to an end. Thankfully, there is no 'new' Beatles song here. The novelty of 'new' Beatles songs have worn off after two ' not too great'  John Lennon composed Beatles tracks. Although nearing the end and The Beatles are not really on the best of term with each other, the magic did not diminish one bit. The music was as great and as astonishing as ever. There is really no need for any new materials, for the materials covered here are certainly more than  adequate to make up for any lack of new music.

Disc 1 :

A Beginning ( George Martin ) : As opposed to any grand 'new' Beatles music,we have here instead a short George Martin composition that paves the way for the blockbusters to come.

Happiness Is A Warm Gun ( John Lennon / Paul McCartney ) : An all time favorite, this was quite a disappointment for me. It only consist of the first first verse. Leaving one salivating in the mouth but never satisfying.

Helter Skelter ( John Lennon / Paul McCartney ) : Never a favorite of mine, this version is comparatively shorter and less heavy than the original.

Mean Mr. Mustard ( John Lennon / Paul McCartney ) : This is a rather short acoustic version of the famous "bbey Road" version.

Polythene Pam : ( John Lennon / Paul McCartney ) : The same for this song.

Glass Onion ( John Lennon / Paul McCartney ) : John double tracking his voice here on this track from the 'White Album'. Clearly he haven't decide on the final lyrics yet as he is heard struggling with the lyrics.

Junk ( Paul McCartney ) :  Even in unfinished form, the beauty of this song is undisputed. It did not surfaced in any Beatles albums until this and it first appeared in Paul's first solo album "McCartney".

Piggies ( George Harrison ) : George's turn this time to demo his song which will eventually surfaced on the "White Album".

Honey Pie ( John Lennon / Paul McCartney ) : Paul's so called 'granny' music which John loathed so much and which is actually quite pleasing to the ear.

Don't Pass Me By ( Richard Starkey ) : Ringo's turn on the mike. Never a favorite of mine. However, I find this work in progress quite appealing.

Obladi Oblada ( John Lennon / Paul McCartney ) : Not much different from the original except for the slightly blur music backing.

Goodnight ( John Lennon / Paul McCartney ) : A simple take of this Ringo's vocal contribution with piano backing. As opposed to the lush orchestral backing, this is actually way better than the original.

Cry, Baby, Cry ( John Lennon / Paul McCartney ) : As with the above, the less is more also applied here. Sings acoustically and beautifully by John, I preferred this to the "White Album" version anytime.

Blackbird ( John Lennon / Paul McCartney ) : Paul and his acoustic guitar along. Without the birds chirping sound in the background. This one could also be the better version.

Sexy Sadie ( John Lennon / Paul McCartney ) :  This is a relatively slower version of which the master is clearly the better version. This is one of my favorite on the "White Album" but this version could almost put me to sleep.

While My Guitar Gently Weeps ( George Harrison ) : This demo includes an extra verse that George have excluded in the final version but did included it in his live show.

Hey Jude ( John Lennon / Paul McCartney ) : Paul's rough stripped-down take on this mother of all sings-along. Stays faithful to the original.

Not Guilty ( George Harrison ) : This fine composition was left off the "White Album" after much rehearsals by reasons unknown. It was later remade by George on his solo album "George Harrison" acoustically. This Beatles version was never released until now. Now you know why George was pissed.

Mother Nature's Son ( John Lennon / Paul McCartney ) : Seems like Paul couldn't sounds bad even if he tried. This one sounds almost identical to the album version except for the minimum music backing.

Glass Onion ( John Lennon / Paul McCartney ) : The second appearance of this track with added sound effects. This one could passed off as the original save for some musical backing and the ending.

Rocky Raccoon ( John Lennon / Paul McCartney ) : An entirely different but clearly inferior's introduction. Clearly Paul have not decide on the final lyrics.

What's The New Mary Jane ( John Lennon / Paul McCartney ) : Amid all the fuss about this discovery of  a new Lennon / McCartney song, I don't really see what the fuss was all about. It was supposed to be on the "White Album" but was left off and I can see why. Only track it can bettered from that album was 'Revolution 9'.

Step Inside Love ( John Lennon / Paul McCartney ) / Los Paranoias ( John Lennon / Paul McCartney / George Harrison / Richard Starkey ) : Used to hear this every time I watch 'The Cilla Black Show" on TV all those years ago. So it was with some sentimentality that I listened to this and I loved it. I always loved to hears original versions of songs that artists gave to others and this is no exception. Can't say the same about the second track though. It was just something the boys made up as they jam along. Still it's tolerable.

I'm So Tired ( John Lennon / Paul McCartney ) : John here with his rough demo which is not really that different from the master. There were nearer the finished version. Due to over killed of the original song, again I enjoyed this version more.

I Will ( John Lennon / Paul McCartney ) : Paul's sweet little ode to his lady love. Sounds as sweet with minimum musical arrangement as it is with full.

