THE ESSENTIAL BEATLES TVSS 8 (-72) AUSTRALIA

Immediately after the group broke up and last original recording was out, a large number of compilations were released all over the world. Some countries had common tracking - like Spanish/South American "Por Siempre"/"Beatles Forever" - while others had more specific choice. This was for Australia and New Zeeland only. For me two things makes it interesting - the odd selection of songs and a very early press of "Penny Lane" in true stereo. Maybe all Bealtes songs can be called "essential", but I doubt "Boys", "Honey Don't" or "PS I Love You" are among the most important they made. I'm not saying it's wrong, it is what it is and the special sequence alone makes it worth having. Some argue this is the earliest issue of the "Penny Lane" stereo anywhere, but as far as I know German -71 "Magical Mystery Tour" on HörZu(SHZE 327)used the same mix. Anyway it's early - first release in true stereo didn't show up until 1973 in UK and 1980 in US. Audio is fine, allthough I never get used to some of the pre-67 two-channel versions. Don't know much about different issues, but as I understand this is how it was a few years during first half of the seventies - label as shown here and laminated cover. Later on Parlophone black/silver with the same number and then including a book - "Beatles In Their Own Words". (BÄ*)(DÖW*) (ÄPLÄ*) (LGÅ*)