Order The Beatles -- "Beatles One" (Greatest Hits) from Amazon.com (advance order) or, if you prefer the British version, from Amazon.co.uk. |
| The Times of London's special Beatles "1" site (includes story archive and pictures) (Thanks to Wendy Starr) |
Update (3/2/01) "1" has dropped to No. 3, thanks to the first week appearance of a new WWF CD at no. 2. (C'mon Fabs, smack it down!)Update (2/28/01) "1" was listed as Billboard's "Greatest Gainer" this week, though it still holds on at number 2 on both the top 200 and Internet sales chart for the issue dated March 3. (Thanks to Carl Savich.)
Update (2/15/01) "1" is back up to number 2 in the new Billboard after selling 151,000 more copies, reports Billboard.com. (Thanks to Jeff Jacomowitz.) Also, from Chris Ridges:
I was just shopping at Tower Records and saw a few copies of "1" housed in a special Valentine's package. The slipcase mimics the "1" artwork with the red background and a heart done in the same painterly style of the "1". Copy reads "All You Need is Love". The back says "With Love...From Me..To You". There were only a few, compared with stacks of the normal cover. Calling all collectors................
Update (2/13/10) Beatles "1" has broken another record -- it has hit the top spot in more countries than any record previous, reports Ananova.By hitting number 1 in Poland, its 34th country, it beat the previous record holder, U2. (Thanks to Karen Dyson.) Also, from Steven Topping, some comments on the Garth vs. Beatles thing... (thanks!):
Actually, multiple disc sales have counted as just that for quite some time now. (That is every 2-disc set counts as 2 sales.) Which explains two things:
1. Why three of the Beatles top sellers are the White Album, "1962-1966" and "1967-1970".
2. Just how Garth Brooks came close to the Beatles' sales figures in a relatively short time. While he's had many platinum releases, he's had only a few mega-sellers, which BackstreetNsyncBritney could tell you hardly puts you up there with the Beatles. (Again, bear in mind that a good deal of sales can be attributed to being a "free" introductory offer from various record clubs, so it'd be interesting to adjust all these figures for inflation and "real" dollars spent, etc.) What put Garth Brooks within shooting distance of the Beatles' sales target (to use a little cowboy terminology) was his marketing decision to take his first 6 cds off the market, repackage them in a box set (with a very generous 1 bonus track each!) of 6 cds selling at loss leader prices of approximately $30. The main purpose was not to make money. (And since it could probably have fit on 4 cds, it was a bit of a waste of material resources, too.) It served it's purpose of skyrocketing Garth Brooks' sales figures. For less than the price of 2 cds, you could walk out of Wal-Mart with a 6 cd Garth Brooks box set! Which, of course, counted for 6 sales for each box sold. And it wasn't long after that that it was decided what the world needed was a double live Garth Brooks cd, counting for more multiple sales. If only that strategy had worked as well for Frank Zappa!
Update (2/8/01) A story in Variety says -- and this should be no surprise -- Michael Jackson, as partner in Sony/ATV Productions, which owns the Beatles catalog, is getting a healthy share of profits from "1." It also suggests some possibilities for follow-up releases to continue the "1" momentum (and these are strictly their ideas): expanded editions of ``Sgt. Pepper'' or ``Revolver,'' albums dedicated to each band members, a repackaging of the three ``Anthology'' sets (or, we think a DVD version!) and widespread bootlegs, and compile their TV appearances. (All in our lifetime, we hope!) And from Vivian Topping (thanks!):
According to the Syndey Morning Herald, "1" was the #1 album in Australia for 2000.
Update (2/7/01) As a couple of alert folks pointed out, the sales figures we quoted in yesterday's item should have been "millions" and not "billions." We've fixed it. (Thanks to Tony and Bruce.) One thing we forgot to mention that should make this particularly satisfying to Beatle fans: Guess whose star is the closest to the entrance of the famed Capitol Tower in Hollywood? No, not the Fabs (who it should be), but Garth. So this is a bit of payback, we'd like to think ....
Update (2/6/01) We've always observed Garth Brooks' campaign to best the Fabs in sales with a bit of dismay. Well....the L.A. Times reports that "1" has given Brooks a real setback in his quest. Also hurting Brooks is the fact that the Recording Association of America now counts double albums as two discs, which pushed the Fabs to 158 million to 101 for Brooks. Oh, and he now has to watch for Led Zeppelin, who are now behind him with 100 million. (Thanks to Eric Scheffel.) In another development, Vivian Topping tells us that "1" is now being sold by the Columbia Record Club, an almost unheard of development. She says:
For the first time in possibly decades, and Apple/Capitol Beatles release, "1" is being sold by Columbia House Record Club. If anyone has been paying attention to sales figures, the megasales of such discs as Eagles' "Greatest Hits", Michael Jackson's "Thriller", Fleetwood Mac's "Rumours" and even Hootie and the Blowfish's "Cracked Rear View" (and not to mention Garth Brooks' entire career) depended heavily on their availabilty through both Columbia House and BMG Record Clubs. Anyone dare to guess how long it'll be before "1" becomes the best selling disc ever?