Why Don't We Do It In The Road ( John Lennon / Paul McCartney ) : Paul's guiding vocal on this demo of this rocker. While not as intense as the finished produce, it display the full versatility of Paul's incredible vocal range. Amazing how he can change his voice. Just read somewhere that Paul got the idea for this song after sex encounter in the car with a groupie.

Julia ( John Lennon / Paul McCartney ) : This is more an instrumental piece than a vocal song with John singing a few verse and the let the instrumental do the rest. Beautiful.

Disc 2

I've Got A Feeling ( John Lennon / Paul McCartney ) : This one was always a favorite of mine on 'Let It Be". Not much different from the original except for the John's part where he confused some of the lyrics.

She Came In Through The Bath Room Window ( John Lennon / Paul McCartney ) : A rather slower and more bluesy type of version here. A favorite on the "Abbey Road" but certainly not this version. Could even sent me to sleep.

Dig A Pony ( John Lennon / Paul McCartney ) : The less is more also apply here. I much rather prefer this version then the one on "Let It Be". Not an outstanding John's composition but still highly listenable.

Two Of Us ( John Lennon / Paul McCartney ) : A work in progress of this heart warming song of two guys who have been through it all singing in close harmony. A favorite of mine but I sure miss the acoustic lead guitar and the chatting in between the song.

For You Blues ( George Harrison ) : The quiet one's turn to shine. This is a tamer version as compared to the album proper. The slide guitar which was an integral part of the song is here too. Good track.

Teddy Boy ( Paul McCartney ) : A rather silly but endearing song from the cute one that never saw the light of day as a Beatles song until this album. It, of course, made it's first appearance on Paul's first solo album ":McCartney". I like this version.

Medley : Rip It Up ( Robert Blackwell / John Marscalco ) Shake, Rattle And Roll ( Charles Calhoun ) Blue Suade Shoes ( Carl Perkins ) :  The Beatles goes back to their roots with this rip rolling performance that shows that they still can rock 'n' roll with the best of them.

The Long And Winding Road ( John Lennon / Paul McCartney ) : The big one from Paul McCartney that was cited as one of the reasons for The Beatles's breakup. This version was 'as nature intended' featuring only The Beatles and Billy Preston without the Phil Spector dressed up. Personally I don't see what the fuss was about. I kinda of like the original version more.

Oh Darling ( John Lennon / Paul McCartney ) : This Paul McCartney screamer version is rather tame as compared to the vocal delivered by Paul on "Abby Road" but it's fascinating to see the progression of this fine rocker.

All Things Must Pass ( George Harrison ) : An acoustic version of this beautiful and awesome song that The Beatles pass on that eventually went on to grace his first mega selling triple album with the same title.

Mailman, Bring Me No More Blues ( Ruth Roberts / Bill Katz /. Stanley Clayton ) : The Beatles went back to their root yet again and their love for Buddy Holly with this rather obscure number. Given The Beatles' standard, they could play this with one hand and  still have it sounds good and it did.

Get back ( John Lennon / Paul McCartney ) : Again there are so many version of this song, that I'm lost as to which one is the best version. Still, this version is of extremely historic value. It was after all the last song The Beatles ever performed as a unity on the roof top concert before they were silenced by the police. I wonder where the policemen are nowadays.

Old Brown Shoes ( George Harrison ) : Never was a fan of this but somehow this acoustic version forced me to give it another chance and I like it much more than the more polished version.

Octopus's Garden ( Richard Starkey ) : Ringo's turn to shine. This was another work in progress with the lyrics still not fully intact.

Maxwell's Silver Hammer ( John Lennon / Paul McCartney ) : I love this one and the version here is more joyful with Paul goofing around with his singing but the lyrics was pretty much decided upon.

Something ( George Harrison ) : Always loved this song. Just didn't realized that it could sound so good in acoustic too. Just George and the guitar.

Come Together ( John Lennon / Paul McCartney ) : One of my all time favorite Beatles song. John gave a typical committed live vocal that was not unlike Aerosmith's version of the song on the Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Heart Club Band movie.

Come And Get It ( Paul McCartney ) : Generally regarded as one of the greatest song The Beatles didn't released. If they have, it would surely have granted them another No.1. As it is, it was given to Badfinger who got the No.1. As can be heard, Badfinger copied the arrangement and vocal note for note.

Ain't She Sweet ( Milton Ager / Jack Yellen ) : Ironically, The Beatles got into a light - hearted jam session with this song which they have recorded but refused to released as a single. This version was a more laid back style as compared to their earlier recording which was more in the rock style.

Because ( John Lennon / Paul McCartney ) : Just The Beatles harmonizing with no music accompanying on this beautiful John's track from "Abbey Road"

Let It be ( John Lennon / Paul McCartney ) : Another rehearsal of this great soon to be classic by Paul. Although the lyrics have yet to be finalized, the beauty of the song cannot be denied. Great, awesome stuff.

I Me Mine ( George Harrison ) : Again not much different from the "Let It Be" version.

The End ( John Lennon / Paul McCartney ) : The end of The Beatles. This one starts off in unfamiliar ground before it moves onto the part that we knew and love so well. Breathtaking. DOP : 30th October 1996.