Broomstick by Paul McCartney – **

First released: 1997

One of the many "Oobu Joobu" b-sides from "Flaming Pie", but the song originates long before from about 1986 and also 1995. It’s nothing much from Paul and is probably why it remained in the can for so long.

Broadcast, The by Paul McCartney - ***

First released: 1979

Kind of a strange track from "Back to the Egg". Ian Hay provides a narration over a violin piece. I don’t know what Paul was thinking with this, but it is pleasant enough.

Broad Street Theme by Paul McCartney – ***

First released: 1984

Paul's theme from "Give My Regards to Broad Street", silly.

Bring on the Lucie (Freeda Peeple) by John Lennon – **

First released: 1973

Kind of a bland song from a bland album by John Lennon’s "Mind Games". The 2002 CD reissue has a demo version that’s no better. A remixed version is on the import only "Peace, Love & Truth" from 2005. There’s also a demo version released on 1998’s "The John Lennon Anthology".

Bring it to Jerome by Paul McCartney – **

First released: 2002

Paul sang this a few times as a soundcheck during his "Back in the US" tour. Later it was added to the DVD concert film.

Bring it On Home to Me by John Lennon - ***; by Paul McCartney - ***

First released: 1975

Sam Cooke wrote and had the original 1962 hit of this classic song that Lennon covered for his "Rock ‘n’ Roll" album. On Lennon’s version, he coupled it with "Send Me Some Lovin’". There’s also a demo version released on 1998’s "The John Lennon Anthology". In 1988, McCartney did his version for the "Choba B CCCP" album.

Bridge Over Troubled Water by George Harrison – (NR)

Unreleased.

George performed a version of this classic Simon & Garfunkel song with Paul Simon for a "Saturday Night Live" rehearsal in 1976, and later Paul performed it live with Simon in 2001. Too bad they didn’t add it as an extra when the second season of "Saturday Night Live" was issued onto DVD in 2007. As a result, I have not heard George’s version of this classic song.

Bridge On the River Suite by Paul McCartney – ***

First released: 1974

The b-side to James McCartney’s "Walking in the Park With Eloise". It is another instrumental. There was nothing about Paul’s composition to lead one to believe that this was supposed to be a companion piece as it just is a heavy bass-laden track that could have fit on any other album. It was released as by The Country Hams, and later was added to the CD of "Wings at the Speed of Sound" as a bonus track.

"Brian was a beautiful guy...he presented us well" by The Beatles – ***

First released: 1995

Snippet of 1971 Lennon interview included on "Anthology 1".

Brian Epstein Blues by The Beatles – **

Unreleased.

Unreleased Beatles jam dating from 1968. I’m not particularly fond of most Beatles jams and this is one of them.

Breath Away From Heaven by George Harrison – ***

First released: 1986

Still another "Shanghai Surprise" track salvaged for "Cloud Nine" by George. I’m not as big of fan of this tune as it kind of drags, but since it is sandwiched between "Wreck of the Hesperus" and "Got My Mind Set On You", a slower paced tune is welcome.

Brandy by Ringo Starr – **

First released: 1994

Originally recorded and left off of Ringo’s "Stop and Smell the Roses" album in 1981, but added to the 1994 CD reissue. It’s an average sounding song and completely understandable why it was left off the original LP.

"Brainwashed" by George Harrison – ****

First released: 2002

Here’s the backstory. George Harrison released "Cloud Nine" in 1987 and achieved a comeback he never envisioned. He expanded on this comeback by creating The Traveling Wilburys and going on a brief tour in Japan in 1991. The pressure caused him to start smoking again as he was never entirely comfortable with being in the public eye. Then 1994-1996 were basically Beatles years working on and participating in the "Anthology" series, all the while recording the odd track or two. Then he was diagnosed with throat cancer, then it went into remission, then he was stabbed in 1999 and soon afterward the cancer came back. He was working on many projects up to his death at the end of 2001, one of which was one more solo album release.

After George’s death, his son Dhani finished everything up with the help of Jeff Lynne and in 2002, this fine album emerged with vocals dating back to the early 90s. My only complaint is that I wished that they had added "Horse to the Water". Let’s hope that this isn’t the last we’ll hear from The Estate of George Harrison.

Brainwashed by George Harrison – ****

First released: 2002

A fitting conclusion to a fine George Harrison album. This title track continues George’s ongoing cynicism about life in general.

"Boys, what I was thinking..." by The Beatles – ****

First released: 1995

The "boys" appear on "The Morcambe and Wise Show" in 1963 and a comical interview segment appears before launching into "Moonlight Bay" on "Anthology 1". Video footage of this segment appears on the "Anthology" film.

Boys by The Beatles - ****

First released: 1963

Originally recorded by the girl group The Shirelles, Ringo takes his first recorded lead vocal with The Beatles and doesn’t bother to change the lyrics. So, it is quite amusing to hear heterosexual Ringo singing the praises of “boys”. This was always a good crowd pleaser and was Ringo’s sole singing contribution on radio and in concert until Lennon and McCartney composed "I Wanna Be Your Man" for him the following year. A 1964 live version appears on "Anthology 1" in 1995. A 1963 radio version appears on the b-side of the 1994 single of "Baby It's You" and not on "Live at the BBC".

When Ringo returned to regular performing in 1989, Boys became part of his regular repertoire and the song has since appeared on many of his Ringo Starr and His All-Starr Band compilations. Different live versions appear on "Ringo Starr and His All-Starr Band Volume 2 Live From Montreux" in 1993, "Ringo Starr and His Third All-Starr Band Volume 1" from 1997, 2000’s "The Anthology…So Far", 2004’s "Live 2003" and 2007's "Live at Soundstage".

Borrowed Time by John Lennon – ***

First released: 1984

Next to "Nobody Told Me", this seems like the most fully realized song from John and Yoko’s "Milk and Honey" album. There none of the persistent jabbering that occurs on "I’m Stepping Out" and "I Don’t Want to Face it", and it doesn’t sound like it’s recorded on a cassette like "Grow Old With Me". It probably would have remained unchanged had Lennon lived. It was the second or third single depending on what country you’re from and it’s on 1990’s "Lennon", "Lennon Legend" from 1997, and "Working Class Hero" from 2005. There’s also a demo version released on 1998’s "The John Lennon Anthology".

"Born to Boogie" (feature) by Ringo Starr – (NR)

First released: 1972

Ringo’s directorial debut about the phenomenon of T.Rex aka Marc Bolan, known primarily for "Get it On (Bang a Gong)" in the US, he had a lot more hits and success in the UK and died in a car crash in 1977. This film is a true treat for T.Rex fans with ample amounts of live footage. It came out on DVD in 2005, and admittedly I haven’t seen it. Ringo also has a small cameo as well.

Born in a Prison by John Lennon – **

First released: 1972

Yoko howls this tune from her and John’s "Some Time in New York City" album. It has a pretty good message, but is not one of Yoko’s best moments, even on HER standards.

Boris the Spider by John Entwistle – ***

First released: 1997

A live version by John Entwistle appears on "Ringo Starr and His Third All-Starr Band Volume 1" from 1997 (this version reissued on 2000’s "The Anthology…So Far"). This is one of the funniest songs The Who ever performed, originally released back in 1968 on their "A Quick One" LP.

Boogie Woogie by The Beatles – *

Unreleased.

John fooling around on the piano on the 1969 "Get Back" sessions. Nothing great at seven seconds.

Bony Moronie by John Lennon - ***

First released: 1975

Larry Williams wrote and recorded this song in 1957, which Lennon performs, for his "Rock ‘n’ Roll" covers album. I’ve always felt that it was the same tune as "Summertime Blues", but this song came first.

Boil Crisis by Paul McCartney – **

Unreleased.

A kind of a gross and stupid song about a man having a boil, that doesn’t even sound like Paul singing. Wings recorded it many times, but I think it was the 1977 or 1978 version that was supposed to be on the unreleased "Cold Cuts" album.

Bogey Wobble by Paul McCartney – **

Unreleased.

An unreleased companion instrumental of sorts that was going to be on "McCartney II" in 1980. Very strange sounding, but not essential.

Bogey Music by Paul McCartney – ***

First released: 1980

A real humorous treat for me from "McCartney II". Most may scoff at how ridiculous this song was, but I’ve always had a soft spot for it. Certainly better than the unreleased "All You Horseriders", which could have been on this album.

Boat Song, The by John Lennon – (NR)

Unreleased.

Unreleased Lennon track dating from circa 1979. I haven't heard it.

Boat Song, The by John Lennon – (NR)

Unreleased.

Unreleased Lennon track dating from circa 1979. I haven't heard it.

Boat Ride by Ringo Starr – **

First released: 1977

Ringo as Scouse from "Scouse the Mouse" singing about how exciting his boat trip is. Unfortunately, this song isn’t.

Bo Diddley – all versions – ***

Unreleased.

Many versions of the classic song by Bo Diddley include The Beatles during their "Get Back" sessions in 1969, Harrison in 1987 live version with Taj Mahal on vocals, and I believe I have a version featuring McCartney and others from 1979.

Blues Improvisation by John Lennon – **

Unreleased.

Unreleased Lennon jam from late 1969, that was just him playing about while he and Yoko were in Canada.

Bluebird by Paul McCartney – ****

First released: 1973

A pseudo-sequel to "Blackbird" and just as sweet, from the highly abundant "Band on the Run" album as well as performed live on the "Wings Over America" set in 1976. The studio version also appears on 2001’s "Wingspan".

Blue, Turning Grey Over You by Ringo Starr – ***

First released: 1970

Ringo recorded this for his "Sentimental Journey" album. Andy Razaf and Thomas “Fats” Waller composed it and Louis Armstrong had a hit with it in 1930.

Blue Sway by Paul McCartney – *

Unreleased.

Unreleased "McCartney II" track that wisely has stayed in the can.

"Blue Suede Shoes: A Rockabilly Session" with Ringo Starr and George Harrison – ****

First released: 1985

A tribute concert show with Carl Perkins, featuring both Ringo and George! Quite a rare treat in 1985. The video was originally released on video in 1985, reissued on DVD in 2002 and again in 2007. The CD soundtrack was finally released in conjunction with the 2007 release.

Blue Suede Shoes - all versions - ***

First released: 1970

Carl Perkins wrote and performed this classic piece of rock and roll, also covered by Elvis Presley in 1956. The Beatles ran through this song in 1969, but their version was not released until 1996 on "Anthology 3". When John Lennon agreed to do his bit for the Toronto Rock n’ Roll Revival, this was his opening number on "The Plastic Ono Band – Live Peace in Toronto 1969" released in 1970. Later, this live version was included on the Carl Perkins album "Go Cat Go" that featured the other three Beatles in separate performances with Perkins. It was also on 1990’s "Lennon" and "Instant Karma" from 2001.

George played it live with Perkins in 1985 on "Blue Suede Shoes: A Rockabilly Session".

Blue Moon of Kentucky by Paul McCartney – ***; by The Beatles – ***

First released: 1991

McCartney does a live take on the song on "Unplugged (The Official Bootleg)" in 1991. When The Beatles got back together in 1995, Paul, George and Ringo played a brief version of this for the cameras for the "Anthology" project which was ultimately released on the DVD version of "Anthology" in 2003.

Blue Moon by John Lennon – (NR); by Paul McCartney – (NR)

Unreleased.

