Thursday, November 25, 2010

Weight of the World by Ringo Starr – ****

First released: 1992

Ringo’s return to studio recording in almost a decade launched this “should have been” hit single that is very Beatlesque and one of Ringo’s best tunes ever. It was also from "Time Takes Time". It was also included on 2007’s "Photograph" compilation. A live version 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").

Weep For Love by Denny Laine – ***

First released: 1980

Paul and Wings recorded this for "Back to the Egg" in 1979, but this Denny Laine sung composition didn't get an official release until his solo "Japanese Tears" album in 1980.

"Wedding Album" by John Lennon and Yoko Ono – **

First released: 1969

The third and thankfully final album in the "Unfinished Music" trilogy by Lennon and Ono. It’s not billed as such, but it’s essentially that. One side has "John and Yoko" shouting each others names like Stan Freberg’s "John and Marsha", and the other side has interviews from their "Amsterdam Bed-in". The 1997 Ryko CD reissue has "Who Has Seen the Wind?", "Listen, the Snow is Falling" and "Don’t Worry Kyoko" as extra tracks. Otherwise, there’s no music at all.

We’re Open Tonight by Paul McCartney – ***

First released: 1979

Pleasant song that sounds more suited for "London Town" than "Back to the Egg". Paul does more falsetto singing (I wish he'd stop doing that).

We’re All Water by Yoko Ono – ***

First released: 1972

The album closer to John and Yoko’s "Some Time in New York City" and the track that received another bit of controversy due to the album cover photograph of President Nixon and Chairman Mao dancing naked (not showing any genitalia mind you). Yoko also performed this live a few times as well. It’s not that great of a song either as it seems incomplete.

"We were performers...in Britain." by John Lennon – ****

First released: 1995

Another snippet of the 1971 Jann Wenner interview with John appears on "Anthology 1".

"We were four guys...that's all." by John Lennon – ****

First released: 1995

A portion of a John Lennon commentary from the famous 1971 Rolling Stone interview that appears as a short track on "Anthology 1". I didn't particularly care for these interview snippets and were glad when they didn't end up on "Anthology 2" and "3".

We Must Not Forget the General Erection by John Lennon – ****

Unreleased.

Not officially released to record comes this John Lennon reading of one of his poems from his books dating from 1964 and 1965.

We Got Married by Paul McCartney – ***

First released: 1989

Paul writes yet another ode to wife Linda and his lengthy marriage to her. The best part of the song is the instrumental break. The original is from "Flowers in the Dirt". A live version was performed on 1990’s "Tripping the Live Fantastic".

We Can Work it Out by The Beatles – ****

First released: 1965

The b-side to "Day Tripper", or is it the other way round. Another great song by the fab four. Later it appeared on 1973's "1962-1966". It first appeared on CD on "Past Masters, Volume Two" in 1988. It's also on 2000's "1".

McCartney does a live take on the song on "Unplugged (The Official Bootleg)" in 1991 and different live versions are on 1993’s "Paul is Live", and 2002/3's "Back in the US/World".

We All Stand Together by Paul McCartney – ***

First released: 1984

A bit hit single in the UK for Paul. It was also included on the UK version of 1987’s "All the Best". Later, it was added as a bonus track on the UK CD reissue of "Pipes of Peace", and still later it was the b-side to "Tropic Island Hum". It still hasn't had an official CD, album or single release in the US. It is included on the soundtrack to "Rupert and the Frog Song", an animated cartoon produced by Paul, from which this song originated. There is also an instrumental b-side from the original single referred to as "The Humming Version". Earlier versions of the song exist from about 1978 from Paul's aborted "Rupert" project from that time.

Way You Look Tonight, The by The Beatles – (NR)

Unreleased.

Song dating from 1968 and left off of The Beatles “White Album”.

Waterspout by Paul McCartney – ****

Unreleased.

Considering the lackluster sound of McCartney’s latest albums (see "Chaos and Creation in the Backyard" and "Driving Rain"), one wonders why McCartney doesn’t just delve into the archives and put out an official release of long forgotten but recorded tracks. "Waterspout" is one of these. Originally recorded for "London Town", it was left off, even though it’s actually better than some of the songs that appeared. Then McCartney planned it for the "Cold Cuts" compilation that to date has never seen an official release.

McCartney has stated in more recent interviews he wants to release one more classic tune before he hangs it up for good. Judging from what he has been releasing as of late, he’d be better off just packaging better unreleased tracks such as this and passing it off as new. It was recorded in 1978.

Waterfalls by Paul McCartney – ***

First released: 1980

Not the TLC song of the same name, this was the second single off of "McCartney II". What's really strange is that the TLC version sounds almost like the McCartney version sped up! McCartney's song is ok, but not quite the type of solid song that’s going to garner a lot of sales and airplay. It’s hindered by a somewhat sparse arrangement. I probably would have issued "Temporary Secretary" as the second single. The "DJ Edit" version appeared on 2001’s "Wingspan".

Watercolour Rush by Paul McCartney – ***

First released: 1989

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

Watercolour Guitars by Paul McCartney – ***

First released: 1989

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

"Water" (feature) by George Harrison and Ringo Starr – ***

First released: 1985

Silly feature film starring Michael Caine and featuring a cameo appearance by George and Ringo performing in a band called The Singing Rebels.

Watching the Wheels by John Lennon – ****

First released: 1980

The third and final single off of John and Yoko’s "Double Fantasy" album, this time with a COLOR photo for the picture sleeve. I really liked this tune when it came out and do now, but as with all "Double Fantasy" songs, it was difficult for me to listen to them for about 2-3 years. My favorite part is the merry-go-round sound effect. Shades of "Mr. Kite". The song was also used to good effect in the Michael Douglas film "Wonder Boys". It’s also on "The John Lennon Collection" from 1982, 1990’s "Lennon", "Lennon Legend" from 1997, "Instant Karma" from 2001, "Working Class Hero" from 2005, and 2006’s Remember". A demo version appears on 1998’s "The John Lennon Anthology" and 2004’s "Acoustic".

Watching Rainbows by The Beatles – ***

Unreleased.

John demoed this in 1969 with The Beatles. To date, it has not been officially released.

Watch Your Step by The Beatles – ***

Unreleased.

Song performed by The Beatles during their 1969 "Get Back" sessions.

Warm and Beautiful by Paul McCartney – ***

First released: 1976

A beginning of a regular tradition for McCartney. Paul learned to close his albums with a sweet ballad as opposed to a more bombastic song. This is one of many of a long line of well-constructed ballads that Paul excels at writing. This one closes "Wings at the Speed of Sound". An instrumental version appears on "Working Classical" in 1999.

Wanderlust by Paul McCartney – ***

First released: 1982

This is one of the songs McCartney chose to remake in an inferior version for "Give My Regards to Broad Street" in 1984, but I'm not too crazy about the original version from "Tug of War".

Waltzing Matilda by The Beatles – ***

Unreleased.

Song The Beatles performed with Rolf Harris on BBC radio in 1964.

Walrus and the Carpenter, The by Mary Hopkin – ***

First released: 1968

Song performed by Mary Hopkin from her "Post Card" album with production help by Paul.

