First in a serie of 10+ albums Martin made with his band, most of them with orchestrated versions of popular hits and larger part of those containing Beatles songs. Haven't heard any of the others yet, so this is taken in through virgin ears. My first impression is almost anachronistic. While Beatles still was the new sensation 1964 with their own particular sound, this takes their songs back to the fifties when orchestrated covers of known hits were common and sold well. The songwriting may be sixties, but the production and atmosphere is ten years earlier. Not that it's bad in any way. The arrangements are extremely well written, like every single instrument is taken care of, with lots of variation so it never gets montonous or dull. Most cuts have bass/drum base, some embellished with harmonica, harp, or as in "I Saw Her Standing There" a jazzy sax solo. The stereo mix is tophole for its time - clear and balanced with lots of overlapping - and the audio pristine. A valuable memory from one of the best arrangers and producers ever. Favorite tracks - the uptempo "Little Child" and "From Me To You" because of the high-pitched strings. As a plus you also get first publication of some Beatles images and very Lennonish rear notes. Bought this on a whim, but now decided my Beatles collection needs it...so it'll stay. Premiere US and Canadian issues on United Artists (UAL 3377/UAS 6377). French on Odeon (OSX 227) came with other sleeve design as a 13-track, adding "And I Love Her". 1994 CD reissue on One Way Records (S21-17793). First UK had label as shown here with "Recording First Published 1964" and laminated flip-back cover. (BÄ*) (PÖX*)
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