Apparently, both John and Paul attempted versions of this Rodgers & Hart classic; Paul in 1976 and John in 1978.

Blue Monday by Cat Stevens - ***

First released: 1976

Ringo plays on this Cat Stevens' version of the classic Fats Domino song.

Blue Jay Way by George Harrison – ***

First released: 1967

George’s shining hour from "Magical Mystery Tour" with some amazing visuals in the film in a song talking about going to this particular address in Los Angeles and getting lost. It is also used for 2006's "Love" with the subtitle ("Transition").

Blue Jean Bop by Paul McCartney – ***

First released: 1999

Solid opener from Paul's "Run Devil Run" album is this cover of the old Gene Vincent tune from 1956.

Blue Christmas by Ringo Starr – ***

First released: 1999

As Ringo was and is a humongous Elvis fan, it was only natural that he would record one of the King’s greatest holiday hits for his "I Wanna Be Santa Claus" album. Elvis’ version originally came out in 1957.

Blowin’ in the Wind by Bob Dylan – ****

First released: 1971

Everybody and their mother has covered this tune, from Peter, Paul and Mary to Stevie Wonder, but it’s Bob Dylan’s version from "The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan" in 1963 that started it off. In 1971, he performed it at "The Concert for Bangla Desh". One of the better performances by Dylan.

Blow Away by George Harrison – ****

First released: 1979

Another one of my favorite George Harrison songs, originally from the "George Harrison" album. This actually doesn’t really sound like anything George has done before or since, making it a real standout track in his repertoire. It should have charted higher on the singles charts, but it didn’t have a loud enough 4/4 beat, being released at the peak of the disco era! It was also included on 1989’s "Best of Dark Horse 1976-1989".

Blood From a Clone by George Harrison – ***

First released: 1981

One of the four tracks from George’s "Somewhere in England" that replaced the four removed tracks. The lyrics are his commentary on what all the fuss was about. It’s a snappy upbeat song with a bitter lyric about how the records execs don’t like New Wave or Frank Zappa, but do like upbeat, catchy, commercial songs. This song might have even been a single had All Those Years Ago not been the appropriate release.

Blink by Ringo Starr – **

First released: 2003

One of three bonus tracks from the "Ringo Rama Deluxe Edition". Nothing special, but kind of catchy all the same.

"Blindman" (feature) by Ringo Starr – (NR)

First released: 1971

I have never seen this film, and would only see it as a curiosity as Ringo doing a Western doesn’t seem like much fun, but who knows. If I see, I’ll be sure to update this entry.

Blindman by Ringo Starr – ***

First released: 1972

The b-side from Ringo’s "Back Off Boogaloo" single, and later released to CD as a bonus track on the 1992 version of "Goodnight Vienna". It’s a very strange sounding track with many crazy instruments performing the backing and was the title track to one of Ringo’s movies that I have never seen, in which Ringo portrays a Mexican bandit.

Bless You by John Lennon – ***

First released: 1974

Strangely, Lennon produced more melodic and memorable ballads on "Walls and Bridges" than he did on the ballad-heavy "Mind Games" a year earlier. This is one of the sweetest ballads he ever did. A demo version was released in 1986 on "Menlove Avenue" and on 1998’s "The John Lennon Anthology". The original released version was also on 1990’s "Lennon" and "Working Class Hero" from 2005. A remixed version is on the import only "Peace, Love & Truth" from 2005.

"Blast From Your Past" by Ringo Starr – ****

First released: 1975

Until 2007’s "Photograph", this compilation of Ringo’s greatest hits was the best version to get. The only thing lacking is that it should have had "Sentimental Journey", "Goodnight Vienna" and "Snookeroo" on it, and if you made it like "The Best of George Harrison", it should have had "Boys", "I Wanna Be Your Man", "Honey Don’t", "Matchbox", "Act Naturally", "Yellow Submarine", "With a Little Help From My Friends", and "Octopus’s Garden" on it. "Photograph" included all of the mentioned solo hits, except "Sentimental Journey", which was available as a music video only.

"Blankit's First Show" by Paul McCartney – **

First released: 1986

Documentary from MPL about Linda's horses featuring Paul's lame "All You Horseriders".

Blackpool by Paul McCartney – **

First released: 2007

Unreleased McCartney song dating from 1971 and 1973. It was partially released on "The McCartney Videos" collection in 2007.

Blackbird by The Beatles – ****

First released: 1968

A typical “White Album” classic from the “animal” side of the album. Paul or someone later claimed that the song was about “Black Power” or some such shit. I don’t know. I just think it was about a blackbird. Paul has never been too deep on his songs, but will easily jump on the bandwagon if someone deciphers some hidden meaning in one of his songs. Later on, the song produced comparisons to Paul’s solo "Jenny Wren" from "Chaos and Creation in the Backyard". A demo version is included on "Anthology 3" in 1996. It is also used for 2006's "Love".

A live version was performed by Wings and released on "Wings Over America" in 1976. McCartney does different live takes of the song on "Unplugged (The Official Bootleg)" in 1991, and 2002/3's "Back in the US/World".

Black Maria by Todd Rundgren – **

First released: 1993

A live version by Todd Rundgren appears on "Ringo Starr and His All-Starr Band Volume 2 Live From Montreux" in 1993 (this version reissued on 2000’s "The Anthology…So Far"). Not a very good tune choice considering he could have sang "Hello, It’s Me", a song he refused to sing on this tour. Admittedly, this was originally off of Rundgren's classic "Something/Anything" album from 1972, but "I Saw the Light" was the hit off of that one, and he didn’t sing that one, either.

Bit More of You, A by George Harrison – ***

First released: 1975

Really you should see my entry under "You" for my thoughts on this song. This is just another snippet of it from "Extra Texture’s" second side. Sort of useless, not intriguing like "Sgt. Pepper Reprise".

Bison 2:40 by Paul McCartney – **

First released: 1989

Another trance track from Paul's (a.k.a. The Fireman) album "Rushes".

Birthday by The Beatles – ****

First released: 1968

One of the best Beatles tunes of all time, and one of the reasons I like the "White Album" so much. A live version was performed by Paul on 1990’s "Tripping the Live Fantastic" and released as a single at the time.

Bip Bop Link by Paul McCartney – ***

First released: 1971

Normally I would have included a review of a song with this type of title in with the "Bip Bop" review, but this Link is so dramatically different that it bears a separate entry. Paul was always an excellent tunesmith so this instrumental was probably just dashed off with the tapes rolling during "Wild Life". It’s not even listed as a track on the album.

Bip Bop by Paul McCartney – ***

First released: 1971

For those who think McCartney is not a good lyricist need not look further than this silly song. “Bip bop bim and bop bwip bwop bim and bam”. John Lennon was probably laughing! It’s on Wings’ "Wild Life". An unreleased version from 1971 of Paul busking about along with "Hey Diddle" was released for the first time on 2001’s "Wingspan".

Biker Like an Icon by Paul McCartney – **

First released: 1989

Released as the fourth and final single off of "Off the Ground". "Biker Like an Icon" is an uninspired bit of wordplay and a tune that McCartney must have loved, for he used it over again, albeit with a much slower tempo for his "Vanilla Sky" theme song. Paul performs a live version for 1993’s "Paul is Live". This version also appears on the b-side of the studio version of "Biker Like an Icon".

Big Boys Bickering by Paul McCartney – **

First released: 1993

One of Paul’s many b-sides for the "Off the Ground" album from the "Hope of Deliverance" CD single. This song is kind of dumb and mainly is an excuse to use the word “fuck”. John Lennon did it better with "Working Class Hero". It starts off pretty well, but soon degenerates into noise at the end.

Big Day by Paul McCartney – **

Unreleased.

Unreleased McCartney performance dating from 1987.

Big Barn Bed by Paul McCartney – ***

First released: 1973

A snippet of the beginning of this song appeared at the end of "Ram On" from the "Ram" album. Then it became the opening track on Paul’s "Red Rose Speedway" as well as on the "James Paul McCartney" TV special. It’s a good song, but lyrically it’s pretty stupid.

Beyond the Sea by John Lennon – **

Unreleased.

Lennon did a home recording of unknown recording origin (but probably around 1979) of this tune popularized by Bobby Darin.

Beware of Darkness by George Harrison – ****

First released: 1970

One of the better tunes on "All Things Must Pass". George must have thought so too as this was one of the selections he performed live in the following year’s "Concert for Bangla Desh". That version features a verse sung by Leon Russell for added effect. A demo version was included on the 2001 "All Things Must Pass" reissue, but as I am not a huge fan of demos (unless they were never properly recorded), it’s basically unnecessary.

Beware My Love by Paul McCartney – **

First released: 1976

Paul and Wings try for a meatier sound and it almost works. I’ve never been particularly fond of this song and it ended up on the b-side of "Let ‘em In" as well as on "Wings at the Speed of Sound". There is also a live version available on "Wings Over America", which is somewhat better.

Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea by George Harrison – ****

First released: 2002

I believe this to be the oldest recording on George’s "Brainwashed" album, dating back over ten years. George was very fond of this Harold Arlen/Ted Koehler tune and I am, too.

Best Things in Life Are Free, The by John Lennon – **

First released: 1998

Previously unreleased 1979 home recording by John Lennon parodying Bob Dylan and released on "The John Lennon Anthology" box set.

"Best of George Harrison, The" by George Harrison – ***

First released: 1976

Oh, how I wish it was! To date, there really hasn’t been a good George Harrison greatest hits collection. Although this does have a pretty good selection, it really is unfair to include Beatles tracks on what is essentially a solo release. Even Ringo didn’t have Beatles tracks on his "Blast From the Past" collection. Now with George’s passing and the fact that George’s entire catalog is now on Capitol, a career-spanning greatest hits collection is definitely in order.

As such, I would have removed the Beatles tracks, and replaced them with "Deep Blue", "Miss O’Dell", "I Don’t Care Anymore" (mainly because these three originally didn’t appear on any albums) and album tracks of "Isn’t it a Pity", "Beware of Darkness", "Living in the Material World", and "This Guitar (Can’t Keep From Crying)" among others. Opinions would differ, but the point is there was enough good material that George released from 1970-1975 that The Beatles tunes shouldn’t be on it.

A sidenote as this was released on CD in 1987 during the time when the first Beatles CDs came out. This was sandwiched in between those releases and because of the timing, it was the first official CD release of "For You Blue" and "While My Guitar Gently Weeps".

"Best of Dark Horse 1976-1989" by George Harrison – ***

First released: 1989

To date, there still has not been a good career-spanning George Harrison compilation. Even if you get this and "The Best of George Harrison", there’s still a lot to be desired. However, there are three otherwise unavailable on a George Harrison album tracks ("Poor Little Girl", "Cockamamie Business", "Cheer Down") that make this indispensable, except that it being out of print for a number of years makes this quite hard to find.

Best Friend by Paul McCartney – ***

Unreleased.

McCartney and Wings played this song often during their earliest tours in 1972 and 1973, but somehow a studio version eluded inclusion on any of their albums or singles. Surely, this would have been a stronger choice than "Mumbo" or "Bip Bop" on "Wild Life", or if it hadn’t been written at the time of that album’s release, instead of "Hold Me Tight" on "Red Rose Speedway".