Update (2/2/01) The Beatles' eight-week run at #1 with the "1" album has come to an end. In the new Billboard survey, "1" has fallen to #4, Billboard reports. But it's still the top-selling album on Billboard's Internet sales chart. Even more interesting: #17 on that same chart is George's "All Things Must Pass" reissue. And the Internet sales of "1" has helped give a boost to "Revolver" , which shows up as #19 on the Internet sales chart in the first week of its reappearance.
Update (2/1/01) Thanks to the Beatles "1" album, the Fabs were pop music's top earners in the year 2000, reports Reuters. The results were published in a survey on Wednesday by Heat Magazine. Update (1/28/01) A press release from Capitol Records, issued Friday:
BC-NY-CAPITOL-RECORDS ( EW)(NY-CAPITOL-RECORDS) The Beatles 'Hold On' to ?1 With a Little Help From Their FriendsNEW YORK -- The Beatles "really got a hold on' the #1 position on the Billboard 200 Album chart - as their new collection of 27 #1 hits, aptly titled 1, moves into its 8th consecutive week (and 9th overall) in the top spot for the issue dated February 3rd. With Soundscan totes of another 215,534 units last week, the album has now been certified 7-times platinum by the RIAA. The Beatles' 1 - which gathers for the first time in one volume every one of their 27 singles that hit #1 in the United States and/or the United Kingdom - has turned into a true phenomenon. Due in part to the album's tremendous success, the combined market share of EMD (EMI Music Distribution, which includes Angel, Blue Note, Capitol, and Virgin Records) rose to 12.0 % for the week ending January 21st, according to Soundscan. The last time that Capitol Records celebrated a record with such a long-distance run at the top was M.C. Hammer's Please Hammer Don't Hurt "Em, which logged 21 weeks at #1 in 1990, on its way to 108 weeks on the chart and 10-times RIAA platinum. The Beatles' 1 not only shows the group - three decades after their break-up - to be as great a chart force as ever but also poses the question: Are they bigger than ever? The new album has dominated the charts since its November 14th release, outselling all but six of their 44 previous albums. 1 has also remained on top of the charts for longer than any of their previous collections that reached ?1 - The Beatles 1967-1970 - aka "The Blue Album,' The Beatle Anthology, Volume 1, and The Beatles Anthology, Volume 2. "Decades after their original releases," Billboard summed up, "these songs still resonate with a potency and vibrancy that simply don't exist in a lot of today's pop music. Truly the best from the best." Entertainment Weekly raved, "New CD of the Beatles #1 hits only proves their timelessness." Revolution magazine said, "The Beatles arguably aren't just the most popular musical group in history, but also the most courageous." Echoed Dave Bauder of Associated Press, "Thirty years after breaking up, and 20 years after John Lennon was shot and killed, the Beatles are proving the sheer power of a musical legacy that still dwarfs anything that's come after them." In his liner notes to the 1964 UK album Beatles For Sale, former Beatles publicist Derek Taylor wrote: "The kids of AD 2000 will draw from the music much the same sense of well being and warmth as we do today." His prediction has come true with the success of the Beatles 1.
HI Beatles "1" has also reached #1 in these Asian countries: Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Hong Kong and India.
Update (1/26/01) From John in Australia (thanks):
Beatles "1" has reached number 1 in Malaysia. The per capita sales is greatest in Ireland and New Zealand. .
Update (1/24/01) Music365 reports "1" has been deposed from the top spot in the UK charts. Albums by the Scottish band Texas (huh?) and Limp Bizkit are now ahead of "1". (Thanks to Henry Myers.)
Update (1/23/01)
Update (1/21/01) From Raf Smith in Canada (thanks!):
I've just done a quick survey of the current international chart lists, and "1" is still #1 in Australia, Brazil, Canada, New Zealand, Ireland, Switzerland, Austria, Germany, UK, and USA. It's also placing well in Belgium (#4), Spain (#3), Portugal (#2), Norway (#4), Netherlands (#5), and Finland (#3). This is just a sampling of the chart action, so the album is really holding up well internationally!
