HEY JUDE

This a very unusual compilation, as those types of collections go. There are songs representing each period of The Beatles. Most of them are from the last part of their career. With each period having a distict flavor, it doesn't seem like this idea would work. The Beatles, however, could always be counted on for exceeding expectations.

Somehow, this seemingly random set of singles, and b-sides, fits together. Who knew that "Lady Madonna," "Can't Buy Me Love," and "Don't Let Me Down," would be a good grouping? Okay, it's not perfect, but it is enjoyable. There are a lot of great tracks here. Before the release of "1962-1966," and especially "1967-1970" (and countless subsequent compilations), many of these songs were only available on 45rpm vinyl.

It's not an actual album, and there is definitely no concept, but it is a good collection of songs. It goes without saying that it doesn't qualify as prog. If I was rating solely on it's merits as an album, I would only give it three stars. Since it is The Beatles, and I believe these songs are an excellent addition to a collection, it gets four.

H.T. Riekels