Besame Mucho by The Beatles – ***

First released: 1970

This was a favorite of The Beatles and performed many times during their career, namely during their Decca audition from 1962 and in an early EMI studio recording. My favorite version is the one that McCartney performs in a semi-campy accent during the filming of "Let it Be" in 1969, which is the first version officially released, though it is in the film only. It is a highlight of an otherwise dreary film. The EMI audition version appears on "Anthology 1".

The Beatles performed it live on "Live at the Star-Club, Hamburg 1962" in 1977.

Bells of Rhymney, The by George Harrison – ***

Unreleased.

George did a live version of this Davies/Seegar song on radio in 1988.

Being For the Benefit of Mr. Kite by The Beatles – ****

First released: 1967

Triiiiippppyyyy! I always love that calliope part and other assorted weird sounds associated with this track. Trippier still is when you become a Beatles scholar and you discover how they did it, by cutting up tapes and throwing them up in the air and then fastening them back together in little tape loops. This is a highlight from "Sgt. Pepper". "(Takes 1 and 2)" and "(Take 7)" appear on 1996's "Anthology 2". It is also used for 2006's "Love".

Bein’ Angry by Nils Lofgren – **

First released: 1991

Nils Lofgren tune that Ringo sings back up vocals on from Lofgren's album "Silver Lining".

Behind That Locked Door by George Harrison – ***

First released: 1970

Sort of a companion piece to "If Not For You" in style, "Behind That Locked Door" is another pleasant country-sounding type tune from "All Things Must Pass".

Beginning, A by The Beatles – ***

First released: 1996

This title was given to an instrumental opening that The Beatles claimed to have been recorded for the song "Good Night", but I think it sounds more like some of that George Martin instrumental stuff from the movie "Yellow Submarine". Ah, the memory fades. No matter. In any case, this was added to "Anthology 3" to replace the third Beatles reunion tune ("Now and Then") that was not released for this collection.

Beef Jerky by John Lennon – ****

First released: 1974

The b-side of "Whatever Gets You Through the Night" and a "Walls and Bridges" album track, Beef Jerky is a rare Lennon instrumental. Lennon probably was inspired by Billy Preston’s knack for having a hit record with an instrumental song ("Outa-Space", "Space Race") that he figured he’d try one of his own. He succeeded quite well, but never issued it as an a-side, so it made #1 by default.

Bed Peace by John Lennon - **

First released: 1998

A quick little piece by John and Yoko dating from 1969 and not officially released until "The John Lennon Anthology" and "The U.S. vs. John Lennon" from 2006. It’s kind of short and silly.

Because I Know You Love Me So by The Beatles – **

First released: 2003

A demo snippet is featured on 2003's "Fly on the Wall", however the full version is about 2½ minutes long and originates from the 1969 "Get Back" sessions. It sounds very similar to "The One After 909", but was never completed in a finished form. It was an early Lennon/McCartney original.

Because by The Beatles – ****

First released: 1969

The harmonies on this Beatles quickie from "Abbey Road" are some of the most lush; you may actually think The Beach Boys dropped by to help them out. To hear it unadulterated with instruments, check out the version on "Anthology 3". It is also used for 2006's "Love".

Because by The Beatles – ****

First released: 1969

The harmonies on this Beatles quickie from "Abbey Road" are some of the most lush; you may actually think The Beach Boys dropped by to help them out. To hear it unadulterated with instruments, check out the version on "Anthology 3". It is also used for 2006's "Love".

Beautiful Night by Paul McCartney – ****

First released: 1997

There are two versions of this song. The original was recorded around 1986 with Phil Ramone at the control board. While this version was ok, and ultimately released on one of the "Oobu Joobu" shows on the "Beautiful Night" single, the vastly superior version and a-side was on Paul’s "Flaming Pie" album. Ringo’s there, too. This should have been an enormous hit single as it is truly one of Paul's finest.

Beautiful Girl by George Harrison – ***

First released: 1976

Same comments about "Dear One" apply to this song from "33 1/3" by George Harrison. This one has more of a country twang than most of the others on the album. It dates back in an unreleased demo version to at least 1970.

Beautiful Dreamer by The Beatles – ***

Unreleased.

A very muddy version exists from 1963 and should have appeared on "Live at the BBC". It's the best one can do, considering that The Beatles never recorded it properly again.

Beautiful Boys by Yoko Ono – **

First released: 1980

Yoko’s sweet tune about John and Sean turning 40 and …well…still being 4 (he turned 5 the same day as John turned 40). Ok, so grant Yoko some artistic license. Anyway, it’s on John and Yoko’s "Double Fantasy" and was the b-side to "Woman".

Beautiful Boy (Darling Boy) by John Lennon – ****

First released: 1980

Even though I didn’t identify with much of what Lennon was singing about on John and Yoko’s "Double Fantasy", I actually liked this tune when it first came out. The ocean waves at the beginning were a nice touch in this ode to his son, Sean. It’s also on "The John Lennon Collection" from 1982 and was actually released as a single on one of those back-to-back hits as a track was needed to couple with "Watching the Wheels". It was also the b-side of the "Happy Xmas (War is Over)" single reissue from 1982. It’s also on the "Imagine: John Lennon" soundtrack from 1988, 1990’s "Lennon", "Lennon Legend" from 1997, and "Working Class Hero" from 2005. It’s alternately known as just "Beautiful Boy". Two demo versions appear on 1998’s "The John Lennon Anthology", one with the title "Mr. Hyde’s Gone (Don’t Be Afraid)".

"Beaucoups of Blues" by Ringo Starr – **

First released: 1970

An ok country album from Ringo recorded and released during the days after The Beatles when Ringo wasn’t sure yet exactly what he was going to do after the split. An interview made after this release has a reflective Ringo stating that he “should have recorded country songs he knows and loves”. Well, where is it, Ringo? He probably forgot.

Beaucoups of Blues by Ringo Starr – ***

First released: 1970

One of the better moments from Ringo’s country album of the same name. It was released as a low-charting single and also made an appearance on Ringo’s "Blast From Your Past" greatest hits compilation from 1975 and 2007’s "Photograph" compilation. Ringo to date has never performed this song live, but it might be fun to hear.

Beatles Third Christmas Record, The by The Beatles – ****

First released: 1965

This is my favorite of the first three essentially similar Beatles Christmas recordings, in which the four seemingly adlib in front of a mike. The fact that The Beatles were willing to parody themselves with an off-key rendition of "Yesterday" was and is priceless. Most other music groups wouldn’t have done that, but that self-deprecating attitude is one of the reasons I became a Beatles fan in the first place. It is also from the still unreleased to CD "The Beatles Christmas Album" from 1970.

"Beatles, The" (aka "The White Album") by The Beatles – ****"

First released: 1968

This is my favorite Beatles album. While most people like "Rubber Soul", "Revolver", "Sgt. Pepper" and "Abbey Road" better, I give the nod to this one for its totally diversity and range. What I like about it, most people don’t like. I like the fact that it is a double album, I like the range, I like the tenuous Beatles link on an album ironically called "The Beatles". By the way, my second favorite Beatles album is "Revolver" which is arguably their most unified album.

"Beatles, The" (series) by The Beatles – **

First released: 1965

Ok, so they're corny and poorly animated, but the cartoon series that ran from 1965-1969 on ABC TV in the US isn’t all that bad. Of course, the successor "Yellow Submarine" movie is far greater. I have a bootleg that contains all of the cartoons and The Beatles would be wise in releasing this stuff again legitimately, but I know they don’t like them. The cartoons are about as good as the other Saturday morning crap being made at the time, and they remind me strongly of "The New Three Stooges" cartoons made around the same time, which weren’t the greatest either. The song portions are the best part and I think they still would entertain the kiddies (and their parents) today.

"Beatles Story, The" by The Beatles – **

First released: 1964

I got this many, many years later after becoming a Beatles fan as I heard how cheesy this documentary is…and it is. It has never been officially released on CD, but I would put it out, just for the novelty of it all.

"Beatles ‘65" by The Beatles – ****

First released: 1964

This was a vast improvement over the UK "Beatles For Sale", namely because of the inclusion of the "I Feel Fine"/"She’s a Woman" single. "Beatles For Sale" always seemed like The Beatles were tired to me, and they were, where as adding this single punched up the proceedings and gave a little life to an otherwise lackluster effort. It was part of "The Capitol Versions, Vol. 1" on CD.

"Beatles VI" by The Beatles – ***

First released: 1965

One of my least favorite US albums, yet it is better than the UK version "Beatles For Sale", mainly because they tacked on a single or two. Later, it was part of "The Capitol Versions, Vol. 2" on CD.

Beatles Seventh Christmas Record, The by The Beatles – ****

First released: 1969

It seems weird that The Beatles even bothered doing a Christmas single this year, as they were essentially broken up. This comes out after "Abbey Road", the "Cold Turkey" debacle, and all that was left for The Beatles was recording "I Me Mine" and the belated "Let it Be" album and film release. Brief clips from the Abbey Road medley appear in the soundtrack.

"Beatles’ Second Album, The" by The Beatles - ***

First released: 1964

Capitol was always so imaginative with album titles in the US. I never really got into this one and purchased it a long time later as I heard rumors of inferior sound quality and had purchased the British Beatles Box and grew accustomed to "With The Beatles" over this compilation. The original was reinstated on CD on "The Capitol Versions, Vol. 1".

"Beatles Rarities, The" by The Beatles – ***

First released: 1980

There were actually two different versions of this album. The British version merely collected all of the leftover tracks that somehow didn’t make it onto UK albums back in the day, and for that reason, there was a necessity for this album. On CD, the two Past Masters volumes replaced this album, as the 1987 CD issues followed the UK pattern.

In the US, it was an entirely different animal. Even though there were a few left off the album tracks, the majority of the “rarities” on this were goofy things like extra brass on "Penny Lane" and different sound effects on "Don’t Pass My By" and "Helter Skelter". Was it worth it? Probably not, and most of these still haven’t made it onto CD, so there’s no real necessity for them. At the time of release, I passed over this as I had the UK album box and felt the slight variations were overkill. Still do.

"Beatles 1962-1966, The" by The Beatles – ****

First released: 1973

This album is sometime referred to as the "Red Album". This compilation used to be very necessary in the days before all of the single tracks were compiled onto an album. Believe it or not, songs like "Love Me Do" and "From Me To You" were actually kind of hard to find on albums back in the 70s. I remember this was the first time I heard "Love Me Do" and thought it sounded so primitive, even in comparison to "Please Please Me", the very next track. Again there were quibbles about what should and shouldn’t have been included. I would have included "I’m Down" and not included "Michelle". The album was released to CD in 1993.

"Beatles 1967-1970, The" by the Beatles – ****

First released: 1973

This album is sometime referred to as the "Blue Album". This is a good compilation and probably the first exposure most people got to the magic of The Beatles in recent times. At least it was for me. It’s good because it takes a little from everything and since it is from the latter years, everything still sounds fresh and new. I still quibble about a few of the selections. I wouldn’t have picked Across the Universe and probably would have added Birthday or The Inner Light or something. The album was released to CD in 1993.

Beatles 1968 Christmas Record, The by the Beatles – ****

First released: 1968

This particular Beatles Christmas record might be the reason there’s a hold up to issuing the complete album on CD. Tiny Tim does a rendition of Nowhere Man and there might be some legal issues there. I say pay his estate and get this stuff out! If it’s not the case, then I want to see "The Beatles Christmas Album" for Christmas this year! Dammit!