"Walls and Bridges" by John Lennon – ****

First released: 1974

Though not the popular consensus, this is my favorite Lennon solo album. It contains my favorite solo Lennon tune of all time ("#9 Dream"), and also some fine tracks like "Going Down on Love", "Whatever Gets You Through the Night", "What You Got" and "Beef Jerky". It’s a very funky album filled with more “soul” than usually found in a Lennon album, yet there are always reviews by people saying things like this is lightweight Lennon and the like.

I also like "John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band" and "Imagine", but I find the former a bit harsh and the latter has a couple of ponderous songs ("I Don’t Want to Be a Soldier Mama" and "Oh Yoko") that keep them from being my favorite, but they are strong runners up.

It was issued on CD and remastered and reissued in 2005 with the bonus tracks of "Whatever Gets You Through the Night (Live)", a demo of "Nobody Loves You (When You’re Down and Out)" and a "John Interview" from 1974. Both CD issues contain cover art that varies slightly (in the original CD issue) to completely different (the CD reissue).

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Walking On Thin Ice by Yoko Ono – ****

First released: 1981

This was the song that John and Yoko were working on on that fateful day. Lennon predicted it would go to #1, which it did, a couple of decades later as a dance tune (listen to the "Yoko’s Box" version). The opening is a classic in the "Hard Day’s Night" vein. Originally appearing as a solo Yoko single, the song was added to many Yoko compilations and eventually rested on the 2000 CD reissue of John and Yoko’s "Double Fantasy". Elvis Costello cut a great version on the Yoko tribute album "Every Man Has a Woman" in 1984.

Walking in the Park With Eloise by Paul McCartney – ***

First released: 1974

Paul and Wings decided to record this instrumental composed by his father, James. It's a bouncy, ragtime type of affair and shows where Paul got his composing chops. It was somewhat hard to find as a single since it came out under the name of The Country Hams and eluded inclusion on an album until the CD re-release of "Wings at the Speed of Sound".

Walking in the Meadow by Paul McCartney – ***

Unreleased.

Paul composed and recorded the music for his "Rupert" project in 1978 that remains unreleased.

Walkin’ Nerve by Nils Lofgren – ***

First released: 1993

A live version by Nils Lofgren 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").

Walk With You by Ringo Starr – ***

First released: 2010

Ringo sings a duet with Paul from the Ringo album "Y Not". The sad part of this duet is that Paul’s voice is not as strong as it once was, where as Ringo’s sounds the same as it always has, if not better.

Walk, The by The Beatles – ***

Unreleased.

Although this 1969 recording was scheduled to be released on an early version of the "Get Back" album, it didn't make it to the final "Let it Be" album.

Wake Up My Love by George Harrison – ****

First released: 1982

The lead-off song and single from George’s "Gone Troppo" is this bouncy almost "Teardrops"-like tune. I like it better than most people. Didn’t chart very well as it was not played on the radio or promoted very well. George thought better of it and included it on "Best of Dark Horse 1976-1989".

Wake Up in the Morning by The Beatles – ***

Unreleased.

Unreleased Lennon/McCartney number performed during the 1969 "Get Back" sessions.

Wake Up by Ringo Starr – **

First released: 1994

Recorded for Ringo’s "Stop and Smell the Roses" album in 1981, but left off of it until the 1994 CD reissue. Not a bad tune, but not that great either, so it’s easy to see why it didn’t make the final cut.

Waiting For the Sun to Shine by Paul McCartney – (NR)

Unreleased.

Unreleased McCartney song dating from 1974 and 1978.

Waiting by Ringo Starr – ***

First released: 1970

Ringo sings a typical country song on "Beaucoups of Blues".

Wait by The Beatles – ****

First released: 1965

The Beatles had this uncanny ability to make even the most mundane stuff sound good. Not that "Wait" is a bad track by any means, it’s just that it suffers in comparison the other great stuff on "Rubber Soul", that’s how good "Rubber Soul" is! But again there’s a great backing guitar lick that’s prominent.

Wah-Wah by George Harrison – ****

First released: 1970

This is one of those tunes that I feel is WAY over-produced from "All Things Must Pass". I much prefer the version that George performed live on "The Concert for Bangla Desh" in 1971. I especially like the version with Paul and Ringo that was performed for the "Concert for George" set, since this song was supposed to be a jab at Paul in the first place.

Vo!ce by Paul McCartney – ***

First released: 2000

Paul duets with his soon-to-be-wife Heather Mills on this CD single about prejudice against people with physical or mental defects. Paul sings a bit and plays and Heather preaches. It's not as bad as it sounds. It's not available on any album, and at this point, probably won't be. Now, it's quite rare. The exclamation point is not a typo. That's the way it is on the recording.

Vintage Clothes by Paul McCartney – ***

First released: 2007

A nice, bouncy number from Paul's "Memory Almost Full". The subject matter is kind of quirky but appropriate considering that what goes around, comes around, meaning that what is old becomes new again...sorta like McCartney. He was maligned for years, now he's kind of gotten into that Sinatra/Tony Bennett elder statesmen role in which he can no longer do no wrong. He even toured with Bennett, for God's sake!

"VH1 Storytellers" by Ringo Starr – ****

First released: 1998

Ray Davies of The Kinks originated this series for cable station VH1 and at one point, Ringo made a live appearance with his new group called The Roundheads instead of the usual All-Starr Band format. As a result the TV show and accompanying album and VHS tape are some of the most fun performances made by Ringo with amusing between song patter discussing the origins of many of The Beatles and Ringo’s solo songs. It is the first live appearance for many tunes from Ringo’s recent "Vertical Man" album as well as The Beatles’ "Don’t Pass Me By" and "Octopus’s Garden". One of my favorite Ringo live albums, though I wish the complete concert was included on the CD and I wish the complete show was released to DVD (only "Octopus’s Garden" has been).

"Vertical Man" by Ringo Starr – ****

First released: 1998

After the unqualified success of the material on Ringo’s "Time Takes Time" album from 1992, Ringo continues with the quality on this release. This was my favorite Ringo album in quite some time, until he surpassed this one with the excellent "Ringo Rama" album in 2003. Poor underrated Ringo can’t seem to fix his career. I’m glad that he doesn’t give up and albums like this show us that he has the chops to do excellent work consistently. "Mr. Double-it-Up" and "Everyday" were added as bonus tracks to the Japanese version of the album.

Vertical Man by Ringo Starr – ****

First released: 1998

Title track from Ringo’s first studio album in about six years. I would have issued this song instead of "La De Da" as the all-important single release, but knowing Ringo’s track record by this time, it probably wouldn’t have helped. It is a good Beatlesque sounding song and also has a strong autobiographical message.

Veronica by Paul McCartney – ****

First released: 1989

The best track that came out of all those Paul McCartney-Elvis Costello sessions. To this day, I STILL think that an album of just those two, even released 20 years hence would do better than the albums and singles all of these individual tracks ended up on. As a result, it ended up on Elvis Costello's "Spike" album and was a hit single for Elvis Costello alone with no mention at all of McCartney on the picture sleeve. A demo version appears on the 2001 "Spike" reissue.

"Venus and Mars" by Paul McCartney – ****

First released: 1975

My favorite Wings album. I know, I know, I'm supposed to like "Band On the Run", but I don't care, I like this one better. I feel that "Band" was an excellent starting point, but "Venus" took the whole Wings idea to another level. Besides, it contains one of my all-time favorite McCartney tracks "Listen to What the Man Said". That counts for something, or should.