The midweek sales chart is only a guide to let people how sales of records are doing.The official album chart is released every Sunday evening. Westlife were in front on midweek sales because of big discounts on their record (normal price £12-£13 discount price at Woolworths £3.99) On the official chart on Sunday The Beatles had overtaken Westlife and so have their ninth week at NO 1.
Just to confirm Bill's comments. '1' was indeed number 1 in the British Charts last week, as it is this week! And '1' is also still number 1 in the Irish charts, as it has been since it's release!
Steve,The Beatles' "1" is #1 again, selling 260,179 units this past week according to SoundScan.
Bill
The way I read the 365 report, Westlife was NOT No. 1 last week, The Beatles were. Westlife was atop the chart MIDWEEK but "1" surged to REMAIN on top. The midweek count is not the official one, so they never took the No. 1 spot away from "1". At least, that's the way it appears. Otherwise, how could The Beatles be at No. 1 for the NINTH week? Take a look and see if that's not how you read it, too. Bill
Update (1/17/01) The Beatles "1" has hit number one for the ninth week in the UK, reports Music365. Westlife had claimed the top spot the week before from the Beatles, but the Fabs pushed Westlife off the top spot to reclaim it. (Thanks to Wendy Starr.)
Update (1/14/01)
Update (1/11/01) The "1" never stops: First, from Bill King (thanks!):
Steve,The Beatles "1" is #1 yet again, selling 268,551 units this past week according to SoundScan (down from 451,253 the previous week). Bill
(NY-CAPITOL-RECORDS/BEATLES) Beatles Fans 'Let It Be' At No. 1NEW YORK .Jan. 10, 2001... The Beatles continued their dramatic control of the No. 1 position on the Billboard 200 album charts this week by holding that spot for the fifth week in a row. Their new collection of No. 1 hits, aptly-titled "1," sold another 268,551 copies this week, keeping a firm grasp on the No. 1 spot. This follows the record breaking figure two weeks ago of 1.3 million units...the largest non-debut week in SoundScan history. The album was released by Capitol Records on November 14 and debuted on the chart eight weeks ago in the No. 1 position, and moved to No. 2 for the following two weeks. In the following week, it regained the No. 1 spot, and has remained on top ever since. As a result, 1 has shipped over 6 million units (and been certified 6-times platinum) and has scanned over 5 million units. It was easily the biggest album of the Christmas season and is now continuing its success into the new year.
The success of 1 proves that the Beatles continue to be as great a chart force as ever. They have held the record for the most No. 1 singles in Billboard chart history for 31 years. "1" gathers - for the first time in one volume - every one of their 27 singles that hit No. 1 in the United States and/or the United Kingdom.
Entertainment Weekly raves, "New CD of the Beatles No. 1 hits only proves their timelessness." Revolution magazine says, "The Beatles arguably aren't just the most popular musical group in history, but also the most courageous," and Dave Bauder at Associated Press says, "Thirty years after breaking up, and 20 years after John Lennon was shot and killed, the Beatles are proving the sheer power of a musical legacy that still dwarfs anything that's come after them."
Billboard said it most concisely, "Decades after their original releases, these songs still resonate with a potency and vibrancy that simply don't exist in a lot of today's pop music. Truly the best from the best."
In the liner notes to the 1964 UK album "Beatles For Sale," former Beatles publicist Derek Taylor wrote: "The kids of AD 2000 will draw from the music much the same sense of well being and warmth as we do today." Derek's comments have been proven more than correct by the success of the Beatles "1."