Also, this year The Beatles recorded all of their comments separately. The “White Album” did its damage and it was, according to George, the “Winter of discontent”.

Beatles Movie Medley, The by The Beatles – **

First released: 1982

I was all excited when this single came out, only because there hadn’t been a “new” Beatles single since 1978. Not that this is anything great. It’s sloppily edited and to date has not appeared on any album, and is probably considered an embarrassment for The Beatles. I much preferred the "Stars on 45" medleys. It could have been added to the "Reel Music" album, but wasn’t.

"Beatles Live at the Star-Club Hamburg 1962, The" by The Beatles – ***

First released: 1977

Released roughly at the same time as "The Beatles at the Hollywood Bowl", I purchased this when I first became a Beatles fan, as the price couldn’t be beat. Unfortunately, the sound quality could and I immediately hated it. Nowadays, I fully understand its historical significance despite the sound quality and was happy to discover that it was Ringo with the group on the recordings (I always thought it was Pete Best and even Stu Sutcliffe in tow until I became a more educated Beatlefan). For those trying to compile a complete Beatles live performance collection, this is an absolute must.

"Beatles Live at the BBC, The" by The Beatles – ****

First released: 1994

After years of speculation and numerous bootlegs, The Beatles finally issue their first all-new product since 1977’s "Live at the Hollywood Bowl". This one is even better. There were about 30 or so tunes that The Beatles recorded only for broadcast over the radio and since the performances were so good and most of them have no audience reaction, they sound as good as what you would hear on a regular recording. Strangely, The Beatles issued "Baby, It’s You" as the single. I would have issued "Soldier of Love" instead, since it was a totally original recording, not something that could be found in another version on another Beatles album. For true fans, this two-disc set isn’t enough. Completists should seek out the dubiously legal nine-disc set called "The Complete BBC Recordings".

"Beatles For Sale" by The Beatles – ***

First released: 1964

If you go by this UK album, The Beatles look tired and worn out, and even though this album is what The Beatles wanted, it didn’t really paint them in the best light. I much prefer the livelier "Beatles ’65" and "Beatles VI" albums that Capitol put together in the US, partially because of the inclusion of the hit single "I Feel Fine"/"She’s a Woman" and some of the more lively tunes from the upcoming UK version of "Help!" As a result, Capitol preserved the “happy-go-lucky” myth about The Beatles through the end of 1964, whereas in the UK, the same tracks seemed more lifeless. Even the cover photos emphasize this.

"Beatles First, The" by The Beatles – ***

First released: 1964

A UK release. In America, this was the same album as "In the Beginning (Circa 1960)" that was released there in 1970. This compiles all of the eight tracks The Beatles recorded with Tony Sheridan in 1961 including the Lennon sung "Ain't She Sweet" and the McCartney/Harrison instrumental "Cry For a Shadow".

Beatles Christmas Record, The by The Beatles – ****

First released: 1963

The Beatles Fan Club wanted something to give the fans so the fabs were corralled into the studio to make this little holiday recording comprised of the four of them laughing and gabbing and singing for a few minutes and thanking all of their fans for everything. It is all very humorous and very charming indeed. Later, it was included on "The Beatles Christmas Album". Prior to that, it was not released in the US.

"Beatles Christmas Album, The" (aka "From Then to You") by The Beatles – ****

First released: 1970

This is such a fun album. Why oh why can they not reissue this onto a legitimate CD? It would be such a holiday perennial. Every Christmas I look, and every Christmas I am disappointed. Thank God for bootlegs or we’d never get to hear this stuff. Original songs, funny sketches, and an overall good time can be had for all, even on the 1968 and 1969 recordings that were recorded separately.

Beatles Chat by The Beatles – **

Unreleased.

Umbrella title given to any number of released and unreleased interviews and chat sessions from their BBC radio days. Some was released on 1994's "Live at the BBC", but given other titles.

Beatles Ballads by The Beatles - ***

First released: 1980

Nothing very remarkable about this import collection. Try "Love Songs" instead. About the only interesting thing is the cover, which was one of the prototype paintings for the "White Album", and the fact that the "wildlife" version of "Across the Universe" was included.

Beatles at the Hollywood Bowl, The by The Beatles – ****

First released: 1977

After years of speculation, a compilation of the two Hollywood Bowl concerts performed by The Beatles in 1964 and 1965 were edited together to make this album length concert. The story goes that the sound was supposedly so crappy due to the overwhelming screams that the recordings were shelved. This may be an exaggeration or George Martin is just hypercritical. In any case, the next idea was to release this around 1971 as an Apple album, but that never happened either. By 1977, either tastes had changed or technology did, or money was running short. In any case, Martin took another stab at it and produced this almost chart-topping album. Amazing, since it was released in the midst of punk and disco fever. Now, we’ve waited an eternity again for an official release on CD of this album, but as CDs are on the wane, I guess digital download is the best to be expected. It’s a good album and better than it is sometimes given credit, but at this point, the two concerts should be represented in their entirety.

Beatles at Shea Stadium (feature) by The Beatles – ****

Unreleased (sort of).

This concert film is the definitive peak of Beatlemania filmed in 1965 at Shea Stadium, home of the Mets baseball team. I say “unreleased (sort of)” as there have been many pseudo-legal releases of this on video over the years, and it did air on television back in 1966. A huge chunk of it was released on "The Beatles Anthology", and it really could be made into a marvelous CD and DVD. I love it when John plays "I’m Down" with his elbows! A sidenote: The Beatles performed the first rock concert in Shea Stadium; 43 years later, Billy Joel played that last rock concert in Shea Stadium with special guest, Sir Paul McCartney!

Beatle Greetings by The Beatles – ****

First released: 1994

The Beatles introduce themselves to radio listeners on "Live at the BBC" in this spoken word recording from 1963.

Beat Patrol by Ringo Starr – **

Unreleased.

Not the Starship song of the same name, but rather one of the song’s Ringo recorded with Chips Moman and then rejected in 1987. Maybe someday this album will see the light of day. While not great stuff, it’s not the embarrassment Ringo thinks it is.

Bear Cat by The Beatles – *

Unreleased.

The Beatles play a brief snippet of this during one of their frequent oldies medleys during the 1969 "Get Back" sessions.

Be What You See by Paul McCartney – **

First released: 1982

A silly filler that’s a little bit longer than the title itself from Paul’s "Tug of War" and a bit shorter than this review.

Be My Baby by Ringo Starr - **

First released: 1983

Joe Walsh’s influence is strong on this "Old Wave" track for Ringo that includes ample use of Walsh’s vocoder. Not the same song as The Ronettes hit that Lennon did a cover of in 1975. Unfortunately, the song doesn’t really go anywhere after about the first verse. It seems like a half finished song.

Be My Baby by John Lennon – ***

First released: 1975

First released on the quasi-legal Roots compilation that spurred Apple to release Lennon’s "Rock ‘n’ Roll" album in a hurry. For some reason, this was left off of the Apple version and not officially released until 1998’s "The John Lennon Anthology" and is STILL not on the CD version of "Rock ‘n’ Roll", despite "Angel Baby" being added as a bonus track.

The song was penned by Phil Spector and originally a hit for The Ronettes in 1963.

Be Here Now by George Harrison - **

First released: 1973

This sounds suspiciously like an outtake from "All Things Must Pass". Now, that’s not necessarily a bad thing, as since it ended up on "Living in the Material World", George didn’t have the issue of the entire effort sounding over-produced. It’s still a bit ponderous however. Probably because of the subject matter.

Be-Bop-a-Lula by John Lennon – ***; by Paul McCartney – ***; by Horst Fascher – **

First released: 1975

Lennon does an excellent version of the Gene Vincent classic from 1956. It’s a great opener for Lennon’s "Rock ‘n’ Roll" album written by Davis/Vincent. It was also on "Instant Karma" from 2001. A demo version appears on 1998’s "The John Lennon Anthology" and "Wonsaponatime".

McCartney does a live take on the song on "Unplugged (The Official Bootleg)" in 1991, and The Beatles performed it live on "Live at the Star-Club, Hamburg 1962" in 1977, with some waiter with the name of Horst Fascher as the lead singer.

Basketball Jones by Cheech and Chong – **

First released: 1973

Cheech and Chong comedy single from their "Los Cochinos" album that features guitar work by George, based on a song called "Love Jones". It’s not my favorite C&C record as I much prefer “Dave? Dave’s not here!”

Baroque Hoedown by Perrey-Kingsley – ****

First released: 1969

A snippet of this song was included on "The Beatles 1969 Christmas Record" as well as on "The Beatles Christmas Album" in 1970. It is not by The Beatles, but rather Perrey-Kingsley, master of the Moog synthesizer. Another significance to this song is that it was the basis for Disney’s Main Street Electrical Parade theme song in 1972.

Barbara Ann by Paul McCartney - **

Unreleased.

Paul plays along with Brian Wilson in this 2002 live recording from the Century Plaza Hotel. It’s ok, but there have been many, many better versions of this song (The Beach Boys version comes to mind), which is probably why it hasn’t been released.

Bang the Drum All Day (aka Bang On the Drum) by Todd Rundgren – ***

First released: 1993

A live version by Todd Rundgren appears on "Ringo Starr and His All-Starr Band Volume 2 Live From Montreux" in 1993 (this version reissued on 2000’s "The Anthology…So Far"). On the "Montreux" album, they mistitled it "Bang on the Drum".

It’s kind of stupid song, but is one of those radio perennials they tend to play on Fridays. Ringo and Rundgren had sort of a falling out after this tour as Rundgren only wanted to play stuff like this (though appropriate with the “drum” theme) instead of his bigger hits like "Hello, it’s Me". The original "Drum" was released in 1983 and only charted as high as #63 from an album that went no higher than #66 called "The Ever Popular Tortured Artist Effect".

What’s amusing about Rundgren is that about a year after this tour, he went on another “All-Starr Band” type tour with others like John Entwistle and did perform his biggest hits!

Bangla Duhn by Ravi Shankar – ***

First released: 1971

The barely tolerant "Concert for Bangla Desh" crowd shifted in their seats with Ravi’s Indian piece until George and friends turned back up to entertain them with “real” music (hee-hee). Actually, it’s not too bad though I have to admit I was in alignment with the stoners when I first heard this in the late 70s and felt that the only good music was rock and roll music. My tastes have expanded widely since then.

Bangla Desh by George Harrison – ***

First released: 1971

If ever there was a song that needed a remaster job on CD, this is the one. Since it was only released as a 45 originally and later tossed onto "The Best of George Harrison" (which is in desperate need of a remastered and repackaged collection), it is somewhat of a forgotten tune despite being the title track and final encore for "The Concert for Bangla Desh". It was never a big hit, but I like it.

"Band on the Run" by Paul McCartney – ****

First released: 1973

McCartney’s best album since "Ram" and best album so far (some say ever) with Wings. I tend to favor the next album "Venus and Mars" as superior, but I don’t hate this one. As you can see, I still gave it four stars. I just things like the “ho hey ho” part kind of weigh things down and are kind of silly, where as with "V&M" Paul built upon what he established by accident here.

