Order THE BEATLES "CAPITOL ALBUMS, VOL. 2" |
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Dear Steve, Once again congratulations on your great site. Just wanted to let you know that I can confirm that the Japanese box set "Capitol Albums Vol. 2" does have the fold-out Help! sleeve. The whole set looks much better than the US one, thumbs up! No different in sound I think (and yes: the Rubber Soul mixes are the correct ones). Best,
Joeri
I don't if you seen this(other then Photo) But its better in everyway to the American one, Unlike the american one,this time they made the whole box bigger,which means the cardboard sleeves are the right size this time,Not only are they bigger they are done right,just like the Original Lps,Theres are two nice bookets and everything seems better made. They didn't do the cds inner sleeves,and the label artwork is like the American ones It did cost 90.00 which is a lot,but worth it. Peter Neski
Update (7/2/06)
Update (6/22/06)
Hey Steve -- I finally got closure on this ordeal. Way back when the box was released, I pre-ordered it from CD Universe, and received a reply notifying me that because of a "production glitch" they would not have the correct version, and I would be notified when it was available. Fine, I thought, and sent that info to you, which you passed on to your faithful readers. That was two months ago. For the next six weeks or so, the item was still on backorder at CD Universe, even though the correct version (with that well-documented sticker) had already appeared on shelves throughout the US. I brought up this fact with the CD Universe Customer Service department, and their answer remained "out of stock on backorder". Finally about three weeks ago I received an e-mail saying the item had shipped. When it arrived, it was the brick version -- and the wrong mixes. By this time you had already posted a note from Joe Marine that the longbox (which I wanted anyway) CD Universe shipped him had the correct mixes, so I returned the brick with the packing slip, asking for a swap. I received an e-mail saying that they couldn't automatically send me a replacement, but that my account had been credited, and I could apply that to my next order. So that's what I did -- I ordered the longbox (which was $15 after shipping more than the preorder price back in April) and it arrived on Friday, with the correct mixes. So in the end, I hope none of your readers were too put out by using CD Universe, since I feel responsible for "recommending" them way back when. In the end the discs sound great, and the longbox is finally sitting next to its brother, Volume 1. Can't wait to see what will ensue with a Volume 3, or 4, or 5. Thanks for listening!
Ward
Hi Steve, After reading back in April on your site that CD Universe was ordering and promising the corrected versions of the Capitol Albums Vol. 2, I placed my order for the longbox and the brick set back on April 13th. I received one email update every week to let me know that they were still waiting for corrected discs to come in. I finally received both sets today (May 19th) and the Longbox was fine, but the Brick set was still the bad mixes. I sent an email to the person that was keeping me up to date and they said that they would correct it, but I told them, that is what they were supposed to do in the past month of me waiting. I even told them that they were recommended in your website. Well at least I have one good version, I'll let you know when they finally make good on their 5 week delayed mistake!! Love your site, I check it more times per week than any other site on my favorites list!! Keep up the fantastic work!
Joe Marine
Update (5/8/06) 
John Sosebee sent us this photo of the amended sticker. If you look very closely near the bottom, you'll see the SK1 designation.
The local Tower Records in Torrance had replaced all of their previously stocked sets with the new ones by May 2, 2006. This leads me to believe that Capitol IS recalling at least some of the unsold first pressings, to correct them themselves, and redistribute them with the proper discs and new label. Isn't it great that these sets are being produced at all !!! The sound is wonderful
Steve, I've already reported this in the Beatles Collectors Group, but I wanted to let you know too. I think that I was very fortunate in reporting the error with the Beatles VI and Rubber Soul discs very early to EMI Canada, a few days prior to the release date. I don't think that they had yet worked out the exchange procedure. They quickly responded and told me that they would provide replacement discs if I sent them my mailing address, that was all. I did that and yesterday received my discs in the mail. As a result I have a set that includes 6 discs, since I was able to keep my original discs. From the reports coming in I haven't heard of anyone else who was so fortunate. I think I got the best of both worlds. I sure am happy.
Hello Steve: Here is the Australian return & exchange policy, which does really help me as I sent my CD's back to the USA address. I'll see what happens!! Cheers, Adam Powell
Dear Customer, Thankyou for your purchase and our apologies for this inconvenience. It has been brought to our attention that two of the discs in the original manufacturing run of The Beatles' box set "The Capitol Albums Vol. 2" (0946 3 57497 2 4 / 0946 3 57716 2 6), namely "Rubber Soul" and "Beatles VI", contain mono recordings which were not the original mixes of the mono masters intended to be included in this historic release. EMI Music Australia are prepared to ensure your satisfaction by implementing the following process. EMI will replace the two discs within 60 days of purchase. To obtain a replacement copy directly from EMI, the consumer should request a replacement copy by writing to: EMI Music Australia Attn: Inventory Controller 98-100 Glover Street CREMORNE NSW 2090 Please note that the following - your name, address, original dated receipt and the two existing CDs in their accompanying jacket, must be included. Once again thankyou for your patience. Sincerely, Neil Pecotich Inventory Controller EMI Music Australia
The reason many Target stores don't have the replacement disc is that they have only received the corrected discs if they've sold out their initial supply of sets (at least that's what I was told when I asked a clerk about having the wrong set on nearly a month later).
Update (5/4/06)
Hi Steve, I mailed off my wrong mono mix discs from the Capitol Albums Vol. 2 set early a couple of weeks ago and got the replacement discs about a week later after I sent them. First thing I played was the mono version of 'I'm Looking Through You' and the mono version didn't have the false start that's on the stereo version. I'm impressed that Capitol got this taken care of fairly quickly. When I received the mailer Capitol sent, I just put the discs in with an extra note with my address on it, no receipt of my purchase. In a little over a week, I got the new discs. However, just in case, I did burn copies of the wrong mono mixes before I mailed them off. So, I've got a copy of those too. Small question: Was there any discernible differences between the stereo and mono versions of 'Beatles VI'? Cheers, Fred Velez
Hi Steve, I received my replacement Beatles VI and Rubber Soul discs last night. They came in two see-through envelopes enclosed in a plain white envelope (addressed in cursive writing) with a note from EMI Music Marketing North America thanking me for my purchase of the Capitol Albums Volume 2 box set, apologizing for the inconvenience, and a closing statement stating that my replacement discs for Rubber Soul and Beatles 6 [sic] were enclosed. Both discs have the correct mono and stereo mixes. Kudos to Capitol for correcting its mistake quickly (the whole process took about 18 days, from the time I called the toll-free numbers listed on your site to the receipt of the new discs last night. For Volume 3, Capitol is going to have some issues with A Hard Day's Night and "Yesterday..." and Today. The UA stereo version of ADHN (as well as the 1980 Capitol reissue) has only the four George Martin instrumentals in true stereo; the Beatles songs are in mono, as EMI had not made stereo mixes yet. If Capitol does a stereo/mono twofer, will the mono versions appear twice, or will they be replaced by the "real" stereo mixes? The stereo and mono mixes of the three Revolver preview songs - "I'm Only Sleeping," "And Your Bird Can Sing," and "Doctor Robert" - are different on "Y&T" than on the British Revolver. I'm sure that Bruce Spizer will make sure that the true stereo mixes (used on post-1969 and all tape issues of Y&T) are used, instead of the Duophonic mixes used on the original pressings. With the "Love" Cirque du Soleil Beatles CD coming out later this year, and the Parlophone CDs likely for 2007, I don't know if we'll see Capitol Albums Volume 3 anytime soon. When/if it does, I predict it will be a five-disc set: the UA AHDN, Y&T, Hey Jude, Hollywood Bowl, and Rarities. I don't think Apple is going to authorize CD releases of Rock and Roll Music, Love Songs, or Reel Music, given the fact that the ex-Fabs strongly disavowed those albums - especially Rock and Roll Music - when they were issued from 1976 - 1982. Thanks again, Steve, and have a good day! Steve Ryan Manassas, VA
Hi Steve, Amazon.com now displays this note on the page for The Capitol Albums Vol. 2: Rubber Soul and Beatles VI Mono Mixes: It has been brought to our attention that two of the discs in the original manufacturing run of The Capitol Albums, Vol. 2, namely Rubber Soul and Beatles VI, contain mono recordings which were not the original mixes of the mono masters intended to be included in this historic release. The new copies we currently have for sale are from a subsequent pressing and contain the correct mixes. If you have purchased one of these box sets and are dissatisfied, Capitol/EMI are prepared to ensure your satisfaction by replacing the two affected discs within 60 days of purchase. To obtain replacement copies directly from EMI, you should call (800) 468-2362 and provide information on your purchase. You will be asked to return the Rubber Soul and Beatles VI discs to EMI, and will receive replacement copies of the two CDs. Best regards, Tony Vournazos
Hello Steve, I see you're getting comments about Capitol's return program. I too am fairly happy with how it worked out. My turnaround time was a little bit longer than most reported--I sent in my discs on the 18th and got the new discs on Monday (May 1st), just shy of two weeks--not too shabby at all. One nice thing no one has mentioned is that EMI is returning all receipts to their owners (for those of us who were foolish enough to mail them in!), and mailing the discs in paper sleeves. The discs were a little dirty when they arrived, but a quick cleaning took care of that problem. There were no scratches or any disc damage. The proper mono mixes on both Beatles VI and Rubber Soul sound excellent. Overall, I'm happy with the whole thing, and glad I went through with it, especially as no SK 1 sets have shown up in my area at all--not even at Best Buy. Take care, Scott Miller
Update (5/2/06)
Just a quick note.... on the replacement CDs. I got my mailer for my FoldDown CDs last Saturday 4/22, and I sent them in the same day. I just received my correct CDs this Saturday 4/29! WOW... Good job Capitol/Apple. Less than 1 week!