Venus and Mars by Paul McCartney – ****

First released: 1975

This track appears twice on Paul's "Venus and Mars" album, the first time it segues into "Rock Show", the second time (listed as a "Reprise"), it segues into "Spirits of Ancient Egypt". A nice little ditty, strongly reminiscent of "Ram On" from the "Ram" album. An edited single of "Venus and Mars/Rock Show" also appeared on 2001’s "Wingspan". A live version was performed and released on "Wings Over America" in 1976.

Vegetables by The Beach Boys – ****

First released: 1967

Apparently Paul contributes some celery crunching to this song from The Beach Boys’ "Smiley Smile".

Vanilla Sky by Paul McCartney – **

First released: 2001

Disappointing release from Paul is this theme song from the film of the same name that was amazingly nominated for a Grammy. It sounds to me like "Biker Like An Icon" from 1993 with a slower tempo and different lyrics. Paul performs a live version on 2002's "Back in the US".

Valentine’s Day by Paul McCartney – **

First released: 1970

First instrumental on "McCartney". It's ok, but nothing special for me.

Vacation Time by The Beatles – ***; by John Lennon - ***

Unreleased.

The Beatles perform a version of this Chuck Berry song during their 1969 "Get Back" sessions and Lennon did a version in 1971.

Used To Be Bad by Paul McCartney – ***

First released: 1997

Drum-heavy duet between McCartney and Steve Miller. It almost sounds finished, and instead seems like their still rehearsing it or creating it in the studio. For jamming purposes, it’s not bad, from "Flaming Pie".

Upon a Hill by Paul McCartney – (NR)

Unreleased.

Paul demo from 1974 and 1978.

"Unplugged (The Official Bootleg)" by Paul McCartney – ****

First released: 1991

McCartney decided to take a gentler turn in his live performance repertoire and as a result, released this fine album. Unfortunately, for unknown reasons, he made it a limited edition in the US and the album stalled at #14 on the charts. Had it had a general release, it is possible that the record could have topped the charts, and would have been his first chart-topper since 1982. Also inexplicable is the removal of a nice version of "Things We Said Today" that was later released as a b-side.

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Unknown Delight by George Harrison – ***

First released: 1982

Kind of a companion piece to "Mystical One" also from George’s "Gone Troppo" album. The instrumentation saves this one from oblivion.

Universal Here, Everlasting Now by Paul McCartney – ***

First Released: 2008

The part of the Fireman album "Electric Arguments" that sounds most like the other Fireman albums. One wonders how involved Paul is on these parts.

Unicorn, The by Mary Hopkin – ***

First released: 1969

Donovan song performed by Mary Hopkin for her album "Post Card" with Paul producing.

"Unfinished Music No. 2 – Life With the Lions" by John Lennon – *

First released: 1969

In case you couldn’t get enough of "Unfinished Music No. 1", here’s "No. 2"! I think I will echo George Martin’s sentiment: No Comment! I will say that the later 1997 CD reissue on Ryko added the tracks "Song For John" and "Mulberry".

"Unfinished Music No. 1 – Two Virgins" by John Lennon – *

First released: 1968

Ok gang, purchase this at your own risk. This was definitely recorded and released at a time when Lennon was trying to push the limits of the Beatle-buying fan and really destroy the myth. He only partially succeeded. If he fully succeeded, you wouldn’t be reading this book right now. This is the notorious album that has John and Yoko fully nude on front and backsides on the cover. It was briefly rumored to be the cover of the upcoming Beatles album better known as the "White Album", in which all four Beatles were supposed to be nude. Now THAT would have been an interesting cover! As it turns out, Apple wasn’t terribly pleased, nor was Capitol or Parlophone and US distribution was turned over to Bill Cosby’s record label Tetragrammaton for distribution. Later it was reissued as a pseudo-bootleg on both vinyl and then CD, but at a much more affordable price than what the original was trading for and finally, Yoko reissued it properly in 1997 on Ryko Compact Discs adding "Remember Love", which was originally the b-side of "Give Peace a Chance".

Is it worth listening to? Well, if you like bird chirping and various assorted strange sounds, then it is ideal listening for you… The sad thing is that it charted a lot higher than most of Ringo’s later albums!!

Under the Red Sky by Bob Dylan – ***

First released: 1990

George plays on this Bob Dylan track from Bob’s "Under the Red Sky" album.

Under the Mersey Wall by George Harrison – *

First released: 1969

One of two indescribable sides from George's "Electronic Sound". The other being "No Time or Space". In fact, the sides were swapped at one point, so I'm not sure which is which, either. Like it matters.

Unconsciousness Rules by George Harrison – ***

First released: 1981

One of six songs that survived both incarnations of George’s "Somewhere in England". It is also a nice upbeat song and that’s probably what saved it from oblivion.

Uncle Albert by Paul McCartney – ****

First released: 1971

The highlight and first single (coupled with "Admiral Halsey") from Paul's "Ram". This sounds like The Beatles and probably would have been released by them had they remained together in 1971. It also appears on 1978’s "Wings Greatest", 1987’s "All The Best" and 2001’s "Wingspan". "Uncle Albert" appears sans "Halsey" in a great video from his 1973 TV special "James Paul McCartney".

Unchained Melody by John Lennon – ***

Unreleased.

Lennon did a version of this song during the rehearsals for the 1972 "One to One Concerts".

Unbelievable Experience, The by Paul McCartney – (NR)

Unreleased.

Unreleased McCartney song dating from 1980.

"U.S. vs. John Lennon, The" (feature) by John Lennon – ****

First released: 2006

This film is sort of a companion piece to the 1988 "John Lennon: Imagine" film. It delves further into a subject just lightly touched upon in the former film, that of Lennon’s investigations by the FBI. It’s a fascinating piece about a typically paranoid time in the US. What’s really great are the extra interviews included in the bonus section of the DVD.

"U.S. vs. John Lennon, The" by John Lennon – ***

First released: 2006

Soundtrack album to the film of the same name. More of the same old Lennon numbers, but some of the tracks have longer fade-outs than their traditional versions. Also, this album marks the first appearance of the live version of "Attica State" and an instrumental score of "How Do You Sleep?" A couple of the tracks also feature dialogue from the picture. It sounds nice overall, but not a necessary purchase.

Two Virgins by John Lennon – *

First released: 1968

Depending on which release you are looking at, this is one of two or one of ten tracks with this title on John and Yoko’s "Unfinished Music No. 1 – Two Virgins" release. The difference on the track listing is negligible.

222 by Paul McCartney – *

First released: 2007

One of three bonus tracks on the two-disc version of Paul’s "Memory Almost Full". It’s not as good as what was released on the album, so it’s easy to see why it was left off. It’s strongly reminiscent of something from "Chaos and Creation in the Backyard". It has more a jazzy feel than what is usually composed or released by McCartney. Doesn’t mean its better. Seems very improvised.

Two of Us by The Beatles – ****

First released: 1970

The last time anyone really got to see John and Paul perform together as a duet, from the "Let it Be" film and album. Although, they recorded "Abbey Road" together later on, there's no video footage of this. The 2003 "Naked" version of this does not include the "I dig a pygmy" opening dialogue. A demo version appears on "Anthology 3" in 1996. A demo snippet is featured on 2003's "Fly on the Wall".