Band on the Run by Paul McCartney – ****

First released: 1973

Yet another song that was a patch job of different snatches of tunes and yet again, Paul achieves genius with one of the best songs of his career. The title track off the album and the third (count ‘em) hit single from the highly-abundant Wings album. Another interesting factoid is that Paul mentions "Sailor Sam" in the lyrics, which is also mentioned in one of the unreleased Rupert tracks. It makes me wonder if this track was originally written for and discarded from the Rupert project. It also appears on 1978’s "Wings Greatest", 1987’s "All The Best" and 2001’s "Wingspan". Different live versions were performed and released on "Wings Over America" in 1976, 1990’s "Tripping the Live Fantastic" and 2002/3's "Back in the US/World". A snippet of this song also appears after "Nineteen Hundred and Eighty-Five" on the "Band on the Run" album.

Band of Steel by Ringo Starr – ***

First released: 1975

Ringo sings co-lead on this song with Guthrie Thomas. Ringo really should compile a rarities album and put this stuff on it, as this one's not that bad. I know, I know, it’s on bootlegs, but that’s not the point.

Band Introduction by George Harrison – ***

First released: 1971

"We've forgotten Billy Preston!" cries George on "The Concert for Bangla Desh" and makes it one of the funniest introductions ever.

Baltimore Oriole by George Harrison – ***

First released: 1981

A darker sounding song than what normally is released by George Harrison, mainly because it wasn’t written by George but rather Hoagy Carmichael, who also wrote "Hong Kong Blues" on the same album, "Somewhere in England".

Balls to Your Partner by The Beatles – *

Unreleased.

Paul recites a Liverpudlian drinking rhyme during the 1969 sessions for “Get Back”. It’s only three seconds long.

Ballroom Dancing by Paul McCartney – ****

First released: 1982

There are at least three different versions of this song. One was the demo version that Wings was working on when Paul decided to call it a day on Wings in 1981, two was the standard release on the "Tug of War" album, and three was the rerecording from the "Give My Regards to Broad Street" soundtrack from 1984. The "Tug of War" version is hands down the best one of the three and should have been released as a single over "Tug of War". The nice bouncy keyboards remind me of a good Elton John tune. It should have been the third single from "Tug of War".

Ballad of the Skeletons, The by Allan Ginsberg – **

First released: 1993

Paul participates in this Allan Ginsberg production which was released as a CD single. Nothing special as you can’t really tell that Paul is involved very well and it’s not that interesting anyway.

Ballad of Sir Frankie Crisp (Let it Roll) by George Harrison – ***

First released: 1970

Sir Frankie Crisp apparently was the former tenant and owner of George Harrison’s recently purchased Friar Park Henley-on-Thames mansion and so George composed this simple ode to him. One of the more amusing moments on "All Things Must Pass" though still way over-produced to these ears. I’m not a big fan of the “wall of sound”.

Ballad of John and Yoko, The by The Beatles – ****

First released: 1969

It’s absolutely amazing that a song hailing the relationship of John Lennon and Yoko Ono would only feature John and Paul. It’s kind of ironic. As for the song, it’s a solid 50s inspired rocker whose success in the US was cut short by the frequent use of the word “Christ” in the lyrics. Of the numerous number one hits by The Beatles over the years, this is only one of a couple that was never performed live. Of course, the autobiographical nature of it all and the impossibility of Lennon singing it now, curtailed this possibility. Originally just a single, the song made its album debut on the "Hey Jude" compilation. It's also on "1967-1970". It first appeared on CD on "Past Masters, Volume Two" in 1988, and it’s on the "Imagine: John Lennon" soundtrack from 1988, 2000's "1", and "The U.S. vs. John Lennon" from 2006.

Ballad of John and Yoko, The by The Beatles – ****

First released: 1969

It’s absolutely amazing that a song hailing the relationship of John Lennon and Yoko Ono would only feature John and Paul. It’s kind of ironic. As for the song, it’s a solid 50s inspired rocker whose success in the US was cut short by the frequent use of the word “Christ” in the lyrics. Of the numerous number one hits by The Beatles over the years, this is only one of a couple that was never performed live. Of course, the autobiographical nature of it all and the impossibility of Lennon singing it now, curtailed this possibility. Originally just a single, the song made its album debut on the "Hey Jude" compilation. It's also on "1967-1970". It first appeared on CD on "Past Masters, Volume Two" in 1988, and it’s on the "Imagine: John Lennon" soundtrack from 1988, 2000's "1", and "The U.S. vs. John Lennon" from 2006.

Ballad of Bonnie and Clyde, The by The Beatles – *

Unreleased.

The Beatles do a brief parody of this song during the 1969 "Get Back" sessions.

Badge by Cream – ****

First released: 1969

The notorious story about this Cream song written by George Harrison is that Eric Clapton mistakenly thought that Harrison’s scribble of the word “Bridge” was actually “Badge” and so the joke became the title. Not a bad idea, since the title would probably be “I Told You” or “You Told Me” or something like that had it been titled correctly. This originally appeared on Cream’s final studio album "Goodbye". I believe that there is an unreleased Harrison demo version in existence as well, but I don’t have it. It’s a very good song and has been part of Clapton’s live repertoire ever since.

Bad to Me by The Beatles – ***

Unreleased.

Though this song was released by Billy J. Kramer and the Dakotas, this review concerns the John Lennon version recorded in 1963. Only recorded as a demo, the song had potential, as a Beatles track, but apparently Lennon felt it wasn’t quite good enough. And unlike Harrison who would resurrect older compositions in later years for his solo albums, John never went back to this old tune.

"Bad Boy" by Ringo Starr – ***

First released: 1978

A return to form of sorts for Ringo, but the damage of "Ringo’s Rotogravure" and "Ringo the 4th" had been done, coupled with a so-so TV special that’s of the “so bad, it’s good” variety. Some of Ringo’s best tunes are on this album like "Heart on My Sleeve", "Who Needs a Heart" and "Hard Times", but there’s also a lot of inappropriate filler, too. It might have fared better if "Heart on My Sleeve" was issued as the first single instead of "Lipstick Traces" (in the US) or "Tonight" (in the UK).

Bad Boy by Ringo Starr – **

First released: 1978

This is the “I’m just a bad boyoyoyoyoyoyoyoyoyoyoy….” version of this song and not The Beatles version where John’s telling Junior to behave himself. It was written by Liv Armstrong and Avon Long and was a hit for The Jive Bombers in 1957. Nothing to do with Miami Sound Machine either. Not a bad track, but nothing great either. Check out the original on the "Cry Baby" soundtrack. Ringo's is on his album of the same name.

Bad Boy by The Beatles – ***

First released: 1965

The US needed another track for their "Beatles VI" album, so The Beatles duly went in to record yet another cover version to appease the yanks and turned to Larry Williams again. Strangely, they could have included "I’m Down" on "Beatles VI" and then The Beatles wouldn’t have had to rush record this. In any case, The Beatles themselves didn’t seem to think too much of this, as it was thrown onto the compilation "A Collection of Beatle Oldies" in the UK. It first appeared on CD on "Past Masters, Volume One" in 1988. Later, it was on "The Capitol Albums, Vol. 2" in 2006.

Backwards Traveller by Paul McCartney – ***

First released: 1978

The b-side of "With a Little Luck" wasn’t much, but it was an impetus for me to buy the "London Town" collection as I felt if I liked the b-side of a single that was on the album, the album might not be too bad. It worked, as "London Town" is a great Wings album. The full medley included the instrumental part with the punny title "Cuff Link". I love the opening "Hey!"

"Back to the Egg" by Paul McCartney – ***

First released: 1979

Though not designed as such, this ended up being the final Wings album of all. When first released, I really dug on this album, especially the single "Getting Closer". Over time, my opinion has changed and I don’t really like it as much as I do other Wings albums. I was always upset that "Goodnight Tonight" and "Daytime Nighttime Suffering" were left off of the album, and still not added years later when the CD version was issued, as they are much stronger tracks than some of the ones actually issued; a typical McCartney problem.

Back Seat of My Car, The by Paul McCartney – ***

First released: 1971

Here is one creepy sounding song and another in a long line of McCartney songs that seems to be fashioned from a number of bits and pieces of unfinished compositions. It works pretty well and was yet another rehearsed with The Beatles, but not completed until Paul’s "Ram" album. It was also a single in the UK and on 2001’s "Wingspan".

Back on My Feet by Paul McCartney – ***

First released: 1987

The first song released of the McCartney/MacManus collaboration was this b-side to "Once Upon a Long Ago". It's a pretty good track and is somewhat hard to find now due to its obscure placement. As such, it has never been officially released in the US. Later it was added as a bonus track to the 1993 UK CD remaster of "Flowers in the Dirt".

Back Off Boogaloo by Ringo Starr – ****

First released: 1972

With this song Ringo proved he was now a two-hit wonder! Actually he had a few more hits in the next couple of years, but this paved the way for the Ringo album released in 1973. "Boogaloo" escaped inclusion onto an LP until Ringo’s "Blast From Your Past" compilation in 1975 and 2007’s "Photograph" compilation. It was also added to the 1992 CD reissue of "Goodnight Vienna".

A live version appears on 1998’s "VH1 Storytellers" with an amusing anecdote of how this song almost became "Mack the Knife"! Different live versions appear on 2000’s "The Anthology …So Far" and 2002’s "Ringo & His New All-Starr Band".

If you are a fan of Ringo’s drumming, this is the track for you! I love it! I should also mention that an atrocious version by Ringo and Harry Nilsson made it onto Ringo’s "Stop and Smell the Roses" album in 1981, but the less said about that version, the better. On this album and on 2007's "Live at Soundstage", Boogaloo was spelled Bugaloo. I wonder what Sid and Marty Krofft had to say about that?

"Back in the World" by Paul McCartney – ****

First released: 2003

While the US got "Back in the US", the rest of the world got this album of Paul’s called "Back in the World", with some minor song changes, including the first ever live appearance of "She's Leaving Home". Overall, this is one of the better sounding live albums as I said on the US commentary as Paul’s voice was in much better shape than it was in the 90s.

Back in the USSR by The Beatles – ****

First released: 1968

Another all-time favorite of mine, and one that probably should have been a single, but wasn’t, until 1976 in England no less. It opens up The Beatles “White Album” quite nicely. Ringo doesn’t play drums here, and Paul’s drumming is more determined than usual. The plane sound effect is used to great effect here. It's also on "1967-1970". It is also used for 2006's "Love". A demo snippet is featured on 2003's "Fly on the Wall".

Different live versions were performed by Paul on 1990’s "Tripping the Live Fantastic" and 2002/3's "Back in the US/World". Ringo finally did play drums on the song when he performed it live with The Beach Boys in 1984.

"Back in the U.S." by Paul McCartney – ****

First released: 2002

Paul finally puts out a decent sounding live recording since the days of "Wings Over America". Methinks that he finally listened a vocal trainer who told him to sing from his diaphragm and not from his throat. He probably gave up the funny little herbal cigarettes to help him along. There was a different version released outside of the US in 2003 called "Back in the World", which features four different songs and removes four from this set.

Back in the Sunshine Again by Paul McCartney – *

First released: 2001

Will someone tell Paul that he's not 20 years old anymore? He cannot sing those high notes and it's painful to listen to him try. Besides, this isn't that great of tune from "Driving Rain".

Baby’s Request by Paul McCartney – ***

First released: 1979

Paul goes back and does another tune like "You Gave Me the Answer" or "Honey Pie" that harks back to a different era. He should do an entire album like this, or at least a compilation of these types of tunes. Heck, I’ll burn one myself. This was originally on Wings’ "Back to the Egg". A nice album closer in the way McCartney does best.