Hey Steve, I just thought I'd drop you a quick note to let you know that Capitol has already started delivering the replacement disks. I received the return envelope within a week of my call to the 1-800 number and it again took only about a week to get the corrected disks in the mail from the time when I returned the originals. The first thing I checked was the false start on "I'm Looking Through You," which now only occurs on the stereo version.
I received my two new discs from EMI North America Saturday 04/29/06. There seems to be no problems with the discs, sounds like the mono mixes to me. They paid all postage. All in all, pretty painless. Full procedure from initial phone call, receiving return envelopes, return and receipt of discs, took about two weeks, maybe a little less as I waited over a weekend during the process. I have not always had such good luck with return processes for problem videos or DVDs. Hope it works as well for everyone else. Thanks for the heads-up with these problems.
It happened very quicly. The good people at Jacksonville, IL really proved to be professional. By accident, I sent the two CDs, Beatles VI and Rubber Soul to EMI along with the jackets. They responded quicly and they told me I didn't have to and would return them - which they did very quickly along with the new CDs. I was figuring a headache, but it really wasn't. Jeff
I got my replacement CD's for Beatles VI and Rubber Soul today (April 30th). I sent my other copies in only 1 week ago on the 23rd. The quick turnaround time really shows a commitment to customer service that EMI should be proud of. The CD's came in a small envelope in 2 plain CD sleeves. The envelope, like the original envelope that had come to return the original CD's, had my name and address hand written. Obviously, EMI expects the number of returns to be very low indeed. The note said; "Thank you for purchasing The Beatles Capitol Albums Vol. 2. We apologize for any inconvenience you experienced with the exchange. Enclosed you will find your two replacement discs, Rubber Soul and Beatles 6" (6, not VI). They also remembered to return my original sales receipt from Best Buy in Ann Arbor, Michigan. As for the CD's themselves, the mono half of the CD's had the correct mixes and if anything, were sharper and clearer then the previous versions, which were distinctly flat sounding by comparison. I'm sure others will go into much greater detail about the differences in the 2 sets of mono mixes, so I'll wait to read those comments like everyone else. But as for me, all in all I'm quite happy.
Jut wanted to let you know that I sent my Beatles VI and Rubber Soul discs in on 4/23 and received the replacement ones today 5/1. Thankfully, they got these right. Glenn
Went to Best Buy last week and bought the SK1 version of the Capitol Albums Vol.2….they have the correct mixes and they sound great!!! I'm glad that I paid a total of $120 on both box sets!!
Update (4/26/06)
Heres a reply i got from Capitol/EMI in the UK . about the returns procedure you might want to pass on the details to the website cheers David Dear Mr Smith, The Beatles' box set ‘The Capitol Albums Vol. 2’ (0946 3 57497 2 4 / 0946 3 57716 2 6) Thank you for your email regarding the above. It has been brought to our attention that two of the discs in the original manufacturing run of The Beatles' box set "The Capitol Albums Vol. 2" (0946 3 57497 2 4 / 0946 3 57716 2 6), namely "Rubber Soul" and "Beatles VI", contain mono recordings which were not the original mixes of the mono masters intended to be included in this historic release. If you do purchase or have purchased one of these box sets and are dissatisfied, Capitol/EMI will replace the two discs. To obtain a replacement copy directly, you should do one of the following: 1. Return the product to the point of purchase Or 2. Request a replacement copy by writing to: Customer Services
EMI Distribution
Hermes Close, Tachbrook Park
Warwickshire
CV34 6RP Please note: Whichever option you choose, your name / full postal address and the two existing CDs in their accompanying jacket must be included as part of the return. When sending by post, please be aware that we cannot accept responsibility for any item not delivered, so you may wish to use a secure mail service. If you have any questions, please contact Customer Services at EMI Distribution on: +44 (0)1926 888888.
Received in the mail today from EMI Music a letter and return envelope for the two "defective" Capitol discs. The letter states that to obtain replacement copies directly from EMM (EMI Music) the consumer must return the two existing CDs in their accompanying jacket, along with your name, address, and original dated receipt. Yet at the top of the letter (in red writing) it says, "You only need to return the bare discs of Rubber Soul & Beatles VI. It is not necessary to return them in their mini jackets. You must print your full name and address on the return envelope in order for us to ship your replacements." There is a pre-stamped envelope included in the mailer. What really surprised me was the envelope addressed to me was hand-written. It wasn't a computer generated "hand-written" font, but honest to goodness ink... messy writing and all. I'd hate to be the person writing all of those envelopes. Fingers crossed the replacement discs come quickly. I'll let you know. Best wishes, Chris Reay
Update (4/25/06)
More comments. From A. Blythe:
Hi Steve. Thought I'd chime in with my CAV2 story. I picked up my box set at FYE, on sale for $39.99 (longbox only). Took it home to listen to it, same as everyone, wrong mono mixes on Rubber Soul and Beatles VI. I'm not planning on replacing the discs in question, because I bought CAV1 and CAV2 for the stereo/duophonic mixes, which I listened to in the '70's. However, as one writer posted earlier, the mixes do sound more bass and trebly than I remember hearing from the albums. Up until 1966, Beatles' records didn't have a good bass kick to their songs, but on CAV2, there does seem to be a little more presence in the bass department. Also, on the song Yes It Is, the stereo version seems to phase more towards the left channel (vocals/instruments) , instead of being more spread out in the middle with both channels present. I could also hear some echo in the song as well. I feel, given the fact these masters are 40-plus years old, that Ted Jensen did a good job with what he had to work with. But the limitations of the master tapes do stand out on the CD's. Package-wise, CAV2 is better, with the album jacket covers looking more sharper than CAV1, and the inner box folds back to show the album splines and booklet, which is easier to store on a CD shelf. On a scale of 1-10, I'd give CAV2 a 7. Great music by far, but maybe the masters could have been a little more cleaned up for CD reproduction.
Hi Steve, Love the site and visit it daily… pathologically really. Anywho, I was sitting there staring at my defective copies of Beatles VI & Rubber Soul this morning, wondering how long I’d have to part with them before I received the right ones, when I noticed something. It may just have been the way they were packaged, but both Beatles VI & Rubber Soul have tiny circles pressed into the sleeves – Beatles VI’s circle is on the word ‘Doing’, for the song What You’re Doing, and Rubber Soul’s is on Paul’s jaw line. It struck me as very odd that neither The Early Beatles, nor Help had these markings, yet both the defective CDs did. Anybody else notice this?? I’m thrilled these CDs are released, and definitely see there worth from a historical perspective. But I’d have to say Terry has been pretty much spot on in terms of the level of incompetence. Cheers.
I just noticed there's a typo on the opening splash page to the website. As the graphics go by, it refers to "Beatles IV" instead of "VI."