Two Minutes Silence by John Lennon – *

First released: 1969

What’s it sound like? It is what it is. From John and Yoko’s "Unfinished Music No. 2 – Life With the Lions". It sounds vaguely similar to the "Nutopian National Anthem".

Two Magpies by Paul McCartney – ***

First Released: 2008

Cool sounding track that should have been the opening track for the Fireman album "Electric Arguments". The best part is the quirky “out of tune” demo feel of it.

"200 Motels" (feature) by Ringo Starr – **

First released: 1972

The majority of Ringo’s films are not very good or bizarre at best. This one falls into both categories. Even though I am a fan of Frank Zappa, this was not Frank’s best moment. I also like Flo & Eddie (Mark Volman and Howard Kaylan) from The Turtles, but this still doesn’t make for a good film. 200 Motels is confusing and noisy and worst of all unfunny and tuneless. It is boring. Ringo is about the only bright spot making a cameo as Zappa himself, but this is momentary. A film that should be avoided. It’s not on a commercially available DVD. Good thing, too.

Two Faced Man by George Harrison – ***

Unreleased.

George performs this on "The David Frost Show" in 1971.

Twist and Shout by The Beatles – ****

First released: 1963

This Medley/Russell tune is done to perfection with John Lennon’s throat-destroying vocals. It was originally on "Please Please Me", but was released as a single on the Tollie label in the US. Later, in 1986 it became a hit all over again when Capitol re-released it as a single due to its inclusion in the "Ferris Bueller’s Day Off" and "Back to School" movies; and it’s also on the "Imagine: John Lennon" soundtrack from 1988. The song was originally performed by the Isley Brothers in 1962. The Beatles performed it live on "Live at the Star-Club, Hamburg 1962" in 1977. A different live version from 1963 appears on "Anthology 1" in 1995.

"Twin Freaks" by Paul McCartney – ***

First released: 2005

"Twin Freaks" is a collaborative album by musician Paul McCartney with DJ and producer Freelance Hellraiser (Roy Kerry).

Twice in a Lifetime by Paul McCartney – ***

First released: 1985

The theme song of the movie of the same name and was originally just on the closing credits by Paul. It is not a very remarkable song, and ended up being officially released to CD as a bonus track on the UK "Pipes of Peace" reissue from 1993.

25 Fingers by Paul McCartney – ***

Unreleased.

Another McCartney/MacManus composition from 1989.

"20 Greatest Hits" by The Beatles – ***

First released: 1982

Yet another Beatles compilation. This one is in effect a single disc condensation of the "1962-1966" and "1967-1970" sets, with an edited version of "Hey Jude" for time. Later, similar track selection made it comparable to the CD called "1".

Twenty Flight Rock by Paul McCartney – ***

First released: 1988

An Eddie Cochran classic from 1957. Although The Beatles performed this live many times (in fact, this is the song that Paul played for John when they met in 1957), a proper studio version was not recorded until 1988 for Paul's "Choba B CCCP" album. A live version was performed on 1990’s "Tripping the Live Fantastic".

12-Bar Original by The Beatles – ***

First released: 1996

The Beatles do their version of "Green Onions". Originally it was over six minutes long and then pared down to under three for the version released on "Anthology 2". The missing material is similar to what was released, but it is strange that they didn't bother to release the full-length version.

Tweeter and the Monkey Man by Traveling Wilburys – **

First released: 1988

Bob Dylan is showcased again on this track from George’s "Traveling Wilburys, Volume 1".

Twas a Night Like Ethel Merman by John Lennon – (NR)

Unreleased.

Lennon did a home recording in the late 70s with this unique title.

Tutti Frutti by George Harrison – ***; by Paul McCartney – ***; by Ringo Starr – ***

Unreleased.

George played this in 1970 during the Delaney and Bonnie sessions. Paul played it during rehearsals on his 1993 tour. Even Ringo played drums on the T Rex version of the song in 1972. It is a Little Richard classic.

Turnaround, The by Ringo Starr – ***

First released: 2005

Rather silly song from Ringo's "Choose Love".

Turkey in the Straw by The Beatles – ***

Unreleased.

The Beatles performed a version of this classic tune during their 1969 "Get Back" sessions.

"Tug of War" by Paul McCartney – ****

First released: 1982

The first release from McCartney after the Lennon tragedy in 1980 and Harrison and Starr’s releases of 1981. Though nothing much really indicated that the tragedy had affected him other than the Here Today tribute song, in retrospect it seemed to be business as usual except that it wasn’t called a Wings album. Apparently, the "Pipes of Peace" tracks were recorded at the same time and like "McCartney II", I would like to see a double-album reissue as "War and Peace" featuring the unreleased songs and single b-sides added. As it turned out because of the way it was released, "Tug of War" came out as the stronger of the two albums, but if "Pipes of Peace" was included, people would have treated it as an epic release similar to how George’s "All Things Must Pass" was viewed.

Tug of War by Paul McCartney – ****

First released: 1982

This song was also released as a single and included on "Tug of War" and 2001’s "Wingspan", minus the grunts and groans at the beginning. Personally, I would have released "Ballroom Dancing" as the third single. This song is too slow to punch up sagging album sales.

Tug of Peace by Paul McCartney – **

First released: 1983

As stated on the "Pipes of Peace" album review, if this was part of a two-record set, this throwaway would sound like thematic elements going through a double-set. As it stands, it sounds like a throwaway, and should have been by Paul.

Tuff Love by Ringo Starr – ***

First released: 2008

Another good Ringo track from "Liverpool 8", although it should probably have been titled "A Little Bit of Love". Good piano throughout and some interesting sitar work at the end.

Tuesday by Paul McCartney – ***

First released: 1999

One of the few original tracks from Paul's largely instrumental "Working Classical". It was also used as the backing soundtrack for the animated cartoon of the same name.

T-Shirt by The Crickets – ***

First released: 1989

McCartney wrote and performed on this song with the surviving members of The Crickets.

Try Some, Buy Some by George Harrison – ***

First released: 1973

Although this was released as a Ronnie Spector single on Apple in 1972, this Harrison-penned composition first appeared by him on his "Living in the Material World" album. He just wiped off Spector’s vocals and supplied his own. Nifty, huh? I kind of like this bouncy/ballady type song. David Bowie did a cover of this song for his 2003 album. Spector’s version appears on 2010’s "Come and Get it: The Best of Apple Records".

Try Not to Cry by Paul McCartney – ***

First released: 1999

One of three original tunes from Paul's cover-heavy "Run Devil Run". It was actually released as a single and isn't half bad, although I think "Run Devil Run" as a song is a little bit better.

True Love by George Harrison – ***

First released: 1976

George Harrison does Cole Porter in an authentic cover with lots of twangy guitar added. There was also a video for this, but it wasn’t released as a single, at least in the US. Here it’s only on "33 1/3".

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Tropic Island Hum by Paul McCartney – ****

First released: 2004

Though recorded years before in 1987 with Linda McCartney doing a fine co-vocal that you’d swear wasn’t her, this song from the cartoon of the same name was released in a truncated form on a single in the UK only. In the US, you can only get the full version of the song as part of "The Music and Animation Collection" DVD.