Update (1/4/01) Beatles "1" is still at the top of the charts, reports Billboard. The album is in its fifth week at the top. Here's a press release issued by Capitol Records on Wednesday:
The Beatles Need No ''Help'' Staying At No. 1 With ''1'' NEW YORK--ENTERTAINMENT WIRE --The Beatles continued their dramatic control of the No. 1 position on the Billboard 200 album charts this week by holding that spot for the fourth week in a row. Their new collection of No. 1 hits, aptly-titled 1, sold another 451,253 copies this week, keeping a firm grasp on the No. 1 spot. This follows the previous week's record breaking figure of 1.3 million units...the largest non-debut week in SoundScan history. The album was released by Capitol Records on November 14 and debuted on the chart seven weeks ago in the No. 1 position, and moved to No. 2 for the following two weeks. In the following week, it regained the No. 1 spot, and has remained on top ever since. As a result, 1 has shipped over 6 million units (and been certified 6-times platinum) and has scanned over 5 million units. It was easily the biggest album of the Christmas season and is now continuing its success into the new year. The success of 1 proves that the Beatles continue to be as great a chart force as ever. They have held the record for the most No. 1 singles in Billboard chart history for 31 years. 1 gathers -- for the first time in one volume -- every one of their 27 singles that hit No. 1 in the United States and/or the United Kingdom. Billboard said it most concisely, "Decades after their original releases, these songs still resonate with a potency and vibrancy that simply don't exist in a lot of today's pop music. Truly the best from the best." The RIAA has also confirmed that the Beatles are the highest certified artists of the year, with a total of 18-times platinum new awards. These comprise 5-times for 1; 3-times for 1964's A Hard Day's Night (moving from platinum to 4-times platinum); 3-times for 1970's Let It Be (platinum to 4-times platinum); 2-times for 1977's Love Songs (platinum to 3-times platinum); 1-time for 1967's Magical Mystery Tour (5-times platinum to 6-times platinum); 1-time for 1966's Revolver (4-times platinum to 5-times platinum); 1-time for 1968's The Beatles aka "The White Album" (17-times platinum to 18-times platinum); 1-time for the 1973 collection The Beatles 1963-1966 (13-times platinum to 14-times platinum); and 1-time for the companion collection The Beatles 1967-1970 (14-times platinum to 15-times platinum). The Beatles continue to retain their firm grip as the best-selling artists of all time with RIAA certifications representing more than 156 million units in the U.S. alone. "Having the Beatles 1 remain in the No. 1 position on the charts for a fourth consecutive week, and achieving sales of 1.3 million units the week leading into Christmas -- representing the largest non-debut week in SoundScan history -- is just the icing on a fourth quarter cake that has been exceptionally sweet for Capitol Records. Beginning with the No. 1 debut of Radiohead in October, the No. 1 Beatles debut in November and the No. 1 Beatles reentry in December, this label completed one of its best fourth quarters ever. Our success will continue into January with the emergence of Coldplay who are already getting the attention from radio, video and press that will ensure that they will be a major band in 2001. Innovative and aggressive marketing strategies on behalf of a wide range of artists has delivered a strong performance," says Roy Lott, Capitol Records President and CEO. In another development, www.thebeatles.com has been launched, the long-awaited first official Internet website dedicated to the band. A year in the making, it was created with the full input of Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Ringo Starr, and Yoko Ono, who contributed their creative ideas in combination with an international team of cutting-edge website designers, involving Apple Corps Ltd, Abbey Road Interactive, and EMI Records. Underscoring the success of 1 is the success of The Beatles Anthology (Chronicle Books), the first-ever story of the Beatles in their own words. The six-pound coffee-table tome spent its first three weeks at No. 1 on the New York Times bestseller list followed by six weeks at No. 2. In the liner notes to the 1964 UK album Beatles For Sale, former Beatles publicist Derek Taylor wrote: "The kids of AD 2000 will draw from the music much the same sense of well being and warmth as we do today." Derek's comments have been proven more than correct by the success of the Beatles 1.
Update (1/3/01) From ilkka in Finland (thanks!):
It must be the fifth or sixth week here in Finland for "1" on top of the charts. i looked back on my old mails to you... it was the 4th week already sometimes around 19.-20. December, I guess.
New numbers here in Brazil: "One" reached 300,000 albums sold. In the Christmas week, people couldn't find " One" in many stores from Rio de Janeiro because of heavy sales.
Update (12/29/00) A lot of people found "1" in their stockings: In the week before Christmas, "1" sold 1.25 million copies. It stayed No. 1 for its third week in the U.S. Also, the Worldbeat Global Album Chart top 100 for 2000 lists "1" at no. 25. (Thanks, Sarah!) And Musicland's best of 2000 lists it at no. 15. (Thanks to Adam Powell for one of the links.)
Update (12/27/00) From Yorick van Norden (thanks!):
I'd like to let you know that ONE is (for the 2nd week) on second place in the Dutch charts. Allesandro Safina keeps it off the # 1 top spot!
Just to let you know that "1" has finally, in its fifth week on the chart, reached the top also in Slovenia! It was about time. Happy Christmas and Happy New Year!
(Update (12/22/00) "1" is selling at the rate of six copies a second around the world, according to several reports. (Thanks to Wendy Starr and Jan Ostrowski.)
Update (12/21/00) "1" remains at the top of the U.S. charts for a second week. It sold more than 823,000 copies this week. The Backstreet Boys only sold 566,000 copies of their "Black & Blue" album, reports Launch.com. And the next Billboard chart comes out today (Dec. 21). (Thanks to Eric Sheffel and Jeff Boswell.) And from João Paulo Petersen from Brazil (thanks!):
From November 13th to December 14th "One" sold more than 250,000 copies in Brazil, according the informations the label EMI here. Thus, the album won platinum disc.