April 4, 2006 Dear Customer, It has been brought to our attention that two of the discs in the original manufacturing run of The Beatles' box set "The Capitol Albums Vol. 2" (0946 3 57497 2 4 / 0946 3 57716 2 6), namely "Rubber Soul" and "Beatles VI", contain mono recordings which were not the original mixes of the mono masters intended to be included in this historic release. If a consumer purchases one of these box sets and is dissatisfied, Capitol/ EMI are prepared to ensure their satisfaction by implementing the following process. Capitol/EMI will replace the two discs within 60 days of purchase. To obtain a replacement copy directly from EMM, the consumer should do one of the following: 1. Call 800-468-2362 and provide information on their CD purchase. They will also be asked to return the two CDs to EMM. Or 2. Request a replacement copy by writing to: EMI Music Distribution
Customer Fulfillment Operations
1 Capitol Way
Jacksonville, IL 62650-1095
Attn: Director of Quality Assurance Consumer's name, address, original dated receipt and the two existing CDs in their accompanying jacket must be included. If you have any questions, please contact your EMM Sales Representative. Sincerely,
Regional Director
Did anyone mentioned that VH1 Classics have been running a clip of "Dizzy Miss Lizzy" from Shea Stadium since Tuesday, I mention it, because the quality of course is pristine (Beatles Anthology quality) and they were running it on the hour on Tuesday along with a report on the new release.
Just for a chuckle. Like a good Beatles fan I went to purchase my Beatles boxset on Tuesday at the local Best Buy. It shouldn't be hard to find, I thought. Hmmm, no special display...nothing in the new releases section....nothing in the Beatles section...nothing in the boxset section... That's strange that Best Buy wouldn't have a new Beatles product on the first day of release. Were they sold out? Nope. Turns out someone filed them in the music DVD section! I guess the long box confused them. When I was checking out I mentioned it to the young cashier who seemed just as lost.
Hi Steve, I wrote a couple days ago (thanks for posting it!) about how I love Cap 2 and the stereo versions and don’t care about the mono versions etc and how nobody I know does either. I read respectfully today Scott Miller's email (“I want to let you know that there ARE a few of us out there, who WANTED to hear the mono and that's why we are disappointed"). In “response” to Scott (and others) I would like to add that I really do understand (and completely respect kindly) their wanting to hear the mono versions (eg – I myself can’t wait to hear a good mono Pepper and White Album). I also 100% understand Terry Ott and others being very disappointed and frustrated with Capital, as a consumer wanting a non-defective product is naturally to be respected. What I would like others to think about however is that there are good things too happening here with this release (and all things considered, VERY good things): Ticket to Ride in stereo (in my opinion) is absolutely stunning (all the Help! stuff is), Think For Yourself with the Fuzz bass at the forefront is incredible, Twist and Shout like never before, and many more examples I could list. In the end the fact that I get to listen (today, right now, not “someday”) to The Beatles in this updated 2006 technology instead of listening to the crappy 1987 circa stuff and also continuing to wait insanely too long for Apple to remaster the British catalog is reason (in my humble opinion) that Beatle fans like us (at the very least) celebrate (how about even just a little? And/or at least acknowledge something GOOD is being done here). It’s not perfect (what is? Yes I know as consumers we deserve the best etc etc etc) but surely a Beatle fan out there can’t help but smile when hearing some of these songs sound like they do on this set; how ‘bout a little smile then? (Give us a kiss) Words of Love, Erik Farmer
Hi Steve. Thanks for all of the updates on the Capitol Albums Vol. 2; I have read with a lot of interest these last few days about the mono mix-up and what you need to do to get the correct mixes. Just my opinion, but it seems like Capitol is taking advantage us fans, and making us do most of the work - buying a most likely defected product, determinining on our own if it's defective, then call them to report it, then having us mail portions of it back to them for replacements. Why do we tolerate this? Most of us have bought this music over and over again in the last 40 plus years, in multiple configurations, making untold millions for this record company. Seems their marketing department is making a big mistake keeping the "bad" product on the shelf. The class act would be to pull the bad product and replace it with the corrected version. I will probably buy this set eventually, as I usually buy anything "Beatles". But I intend to wait until the SK1 version is either available on Amazon or at Best Buy.
I'm not sure I want to go through the hassle of dealing with the Capitol Records replacement process. Would have been nice if they offered to give you the two correct discs with your proof of purchase rather than making you exchange your "collectable" for them!
Hello Steve, First, I want to say that I'm impressed with the way you've kept on top of this story over the last couple of weeks. This is why I come to Abbeyrd for my Beatles news. On the subject of Capitol Vol. 2, which I'm sure we'll all be sick of hearing about very soon (if not already!), I was a little dismayed to see the positive comments focusing entirely on the stereo, with people wondering why anyone would want to hear the mono. I've been an active Beatles fan and collector for almost exactly twenty years now (I got my first Beatles fix with the cassette of "Abbey Road" for Easter, 1986, when I was nine years old), and over that time I've picked up most of the US catalog on vinyl, barring some compilations and mono versions. I have nice, clean copies of all four of the albums in this set in stereo already. As a bonus, my Apple "Rubber Soul" is the nice, clean West Coast mix. I already transferred these to CD, and they sound (to me) just as good as the new set; in fact, "Beatles VI" sounds better. The new CD is a lot harsher and brighter than my LP, although I appreciate the tape drop fix on "Kansas City." I also used the real stereo "Yes It Is," because I can't abide rechanneled stereo. Credit where credit is due, though, Jensen did do a pretty good job on the stereo of "Early Beatles" (which doesn't sound all that great anyway, IMHO; I have an Australian "Please Please Me" in stereo, and that pressing is far superior to this one, with no Dexterization to make it sound soupy) and, especially, "Rubber Soul," which sounds dead-on to the LP to my ears. It's a huge leap over the 1987 CD. I'll probably listen to this one the most often, when I get my new CDs. Now, as for the mono issue--I bought this set primarily for the mono. I do have the mono "Rubber Soul," but I got it many, many years ago (before I learned to be picky about grade), and it's hosed, with a nasty "pop" in the vinyl (from a bubble) that makes (ironically) "I'm Looking Through You" unplayable, unless you want to destroy your needle. I don't have a mono "Beatles VI" at all; it's one of the few I'm missing, along with "Pepper" and a "stereo" "AHDN." I was really looking forward to hearing the US mono on "Beatles VI" and "Rubber Soul," and that's why I was dismayed by the mastering bungle. Now, I can be patient. I called the 800 number yesterday, and Capitol says they have a mailer winging my way (I can only hope they don't destroy my CD sleeves in transit). I'm not going to foam at the mouth about the mistake, because it WAS a mistake. I think Capitol could have handled the announcements better, but in the scheme of things, that's not really much to get angry about, either. But I did want to let you know that there ARE a few of us out there, who WANTED to hear the mono, and that's why we're disappointed. Keep up the good work,
