Customer Rating: 
Summary: Metamorpho With the Beatles........
Comment: People. As you know, your beloved Metamorpho can transport himself to different eras. Or so I've told you. And you have no reason to believe otherwise because nobody knows what is real or illusion more than a true Seer. And complete devotion is required, but not a pre-requisite. So, believe me, even with your own limitations on "reality". But - to the point, I can travel time with the help of certain ingredients, such as, malted milk shakes, caesar sald dressing, and salted cashews. There are, of course, other things I add. But they are kept secret because then everybody would time travel. Just think. Cleopatra would be bothered incessantly by lonely men in New York City. Not good people. And, besides, my special brew isn't even known by Colonel Saunders ( or his employees). Special. Huh?
Anyway, this time I wound up at some place in Liverpool called the Cavern Club. I think it was somewhere in the early 60's. Anyway, while nursing a drink and watching the mayhem a band on stage was creating, a man named Brian Epstein sat at my table. "What do you think of them"?, he asked. "Oh, I don't know", I said. "I think they are good but kind of rough looking. They sound good... but I don't know about that drummer". "You're quite right", he said, "but that can be taken care of", as I noticed a cheshire cat smile spring across his face. "And who are you"?, I inquired. "I am their new manager and I have very big plans for them", he replied. "Well", I said with total aplomb, "You'll never sell this group with them looking like street hoods. Clean them up - give them matching outfits, and maybe you'll have a shot", I said, nursing a shot of brandy. "You know, you're right"!, he said with great excitement. "Yes. and while you're at it, ditch that drummer for one more lovable. He just doesn't fit in", I said with total audacity (which is one of my strong points). "I will talk to them. Thanks"! And he ran off leaving me there to search for a Seeress. Take my word people, a Seerest was in very short supply in the early 60's. (I can say no more).
Anyway, this review is about that group. A group that broke all the boundaries. Personally, I thought that this Brian Epstein was looney to consider managing them and yet, yet, at that club I heard something that was great. Something that had a certain charisma - an appealing and infectious sound. They were different, sure, but with a sound that was filtered with their own cohesive abilities. They did old tunes with their own sound. And, to me, this was very new and interesting and alluring for the time.
Little did I know that after their first effort, they would go on to produce this perfect pop masterpiece. And, make no mistake about it, it truly is a pop masterpiece. We are talking about the Beatles, as you know. And they went on in future years to produce many masterpieces. But, for me, in regards to sheer joy, uplift, youthful exhuberence, and rock that was entirely unique and different than what had come before, this is a shining beacon in their catalog and everso shall remain.
What strikes me as so fresh is the interplay of vocals between Lennon and McCartney and the harmonies within. Add to that these chords that were never used in pop music before such as the ending of "It Won't Be Long" and the beginning of "All I've Got to Do". What is incredible to consider is the total group effort to making every nuance of sound count. They were a united unit at this point, each one adding an essential piece to a much bigger puzzle.
Of all their albums, and there are many, none of them make me happier than this one. It grooves, it loops, it does somersaults in the soul somehow. I mean, sure, this music conveys teen angst and the yearning of young love which was so prevailent at the time. But, it's the energy, the pop hooks, the construction of what they were doing which is so imprortant here.
You can't help but be caught up in this sound. The frantic strumming and oh so appropriate lead guitar in "All My Loving". The side by side rythmn and picked out lead in George's "Don't Bother Me". The harmonica rocker of "Little Child" with Lennon's exclaimation whoop! And let's not forget McCartney's foray into doing a show tune, "Till There Was You". What rock group of the time would have dared do this tune? But they did. And, got away with it too boot!
They took known songs and made them their own. "Please Mr. Postman" "Roll Over Beethoven", and "You've Really Got a Hold On Me" are examples of this. Yet, somehow they made the old sound new with their execution. In many ways, I prefer these to the originals. The Beatles, as time has proved, were always one step ahead of everyone. Then again, they set the bar high at this point and, with each evolution, the bar got higher and higher.
In closing, there are moments here I wait to hear. And, believe it or not, I never fail to get that charge I've heard a million times before. Why? Because it's the joy of music. It's the spark of life. It's four young men with confidence and total control. But mainly, it's the combination of four extraordinary musicians that captured our hearts and souls. And, that is for all time people. Anyone who doesn't have this in their archive is sinning against themselves. If so, I would recommend Metamorpho's handy, dandy reality cure. I could suggest a monetary donation. However, do keep in mind, it is priceless. Now, let me travel back there. That Brian Epstein owes me a drink and he also promised a young lady to fawn over your worthy Metamorpho!
All My Seering ------Metamorpho ;)
Customer Rating:
Summary: From the Boneyard of Forgotten Classics...
Comment: Just for the cover's alone, this record is worth the price of admission. The soulful "You Really Got A Hold On Me" along with "Please Mr. Postman" and "Money" are some of the best tracks on the record. While "Till There Was You" foreshadowed McCartney's talent as a balladeer. Pity these gems don't get more airplay on the radio, but I guess that's why we have CD players. Enjoy!
Customer Rating:
Summary: Awesome but Meet the Beatles! is better
Comment: Great album but if you can find Meet the Beatles! it is the only US release that was better than the UK release, it has less songs ad more original songs.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Big Fan
Comment: Saw the "Love" show in Vegas. Forgot how much I liked their stuff, so got online and purchased 13 CD's of the Beatles. Need I say more.
Customer Rating: 
Summary: With the Beatles
Comment: This music is a treasure of songs that don't receive a lot of attention. I still remember hearing these for the first time, though my mind still expects the tracking from the original US "Meet the Beatles" release. The enthusiasm and energy on some of these songs reflects how happy they were to have finally made it to the studio after years of playing clubs. Their growth through the years is not foreshadowed here, but the rock and roll is pure fun. I will always love this music and the music that followed.
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