Baby’s in Black by The Beatles – **

First released: 1964

I’ve never been a huge fan of this song as it seems kind of plodding and Lennon and McCartney both sing it kind of lethargically, yet they must have liked it a lot since they sang it on tour consistently from 1964-1966 (though strangely it was left off of 1977's "Live at the Hollywood Bowl"). It’s originally from "Beatles For Sale" and "Beatles ’65" and 2004’s "The Capitol Albums, Vol. 1". A live version appears on the b-side of the "Real Love" CD single in 1996.

Baby’s Heartbeat by John Lennon – *

First released: 1969

"Baby’s Heartbeat" is literally that. At first it’s kind of interesting and after awhile (it lasts over five minutes), it starts sounding kinda gross. The worst part about listening to it is the knowledge that Yoko suffered a miscarriage shortly after this recording. From "Unfinished Music No. 2 – Life With the Lions". John’s voice can be heard at the beginning.

Baby, You’re a Rich Man by The Beatles – **

First released: 1967

Not my favorite Beatles song. The lyrics are kind of dumb and the instrumentation is kind of bland after a promising opening. It was originally the b-side of "All You Need is Love", and added to the US version of "Magical Mystery Tour", and featured briefly in the "Yellow Submarine" film. It's also on 1999's "Yellow Submarine Songtrack".

Baby It’s You by The Beatles – **

First released: 1963

I’ve never been terribly fond of this early Beatles track from "Please Please Me". Strangely enough, The Beatles compositions were actually stronger on their debut album than their covers, and that’s saying a lot. This David/Williams/Bacharach tune finally became a single in 1994 from The Beatles "Live at the BBC" album. I would have preferred "Soldier of Love". The Shirelles originally recorded it in 1962.

In the US, it was on "Introducing The Beatles", "Jolly What! The Beatles and Frank Ifield on Stage", "The Beatles vs. The Four Seasons", "The Early Beatles" and on 2006’s "The Capitol Albums, Vol. 2".

Baby I Love Your Way by Peter Frampton – ***

First released: 2000

A live version by Peter Frampton appears on 2000’s "The Anthology…So Far". This was a classic Frampton hit with a studio single in 1975 and the always-definitive live version and another hit single from 1976’s "Frampton Comes Alive". The version done for Ringo, though not as monumental is almost as good as the ’76 one.

Baby Face by Paul McCartney - ***

Unreleased.

Unreleased McCartney song dating from 1975 and the "Venus and Mars" sessions. Paul does a cover of the old Akst/Davis track on the piano.

Baby Face by Paul McCartney - ***

Unreleased.

Unreleased McCartney song dating from 1975 and the "Venus and Mars" sessions. Paul does a cover of the old Akst/Davis track on the piano.

Baby Don’t Run Away by George Harrison – **

First released: 1982

Rodina Sloane’s vocals perk up an otherwise nothing tune from the "Gone Troppo" album, seemingly dashed off by George at the last minute to fill out a contractual obligation where he already used a cover tune and a Beatles leftover.

Baby Come Back by The Beatles – *

Unreleased.

The Beatles perform a version of this Grant-penned tune during the 1969 "Get Back" sessions, but it’s only four seconds long!

Baa, Baa, Black Sheep by The Beatles - **

Unreleased.

Lennon warbles this old nursery rhyme a couple of times with The Beatles during the 1969 "Get Back" sessions.

B-Side to Seaside by Linda McCartney - ***

First released: 1977

Well, they did need a b-side to Linda and Wings' "Seaside Woman", so why not call your record that? Actually, it’s not too bad and quite catchy, especially the chorus. Later on, when it was time to compile the Linda McCartney solo album "Wide Prarie" in 1998, this was included.

Awaiting on You All by George Harrison - ***

First released: 1970

"All Things Must Pass" is the first George Harrison album to reflect his personal religious views. Though he would sing about his devotion in greater extent on his next and subsequent studio albums, he kept the songs to a minimum this time out. A good contender for a possible third single or a greatest hits compilation; the song never was released again except for the similar live version from "The Concert for Bangla Desh".

Average Person by Paul McCartney - ***

First released: 1983

I really enjoy the sound effects on this peppy track that serve as a "Sgt. Pepper" or "Penny Lane" reminder. The lyrics are kind of silly about people wanting to be lion tamers and the like, but the overall effect is nice and a hidden gem in the somewhat disappointing "Pipes of Peace" set by Paul.

Autumn Leaves by Ringo Starr – (NR)

Unreleased.

Unreleased outtake from Ringo’s "Sentimental Journey". I don’t think I’ve heard this one, so no rating.

Auraveda by Paul McCartney - *

First released: 1989

Another trance track from Paul's (a.k.a. The Fireman) album "Rushes". Sounds like all the rest.

Au by John Lennon - *

First released: 1972

Not really a song, but one of those off-the-cuff pieces and John and Yoko performed with Frank Zappa. I am a Zappa fan as well, but none of this was their most glorious hour. Had I been at the original show, I probably would have booed! You can hear it in all its glory on the "Live Jam" LP from "Some Time in New York City" and the original versions of the CD release. Yoko had the good sense to edit it this shit out of the CD reissue.

Attica State by John Lennon - ***

First released: 1972

This song is a bit abrasive and was performed live long before it finally made it onto John and Yoko’s "Some Time in New York City" album. There’s also a live version released on 1998’s "The John Lennon Anthology". Another live 1971 version was first released on "The U.S. vs. John Lennon" soundtrack from 2006.

Attention by Ringo Starr - ***

First released: 1981

Another great McCartney song from Ringo’s "Stop and Smell the Roses". The song was also included on "Starr Struck: Best of Ringo Starr, Vol. 2" in 1989. Ringo's version has a very bouncy beat to it. It is unknown whether there is a Paul version of this song. I haven't heard it.

Atlantic Ocean by Paul McCartney - **

First released: 1997

McCartney tune dating from 1987 that was released as the b-side of one of the "Flaming Pie" singles as part of "Oobu Joobu". It’s not much, but it’s got a good beat and you can dance to it.

At the Mercy by Paul McCartney - *

First released: 2005

Ok, so you say "At the Mercy" about ten times and then sing out of key? That's the good stuff there from Paul's "Chaos and Creation in the Back Yard".

Ask Me Why by The Beatles - **

First released: 1963

Not as powerful as the later "Tell Me Why", I have to think about this track when I want to remember what it sounds like, as it’s kind of weak, and the melody just goes all over the map. It’s from The Beatles’ "Please Please Me" album and the b-side of the "Please Please Me" single and a track on "The Beatles" (EP). The Beatles performed it live on "Live at the Star-Club, Hamburg 1962" in 1977. In the US, it was on "Introducing The Beatles", "Jolly What! The Beatles and Frank Ifield on Stage", "The Beatles vs. The Four Seasons", "The Early Beatles" and on 2006’s "The Capitol Albums, Vol. 2".

As Far As We Can Go by Ringo Starr - ***

First released: 1983

One of Ringo’s better ballads from the "Old Wave" album. Some may think it really sappy, but I like it. A demo version was also released on the CD reissue of the album in 1994. The original version used to actually make me cry.

"As Clear As a Bell Says La Scala, Milan" by The Beatles - *

Unreleased.

McCartney does a bit of lite opera during the "Get Back" sessions in 1969. A very little bit.

Art of Dying by George Harrison - **

First released: 1970

Yet another one of those over-produced songs by Phil Spector from "All Things Must Pass". Couple that with George’s ponderous death message and this makes for some unpleasant listening. A nice, simple acoustic version would be much better, and poignant. George would do worse, but it’s still not my favorite tune.

Arrow Through Me by Paul McCartney - ***

First released: 1979

I always liked the bass line on this otherwise slow, but catchy song. It was released as the second and final single from Paul’s final Wings album "Back to the Egg", but "Old Siam, Sir" may have made for a better choice. The song was also used in the 1980 movie "Oh Heavenly Dog" starring Chevy Chase and Benji, but no soundtrack album was issued.

"Around The Beatles" (aka "The Beatles Live") by The Beatles - ****

First released: 1964

Film and eventual video of early live performances of The Beatles on US TV. Features an exciting version of "Shout" and a medley of Beatles hits. I wish they'd put this one on DVD.

Around and Around by The Beatles - **

Unreleased.

The Beatles run through this 1956 Chuck Berry classic during the "Get Back" sessions in 1969. It actually is a half-way decent recording and virtually complete that it could be releaseable.

Arizona Light by Paul McCartney - *

First released: 1994

A track from McCartney's trance album "Strawberries Oceans Ships Forest" released under the pseudonym The Fireman. Every track on this album sounds the same, so if you are not a big fan of trance music (I’m not), this is not the McCartney music for you.

Appletree Cinnabar Amber by Paul McCartney - *

First released: 1989

Another trance track from Paul's (a.k.a. The Fireman) album "Rushes". I find stuff like this quite monotonous and boring and as it doesn’t seem to be like Paul and more like Youth, Paul's collaborator. It’s only listed here for completeness’ sake.

Apple Scruffs by George Harrison - ***

First released: 1970

Named after the various groupies that used to lurk around Apple studios, George composed this simple ode and included it on the "All Things Must Pass" album and it also graced the b-side of the "What is Life" single. Fine strumming guitar work appears throughout. I also like George’s yodeling vocal.

"Apple Jam" by George Harrison - *

First released: 1970

The useless third disc from "All Things Must Pass". I’m not a big fan of jamming in general, and this jamming seemed somewhat uninspired. The only high point being "It’s Johnny’s Birthday" and the fact that they incorporated a few bits from George's "Electronic Sound".

Appaloosa by Linda McCartney - **

First released: 1998

One of the last Linda McCartney recordings from 1998 that eventually appeared on her "Wide Prairie" album, with plenty of Paul's participation. There were earlier versions dating from 1992 with the subtitle "Movement" and "Jam", but those have not been released.

Anyway by Paul McCartney – **

First released: 2005

Another dull track from Paul's "Chaos and Creation in the Back Yard". Paul plays along on the piano, it seems like many of the tunes on the album, unfinished, like a demo. Unfortunately his singing is so weak, he sounds like he’s about 100 years old. This track also contains the hidden track "I've Only Got Two Hands". Big deal.

Anything by The Beatles – (NR)

Unreleased.

Unreleased Ringo track dating from 1968. It probably evolved into "Don't Pass Me By". It's also known as "Drum Track". If it is indeed "Don’t Pass Me By", I will be removing this entry from future editions.

Any Time at All by The Beatles - ****

First released: 1964

A great track from the non-movie side of "A Hard Day’s Night", originally released in the US on "Something New", and later on 1976’s "Rock ‘n’ Roll Music", and 1980's "Rock ‘n’Roll Music, Volume 2", and 2004’s "The Capitol Albums, Vol. 1". I love Ringo’s down beat and Lennon’s assured vocal. So insistent.

Any Road by George Harrison - ****

First released: 2002

Although George performed this track on a radio show earlier in the 90s, the album version from the posthumous "Brainwashed" came out in 2002. It also came out as a single, but by this point, anything The Beatles group or solo released as a single had a difficult time charting. Too bad, as it is one of George’s absolute best.