The Beatles 1 has taken Norway by storm.More than 150000 units have been sold and is on it`s way to pass 200000 units. A phenomenal figure for a country of 5 million people.
Update (12/20/00)
Update (12/19/00) From Jeff Jacomowitz (thanks!):
Just to note -- The week ending December 23rd 2000: Beatles 1 is #1 on Billboard. The week ending December 23rd 1995 (five years ago) -- Beatles Anthology 1 is #1.
Also, from Franco Alvear (thanks!):
Let me tell you that here in Santiago de Chile the Beatles "1" album is currently N°1 in almost all local charts (Three or four weeks in a row, I think). It´s simply amazing the craze around here for the Fab Four and I love it! Keep on with your excellent work Regards.
hi steve.
Beatles "1" is still on the top of the charts here in Finland. It´s the fourth week in row. They are also getting their first ever platinium record in Finland with this compilation album. In our country the artis gets platinium record after 40 000 units sold. You must remember that our population in Finland isonly 5 million.
Update (12/14/00) A press release issued Wednesday by Capitol Records:
Beatles "Get Back" to ?1 With "1"NEW YORK -- Dec. 13, 2000 -- Capitol recording group the Beatles once again make record chart history as their brand new collection of #1 hits, aptly-titled 1, victoriously re-takes the #1 spot on the Billboard 200 album chart (issue dated December 23rd), after debuting at #1 (three weeks ago), then moving to #2 for two weeks.
The Beatles, whose record for the most #1 singles in Billboard chart history is now in its 31st year on the books, are as great a chart force as ever. The 1 album, which gathers - for the first time in one volume - every one of their 27 singles that hit #1 in the United States and/or the United Kingdom, was released on November 14th in the US. It debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 album chart in the December 2nd issue, after Soundscan tallied an all-time record-breaking 594,666 units. In the issues of December 9th and 16th, the album shifted to #2 as Backstreet Boys' Black & Blue came in at #1. Now, in a move that chart-watchers will be talking about for some time to come, the Beatles return to #1 with an even higher Soundscan total than their debut week, selling another 670,673 copies.
Marking another milestone, as of this week 1 has sold over 5 million copies, making it 5x platinum just three weeks after its US release. Billboard said it most concisely, "Decades after their original releases, these songs still resonate with a potency and vibrancy that simply don't exist in a lot of today's pop music. Truly the best from the best."
Significantly, these sales and chart results have been accomplished without the benefit of a new song on the album or at radio. An organized marketing approach has exposed the album to America, and the public, young and old, has responded.
Simultaneously, www.thebeatles.com has been launched, the long-awaited first official Internet website dedicated to the band. A year in the making, it was created with the full input of Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Ringo Starr, and Yoko Ono, who contributed their creative ideas in combination with an international team of cutting-edge website designers, involving Apple Corps Ltd, Abbey Road Interactive, and EMI Records.
Underscoring the success of 1 is the success of The Beatles Anthology (Chronicle Books), the first-ever story of the Beatles in their own words. The six-pound coffee-table tome spent its first three weeks at #1 on the New York Times bestseller list followed by six weeks at #2, where it held strong this past Sunday.
Beatles '1' went direct to #1 during the first week here in Sweden, but was displaced the 2nd week by the great Swedish rock poet Ulf Lundell's latest. However, '1' made it back to #1 during the third week.
Update (12/12/00) From ilkka in Finland (thanks!):
"number 1" is still number 1 in Finland. it´s the third week in the top of the charts here. great.
MUSIC WEEK ALBUM ANALYSIS - ISSUE DATED 16 DECEMBER 2000.BEATLES--The Beatles’ 1 sold a further 251,000 copies last week to scurry from seventh to third place in the year-to-date rankings trailing only Play by Moby and The Marshall Mathers LP by Eminem . 1 has been number one for four weeks and topped the million sales mark on Friday, some 26 days after its release. It therefore equals the then record speed with which Robson & Jerome’s self-titled 1995 debut reached the figure - a record which has subsequently been shattered by Beatles wannabes Oasis’ 17 day dash to the million mark with Be Here Now. Sales of "1" increased week-on-week by 8% last week, and with sales at 1,056,000 at close of business on Saturday, it has an outside chance of beating the record for reaching 2m sales, set by the same Robson & Jerome album in 48 days, spanning the end of 1995 and the beginning of 1996. That album, by the way, prevented the Beatles’ first Anthology from reaching number one.
