The Best Beatles Compilation Is Out: Red and Blue Albums Remastered

On October 19th, 2010, The Beatles' two canonical compilations - the 'Red' and 'Blue' Albums - were issued in a new remastered edition. The significance of these albums for the Beatles and their fans is hard to estimate. To put it accurately: most people born after 1957, me included, were introduced to the Beatles through these double 'Red' and 'Blue' LPs (just like those who missed the heyday of 'California Girls' were exposed to the music of the Beach Boys thanks to their Endless Summer LP that came out one year later). These compilations remained virtually the only representative compilation of the Fab Four before the release of '1' in 2000.

Originally issued in 1973 these 2xLP collections - '1962-1966' (nicknamed 'Red Album' ) and '1967-1970' (nicknamed 'Blue Album' ) - indicated clearly the irreversible nature of The Beatles' breakup three year earlier, for it presented a thoughtfully organized anthology of the 7-year career, not just hit singles. Before that release there were hopes that the musicians would gather together for another recording. But as John, Paul, George and Ringo enjoyed more and more success as solo artists, it became obvious that the Beatles had been a closed chapter for them .

The ex-Beatles took part in helping to compile the albums for their label, Apple Records. It was decided to include only songs written by the Beatles, leaving a great number of splendid cover versions; that is, songs like Twist and Shout and Rock'n'Roll Music cannot be found here. Also distinctive was that the inner sleeves included all the lyrics of the songs included: excellent way to learn words for millions of non-English speakers, if you ask me. The so called 'Red' and 'Blue' refer to the colors of the respective volumes; not only that, vinyl records were pressed in red and blue, too; one can also take it as an derivative from the 'White Album' .

This is not the first time the Red and Blue Albums come out in CD format. The previous edition came in 1993 and I personally don't sense much difference between the 1993 and this remaster! I understand that one may have all the albums or have just certain favorite songs; however, for a casual listener it is rather a hassle to compile a collection of their own - this compilation does all that work. Indeed, with all the hits (54 songs altogether or 25% of the entire official studio output), you won't find a better best-of than this. I myself still like to play the Red and Blue albums despite having all Beatles' albums and my own mixtape. I listened to this album so many times that even now whenever I hear I Want To Hold Your Hand I expect All My Loving to follow and the end of Octopus Garden brings a thin air of upcoming Let It Be .

The big news broke out on November 16th, 2010, when Apple Inc. presented the entire Beatles catalogue, for the first time, in downloadable format via the iTunes Music Store: all albums, including the Red and Blue compilations. Thus ended the 30-year long feud between Apple Corp Ltd and Apple Inc./Apple Computers; the latter changed its name to simply Apple and now owns all the rights to Beatles' Apple brand and licenses it back to EMI for marketing purpose. Apple is currently carryng out an aggressive campaign to promote their iTunes Beatles, allowing the users to watch the Beatles' first American concert.