------------------------------------ EMI Music Marketing NOTICE If you recently bought the compact disc ³The Capitol Albums Vol. 2² by The Beatles, you may have heard that the mono masters of some copies of ³Rubber Soul² and ³Beatles VI² were not the original mixes of the mono masters intended to be included in this historic release. If you receive questions from consumers about replacing copies of ³The Capitol Albums Vol. 2², assure them that EMI Music Marketing (EMM) will replace their copy with a different CD copy of ³Rubber Soul² and ³Beatles VI² which include the intended mono masters within sixty (60) days. To obtain replacement copies, the consumer should follow the directions below: 1. The consumer may call 800-468-2362 and provide information on their purchase of the CD, return the two originally purchased CDs to EMM and EMM will send the consumer a replacement copy of the two CDs, or 2. To request a replacement copy, the consumer may write to: EMI Music Distribution Customer Fulfillment Operations 1 Capitol Way Jacksonville, IL 62650-1095 Attn: Director of Quality Assurance Consumer¹s name, address, original dated receipt and the existing two CDs in their accompanying jackets must be included. Here's another number you can call if you want to be heard: 1-800-637-7454 (This is for all EMI product issues in the US)
Hey Steve -- I had a gift certificate for CD Universe, and placed my first order ever with them over the weekend, as they had a great low price for the Beatles Volume 2 set. I figured I'd see what happened in terms of mono vs. fold-down. Anyway, on Sunday I got an automated (I assume) e-mail from CD Universe stating that because of "a manufacturing glitch" (I'm paraphrasing) the CD box I ordered was delayed; as soon as the correct CDs were available I would be notified and shipped, but in the meantime, if I wanted to get the CDs that were to be released on April 11th, all I had to do was reply by clicking on the link given in the e-mail. (I didn't; I'd rather have the correct mix.) So while I don't have my Capitol Volume 2 yet, it looks like CD Universe is trying to do the right thing by giving us the choice to get the so-called collector's item now, or wait until the correct mix is available. I'll be happy to post any updates on my set as I get them. And I know you'll post any updates as soon as you get them! Keep up the great work, Ward Whipple
Hi Steve, Just got my "Capitol Albums Volume 2" set from CD Universe tonight. Like everyone else who has purchased this set thus far, it has the incorrect mixes on "Beatles VI" and "Rubber Soul." The sound quality is fine, and the packaging and booklet are superior to Volume 1. Although I could return the set to CD Universe and get a replacement copy when they come in, I'm going to wait for Capitol to issue exchange instructions to ensure that I receive the correct replacement disks. Who knows when CD Universe (or any retailer) will get the replacements in, and there is always a risk that it may take two or three returns before they get it right. So, I'm going to wait for you to post instructions from either Bruce Spizer or Capitol as to what the replacement policy will be. As soon as I get them, my copies of "Beatles VI" and "Rubber Soul," or the whole set if necessary, will be sent back to Vine Street (or wherever Capitol designates). BTW, I saw Bruce at The Fest for Beatles Fans in NJ a couple of weeks ago, and at a "listening party" for Volume 2, he dropped some tantalizing hints as to what a Volume 3 set (if any) would contain. If Bruce has his way, Volume 3 will consist of: 1) ""Yesterday"...and Today"" (probably with the trunk cover, but the butcher cover will be featured prominently in the accompanying book; 2) "A Hard Day's Night" (the United Artists version, reissued by Capitol on vinyl in 1980); 3) "Hey Jude" 4) "The Beatles At the Hollywood Bowl" If there is a Volume 4, it will probably contain the "theme" albums from the '70s and '80s, namely: 1) "Rock 'N' Roll Music" 2) "Love Songs" 3) "Rarities" (U.S. version) 4) "Reel Music" (A CD reissue of "20 Greatest Hits" would be pointless, says Bruce, because of the existence of "Beatles 1," except for the "short" version of "Hey Jude," and who would want that? For the British albums, Bruce would like to see both remastered regular and special collector's editions, the latter with stereo and mono mixes, and outtakes. Bruce also thinks that "The Beatles' Story" is not a real Beatles album and would not be appropriate for a Capitol box set. My suggestion: license "Story" to an indie label such as Collectibles, who could issue it as a "two-fer" with Vee-Jay's "Hear the Beatles Tell All." Of course, "Sgt. Pepper" and "Magical Mystery Tour" are already out on CD, and the U.S. "Revolver" is the same as the British version, minus the three "Y&T" songs. Bruce believes that EMI will probably make the mono mixes of these albums available eventually. Actually, the mono mixes of "MMT" are already out on CD - side one on disc 14 of the "CD EP Collection" and side two on the "CD Singles Collection" or the CD-3's. Sorry I got a little long-winded at the end, Steve. Hope you find my information useful. Thanks.
Hi Steve, I'm not all that enamored of the US versions of the Fabs' albums (though they are how I first became acquainted with the Beatles' songs), but I've been looking over the new set and came up with some oddball observations for you... First off, unlike the mini-lp reproductions from the first box (which all displayed the "mono" album covers), the new set all has the "stereo" album covers. Why? Next, I can understand (sort of) why Capitol was too lazy/cost-efficient to reproduce the gatefold cover of the "Help" LP, but why not throw the inner section in as the middle section of the booklet, rather than omit it entirely? Third, why is Rubber Soul the only disc to merit the "File Under: The Beatles" header that appeared on all the previous re-issues? Yes, as a purchaser of Spizer's work, I know that the original Help didn't have that, but The Early Beatles and Beatles' VI most certainly did. Is this an error (oh, the horror!) that Spizer overlooked as a consultant on this set? More picking on Bruce: The "New Improved Full Dimensional Stereo" header on VI is wayyyy down on the front cover, instead of along the upper edge where it should be. None of the reproductions in Bruce's book place it so low, nor do my copies look this. It makes the whole album cover look "off", like how subsequent issues of the White Album seem to have "The Beatles" printed virtually at random on the cover, instead of in the area where the original embossed marker was... (and yeah, I know I can't blame Spizer for that last problem). Yet more picking on Bruce: the "New Improved Full Dimensional Stereo" header on Help has "New Improved" in YELLOW font. Again, none of the illustrations in his book show this ever having been yellow, it should be orange (oh, the horror!, take two)... Lastly, the disc reproductions on the cds themselves have always been faithful reproductions of the actual labels that appeared on the 60s LPs. However, the vigilant observer will note that Rubber Soul lists the band members under the title as "JOHN LENNON, PAUL McCARTNEY, GEORGE HARRISON, RINGO STARR" where all the images from Spizer's book have "...GEORGE HARRISON and RINGO STARR" instead (oh, the horror!!! - will it never cease?). Will any of this matter in the long run? No!!! I'm just a little suprised to know that a detail-freak such as Bruce Spizer worked on this project, yet somehow there were a number of details that seemed to escape his (or someone else's) eyes. Of course, it appears that no one in the country managed to get the "corrected" version of the set (though the production error was "quickly noted"), so perhaps that's par for the course... btw, it's nice to have the titles on the "spines" of the covers, but it would've been way cooler to have mimicked the original spines! cheers, Eric (who really DOES have better things to be doing than noting this).
Hey Steve, Got my set Tuesday morning, and it has the wrong mono mixes for Beatle VI and Rubber Soul. What a bummer. Still, love the original stereo on VI and Help! Also nice to see that Ted Jensen fixed that nasty little tape dropout in George's guitar solo one minute into Kansas City. Can't wait to see the Capitol link to return Rubber Soul and VI. Keep up the great work! Chris
Yeah, got the wrong one here in SJ Cali too at tower and target, (tower long-box 49.99, target brick 44.99). By the way, noticed the fold down mix on Early Beatles included a fold down on Love Me Do, wasn't like that on my original vinyl. (The sound "phases" slightly specially the tamborine so basically it sounds like a worn out tape). The original 60's mono tape wasn't used? And one more thing about ciggys, if they painted them out of the cover, why leave the big one on the back of Rubber Soul there? (hehe) Charles C.