And from Cristian Domarchi in Concepcion, Chile (thanks!):
Apart from give you congratulations on your superb news page, this short e-mail is to tell you that the "1" album has finally reached the top position here in Chile (according to the "Feria del Disco" and "Musimundo" charts), beating the Backstreet Boys' "Black & Blue" album, after two weeks at #2. The distances made "1" arrive a week later than the rest of the world, so the two albums arrived here at the same time, but the Fab Four finally got their way. Add Chile to your list of countries where "1" is the biggest-selling album!
"Beatles 1 went straight to number one in the Norwegian charts and stayed at no 1 for two weeks. Now placed at number 2. More than 100,000 copies have been sold, and the record is on course to be one of the biggest sellers of the year in Norway. A sale of 100,000 in Norway compares to a sale in Britain of more than 1 million and the US more than 6 million.
"The album did hit the number 1 spot in the Netherlands today. It entered the charts (top 100) two weeks ago on 22, went to number 3 and now it's one 1!. So a big seller in the Netherlands too
Update (12/7/00) A wire story today reports that the Beatles "1" album is the fastest selling album ever. A spokesperson said, "They're all really, really thrilled." It's eventually expected to beat the 26 million sold by "The Eagles Greatest Hits," the largest selling album by a group to date. (Thanks to Thomas Carswell.)
Update (12/6/00) From Ilkka in Finland (thanks!):
Beatles 1 is still holding the number one spot in the albumcharts here in Finland. For the second week, that is. Not bad, not bad... They can still work it out!
Update (12/1/00) From Bill King of Beatlefan (thanks, Bill!):
Although "1" fell from No. 1 to No. 2 on Billboard's chart in its second week, it's worth noting that its sales increased from the first week to 662,077. The Backstreet Boys sold 1.59 million units, however.
Update (11/30/00) After the Fabs pushed them aside by topping the charts with "1," the young guns finally had their way. The Backstreet Boys' new "Black & Blue" album knocked "1" off the top spot in the charts, reports Billboard. And from Ole Olsen (thanks!):
On holiday in Thailand, after wondering for a couple of days where Thai people buy their CDs (except pirates), I finally found a record shop with the "1" CD (only a couple of days after the release) at the World Trade Center in Bangkok. In the booklet, I noticed the photo of George was missing. Instead, Paul was shown twice. I haven't seen anybody else mentioning this on your page. Did this just happened to the Thai edition?
Update (11/29/00) "1" hit the top spot in 19 countries ranging from Britain to Venezuela, Canada and Portugal to Japan in its first week of release, reports Reuters. (It also hit number 1 in Finland in its second week.) Those countries included Australia, where Jon Maclean tells us,
"The new album has made a clean sweep, emulating the feat in the US and the UK, by entering the Australian ARIA national chart at #1. It has sold over 150 000 copies in the first week of sales here, easily attaining Platinum status."
"Just a note to let you know that '1' is also number 1 in the Irish music charts. And the fact that Irish bands U2 and Westlife (if you categorize the latter as a band??!) have being dominating the European charts up to now make this a great achievement."
Sure would be nice to have some (CDs) with some Beatle video's on CD-Rom. Like one video per release.
Update (11/22/00) Bill King of Beatlefan tells us that as it did in the British charts, the Beatles "1" debuts at #1 on Billboard's Top 200 Albums Chart, scanning 594,666 units in its first week. (Thanks, Bill.)
Update (11/20/00) (11/20/00) The Beatles "1" is on the British charts where it should be: It's hit the top spot on its first week. Paul, George and Ringo were said to be "dead chuffed" by the news, said a spokesperson.
Update (11/18/00) From Scott Goolsby (thanks!):
I think James Remus hit the nail on the head. I've played the CD once, and that will be about it. I'm still constantly playing the "Yellow Submarine Songtrack", despite what I feel is a set of songs that don't hang together very well, because of the beautiful mixes and great sound. "Hey Bulldog" is pure bliss on that CD. Let's hope they remix the whole catalog.
Update (11/16/00) From Naoto Ito in London (thanks!):
I went to Abbey Road Studio yesterday (14//11/00) and as you reported in your web site, the gate posts of the walls had been painted in red with "1" yellow logos. I've updated the pictures (3 takes) in the front page of my web site (http://www.beatles2000.freeserve.co.uk/uk_vinyl). Enjoy! Cheers!