"Tripping the Live Fantastic" by Paul McCartney – ***

First released: 1990

McCartney’s first full live concert tour of the US since 1976 was commemorated with this live release. Highlights of this tour were the first ever performance of a number of Beatles tunes from the latter 60s. McCartney’s voice wasn’t as strong as it should have been, but it was nice nonetheless. Also included were a number of cover versions of old 50s tunes. A "Highlights" disc was released at the same time, containing mainly The Beatles’ songs. There’s nothing new on this version; however, the record club vinyl version strangely included the live version of "All My Trials", which was otherwise released as a single only.

Trippin’ On My Own Tears by Ringo Starr – **

First released: 2003

One of the milder tunes from "Ringo Rama".

Tres Conejos by Paul McCartney – ***

Unreleased.

McCartney song performed in concert in Spain in 2003.

Trembler, The by George Harrison – ***

First released: 1987

George wrote and performed on this Duane Eddy track.

Treat Her Gently by Paul McCartney – ***

First released: 1975

Album closer coupled with "Lonely Old People", two very similar sounding songs. A nice way to end Paul's "Venus and Mars".

Travelling Light by Paul McCartney – ***

First Released: 2008

A nice peaceful track that segues from "Sing the Changes" on Paul’s Fireman album "Electric Arguments". It’s like a slower Sally G, with a distinctive country sound. Note the British spelling of “travelling”, not the US “traveling” like in the Traveling Wilburys.

"Traveling Wilburys, Volume 3" by George Harrison – ****

First released: 1990

If you count the "Romanian Angel Appeal" album as Volume 2, which does contain The Traveling Wilburys version of "Nobody’s Child" (unavailable on "Volume 1" and "3"), then "Volume 3" makes more sense. Otherwise, it’s a perverse joke on the collector mentality. George really takes a backseat on this album and rarely sings lead. It’s not quite as strong of album, but tracks such as "Wilbury Twist" add a lot of humor. The boys take on new identities this time out and the effort is dedicated to Lefty Wilbury (Roy Orbison).

"Traveling Wilburys, Volume 1" by George Harrison – ****

First released: 1988

After George Harrison recruited Bob Dylan, Jeff Lynne, Tom Petty and Roy Orbison to cut a b-side, they decided that the results were so good that they should cut an album instead. All involved took on characters names such as Nelson and Otis Wilbury and created this alter-ego band with a legendary background. They even created their own label Wilbury Records (even though it was still Warner Bros.) The resulting album is a very fun album that begged for a sequel which was "Volume 3"?!?

"Traveling Wilburys Collection, The" by George Harrison – ****

First released: 2007

A three-disc CD/DVD set reissue featuring George Harrison’s complete "Traveling Wilburys, Volume 1" and "3" albums, but some b-sides and outtakes left off the previous releases. It’s nice to finally have them all in one place. My only complaint was with the second DVD disc for leaving off the video for "Nobody’s Child".

Transpiritual Stomp by Paul McCartney – ***

First released: 1994

A track from McCartney's trance album "Strawberries Oceans Ships Forest" released under the pseudonym The Fireman.

Transcrystaline by Paul McCartney – ***

First released: 1994

A track from McCartney's trance album "Strawberries Oceans Ships Forest" released under the pseudonym The Fireman.

Trans Lunar Rising by Paul McCartney – ***

First released: 1994

A track from McCartney's trance album "Strawberries Oceans Ships Forest" released under the pseudonym The Fireman.

Tragedy by Paul McCartney – ***

Unreleased.

Unreleased McCartney track dating back to 1972 that was strongly considered for the aborted "Cold Cuts" album. It's not too bad and should see official release someday.

Tracks of My Tears by The Beatles – ***

Unreleased.

The Beatles performed a version of this Smokey Robinson and the Miracles hit during their 1969 "Get Back" sessions.

"Tour 2003" (aka "Live 2003") by Ringo Starr – ***

First released: 2004

Yet another Ringo Starr and His All-Starr Band live album. Even though Sheila E. was retained from the previous line-up, this was one of the weakest line-ups Ringo had ever had in 15 years of trying. The only plus side is this tour was the closest a Beatle will probably ever be at my house as his appearance at Montalvo in Saratoga, California, was less than a mile from my house and I walked to the concert via a hiking trail.

Tough On a Tightrope by Paul McCartney – **

First released: 1986

Kind of sappy bonus track from Paul's "Press to Play" CD that again goes on far too long.

Touch Me by Yoko Ono – *

First released: 1970

US b-side to Lennon’s "Power to the People" single features this song by Yoko who’s only redeeming value is the tree falling sound effect somewhere in mid-track. The “song” also appears on Yoko’s "Yoko Ono/Plastic Ono Band".

"Top of the Pops" (series) by The Beatles – ****

First released: 1963

Another Beatles radio series on the BBC.

"Top Gear" (series) by The Beatles – ****

First released: 1963

Another Beatles radio series on the BBC.

Too Much Rain by Paul McCartney – **

First released: 2005

Another dull track from Paul's "Chaos and Creation in the Back Yard". And will someone PLEASE tell Paul he cannot sing this high anymore.

Too Much Monkey Business by The Beatles – ***

First released: 1994

The Beatles perform this 1956 Chuck Berry composition in 1963 for "Live at the BBC". Their tempo is much faster than Berry's.

Too Many People by Paul McCartney – ****

First released: 1971

The song that got John bent all out of shape is a half-way decent rocker from Paul's "Ram" album, and 2001’s "Wingspan".

Too Many Cooks (Spoil the Soup) by Mick Jagger – ****

First released: 2007

During Lennon’s lost weekend in 1974, John produced this recording of Mick Jagger singing this innocuous song that was never officially released until 2007’s "Best of Mick Jagger" collection.

Too Bad About Sorrows by The Beatles – ***

Unreleased.

Paul quickly sings this track occapella in "Let it Be". A full version has never been recorded or released.

Tony Visconti (dialogue) by Tony Visconti – ***

First released: 1998

Tony discusses his participation for "Band on the Run" on the "25th Anniversary Edition".

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

First released: 1962

"The Tonight Show" actually started in 1954, but it wasn’t until the 1962 version starring Johnny Carson that concerns Beatles fans. The Beatles made their US TV debut on Jack Paar’s show but it wasn’t his version of "The Tonight Show" (1957-1962) that this happened. That was on Paar’s subsequent show from 1962-1965.

During Carson’s reign from 1962-1992, The Beatles appeared exactly twice and it wasn’t all four of them. In 1968, John and Paul appeared to discuss the formation of Apple and in 1984, Paul appeared on Johnny Carson’s birthday to discuss "Give My Regards to Broad Street".

In 1992, Jay Leno took over as host, and since then Ringo has appeared a few times in performance. Maybe Paul, too.

Tonight by Ringo Starr – **

First released: 1978

Another case of “what was Ringo thinking?”. This dull and unmemorable tune was issued as the first single (with a music video no less) in the UK off of Ringo’s "Bad Boy" album.

Tomorrow Never Knows by The Beatles – ****

First released: 1966

If you ever wondered how in the world The Beatles got from "Revolver" to "Sgt. Pepper", take a listen to this song. This is the logical bridge between the two albums. There’s lots of weird noises and textures that would be right at home on the upcoming set, and as usual, it was John Lennon leading the way. A demo version appears on "Anthology 2" in 1996. It is also used for 2006's "Love".