Hi Steve, I, too, got the "wrong" version here at a Target store in southern New Hampshire. No surprise. Initially I thought about waiting a few weeks for stock to turn over before buying a copy, but the real reason I'm interested in this is the stereo versions of the songs. Although I grew up listening to my brothers' mono albums, when I started buying them in the early 80's only the stereo versions were available and for the most part (except for the duophonic mixes - yecch!) I prefer them to the mono versions. So I really don't care whether the mono versions on this set are new fold-downs or not. I'll be making my own CD with mp3s of just the stereo versions for listening in the car, at work, etc. In a few months if I have another $45 burning a hole in my pocket then MAYBE I'll consider buying another copy, but I doubt that's gonna happen. Take care, Shawn
I bought my copy from the Best Buy at St. Petersburg, Florida. However, I talked to the store manager after purchasing and explained to him the situation. He signed my receipt with a note saying he's allowing me to return it to the store for another set if I get the wrong mix. Of course, I have the wrong mix. I'll wait about a week for a new batch to come in then return it... Charlie
Hi Steve, Just received my Capitol Albums Vol. 2 box set from Amazon and it's got the incorrect mono mixes on them! Here's something to ponder, though... I know that the mono version of Help! was folded-down from the stereo mixes except for Ticket To Ride, which was the original mono mix used for the single (as described in Spizer's book and The Usenet Guide). But the mono version on the new disc seems to be folded-down from the echo-laden fake stereo Capitol mix! I A-B'd the mix from my mono LP with the mix on the new disc and they sure don't sound the same! Could it be that all 4 discs are using incorrect fold-down mono mixes? Love the site...I check it every day! Keep up the good work! Keith Nakayama Ewa Beach, Hawaii
Dear Steve, I would like to share my thoughts about the second Capitol box. I got my copy on Friday, April 7, when it came out in Germany. First a technical detail: For some reason the second volume is not copy protected over here. And yes, I’ve got a false mono copy of RUBBER SOUL (nice collectors item). Regarding the sound, I think it is absolutely fantastic. Please compare for example "Think for yourself" with the version on YELLOW SUBMARINE SONGTRACK and with the vinyl version, and listen to the fuzz bass (really thin and mixed back on SONGTRACK). The Capitol remasters are really true to the vinyl versions. "Run For Your Life" (compare with UK-CD) is a good treat, too, for sound analysts. It’s fun and really touching to hear the original mixes again after such a long time. They sound strangely familiar, being the ones we all grew up with. Regarding what may be Volume 3, I’m not so sure that Terry Ott is right if he suspects, that it will be YESTERDAY AND TODAY, REVOLVER, PEPPER and MMT. Both PEPPER and MMT have been available in the format known to all of us all over the world, mind you, not in mono. I am sure the American, and that means, standard MMT, and not the UK-EP, will be part of the remastered catalogue - hopefully due this century. That’s why I suspect/hope that the third box will consist of A HARD DAY’S NIGHT, YESTERDAY AND TODAY, REVOLVER, and HEY JUDE. That would make most sense as these formats are the ones left over that differ from UK-versions, the latter being a solely American product, with which the US-catalogue would be completed. Regarding the back catalogue, I’m not so sure any more, whether I want it remixed à la NAKED after listening to the Capitol remasters. Thanks again for your truly great work and the regular updates. I check your site as well as the blog spot (great fun) daily! Best wishes Sebastian Sebastian Deutschmann, Munich, Germany
Hi Steve, I bought Cap Vol 2 yesterday and guess what? I haven’t even bothered to see if I have the incorrect mono version and why not? Because I don’t care!! These stereo versions sound AWESOME! C’mon people, enjoy the Beatles and these great sounding songs. The Help! CD blew me away. Rubber Soul’s “I’ve Just seen a Face” sounded better than I’ve ever heard it….and on and on…..I checked the site today hoping to hear others talk about the positives and see only “wrong mono” after “wrong mono” reviews. I think I read that Terry Ott said he’s not even going to purchase Cap 2. Boy how sad, as I know Terry is a huge Beatles fan. Anybody out there is who “on the fence” about getting this, I strongly recommend you pick it up and turn up your stereo; you’ll hear the Beatles like you’ve never before. I’m a second-generation Beatles fan having been born in ’71, but I too (not just the baby boomers you know) grew up listening to Beatles ’65, Beatles VI etc so these are a treat for my fellow Beatle friends of this age group. None of us (including my 1st generation Beatle friends) even listen to the mono versions of Cap Vol 1 (never). So when I picked up Vol 2 yesterday I made a point of not even checking out the mono I’m Looking Through You and instead cranked up Help! w/ my old favorite Bond Intro and listened in amazement….regarding the packaging and the similar complaints I’ve read since Vol 1 was released: yeah it could be better, but guess what? I haven’t even seen the Vol 1 box and booklet since Christmas Day ’04…I got the CD’s in my car and that’s all I want after all: the music….and the greatest band in the world sounding as good as I’ve ever heard them since back in 1977 when as a 6 year old I opened up my mom’s gatefold Help!, placed it on my little red record player in my room, and was introduced to the brilliant music on the record and to a life time of being a huge Beatles fan……can’t wait for Vol 3: bring it on!
Hi Steve I find it interesting that 99% of the e-mail sent to you so far regarding the Capitol Years Box Set Vol.2 concerns the stereo to mono fold down issue. No one has really commented on the fact that the CD's really sound great . Terry Ott must need hearing aids , because BeatlesVI sounds excellent ...WAY better than the songs have sounded before , on the original CD's. Thanks Glenn Christensen
Steve, My Friend Ed from Jersey said he was told by the Tower Records manager at the Northeast Philly store, to call 800 468 2362. To exchange the two discs from the box set that have the wrong Mixes. There is a local Disc Jockey here in Philly that has been talking about this for a couple weeks now. His name is Andre Gardner
Beatle fans have seen their share of problems with regards to Beatle product through the years. Is this something to rise up and be angry about? In our opinion, no. This was small potatoes. (The Anthology problems -- the delays, the tracklist changes, remember those? -- were much more frustrating. How many of us are still losing sleep over that? We rest our case.) This was caught quickly. It was unfortunate. Capitol would like to forget it. We should -- and we will.
Now to the comments. From Joel McGee:
Hi, Steve, I just purchased the "brick" packaging of the new box at Virgin Records in San Francisco - Tower, Borders and Best Buy only carry the longbox - and the first thing I played was the mono mix of "I'm Looking Through You": sure enough, it's the incorrect mix with the false start. Disappointing, of course... Now I'm anxiously awaiting info from Capitol on the exchange procedure. Please post it if you get word... Thanks for a great site...Cheers.
Hi Steve, I'm sure you're getting lots of reports on this, so here goes mine ...Including myself, I know of three people who bought the new boxed set today: ** 2 were bought at Best Buy (1 in Paramus, NJ and the other in Nyack, NY) ** 1 was bought at Wal-Mart (in Newburgh, NY) All 3 have the wrong MONO mix ............. 3 for 3, 100%. My own guess is that many thousands of these discs were (mis-) pressed and that Capitol was (for good business reasons) not going to "eat" these CDs ... so they let them go out anyhow. I'll bet that most of the sets bought during the 1st week will have the bad discs. Capitol is probably counting on the less avid / knowledgeable Beatle fans not knowing about the mix-up, therefore not returning their discs and Capitol not having to issue replacements. I'm still waiting to see the process / mechanism that Capitol will set up to allow us to trade in our bum discs .......... has it been announced already? I'm not "into" having a (bogus) collector's item, I'd rather have the correct MONO mix !!! So, I'll be trading my 2 CDs in as soon as I can !!!! :-) Mike
I bought a copy (longbox) of the record today at Tower Records on Lafayette street in NYC and got the incorrect version. Just as Terry and Bruce said, you can tell by the mono version of I'm looking through you having the false start. If anyone is looking for these I suspect they have more. I picked mine up from the display just as you walk in the door. That said, I think I'm going to try and take it back and get the correct one. But how will I know without opening and playing them? Anyone? Thanks Steve, I read the page every day.
Hi Steve, I’m not sure if anyone is keeping count or not, but I just purchased CAVII at Newbury Comics in Boston, and I have the Stereo to Mono mix down on Rubber Soul. I can return it, but the store believes that all their in stock copies came from the same batch. It may be interesting to take a poll of your readers and see what the actual % of the correct vs incorrect mixes are out there. My instincts tell me that there is a high % of incorrect mixes……….to which Capitol is not owning up to.
I just wanted to let you know that purchased a copy of Capitol Albums Volume 2 and it's the one with the wrong mix :-( I was keeping my fingers crossed but down deep I had a feeling this was going to happen. Any word yet on how to get the discs replaced? or it least a place to write and complain?
From Tom in Colorado-- You've got to love the irony when Capitol releases a set celebrating their past greed and ineptness by giving us fresh servings of both. Of course, there were those "time constraints." With The Beatles getting ready for their 2006 US Tour, there was simply no way to push this release back a few more weeks. I was hoping to give you a report on the CDs in stock at Denver's Best Buy and/or Target where the box sets can be purchased for less than $46 (long box at the former, cube at the latter). Unfortunately, those nineteen-year-old Best Buy employees take their store policy seriously. "We can't let you listen before you buy." Like most of your readers, I'd like to take advantage of the sale prices--without Capitol taking advantage of me. And so for the fiftieth time today, here are the pertinent questions: Do you have any news on the sets in stock at these stores? How about Amazon? Is there word on how Capitol plans to replace the defective discs? Will they make it difficult by asking purchasers to return the entire sets--or give fans a break by simply sending buyers with proof of purchase the two discs they already paid for? Finally, is Bruce Spizer up for a good class-action lawsuit? I am looking forward to picking up these CDs. I held off on the first set, only to learn months later that the stereo upgrade for I'll Follow the Sun was worth $60 on its own. Thanks. Help! is on the way.
Hi Steve, Just to let you know, there is an abundance of both longboxes and bricks available all around our city (Colorado Springs, CO) today. I purchased a set at Best Buy this afternoon for $44.99 and they had about 25 sets left. Everyone I’ve spoken with has purchased the “fold-down” version. No one I know has scored a true mono set. I checked in on the Steve Hoffman discussion group and it’s “fold-down’ versions all across the country. One source on the group list reports that Capitol had already packaged 170,000 units of Vol. 2 before halting production. Isn’t that about what Vol. 1 sold in total? Sounds like the chance of someone getting a mono set by way of retail sales in the near future is remote. Nobody has heard a peep from Capitol yet concerning consumer’s official swap-out of “fold-down” discs for mono discs by mail. It was glorious to crank up the stereo Rubber Soul in my car and listen to it in the “correct” order. LOL Just like I was back in our living room on Christmas morning 1965, listening on my parent’s old console stereo. Ahhh! I was also happily surprised at how dynamic the Help songs sound on this set. And, of course, hearing the James Bond intro again is fab! And the book is nicely put together, great photos. Haven’t had a chance to read Bruce’s text yet, but I anticipate it being first-rate. Keep up the good Beatle work. All the best, Sean
Got my copy of Capitol Albums Vol. 2 off of a display at Tower Records, Clark Street, Chicago, IL at noon on 04/11 release day. "Beatles VI" and "Rubber Soul" have the incorrect mono mixes.