If anybody besides me really cares, I think the following needs to be communicated to Apple/EMI: "Beatles 1" illustrates how badly the Beatles Catalog needs RE-MIXING, not just re-mastering. True, the remastering on "1" has produced the best official release versions available (excepting the totally re-mixed "The Yellow Submarine Songtrack" CD) but that is limited praise. The older 4-track material (ex. I Want to Hold Your Hand, AHDN, Eight Days a Week) has virtually no drum definition in the mixes. The remastering has heightened the EQ on bass response, compressed the overall sound, and improved the main vocal clarity, but that is the extent of the improvement. Granted, the original mixes were appropriate for 99.9% of 1964 listeners on AM radio or home turntables. In those days, prominent bass would cause record-player needles to skip, but today anybody listening to CDs in their car can hear lack of definition in background instruments, beyond the lead vocals, guitars, and cymbals. The Yellow Sub Song track shows what re-mixing can do, even for post-Revolver recordings, which had more drum and bass definition in their mixes anyway. Re-mixing can use the original mixes as reference for content-- but improving the sound of the original components is the goal. I believe that any further releases from the Beatles Catalog need total re-mixing, similar to Yellow Submarine Songtrack and the Lennon CD re-issues. Until then we can be happy with our old 45s. P.S. If you would, please change your Apple request banner to, "Getting the Beatles Catalog Re-Mixed again," instead of Re-Mastered. Thanks for your great efforts.
I just noticed a curious thing in the "1" CD booklet... one of the foreign "Let it Be" sleeves appears twice, same exact markings on both!
Update (11/15/00) The BBC reports that the Beatles "1" album is outselling the new Oasis four to one. It's also outselling Westlife's number one album, "Coast to Coast," and looks like it'll hit the top spot on the UK charts. As an HMV spokesman put it, "There is a whole new generation of kids out there who may not be familiar with some of The Beatles' material. This is opening it up for them." Also, Hamburg's Kaiserkeller, where the Beatles played early on, is trying to set a world record with a Beatles party to celebrate the release of the new album. They're pushing for 12 hours. (Thanks to Wendy Starr.)
Update (11/14/00) A wire report we saw said only a few fans lined up at HMV to get their certificates for buying "1". Ananova reported one of those who lined up was none other than Elvis Costello. Here's an eyewitness account from Naoto Ito in London (thanks!):
I've just been back from HMV shop - 360 Oxford St. London, England, to participate in the event of BEATLES ONE. I arrived in front of the shop at 22:30, but amazingly nobody was there! So I was the first customer. (Well, it makes a sense to me because tomorrow is Monday!) In the meantime, I had a lot of interviewd from many newspapers and TVs, waiting for the shop to open.In my opinion, I'd really like to recommend the vinyl set. The packaging is stunning, and much better than the CD! The gatefold cover, heavy-weight vinyls, inner sleeves that features world's 45 picture sleeves, and four A4 sized psychedelic photos, and a folded large poster that features the rest of the picture sleeves. This set just reminds me White Album (this also has a folded poster and four photos etc.) You'll be surprised when you get it. Of course, I obtained the certificate of the first purchasing worldwide!
Steve-I spotted the "1" CD in a shop in Greenwich Village in NYC that often stocks U.K. vinyl imports and such on Saturday November 10. I asked whether it was a promo (no such luck) or an import. No, it was the U.S. CD on sale a few days early. While debating whether I should wait for Tuesday and a better price, I asked when did they expect to get the vinyl version. I expected to hear a few weeks, but to my surprise the shopkeeper said "I think we have it now"! Needless to say, I bought it (for $34.99, unfortunately).
The U.K. vinyl version is 2LPs. The front cover is the same as the CD. The back has the song list: the first 8 songs on side 1, 8 more on side 2, 5 on side 3, and 6 on side 4. It says "Digital remasters copyright 2000" and "printed in the EU"; there is a "made in the U.K." sticker. It is not on Parlophone; the cover says Apple Corps Ltd. under exclusive license to EMI Records Ltd. The spine says "The Beatles" in white horizontally and "1" in yellow vertically.
The cover is a gatefold. Inside are the 4 psychedelic 1967 Avedon portraits -- that's it. They are 5.5 by 4.5 inches each.
The two inner sleeves each have one or two foreign picture sleeves for each song on that disk on one side, and the list of songs and chart info on the other side, along with the 4x7 grid of different colored "1" logos. The first inner sleeve, which is pale apple green, also has the brief G. Martin blurb, and the second, which is purple, has the production and other credits. Incidentally, it says that the picture sleeves are "assembled, with thanks, from the collections of Joachim Noske and Bruce Spizer."
Then come the surprises: There is a large (22 x 33 inches) poster of all the picture sleeves (I assume the same ones that are in the CD booklet), and last but not least, 4 individual portrait photos a la the White Album, but using the psychedelic colored 1967 Avedon photos. These say The Beatles at the top and 1 at the bottom in a red border, and are about 8 x 11 inches each.
