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How to listen to the Beatles re-releases?

There have been some stupid questions asked on these forums over the years, and several of those stupid questions have come from me. Perhaps here's another one for the ages...

I'm 38 and have never really listened to the Beatles catalog. I own "Peppers", "Rubber Soul" and "Abby Road" on vinyl, plus "Love", but wouldn't say I'm as familiar with their body of work as I am with, say, R.E.M (they were "my" band during my high-school and college years).

However, I've pre-ordered both the stereo and mono Beatles re-releases. What's the best way to re-introduce myself to the genius of the "fab four"?

Should I sit down and work my way through their collection chronologically? Is there a good companion book to read through while I listen? Should I listen to an album over-and-over until I really "get it" before moving on to the next? Both mono and stereo?

There are albums that I pick up and think "Wow...It would have been awesome to listen to this the first day it was released." Fleetwood Mac's "Rumors". CCR's "Willy...". Rush's "Moving Pictures". Etc. The excitement of the release. The cultural and musical context. The significance. I'll never be able to experience that with the Beatles, and I'd like to put myself in a place (mentally) to really listen to the Beatles for the first time (again).

Does this make sense? Blast away. I figure I couple of people will understand what I'm asking and have some thoughtful suggestions.
128x128nrenter
jimjoyce25
215 posts
 
Thanks. The NY Times reviewer said there was little difference between the stereo versions of Rubber Soul, so I was wondering whether your experience was different.

I've ordered the original and new re-masters of the stereo versions of Abbey Road and the White Album to make the comparison. Some reviewers have said the difference the stereo remasters make is most pronounced on these recordings.

I'd like to believe the new versions are better, and if so I will buy them. But I confess I'm a bit skeptical: I've done comparisons between the Rolling Stones original and re-mastered versions, and the original ones are far superior.
cam3366
31 posts
 
Cyclonicman - does the stereo version of Rubber Soul still have the voice coming out of one channel and the instruments out of the 2nd channel? Hope not!
cyclonicman
693 posts
 
Jim, I can hear little nuances between the stereo version and the mono. If you are a real Beatles fan as I am, you will notice it. For one thing the voices have a different timbre to them. There is virtually no equalization on the mono versions.

Cam, I actiually had to check it out, but Rubber Soul is as it was, with the voice on one channel and music on the other but it doesn't sound like it's separate as the 87 CD did. There is just a lot more music to hear than was available before on the original CD's. I think when you hear it, you will be happy with the results. My guess is that they didn't want to stray away from the original stereo mixes.
jimjoyce25
215 posts
 
Cyc: What I'm talking about are the differences between the old and new STEREO versions of Rubber Soul. It is these that are said that there are minimal differences. Is that your experience too?
ozzy's avatar
ozzy
7,495 posts
 
I feel the Stereo versions have minimal differences between these new recordings and the older ones.
The one area improved is that the bass is better defined.
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