Well….I just bought my copy of the Capitol Albums Vol 2….and it does indeed have the erroneous mixes……..Are these people kidding me?? The Early Beatles also suffers from this……Love Me Do in mono is a step down master of the duophonic version as well….as is Yes it Is from Beatles VI and the shorter ending on Kansas City and……and……. Ridiculous….. When do you think this will be corrected? And…how will we know that difference?? Thanks!
Picked up two copies of the brick pack boxed set at Target today, one for me and my best Beatle pal, and we both go the improperly mastered Rubber Soul / Beatles VI in our sets.
Steve, I bought the Beatles Capitol Albums Volume 2 at Best Buy on Tuesday, April 11th. The mono Rubber Soul is the stereo reduction to mono version. FYI. David Moore
Well, I bought my CD box brick set today at Target and apparently I got a flawed set as I have the false start on the stereo and mono mix of I'm Looking Through You.
Capitol Albums, Volume Two, which I bought at Best Buy in Annapolis, MD is the erroneous pressing. Supposedly Capitol was offering to replace these. Any word on how this is going to work? I know better than to try to talk to any one at Best Buy about anything they sell in the store.
Steve, Just wanted to pass along the airing of yet another TV ad for the Capitol Albums Vol. 2 set. This ad, looking reminiscent of the standard Capitol ads that have been produced, is a specific ad for the set being available at Target stores. The ad uses many of the same graphic elements as the standard ads, but it has enough that is different to be considered a separate entity. It’s a striking ad that really caught my attention while swimming amongst all the other network advertising flotsam and jetsam. This ad aired twice during CBS Sunday Morning on April 9. -Sean
Hi Steve,Well here’s some more details. The labelcopy document for the set gives us the following facts, at least for Europe, which I’ll describe in the following: The mastertapes are provided by EMI UK with a prefix of GB-AYE to identify the owner. Each track has a unique number - in this case beginning with 06-00333 and ending with 06-00435, with the “06” identifying the tape as being from 2006, and the last 5 digits identify each track. And hey 435 – 333 makes 102, and the clever one counts only 92 songs within the set.
You may expect EMI to deliver the tapes in the finished songorder to the masterplant, thus Love me do in stereo being the first and ending with Run for your life in mono as the last. But no! Early Beatles is numbered from 333 and ahead in stereo and then mono, followed by Beatles VI in stereo and mono. Rubber Soul comes in stereo and then in mono, and then you’ll learn that Help also have caused headaches to the mastering people. The Help disc comes with mono tapes first followed by the stereo, and hey there’s even a gap. The numbers 413 to 423 are not mentioned in the document.
The songorder of Help is also a mixup and thus not done from start to end. The correct order is song # 1-5, 10, 6, 9, 7, 11, 8 and 12 and the same happens for both mono and stereo tapes.
Can anybody identify the missing mix numbers? Did EMI make a remaster of only a part of the songs of Rubber soul in mono, and if so, how come that they were placed in between the finished ok’ed product of Help mono and stereo. And why was the Help album done in this strange order?
Further facts from the document: Ask me why was recorded June 6th 1962! Is this a mistake? Most of the dates claimed in the document are right compared to many other sources, however some are definitive wrong like Anna and Chains claimed to be recorded January 1st, 1963.
From me to you fantasy is copyrighted by Northern Songs while Another hard day’s night, is so much different compared to the original, that EMI Blackwood Music owns 33,34 % with the remaining by Northern Songs). Norwegian wood is owned by the same EMI company by 33,34 % while the remaining is Sony ATV Tunes LLC. Please please me is 100% owned by Universal/Dick James. These documents are very much interesting reading and yes a couple more books could be done by doing research into the label copies being made for each and every Beatles product since 1962 (and of course all other artists). Tons of facts that hasn’t been published so far, so where’s the writer?
All the best
Arno
I find it interesting that The Beatles' own website STILL does NOT have anything for "Capitol Albums Vol. 2" on it... at least that I can find. The first set still has a link. That fact coupled with the mix mix-up seems to show that this project was a rush job! Any answers?Mike Ray
KEGK-FM
Fargo, ND
Update (4/10/06)
In spite of the mix-up, the discs sound great. I particularly enjoy having the severe stereo separation on Rubber Soul like it was in 1965 with vocals in one channel and instruments in the other on most of the songs. I recommend that purchasers obtain the correct discs if they end up with the discs containing the improper mono mixdown. The easiest way to determine if you have an improper disc is to play the stereo and mono versions of "I'm Looking Through You" on "Rubber Soul." The stereo version (track 9) has a false start guitar intro that should not be present on the mono version (track 21). If the mono version has the false start, then you have an improperly compiled disc. If it does not have the false start, then you have the proper disc. If your "Rubber Soul" disc is proper, then so is your "Beatles VI" disc. Conversely, if your "Rubber Soul" disc is improper, then your "Beatles VI" disc is improper as well.
There is no error on "The Early Beatles." The mono tracks on the vinyl LP issued in 1965 were stereo-to-mono mixdowns. Thus, the mono version of "Please Please Me" has the same vocal flub in the third verse as the stereo version. The disc in the box set was mastered from the original 1965 Capitol master tapes. Please pass this message on as it is important that fans and collectors know this information. By the way, the Help! LP was also a stereo-to-mono mixdown when it was issued in 1965.
Due to time constraints, the decision was made not to do a gatefold cover for "Help!" In response to customer comments regarding the packaging for Volume 1, the packaging to Volume 2 was enhanced. The cardboard longbox is of a thicker stock. The inner tray folds and opens on the inside rather than the outside so that the discs don't fall out. The CD jackets have sharper images and have the titles on the spines. The CD labels mimic the Scranton rainbow labels. The booklet has more pages, an in-depth essay (written by me) rather than introductory remarks and previously unpublished photos. It is very attractive and informative.
The irony of the master mix-up is that The Early Beatles and Help! were stereo-to-mono mixdowns made by Capitol in 1965 while Beatles VI and Rubber Soul were true mono mixes. Thus, the initial production run of the box set mixes proper stereo-to-mono mixdowns of The Early Beatles and Help! with improper 2006 stereo-to-mono mixdowns of Beatles VI and Rubber Soul. The mono version of "Please Please Me" on The Early Beatles is a stereo-to-mono mixdown. This is how it was on the mono vinyl LP issued in 1965. Thus, both the stereo and mono versions of the song have the vocal flub in the third verse that was edited for the British mono mix. This is not a mistake as has been erroneously reported on the internet.
Some copies of the box set were shipped last week before the error was noticed. Production was only halted for a brief time as the proper masters for the two discs were sent immediately to the manufacturing plants. The release date is still April 11, 2006.
The copy of the Capitol Albums Box set I purchased in the UK yesterday includes the mastering error on the Rubber Soul disc. The discs in the UK set are manufactured in the EU. So I would assume that all the sets available so far in the Uk have this error.
Update (4/5/06)
Today Capitol Records issued the following statement regarding the manufacturing of "The Beatles: The Capitol Albums Vol. 2," specifically in reference to the stereo to mono mixdowns for two of the albums, "Beatles VI" and "Rubber Soul." Some of the mono tracks from the initial manufacturing run of "The Beatles: The Capitol Albums Vol. 2" were not the original mono masters that were intended to be included on this historic re-release. The third party mastering facility incorrectly sent step down masters instead of the mono masters ordered by the label to the manufacturing plant. As soon as Capitol Records became aware of this, the correct masters were sent and the adjustment was made in another manufacturing run. Although there is no discernible difference in the sound quality in the initial run, Capitol made the adjustment for historical accuracy. Information for any consumers who wish to obtain a replacement copy (with proof of purchase) will be issued shortly.