Tomorrow Never Knows by The Beatles – ****

First released: 1966

If you ever wondered how in the world The Beatles got from "Revolver" to "Sgt. Pepper", take a listen to this song. This is the logical bridge between the two albums. There’s lots of weird noises and textures that would be right at home on the upcoming set, and as usual, it was John Lennon leading the way. A demo version appears on "Anthology 2" in 1996. It is also used for 2006's "Love".

Tomorrow by Paul McCartney – ***

First released: 1971

One of the better tracks from "Wild Life" marred only by Linda and Denny’s excessive “oohs and ahhs”. Paul considered it good enough to also include it on 2001’s "Wingspan".

Sunday, November 7, 2010

Tommy’s Holiday Camp by Ringo Starr – ***

First released: 1972

One of two tracks performed by Ringo (the other being "Fiddle About") off of the London Symphony Orchestra version of "Tommy". The Who wrote and performed the original version for their rock opera album in 1969 and later in their feature film in 1975. Usually Who member Keith Moon portrayed Uncle Ernie and sang this track, but for this orchestral release Moon called in his good friend Ringo.

Tommy’s Coming Home by Paul McCartney – (NR)

Unreleased.

Unreleased McCartney/MacManus track dating from 1989. I haven't heard it.

Tomcat by Tom Scott – ***

Unreleaesed.

Song performed on the 1974 George Harrison Tour, written and performed by Tom Scott.

Together by Ringo Starr – ***

First release: 1975

Passable tune for Keith Moon’s "Two Sides of the Moon" album with Ringo in tow to provide lightweight comedy relief at the end of the album. When the Moon album was reissued to CD, additional takes were added that ranged from raunchy to incomprehensible. I think Ringo and Keith were imbibing a bit too much during the sessions.

Together by Paul McCartney – ***

First released: 1990

A live version was performed on 1990’s "Tripping the Live Fantastic".

To You by Paul McCartney – ***

First released: 1979

Lyrically, it's very slight, but musically this song actually has more meat on it than the "Rockestra Theme" that preceded it, meaning that maybe Paul should have gotten the group to record this one. Oh well. It's on "Back to the Egg".

To Know Her is to Love Her by The Beatles – ***; by John Lennon - ***

First released: 1977

One of the many songs The Beatles performed for their Decca audition in 1962. Lennon's version was first released on the posthumous "Menlove Avenue" compilation in 1986, it finally was released in the proper context on the 2004 CD reissue of "Rock ‘n’ Roll". Phil Spector wrote and recorded the song in 1958 when he was part of The Teddy Bears. It’s also known as "To Know Him is to Love Him" and "To Know You is to Love You".

The Beatles performed it live on "Live at the Star-Club, Hamburg 1962" in 1977. A radio version from 1963 appears on 1994's "Live at the BBC".

Tired of Midnight Blue by George Harrison – ****

First released: 1975

THE best song on George’s "Extra Texture" album and definitely a prequel of what was to come on the very funky "33 1/3" album. This song really would have fit at home on the latter album. As it is, it kind of gets lost here in the middle of side two. Love that bass! And George’s singing is really good, too!

Tippi Tippi Toes by Paul McCartney – ***

Unreleased.

Paul composed and recorded the music for his "Rupert" short in 1978 that remains unreleased.

Tip of My Tongue by The Beatles – ***

Unreleased.

Lennon/McCartney song composed for Tommy Quickly in 1963. It is unknown if there is a Beatles version in existence. I haven't heard it.

Tiny Bubble by Paul McCartney – ***

First released: 2001

Slightly more energetic song than the rest from Paul's "Driving Rain". I actually kind of like it, at least in comparison to the rest of the tracks from the album. In comparison to Paul's other work, well...

Time to Hide by Denny Laine – **

First released: 1976

Denny Laine makes a second vocal appearance on "Wings at the Speed of Sound". This song has much more life to it than the dull "Note You Never Wrote", but still is not much, and Denny at least wrote this one. Laine was to do better on the "London Town" album. A live version was performed and released on "Wings Over America" in 1976.

"Time Takes Time" by Ringo Starr – ****

First released: 1992

After almost a decade, Ringo returned with this exciting new studio album that easily blew away any of his other post-Apple solo output. Ringo even performed a couple of tracks from this on tour and released them as singles ("Weight of the World", "Don’t Go Where the Road Don’t Go"), which didn’t do anything on the charts. "Don’t Be Cruel" which was a b-side to "Weight of the World" everywhere else, was added to the album as a bonus track in Japan.

Time by Ringo Starr – ***

First released: 2010

Pleasant, mid-tempo rocker from the Ringo album "Y Not", with some nice violin at the end.

Till There Was You by The Beatles – ****

First released: 1963

Paul sure knows how to pick’em. This Willson composition sounds so much like a McCartney original that many people still don’t know that it was originally from "The Music Man". In fact, I didn’t know it at first either, until my high school did their version of "Music Man" and sang this song. I raced home to check my album and discovered it was a cover. It was originally on "With The Beatles", although The Beatles also performed it earlier on their 1962 Decca Audition.

The Beatles performed it live on "Live at the Star-Club, Hamburg 1962" in 1977. A different live version from 1963 appears on "Anthology 1" in 1995. The Beatles also did a radio version in 1964 that appeared on "Live at the BBC" in 1994.

Tight A$ by John Lennon – ***

First released: 1973

From John Lennon’s "Mind Games" comes this rather silly song. It’s very catchy, but if you are looking to this song to discover some new message from Lennon, you might as well keep looking; it’s not here.

Tie Me Kangaroo Down, Sport by The Beatles – ***

First released: 1963

The Beatles sing along with Rolf Harris on the radio show "From Us to You".

Ticket to Ride by The Beatles – ****

First released: 1965

The performance of "Ticket To Ride" in "Help!" contains the first Beatles animation. Its music notes on a telegraph line, but hey, it does predate "The Beatles" cartoon show and "Yellow Submarine"! This chugging song is a great example of something Lennon would compose with ease during the early to mid-60s. It was a hit single as well and of course on the "Help!" album. Later it appeared on 1973's "1962-1966". It's also on 2000's "1". A 1964 radio version appears on 1994's "Live at the BBC".

A live version appears on "Anthology 2" in 1996.

Thumbin’ a Ride by Jackie Lomax – ***

First released: 1969

George produces and plays on this Jackie Lomax tune from "Is This What You Want?"

Through Our Love by Paul McCartney – ****

First released: 1983

After a couple of clunkers ("Hey Hey", "Tug of Peace"), McCartney shines with the type of ballad that seems to come so easy to him. It's the album closer for "Pipes of Peace".

"Thrillington" by Paul McCartney – ***

First released: 1977

Strange, very strange. McCartney had a contractual obligation before leaving for Columbia Records and fulfilled it with this mostly-instrumental version of his own "Ram" album and released under the fictitious Percy "Thrills" Thrillington name. It didn't do well at all, and at the time McCartney disavowed any knowledge of it, but later came clean and reissued it on CD. It's all very silly and I would rather just listen to "Ram" as this comes entirely too close to being elevator musak. Perhaps this is what John was referring to in "How Do You Sleep?"