"Anthology 3" by The Beatles - ****

First released: 1996

The final (for now) "Anthology" came out a year after the first one, and featured no new track, although a new track was rumored to have been completed, but not released. To date, it has not seen the light of day. This volume covers the years 1968-1970 and features such unreleased goodies as "What's the New Mary Jane" and a early demo version of "While My Guitar Gently Weeps". It was also supposed to have a third brand new track called "Now and Then", but it was left off and still remains unreleased. There are still a number of quality, unreleased songs that could fill at least two more Anthology editions, and in fact the bootleggers did just that with "Anthology Plus" and "Anthology More".

"Anthology 2" by The Beatles - ****

First released: 1996

A few months after the first "Anthology" was volume two which featured alternate takes and outtakes from 1965-1967. Again, there was one “new” track called "Real Love", which was even less exciting than "Free As a Bird", as the track was previously released as a Lennon solo track for the "Imagine: John Lennon" soundtrack. It was nice this time to finally have legitimate releases of "That Means a Lot" and "If You've Got Trouble", although many people might differ with that assessment.

"Anthology 1" by The Beatles - ****

First released: 1995

After a seemingly interminable wait, the first volume of unreleased Beatles rarities were finally issued legitimately. This volume contained their earliest recordings from 1957 all the way through 1964. Though there are still many examples from this period still unavailable, it is nice to finally have a legal copy of "Leave My Kitten Alone" and "How Do You Do It". The big bonus was the “new” Beatles song "Free As a Bird", which had its world premiere only days before on the television version of the "Anthology".

"Anthology…So Far, The" by Ringo Starr - ***

First released: 2000

Though this album features a number of tracks previously released on "Ringo Starr and His All-Starr Band", "Ringo Starr and His All-Starr Band Volume 2 Live From Montreux", and "Ringo Starr and His Third All-Starr Band Volume 1", this set also features live performances from Ringo’s fourth, fifth and sixth All-Starr Band tours, including the excellent Peter Frampton/Jack Bruce tour (fourth). This is the live compilation to get. Strangely, Mark Farner was originally left off of a starring song, so after the UK version was released, a bonus track was added to the three CD US version.

Answer’s at the End, The by George Harrison - **

First released: 1975

So what is the answer at the end? Why, it’s "Isn’t it a Pity". George must REALLY like that song. This time it’s on "Extra Texture", not "All Things Must Pass".

Answering Machine Messages: Paul McCartney by Paul McCartney - **

First released: 1993

This is a rarity off of an album by Rusty and the Boneheads from Bakersfield radio station 105.3 KKXX called "Bogged Down by Reality". Paul and other celebrities were coerced to record separate phone messages that listeners could use for their own home answering machines. Paul’s message isn’t much, but the joy comes from friends shocked to discover that you got such a famous celebrity to record your outgoing message.

Another Thought by Lon & Derek Van Eaton - **

First released: 1972

Lon & Derek Van Eaton song produced and performed with George for their album "Brother". Maybe I should listen to it again, but I remember the Van Eaton’s album for Apple to not be much. It’s also never been officially released to CD, so I’ll have to dig out my vinyl.

Another Girl by The Beatles - ****

First released: 1965

A fun track by McCartney and playfully performed in the "Help!" movie as well as on the LP. When I saw "Help!" for the first time, I wished I was McCartney as he strummed across the bikini-clad girl’s tits emulating a guitar. Must be nice to be a Beatle! The visual jump cuts were also another step towards "The Monkees".

It's also on 2006's "The Capitol Albums, Vol. 2".

Another Day By Paul McCartney - ****

First released: 1971

Though it began its life as a Beatles recording, as rehearsals do exist of this song from 1969, the proper version was recorded by Paul as his first single release. Strangely, "Maybe I’m Amazed" was never even considered for a single. This song in turn was never considered for album and didn’t turn up on an album until 1978’s "Wings Greatest", 1987’s "All The Best" and 2001’s "Wingspan". Strange, as it isn’t truly a Wings song. I enjoy it immensely for what it is, but it does seem a little lightweight for Paul and especially in comparison to what the other three Beatles were churning out by this time. It was also added to the UK CD reissue of "Ram" in 1993.

Another Beatles Christmas Record by The Beatles - ****

First released: 1964

"A Beatles Christmas Record" from 1963 was popular enough for the UK crowd, so the next year a new message was recorded in basically the same way with the four huddled around a mike and “adlibbing” a message to The Beatles Fan Club. Although these seem totally off-the-cuff, they were scripted to some extent and outtakes do exist featuring The Beatles singing "Hello Dolly", which would still have needed copyright clearance. The recording was included in 1970 on "The Beatles Christmas Album".

Annie by The Beatles - **

Unreleased.

Unreleased Lennon song dating from 1969 during the "Get Back" sessions that he supposedly wrote for Ringo. Apparently, there is only a 22-second snippet in existence.

Anna (Go to Him) by The Beatles - ***

First released: 1963

A pleasant sounding song with a Lennon vocal and some nice back up harmonies. Nothing terribly remarkable, but another track from the highly efficient "Please Please Me" sessions. Arthur Alexander wrote and recorded the original version released in 1962. It also appears on "The Beatles" (EP) and on "Introducing The Beatles", "The Beatles vs. The Four Seasons", "Songs, Pictures, Stories of the Fabulous Beatles", "The Early Beatles" and 2006’s "The Capitol Albums, Vol. 2".

Angry by Paul McCartney - **

First released: 1986

One reviewer at the time said that Paul should never compose a song about being angry; "I’ve Had Enough" being another example. Mainly because he cannot sing with the vocal intensity required for such an emotional song. Turned out that this is not one of the strongest tunes off of "Press to Play" anyway and seems unfinished in a certain respect.

Angela by John Lennon - **

First released: 1972

John and Yoko nicely sing this simple tune devoted to the work of Angela Davis. It seems to lack a bit of punch, especially during the chorus. It’s on "Some Time in New York City". The only personal attachment I have to this song is that Angela Davis was an instructor at San Francisco State University when I attended there from 1986-1988. I didn't officially meet her but passed by her on campus as she walking by with a student. I did meet David Peel as well, but that’s a story saved for the entry under the song "New York City".

Angel in Disguise by Ringo Starr – (NR)

Unreleased.

Unreleased McCartney/Starr tune intended for Ringo's "Time Takes Time" album in 1992. I haven't heard it.

Angel Baby by John Lennon - **

First released: 1975

Originally released briefly on the Roots album by John Lennon and strangely left off of the officially released "Rock ‘n’ Roll" album. It later appeared on an official release on the 1986 compilation "Menlove Avenue". It was also on 1990’s "Lennon" and "Instant Karma" from 2001. It finally made a home on "Rock ‘n’ Roll" on the 2004 CD reissue. Rosy & The Originals had the original hit in 1961 written by Rose Hamlin.

Lennon's version, while good, has nothing distinctive going for it, which is probably why it was left off the original album. He does have a nice vocal however.

And Your Bird Can Sing by The Beatles - **

First released: 1966

One of three Lennon tracks inexplicably left off of "Revolver" in the US in favor of the "Yesterday and Today" compilation. Although it is not one of my favorite tunes by The Beatles, it was and is a travesty that their material was treated that way up through 1966. When CDs were released in 1987, this song was there, on "Revolver", as it should have been. A demo version appears on "Anthology 2" in 1996 complete with The Beatles incessant giggling.

The main reason for my dislike of the song is that it always seems that Lennon is straining to sing it, and the lyrics and music are below the standards of a typical Beatles song of the time, especially when you compare it to "Tomorrow Never Knows" off the same album.

And I Love Her by The Beatles - ***

First released: 1964

Yet another hit from "A Hard Day’s Night" and the b-side of "If I Fell" in the US. I like the clicking stick sound that was prominent on this tune. Besides the "Hard Day’s Night" soundtrack, it’s on "Something New". Later it appeared on 1973's "1962-1966" and 1977’s "Love Songs", 1980’s "Rarities" (!) in a slightly longer version, and on 2004’s "The Capitol Albums, Vol 1". A demo version appears on "Anthology 1" from 1995, and McCartney does a live take of the song on "Unplugged (The Official Bootleg)" in 1991.

Amsterdam by John Lennon - **

First released: 1969

Finally, an actual listenable side of a John and Yoko album. The b-side of "The Wedding Album" features various interviews from John and Yoko’s Amsterdam Bed-In.

American Woman by Burton Cummings - ***

First released: 1993

A live version of the classic Guess Who song by Burton Cummings appears on "Ringo Starr and His All-Starr Band Volume 2 Live From Montreux" in 1993 (this version reissued on 2000’s "The Anthology…So Far").

America by The Beatles – (NR)

Unreleased.

The Beatles apparently perform a little bit of this patriotic classic at Shea Stadium in 1965. I don’t know for sure, as I’ve never heard it.

Almost Grown by The Beatles - **

Unreleased.

The Beatles run through this Chuck Berry classic during the "Get Back" sessions in 1969. Two different, but very brief performances on different days were tried. Nothing serious.

All You Need is Love by The Beatles - ****

First released: 1967

There’s a Beatles book out there that comments on the composing abilities of the group and really badmouths this song claiming that it is only based on one note. If that truly is the case, then it is the most glorious one note song ever recorded. Others bad mouth it as being too simple coming on the heels of "Sgt. Pepper" and not included on the album. It was a hit single and added to the "Magical Mystery Tour" album in the US, as well as being a highlight of "Yellow Submarine" and included on its soundtrack album as well. It's also on "1967-1970", 1999's "Yellow Submarine Songtrack" and 2000's "1". It is also used for 2006's "Love".

It was never performed live except for when it was originally recorded for the "Our World" special, but Paul did record it live for the "Party at the Palace" in 2002 accompanied by Rod Stewart, Joe Cocker and Ladysmith Black Mambazo. On this version, the "French National Anthem" opening was replaced with the opening bars of "God Save the Queen".

"All You Need is Cash" (feature) by The Rutles - ***

First released: 1978

Though not as funny as it could be, there are quite a few laughs in Eric Idle’s sendup of The Beatles story. I thought the original brief sequence from "Rutland Weekend Television" and "Saturday Night Live" in which Idle was really trying to be David Frost was a lot funnier. Overall, it was well done, but you really had to be a hardcore Beatles fan to even “get” some of the references. Some things were so subtly done, as the humor was even lost on me. "Get Back" to "Get Up and Go" anyone? George Harrison makes a cameo as a reporter though you may not recognize him in grey hair and specs.

All You Horseriders by Paul McCartney - *

First released: 1986

One of McCartney’s stupidest songs, and wisely left off of "McCartney II". It basically features McCartney shouting out some basic horse calls in a strange cartoony voice backed with a fast-paced clip-clop beat. It is unintentionally laughable. Recorded in 1979 and featured in "Blankit's First Show" in 1986.

All Together on the Wireless Machine by The Beatles – (NR)

Unreleased.

Debatable 1967 recording as to whether it is McCartney or not. I'm not sure as I have never heard it.

All Together Now by The Beatles - ***

First released: 1968

One of four “throwaway” songs The Beatles dashed off for "Yellow Submarine". It actually isn’t that bad considering the very simple lyrics. McCartney has used dopey lyrics like this later on (see "Driving Rain", for example), but here it comes across as charming in its simplicity. It was successfully released as a single in some countries, though not the US or the UK. It's also on 1999's "Yellow Submarine Songtrack".