There is a compilation error on the Beatles VI and Rubber Soul discs contained in the initial manufacturing run of The Capitol Albums Volume 2 box set. In particular, the third party mastering facility incorrectly sent stereo-to-mono mixdowns of Beatles VI and Rubber Soul to the manufacturing plants. Capitol Records had ordered and approved mono masters made from the original 1965 mono tapes, which were delivered to the mastering facility directly from the Capitol vault. As soon as Capitol learned of the error, the correct mono masters were sent to the manufacturing plants for another production run. Although there is no discernable difference in the sound quality of the initial run, Capitol made the adjustment for historical accuracy. There are subtle differences between the stereo and mono versions of a few of the songs on the two affected albums. The most noticeable is "I'm Looking Through You" on Rubber Soul. The song has a false start guitar intro unique to the Capitol stereo album. The improperly compiled CD of Rubber Soul contains a stereo-to-mono mixdown of the song. Thus, the mono version of the song also has a false start intro. The mono version of the song on the corrected CD does not contain the false start intro. Capitol will be issuing information for consumers who purchase box sets with the improperly compiled discs and wish to obtain replacement copies. Bruce
I have the box set already and have tracked through the entire set. I have to admit (having owned all these albums orginally and THEN having to adjust to their British counterparts) that I found nothing alarming about the mixes at all! They seem to be the original Capitol mixes: vocals one side and music on the other. There are some noticable echo areas (especially "Early Beatles") but we expect that. The booklet is nice but overall what you found in Volume 1, you find with Volume 2. The "plus" I can find so far is that the CDs seem less likely to fall out of the package in this set as compared to the first. But that could be just MY copy... By the way, "Rubber Soul" sounds strangely comforting to hear in its' American order and mix and I sure have missed the Ken Thorne tracks on the "Help!" set. They feature some great moments. I like it soundwise. Mike Ray
KEGK-FM
Fargo, ND
"All the correct masters are at the plant and being manufactured."
So either it's been all right from the beginning -- or, as a few people have said -- and we're not going to conclude anything from what we've seen -- the initial copies are being redone. I suspect we'll hear more on this soon.
Hi Steve, Unless I found a rogue copy ( and it was the only one in the shop ), then Volume 2 of The Capitol Albums is on sale in the UK today. The booklet is good - even has a few photos which I have not seen before - from Help film and the Music of Lennon and McCartney TV special, obviously shot during rehearsals of "We Can Work It Out" ( or perhaps from the various promo's they shot around the same time ). I have only had time to listen to Rubber Soul, and I am very pleased with both sets of mixes. A nice package - with the box opening from the middle to keep the book and cd's in as opposed to the edges as with the last issue. Onwards to Volume 3 ??
Richard Kennedy
Just got this sampler - with 16 numbers on from The Capital Albums vol. 2 it looks very nice -
- Stereo
- 1. Baby it's you
- 2. Boys
- 3. What you're doing
- 4, I don't want to spoil the party
- 5. The night before
- 6. You've got to hide your love away
- 7. Think for yourself
- 8. Ive just seen a face
- Mono
- Same 8. numbers
Update (4/1/06)
Update (3/24/06)
Steve, Just to add to Fred Velez’s comments on removing the ciggies from the Fabs hands on the Capitol Albums, Vol. 2 cover….they also did something Clang (Leo McKern) and his gang couldn’t ever accomplish in HELP!....they chopped Ringo’s fingers! Ringo’s right hand pointer and birdie are missing. As the Rutles cried, “Ouch!” For the record, the cover is, again, a major disappointment…but the music promises to be great, just what I always heard on my parent’s hi-fi in ’65. Looking forward to it! All the best,
Sean
On April 11, 2006, Capitol Records will release The Beatles Capitol Albums Volume 2, a collection of the four Capitol albums by The Beatles from 1965. The box set marks the CD debut of The Early Beatles, Beatles VI, the Help! soundtrack and the American version of Rubber Soul.
This is the much anticipated companion set to the Capitol Albums Volume 1 which brought together for the first time on CD the albums that began it all - Meet The Beatles, The Beatles Second Album, Something New and Beatles '65.
"It has been an ambition of mine to see the release of these CDs in the form we grew up with in the U.S.," says Andrew Slater, President and CEO, Capitol Records. "The remastering should ensure that the sound quality lives up to the expectations of our memories."
Track Listings: (Stereo Recordings / Original Mono Recordings) THE EARLY BEATLES (Released March 22, 1965) Love Me Do $ Twist And Shout *‡ Anna *‡ Chains *‡ Boys *‡ Ask Me Why *‡ Please Please Me *‡ P.S. I Love You $ Baby It’s You *‡ A Taste Of Honey *‡ Do You Want To Know A Secret *‡ * Stereo debut on CD (9) $ First CD appearance of 1963 simulated stereo mix from first U.K. LP (2) ‡ First CD appearance of unique Capitol stereo-to-mono mixdown (9) BEATLES VI (Released June 14, 1965) Kansas City *@ Eight Days A Week You Like Me Too Much † Bad Boy † I Don’t Want To Spoil The Party *@ Words Of Love *@ What You’re Doing *@ Yes It Is ¤ Dizzy Miss Lizzie † Tell Me What You See † Every Little Thing *@ * Stereo debut on CD (5) † Mono debut on CD (4) ¤ First CD appearance of unique Capitol duophonic mix (1) @ First CD appearance of unique Capitol remixes with echo and reverb (5) HELP! (Released August 13, 1965) Help! •‡ The Night Before †‡% From Me To You Fantasy (Instrumental)•‡ You’ve Got To Hide Your Love Away †‡% I Need You †‡% In The Tyrol (Instrumental)•‡ Another Girl †‡% Another Hard Day’s Night (Instrumental)•‡ Ticket To Ride ¤ The Bitter End/You Can’t Do That (Instrumental)•‡ You’re Gonna Lose That Girl †‡% The Chase (Instrumental)•‡ • First CD appearance in any version (6) † Mono debut on CD (5) % First CD appearance of original 1965 George Martin stereo mix (5) ¤ First CD appearance of unique Capitol duophonic mix (1) ‡ First CD appearance of unique Capitol stereo-to-mono mixdown (11) RUBBER SOUL (Released December 6, 1965) I’ve Just Seen A Face %† Norwegian Wood %† You Won’t See Me %† Think For Yourself %† The Word %† Michelle %† It’s Only Love %† Girl %† I’m Looking Through You %† In My Life %† Wait %† Run For Your Life %† % First CD appearance of original 1965 George Martin stereo mix (12) † Mono debut on CD (12)APRIL 11, 2006 -- CAPITOL RECORDS TO RELEASE VOLUME 2 OF BEATLES U.S. RECORDINGS IN A BOX SET FEATURING THE EARLY BEATLES, BEATLES VI, HELP! AND RUBBER SOUL FIRST TIME EVER ON CD APRIL 4, 1964 – BEATLES HOLD TOP 5 SLOTS ON BILLBOARDS HOT 100 APRIL 11, 1964 -- BEATLES HAVE 14 SONGS IN THE BILLBOARD HOT 100 The Beatles Capitol Albums Volume 2 release is being timed to celebrate the unprecedented and unmatched April1964 Billboard chart domination by the Beatles, a time most remembered for The Beatles holding down the top five slots in The Hot 100. Four of those recordings are featured in these two collections. No other recording artist has ever held down the top five, four or even three spots on the Billboard Hot 100. Only four acts besides the Beatles have ever had simultaneous number one and two hits. During early 1964, the Beatles had at least two songs at the top of the charts for twelve straight weeks. On April 4, 1964, in addition to the Top Five slots, The Beatles had seven more songs in the Hot 100, for a total of 12, including two singles imported from Canada. And if that wasn’t enough, the group held down the top two spots on the album chart with their first two American albums. On April 11, 1964, The Beatles broke their own record by placing 14 songs in the Billboard Hot 100. The Beatles chart domination was made possible by their talent, and the excitement generated by their three “Ed Sullivan Show” appearances. These two box sets celebrate this music by faithfully reproducing how the Beatles recordings were presented to Americans in 1964 and 1965.