3 Legs by Paul McCartney – ***

First released: 1971

John took offense at this supposedly pointed McCartney tune from his "Ram" album. It's hard to miss The Beatles reference, even if McCartney had no intentions as such.

Three Cool Cats by The Beatles – ****

First released: 1981

One of the many songs The Beatles performed for their Decca audition in 1962. I like the humor they inject into their version. The Coasters performed this Leiber and Stoller tune originally. Although it was "officially" released in 1981, the true official release was on "Anthology 1" in 1995.

Those Were the Days by Mary Hopkin – ****

First released: 1968

Apple’s first non-Beatles hit was by Mary Hopkin featuring production by Paul. It also appears on her album "Post Card" and on 2010’s "Come and Get it: The Best of Apple Records".

"Thomas the Tank Engine" (series) by Ringo Starr – ***

First released: 1984

Ringo narrated this series of short live-action animated shows from 1984-1991. The concept was expanded into "Shining Time Station" in which Ringo appeared as the diminutive Mr. Conductor.

...This Town by Paul McCartney – ***

First released: 1989

McCartney plays bass on the opening track of Elvis Costello's "Spike" album. A demo version was released on the 2001 reissue of "Spike".

This Song of Love by The Beatles – ***

Unreleased.

Another song The Beatles performed during their 1969 "Get Back" sessions.

This Song by George Harrison – ****

First released: 1976

This is one of the coolest songs George ever wrote and it should have been a number one!! It is George’s commentary on the whole "My Sweet Lord"-"He’s So Fine" debacle and it appeared on "33 1/3". The music video is one of his best and funniest too, which is available on DVD. Amazingly, "This Song" was left off of any greatest hits compilation!! An error that needs to be remedied.

This One by Paul McCartney – ****

First released: 1989

The second single off of Paul's "Flowers in the Dirt" and a flop in America basically because the record companies unwisely decided that no one buys singles anymore. It's a nice, sweet ballad and should have had a much better chart showing, and would have in earlier times. I remember buying a "cassingle" and then later giving it away as I can't stand pre-recorded cassettes tapes, and eventually purchased the UK import 7" single. A live version was performed on 1990’s "Tripping the Live Fantastic".

This Never Happened Before by Paul McCartney – **

First released: 2005

Another dull track from Paul's "Chaos and Creation in the Back Yard".

This Loving Game by Paul McCartney – **

First released: 2005

Another dull track from Paul's "Chaos and Creation in the Back Yard" sessions. It's the b-side from the "Jenny Wren" single.

This Is To Wish You a Very, Merry Christmas by The Beatles – ***

First released: 1969

McCartney ditty that is used in "The Beatles Seventh Christmas Record" and later on "The Beatles Christmas Album". This is an argument again that McCartney should put out a Christmas album of his original tunes.

This Is Love by George Harrison – ***

First released: 1987

From George’s "Cloud Nine" and the third and final single from the album, co-written by Jeff Lynne. It’s a nice track with a pleasant video, but didn’t do much as most people had already purchased the album by this point and the single didn’t feature anything new. It was, however, to have a new b-side by this little group of George’s friends with a song called "Handle With Care", but that was saved for a later project. See "Traveling Wilburys, Volume 1". It is also on 2009’s "Let it Roll – Songs by George Harrison".

This Guitar (Can’t Keep From Crying) by George Harrison – ***

First released: 1975

The second and final single off of George’s "Extra Texture" album. I really like this song, but I suppose most people thought of it as a contrived sequel to "While My Guitar Gently Weeps", which it is, but so what? It didn’t chart at all as a single and as a consequence, fairly hard to find. I finally purchased one in the early days of Ebay, but to this day have never seen this record in a store.

This Boy by The Beatles – ***

First released: 1964

Some good harmonies highlight this song that was the b-side in the UK to "I Want To Hold Your Hand" and also the b-side to the Canadian "All My Loving". It first appeared on CD on "Past Masters, Volume One" in 1988. A live version from 1963 appears on "Anthology 1" in 1995. A demo version appeared on the b-side of the "Free As a Bird" CD single.

This Boy by The Beatles – ***

First released: 1964

Some good harmonies highlight this song that was the b-side in the UK to "I Want To Hold Your Hand" and also the b-side to the Canadian "All My Loving". It first appeared on CD on "Past Masters, Volume One" in 1988. A live version from 1963 appears on "Anthology 1" in 1995. A demo version appeared on the b-side of the "Free As a Bird" CD single.

This Be Called a Song by Ringo Starr – **

First released: 1976

This be called a boring song. It’s too bad considering the personnel involved, but it’s just typical filler for the "Ringo’s Rotogravure" album. It seems that the other ex-Beatles aren’t the only ones to write bad material for Ringo this time out. This one’s written by Eric Clapton!

This Be Called a Song by Ringo Starr – **

First released: 1976

This be called a boring song. It’s too bad considering the personnel involved, but it’s just typical filler for the "Ringo’s Rotogravure" album. It seems that the other ex-Beatles aren’t the only ones to write bad material for Ringo this time out. This one’s written by Eric Clapton!

"Thirty Three and 1/3" by George Harrison – ****

First released: 1976

This is hands-down my favorite George Harrison album, It is a very funky album like Lennon’s "Walls and Bridges" and is not so depressing, ponderous or boring as some of George’s other albums can be. It is also not over-produced like the highly-regarded "All Things Must Pass" album. The standard album was issued on CD in 1991, but the 2004 re-release adds the song "Tears of the World", which really should be on the "Somewhere in England" re-release.

"Thirty Three and 1/3" by George Harrison – ****

First released: 1976

This is hands-down my favorite George Harrison album, It is a very funky album like Lennon’s "Walls and Bridges" and is not so depressing, ponderous or boring as some of George’s other albums can be. It is also not over-produced like the highly-regarded "All Things Must Pass" album. The standard album was issued on CD in 1991, but the 2004 re-release adds the song "Tears of the World", which really should be on the "Somewhere in England" re-release.

Thirty Days by The Beatles – ***

Unreleased.

The Beatles performed a version of this classic Chuck Berry tune during their 1969 "Get Back" sessions.

"The Third Man" Theme by The Beatles – ***

Unreleased.

The Beatles performed a version of this classic theme during their 1969 "Get Back" sessions.

Thinking That You Love Me by The Beatles – ***

Uneleased.

Another unreleased Lennon/McCartney composition that was performed during the 1969 "Get Back" sessions.

Thinking of Linking by The Beatles – ***

Unreleased.

One of the earliest songs that Lennon and McCartney ever wrote was performed during the 1969 "Get Back" sessions.

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Think For Yourself by The Beatles – ****

First released: 1965

George Harrison was a fast learner. Just two year’s previously he couldn’t even write a tune. Now, he was writing material that rivaled Lennon and McCartney. Not a small feat! Great meaty guitar throughout from "Rubber Soul". A rehearsal version was also included in the movie "Yellow Submarine". The standard release was also included as part of 1976's "The Best of George Harrison". It's also on 1999's "Yellow Submarine Songtrack".

Think About You by Ringo Starr – ***

First released: 2008

One of the bouncier, better tunes from Ringo’s "Liverpool 8" and would have been a much better choice as a single than the slow "Liverpool 8" song. It sounds a lot like an outtake from an earlier Ringo album like "Ringo Rama". I believe it was originally going to be called "Think About Love".