I always liked it when San Francisco TV station KTVU used this song with an interesting edit for a children’s public service announcement about race relations back in the 70s. The line “can I take my friend to bed?” was removed for possible sexual overtones. Like kids would think that. I was a kid when I first heard the song probably around 1971 or 2, and I didn’t even think anything of the line.

All Those Years Ago by George Harrison - ***

First released: 1981

The Beatles tribute single for John that wasn’t supposed to be. In other words, George wrote and recorded this song with different lyrics with Ringo playing on drums. After the tragedy of 12/8/80, George recorded the vocal with new lyrics and then Paul and Linda added backing “oohs” and “aahs” to round it out. Not a bad tune, but not that great either. It sold well, due to it being a tribute and the fact that all three were on it. It was a hit single and included on the final version of "Somewhere in England" and later on "Best of Dark Horse 1976-1989". Also performed on George Harrison’s "Live in Japan" album and tour in 1991.

"All Things Must Pass" by George Harrison - **

First released: 1970

If this is your favorite George Harrison album, don’t read this review. George Harrison’s first real solo album and one for me is somewhat overrated and overblown. While I like Phil Spector’s “wall of sound” technique appropriate for other releases, here it seems quite out of place. The album has always struck me as extremely padded and noisy, yet it is usually considered George’s crowning achievement during his solo years. Don’t get me wrong, some of George’s best songs are on this album, but they would have been that much better, if they weren’t so overproduced. Sorry Phil.

The 2001 CD reissue adds some alternate takes of some songs, an outtake ("I Live For You") and a brand new version of "My Sweet Lord" called "My Sweet Lord (2000)". This last one adds nothing to the album.

The album was originally padded out to three discs. If one would discard ("Isn’t it a Pity (Version Two)") or shorten some tunes ("Isn’t it a Pity (Version One)" and "Hear Me Lord") and thrown out the third "Apple Jam" disc, "All Things Must Pass" would be a greater single disc release. As it is, I find the thing too much to take in one sitting. With the advent of CD burners, I have made my own single disc version, which is far superior to the released version. George was just showing off.

All Things Must Pass by George Harrison - ***

First released: 1970

You’d think that this song was composed as a result of The Beatles break-up, but in reality, it was demoed during the 1969 "Get Back" sessions. That version was finally released on "Anthology 3" in 1996. A different demo snippet is featured on 2003's "Fly on the Wall". George recorded it in this finished version and decided to title his first post-Beatles album after it.

You’d also think that a song like this would be nasty and biting, but instead it is a beautiful ballad of acceptance.

All the Young Dudes by Ian Hunter - ***

First released: 2002

A live version by Ian Hunter appears on "Ringo & His New All-Starr Band". The song was originally recorded by Hunter’s band Mott the Hoople and also by its writer David Bowie in the early 1970s.

"All the Best" by Paul McCartney - ***

First released: 1987

From a great title comes a so-so compilation of McCartney’s greatest, mainly because McCartney had a different compilation available in the US than in the rest of the world prompting people like myself to seek out the import version which contained a previously unreleased song called "Once Upon a Long Ago", which STILL hasn’t been officially released in the US to this day (2008). The compilation also suffers from too many repeats from "Wings Greatest", but not all of those tracks are included like "Hi Hi Hi", thus necessitating the need to have that compilation if one wants everything on CD. Fortunately, the "Wingsspan" collection straightened out the early years of McCartney’s solo career, but a good career-spanning compilation still needs to be in order.

Tracks unique to the US version include "Junior’s Farm", "Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey", "Coming Up (Live in Glascow)", "Goodnight Tonight", and "With a Little Luck (edit)".

Tracks unique to the UK version include "Coming Up (studio version)", "Pipes of Peace (edit)", "Once Upon a Long Ago", "We All Stand Together", and "Mull of Kintyre".

The studio version of "Maybe I’m Amazed" was unique to the vinyl edition. Having all 20 tracks together on one compilation would have been more satisfactory.

All That I've Got (I'm Gonna Give It To You) by Billy Preston - ***

First released: 1970

Billy Preston single released co-written by George and recorded around the time of Preston's "Encouraging Words" album, but left off originally. It was added to the 1993 CD reissue as a bonus track.

All Shook Up by Paul McCartney - ***

First released: 1999

Amazingly, none of The Beatles covered this Elvis Presley original until Paul did on "Run Devil Run". Paul's version is much harsher than Presley's 1957 original…in a good way.

All Right Now by Simon Kirke - ****

First released: 2000

A live version by Simon Kirke appears on 2000’s "The Anthology…So Far". The song was originally recorded by Free in 1970 with Simon Kirke in the band. Simon takes lead vocals on this version performed with Ringo Starr and the All-Starr Band. The song is a definite rock classic, maybe not for The Beatles, so it still rates four stars.

All My Trials by Paul McCartney - ***

First released: 1990

Elvis Presley used to sing this commonly as part of his "American Trilogy" number. Paul didn’t go that route, but like Presley, has only performed this live in concert. It appears on "Tripping the Live Fantastic" and also on the vinyl version of the "Highlights!" disc, and it was a single in the UK.

All My Loving by The Beatles - ****

First released: 1963

The first time anyone in the US heard The Beatles, it was probably this song as it was the first song they played on their first appearance on "The Ed Sullivan Show" (this live version appears on "Anthology 1" in 1995). It is definitely an all-time classic and McCartney still plays it to this day on tour in order to get the crowds up on their feet. You just need to hear “Close your eyes…” and you’re already dancing.

It was first released as an album track on "With The Beatles" in the UK. Later it appeared on 1973's "1962-1966". Strangely, a single was only released in Canada, while in the US, it ended up on the 1964 "Four By The Beatles" EP and on the "Meet The Beatles" LP. On CD, it’s also on 2004’s "The Capitol Albums, Vol. 1".

A 1963 radio version appears on 1994's Live at the BBC and a 1964 live version appears on 1977’s "Live at the Hollywood Bowl", and Paul performs different live versions for 1993’s "Paul is Live" and 2002/3's "Back in the US/World".

All in the Name of Love by Ringo Starr - **

First released: 1992

One of the lesser tunes from Ringo’s "Time Takes Time" album. You’ll read this a lot after perusing this book that a particular song plods along. Well this one does. Usually that means it doesn’t have anything to “grab” you to elevate it above just a standard song. Ringo's drumming is solid throughout, however.

All I’ve Got To Do by The Beatles - ****

First released: 1963

I like it when this song takes occasional pauses before resuming its chorus. Pretty neat. John sings it well, also. Anyway, it’s on the "With The Beatles" album. In America, it originally came out on "Meet The Beatles". On CD, it’s also on 2004’s "The Capitol Albums, Vol. 1".

All I Want to Be is By Your Side by Peter Frampton - ***

Unreleased.

A live version by Peter Frampton that hasn’t appeared on any Ringo Starr and His All-Starr Band album that was performed on tour in 1998. The song was originally a hit for Frampton on another live album "Frampton Comes Alive" in 1976, though not released as a single. It was originally recorded as a studio track for Frampton’s 1972 album "Winds of Change".

All I Want for Chistmas is a Beatle by The Beatles - **

First released: 1995

The Beatles do a little Christmas singing on the "Saturday Club" show in 1963. It’s pretty funny in the same vein of The Beatles’ various Christmas records. My favorite part is when Paul says, "Since this is the last Saturday Club"," with John chiming in, "We’ll ever do!" Though not officially released to CD, the dialog does make an appearance on the "Anthology" TV show.

All By Myself by Eric Carmen - ***

First released: 2000

A live version by Eric Carmen appears on 2000’s "The Anthology…So Far". This is not the same song that Ringo recorded for his "Goodnight Vienna" album, but Ringo performs on this version as well. Carmen didn’t steal from Ringo for this, but rather from Rachmaninov’s "Piano Concerto No. 2". The original studio version by Carmen was released in 1975 and almost topped the US charts.

All By Myself by Ringo Starr - ***

First released: 1974

This is yet another bouncy tune from Ringo’s "Goodnight Vienna" album and another personal favorite. I particularly like the “Herb Alpert” middle section. Lennon plays guitar in the background, as well.

I’m so glad for CDs. When I bought it new on vinyl in the late 70s or early 80s, the song had a built-in skip at the two-minute mark. I was too lazy to exchange the vinyl and so when I started listening to it on CD, I was still expecting this skip.

All Along the Watchtower by The Beatles - *

Unreleased.

In 1969, The Beatles ran through a version of this classic Bob Dylan song best known for the version by Jimi Hendrix during their "Get Back" sessions. While the thought of The Beatles performing this song sounds intriguing, unfortunately it only lasts about 15 seconds.

Alibi by Ringo Starr - **

First released: 1983

Not a bad tune from Ringo’s "Old Wave" album, but unfortunately doesn’t really go anywhere. It almost sounds unfinished. It’s also a bit slow moving, but it is saved from total obscurity only because a bit of a country twang thanks to some good guitar playing by co-writer Joe Walsh.

"Alice in Wonderland" (feature) starring Ringo Starr - **

First released: 1985

Semi-lame adaptation of the Lewis Carroll classic, but it was by Irwin Allen ("Lost in Space"), so what did you expect? The only redeeming quality of this production is that it is the first movie adaptation to my knowledge to treat "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" and "Through the Looking Glass" as separate stories. Ringo appears as the mock turtle and sings a song called "Nonsense". There was a "soundtrack" album released, but it was really a children's storyteller album, and although Ringo's voice is heard on the soundtrack, "Nonsense" is not included and as such remains unreleased to record or CD, though the film was released to VHS in 1994 and DVD in 2006.

Al Coury (dialogue) by Al Coury -**

First released: 1998

Al Coury discusses his participation on the "Band on the Run 25th Anniversary Edition". Coury was the promo man at Capitol Records at the time of the original album’s release (1973). Paul would be wise to listen to a man like this again in his career.

Aisumasen (I’m Sorry) by John Lennon - **

First released: 1973

Zzzzz…huh, what’s that? Oh, it’s just John singing his apologies in this dreadfully slow and draggy ode to Yoko from "Mind Games". It’s also on 1990’s "Lennon". A demo version added to the 2002 "Mind Games" CD reissue doesn’t help.

Ain’t That Cute by George Harrison - ***

First released: 1970

Doris Troy song co-written with George Harrison. He also plays guitar on this one. There may be an unreleased Harrison demo somewhere, but I've never heard it. Doris released it as a single and it appears on her eponymous album. Her version has a strong upbeat soul sound.

Ain’t That a Shame by John Lennon -***; by Paul McCartney - ***

First released: 1975

Lennon recorded this Fats Domino tune from 1955 that actually was a #1 hit for Pat Boone! The Domino/Bartholomew song was included on Lennon’s "Rock ‘n’ Roll" album and almost was the second single off of the album or the b-side. It was also on 1990’s "Lennon" and "Instant Karma" from 2001.

Paul did a studio take for his "Choba B CCCP" album in 1988. This version was also one of the b-sides off of the "My Brave Face" CD single. A live version was performed by Paul on 1990’s "Tripping the Live Fantastic".

Somewhere along the line, someone did a mash-up of Lennon’s and McCartney’s versions together, long before the term “mash-up” was coined. This is not a legitimate release, but it was good to see Lennon and McCartney performing together again, at least fictionally.