Billboard Hot 100 chart dated April 4, 1964 1. Can’t Buy Me Love (Capitol) 2. Twist And Shout (Tollie) 3. She Loves You (Swan) 4. I Want To Hold Your Hand (Capitol) 5. Please Please Me (Vee-Jay) 31. I Saw Her Standing There(Capitol) 41. From Me To You (Vee-Jay) 46. Do You Want To Know A Secret (Vee-Jay) 58. All My Loving (Capitol of Canada) 65. You Can’t Do That (Capitol) 68. Roll Over Beethoven (Capitol of Canada) 79. Thank You Girl (Vee-Jay). Billboard Top LPs chart dated April 4, 1964 1. Meet The Beatles! (Capitol) 2. Introducing The Beatles (Vee-Jay) Billboard Hot 100 chart dated April 11, 1964 1. Can’t Buy Me Love (Capitol) 2. Twist And Shout (Tollie) 4. She Loves You (Swan) 7. I Want To Hold Your Hand (Capitol) 9. Please Please Me (Vee-Jay) 14. Do You Want To Know A Secret (Vee-Jay) 38. I Saw Her Standing There (Capitol) 48. You Can’t Do That (Capitol) 50. All My Loving (Capitol of Canada) 52. From Me To You (Vee-Jay) 61. Thank You Girl (Vee-Jay) 74. There’s A Place (Tollie) 78. Roll Over Beethoven (Capitol of Canada) 81. Love Me Do (Capitol of Canada) Billboard Top LPs chart dated April 11, 1964 1. Meet The Beatles! (Capitol) 2. Introducing The Beatles (Vee-Jay)
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Update (3/20/06)
Because I did the essay for Vol. 2, I hadn't given any thought to doing a supplemental booklet. My essay received relatively minor edits, so I don't see the need to do one.
EMI Germany lists the 4CD Box Set already for March 31, 2006, no press release on their promotionservices site so far til now, just the cover for download... THE BEATLES
The Capitol Albums Vol. 2
Kat.Nr.: 0094636033525
Format: Compact Disc
VÖ: 31.03.06 http://www.capitolmusic.de/xml/1/2/3603352.html all the best ! Evelyn
Beatlemania Magazine
There's a „3 Month Preview" for the planned releases under www.emipromotionservices.de (log-in required) is listed - still without release no. and no street sate or label (-information which is stated for all other releases) these four discsBEATLES, THE With The Beatles (Remastered) (http://www.emiextranet.com/promo_de/voe.jsp) what ever it shall mean ... and if it ever really comes, who knows. However very stange policy by EMI/Capitol.
- BEATLES, THE Beatles For Sale (Remastered)
- BEATLES, THE Hard Day´s Night (Remastered)
- BEATLES, THE Please Please Me (Remastered)
all the best !
Hey Steve, Re the new Capitol boxed set out in April, all I can say is: "Meet the new boss, same as the old boss...." BTW, it intrigues me that Capitol hasn't been alerting the public and retailers to the sets until maybe six weeks before they're due out. My theory is that they're trying to stifle the controversy regarding them until the very last minute, so those who bad-mouth the set won't have time to alert potential buyers to any weaknesses found within. Still waiting on a REAL rarity like LET IT BE or HOLLYWOOD BOWL....
--Carolyn
Steve & Terry:Although the press release has not yet been issued, I can confirm that The Capitol Albums Vol. 2 is scheduled for release on April 11, 2006. The project is at the plant and in production at this time. The box set contains stereo and mono versions of The Early Beatles, Beatles VI, the Help! soundtrack and the American version of Rubber Soul. Out of the 92 total tracks included (stereo and mono), 82 appear in versions not previously issued on CD before! The packaging is similar to Vol. 1 and comes with a colorful 56-page booklet that includes rare photographs and quotes from the Beatles. I served as a consultant on the project and wrote the essay for the booklet.
I'm glad that the set will be out on April 11 as scheduled. It took a lot of work by a lot of good people to get it done on time.By the way, you are 100% correct when you state that I am not running interference for Capitol on the Butcher Box Set. There is no such animal on the schedule and I seriously doubt Capitol will ever prepare a Butcher Box Set. It is not even under consideration. End of story. Bruce
hello. i manage a NY record store.....my distributor was solicited by Capitol for the Beatles Vol 2 set which is scheduled for April 11th release, and it is also in my database at the store.....so it looks like the rumours are true........... Michael
Also, Musictap.net mentioned "Capitol Albums, Vol. 2" in its March 8th updates, but called it a rumor.
Update (3/8/06) There is a sales brochure floating about. Here are some of the details on it:
The set will contain mono and stereo versions of tracks from the U.S. album versions of "The Early Beatles," "Beatles VI," "Help!" and "Rubber Soul." It will be "available for a limited time only." The release date on the brochure is April 11.
The tracks are "24 bit re-mastered from the original U.S. master tapes" with 14 tracks issued for the first time on CD in stereo. A 56-page collector’s booklet will include rare photos. The "Help!" original soundtrack with George Martin's orchestral interludes (and James Bond intro) will be on CD. The American "Rubber Soul" features the CD debut of George Martin’s original stereo mixes of the 12 tracks (these were remixed in ‘86-87 for the UK versions of the CD’s)... and the first time the mono mixes will appear on CD.
There will again be two packages: a premium long box and a brick version. TV will get segments for morning and news shows. Promotional video will be serviced to national, regional and local video outlets (i.e. MTV, VH1, VH1 Classics), as well as PBS, United, American & Delta Airlines. A radio special will be serviced to all appropriate radio networks (to air the weekend before release). (Thanks very much to Anonymiz.)
TRACK LISTING: The Early Beatles (Stereo/Mono versions) 01/12 Love Me Do 02/13 Twist And Shout 03/14 Anna (Go To Him) 04/15 Chains 05/16 Boys 06/17 Ask Me Why 07/18 Please Please Me 08/19 P.S. I Love You 09/20 Baby It’s You 10/21 A Taste Of Honey 11/22 Do You Want To Know A Secret Beatles VI (Stereo/Mono versions) 01/12 Kansas City/Hey Hey Hey Hey 02/13 Eight Days A Week 03/14 You Like Me Too Much 04/15 Bad Boy 05/16 I Don't Want To Spoil The Party 06/17 Words Of Love 07/18 What You’re Doing 08/19 Yes It Is 09/20 Dizzy Miss Lizzy 10/21 Tell Me What You See 11/22 Every Little Thing Help! Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (Stereo/Mono versions) 01/13 Help 02/14 The Night Before 03/15 From Me To You Fantasy (Instrumental) 04/16 You've Got To Hide Your Love Away 05/17 I Need You 06/18 In The Tyrol (Instrumental) 07/19 Another Girl 08/20 Another Hard Day's Night (Instrumental) 09/21 Ticket To Ride 10/22 The Bitter End/You Can’t Do That (Instrumental) 11/23 You’re Going To Lose That Girl 12/24 The Chase (Instrumental) Rubber Soul (Stereo/Mono versions) 01/13 I’ve Just Seen A Face 02/14 Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown) 03/15 You Won't See Me 04/16 Think For Yourself 05/17 The Word 06/18 Michelle 07/19 It’s Only Love 08/20 Girl 09/21 I’m Looking Through You 10/22 In My Life 11/23 Wait 12/24 Run For Your Life
Update (3/7/06) We're getting more whispers that "Capitol Albums, Vol. 2" is more than a rumor. An official announcement may be just around the corner, if the whispers we're hearing are correct.
On another note, the Amazon.com page for "Capitol Albums, Vol. 2" now contains this note: "THIS TITLE IS CURRENTLY NOT AVAILABLE. If you would like to purchase this title, we recommend that you occasionally check this page to see if it has become available. " We hear the Capitol folks asked Amazon to remove the April release date, but you'll notice they haven't taken the page down completely, have they?
Finally, in the remastering department, we heard from someone who told us they work with a band that did a mastering session at Abbey Road. The source said the engineer that was at the mastering suite revealed that they are indeed in the process of remastering the Beatles catalog -- they've been working on the tapes since the Lennon remasters -- and that, according to this source, the project is being held up by legal problems (surprise!)
(3/4/06) It all started Thursday night when we found two emails with links to this story at musicangle.com where you can clearly see a "Rubber Soul" tape box. The story indicates that not only is "Capitol Albums, Vol 2" in the works, but so is a UK remaster of the Beatles catalog.
More people emailed us Friday asking what was going on and if any of it was true.
A little investigative work turns up the conclusion that it appears that the "Capitol Albums, Vol. 2" project is indeed beginning to show signs of stirring in the very earliest stages. Our sources, however, were very tight-lipped and wouldn't say very much. Internet reports that are definitely unconfirmed say the set was actually announced to the Capitol sales staff, though again, this is Internet rumor material and could be the figment of someone's imagination.
Remember, though, that with the Beatles' lawsuit against EMI still ongoing, any stirrings are basically just that until the lawsuit is settled. And certainly neither side wants to give away any ground or do anything to jeopardize their position until the suit is settled -- and any premature rumblings could do just that.
To further stir the mystery, Capitol Albums Vol. 2 is up on Amazon.com
Blogster Terry Ott also mulls the possibilities in blog #386.
And as for the remastering part of the story? Nothing to say as of yet.