Thingumybob by Black Dyke Mills Band – ****

Unreleased.

Lennon/McCartney gave away this instrumental to the Black Dyke Mills Band in 1968 for an early Apple release. It is unknown whether there is a Beatles version of this song. I haven't heard it. It was finally released to CD on 2010’s "Come and Get it: The Best of Apple Records".

Things We Said Today by The Beatles – ****

First released: 1964

Yet another great tune from the non-soundtrack side of "A Hard Day’s Night". A 1964 radio version appears on 1994's "Live at the BBC".

McCartney later performed a great live duet with Hamish Stuart for his 1991 "Unplugged" special, but it was strangely left off the album. It did end up as a b-side track for the "Biker Like An Icon" CD single. I like the minor key verses the best and how they smoothly transition back to the major key verses. A different live version was performed on 1990’s "Tripping the Live Fantastic".

They Don’t Know by Tracey Ullman – ***

First released: 1984

Tracey Ullman song from her album "You Broke My Heart in Seventeen Places" and a hit single to boot. Paul is not on the recording, but appears prominently in the music video.

There’s a Place by The Beatles – ***

First released: 1963

The first time I heard this was on the b-side of an old Tollie single of "Twist and Shout". I thought the tune was out of tune and not very strong. It has grown on me over the years, but I still remember that first listening. It is also on "Please Please Me".

Theme From "The Family Way" by Paul McCartney – ***

First released: 1966

One of two songs composed by Paul for "The Family Way" soundtrack. A very peaceful song reminiscent of Paul's later classical recordings. The George Martin Orchestra performed it for the soundtrack.

Theme For Something Really Important by George Harrison – ***

First released: 1986

George plays on this Duane Eddy instrumental.

That’s When Your Heartaches Begins by The Beatles – ***

Unreleased.

Unreleased version of an Elvis song from 1957, dating from their 1960 home recordings.

That’s What it Takes by George Harrison – **

First released: 1987

Although "Cloud Nine" is one of my favorite George albums, this song seems to be a refuge from George’s less creative times that probably would have been left off (or kicked off like in "Somewhere in England"). Nothing much to recommend here on an otherwise excellent album.

That’s the Way the World Is by John Lennon – (NR)

Unreleased.

Unreleased Lennon demo dating from the late 70s. I haven't heard it.

That’s the Way It Goes by George Harrison – ***

First released: 1982

A kind of a give up song on the part of George for his "Gone Troppo" album, very well orchestrated and performed. Otherwise, it’s just kind of there. George must have thought much more of it as he included it on his "Best of Dark Horse 1976-1989" compilation in 1989. Joe Brown does a nice cover of it for "Concert for George".

That’s the Way God Planned It by Billy Preston – ****

First released: 1971

This is really Billy Preston’s tune, and a minor hit for him in 1969 from the album and single of the same name, before he left Apple for his string of hits at A&M. He performed it (and danced as well!) for "The Concert for Bangla Desh". It also appears on CD on 2010’s "Come and Get it: The Best of Apple Records".

That’s An Important Number by The Beatles – **

Unreleased.

Unreleased Lennon/McCartney instrumental dating from the 1960 home recordings.

That’s All Right Mama by The Beatles – ***; by John Lennon – ***; by Paul McCartney – ***

First released: 1988

Paul was the first one to commit Elvis' first hit to wax for "Choba B CCCP", and he makes great effort to sound exactly like "The King" and succeeds. There is also an unreleased demo by John Lennon from 1970. Paul recorded a second studio version later on. Long before that The Beatles played it on the radio in 1963, and that version was released on "Live at the BBC" in 1994.

"That’ll Be the Day" (feature) by Ringo Starr – ***

First released: 1973

For those who think Ringo can’t act, take a look at this film. It’s probably his best dramatic role. I think the real reason Ringo didn’t get more roles like this is because he wasn’t offered, or perhaps he got more unreliable, or didn’t care.

That’ll Be the Day by The Beatles – ***

First released: 1995

The first Beatles (actually The Quarry Men) demo recording dating from 1958, of the classic Buddy Holly tune. The sound quality isn't much, but the history is there. It's on "Anthology 1".

That Would Be Something by Paul McCartney – ****

First released: 1970

The first "real" song on "McCartney" and although sparse instrumentally, it's quite effective and is a favorite of mine. McCartney does a live take of the song on "Unplugged (The Official Bootleg)" in 1991.

That Which I Have Lost by George Harrison – ****

First released: 1981

One of the good things about Warner Bros. demanding that George change his "Somewhere in England" album is that this song emerged. It’s a bouncy, country-style song that is very upbeat considering its subject matter.

That Was Me by Paul McCartney – ****

First released: 2007

Another winner from Paul's "Memory Almost Full". Paul reminisces about his youth in a humorous way. A live version appears on the "Amoeba’s Secret" 12” and CD from 2007.

That Strange Old Fashioned by Paul McCartney – (NR)

Unreleased.

Unreleased McCartney tune dating from 1977.

That Means a Lot by The Beatles – ***

First released: 1995

Likeable tune dating from 1965 that somehow remained unreleased until The Beatles' "Anthology 2". Lennon/McCartney gave this away to P.J. Proby.

That Kind of Woman by George Harrison – ***

First released: 1990

George wrote and performs on this track recorded by Eric Clapton.

That is All by George Harrison – ***

First released: 1973

The original album closer for "Living in the Material World". George really hits the high notes here, which is all the more appreciated since his next effort was going to be "Dark Horse", where he couldn’t even sing in the lowest registers. The lyrics are quite nice too, especially since I’m not really a lyrics person.

That Day is Done by Paul McCartney – ***

First released: 1989

Positive affirmation and great album closer for the LP version of Paul's "Flowers in the Dirt". Another good track from this album with great instrumentation. The title of the album comes from the lyrics of this song. A demo version appears on Costello's 2001 reissue of his 1996 album "All This Useless Beauty".

Thanks For the Pepperoni by George Harrison – **

First released: 1970

One of the instrumentals on the "Apple Jam" disc of George’s "All Things Must Pass".

Thank You Girl by The Beatles – ***

First released: 1963

Originally the b-side of "From Me To You" in the UK and the b-side to "Do You Want To Know a Secret?" in the US. It first appeared on CD on "Past Masters, Volume One" in 1988. A live radio version from 1963 appears on 1994's "Live at the BBC".

"Gimme Some Truth" by John Lennon – **

First released: 2010

I gave this two stars, not because of the songs, but because of the endless reissuing of the same John Lennon songs in endless repackagings and remasterings. This is a four-disc set that contains 72 Lennon songs in somewhat random order.

"Power to the People: The Hits" by John Lennon - **

First released: 2010

I gave this two stars, not because of the songs, but because of the endless reissuing of the same John Lennon songs in endless repackagings and remasterings. There is a single disc version of this and a two-disc version of this containing a DVD of Lennon’s music videos which have also been previously released before.

"Come and Get it: The Best of Apple Records" by Various – ****

First released: 2010

Finally, the first compilation of songs made famous on the Apple Records label that do not have The Beatles name on them as the performer. However, there is much Beatles involvement in virtually every track of this 21-song compilation. But where’s "No Matter What" by Badfinger?