The disks are black vinyl (sorry if you were hoping for red) and have a red, yellow and white custom label on which the "1" is very large. There is a tiny green Apple logo in the text around the perimeter, which among other things says Made in EU (again, there is also a made in the UK sticker).
Oh yeah, it sounds great!
P.S. I also recently picked up an 8 x 11 red U.S. promo folder that has a lot of the same photos and graphics in it, some Beatle quotes that appear to be from Anthology, and a list of US "Marketing Highlights" listing items such as the Anthology book, the ABC TV special, a radio special, advertising, and other promotion.
Steve,
I was quite shocked when standing in line at Walgreen's in Winter Park, FL I saw a small display of what appeared to be Beatles "1" CDs! I could not believe my eyes as I was under the impression the official release date in the US was supposed to be on November 14, 2000. Well, I grabbed one and gladly paid the $17.99 for it (I know it will be probably $11.99 at Best Buy on Tuesday) just to have it. I must say the sound is great. I did notice some apparent flaw in the original master tape was revealed on "She Loves You" as you can hear what sounds as if the sound drops out. This appeared to be the only flaw on any song on the CD and I am quite sure it was unavoidable. I must concur with the gentleman who was looking forward to seeing full details about each song, however, it was quite a nice treat to see anywhere from three to six different single sleeves from around the world for each song ! ! and a brief statement of where each song ended up in what place on the charts in the UK and the US for each song. A very nice intro by George Martin and the obligatory credits in the back and that was it as far as written language on this CD. I did notice a nice clarity for each song thanks to the digital remastering. I like the packaging and it is nice to have a CD to show friends and say, "Hey, look at what these guys accomplished." All 27 #1 songs on one CD is a nice addition to any collection and I must admit that the fuzzy warm all over feeling came over me as I first picked up the CD in the store. I love that feeling...HaHaHa.
For your info, there are at least two different versions of the Beatles 1 T.V. Ad running in England. Any idea how many there are?
Steve --The drop-outs referred to on SLY on 1 are the edits in the song, as it was a composite of several takes & edit pieces cobbled together. Hope that info helps.
Steve - I just have to say this to someone! Saw an ad for 'Beatles 1' on TV last night. Looked like an ad for a Popelle Pocket Fisherman. After the 800 number, I was expecting it to say "Operators are standing by: if you call within the next 20 minutes, you will also get a free can opener". WHAT ARE THEY THINKING ?! How tacky! Are you hearing comments like this from anyone else?
Just a comment: I wish everyone would stop being so critical on the new Beatles 1 (Greatest Hits) album. People, the Beatles disbanded in 1970, that's 30 years ago. I am a very die-hard Beatles fan and if The Beatles "1" album hits #1 on the Billboard charts, that is an incredible accomplishment. Who cares about the booklet (even though I always love a very informative CD booklet), let the music speak for itself. The Beatles will always be #1. The Anthology series, now including the #1 best-selling book, tells the Beatle story by The Beatles to us, the devoted fans. There will be more projects in the future because they are the Beatles. I have all of the Beatles songs on CD and vinyl, so why should I buy Beatles 1? Because they are the Beatles. So people, stop being so critical and enjoy the Beatles 1!
On tonight's show at La Caverna, we had Mr. Ricardo Peña from Sahari's, the biggest record retail chain in northern Mexico. He told us the sales of Beatles "1" in Monterrey, Mexico have exceed 1000 units in about 3 days, an outstanding quantity considering that the chart toppers in town are mainly Mexican folk bands. The sales of Beatles 1 have beaten Madonna's "Music" and U2's "All you can't leave behind" in the same period.
Update II (11/11/00) From Greg Mavraedis (thanks!):
Terry Ott mentions that Get Back was the first single issued in stereo, and while that may be true, that is only the case in the US. The first single to be issued in stereo in the UK was The Ballad Of John And Yoko. Get Back was actually in mono in the UK.
We just got our Beatles 1, CD is made in the UK and artwork printed in Mexico, it must be on the streets on November 13th. The sound is very improved and the remix outstanding. The artwork it's pretty nice, looks more like a Fireman project, is designed by The Team (Beatles Anthologies, Flaming Pie, Chants of India, Run Devil Run). We put a little page (http://www.gratisweb.com/cavern/oneframe.html) to show the artwork. It takes a few minutes to show all the pictures but we hope you'll enjoy it. Kind regards Fernando Zavala La Caverna Radio Shows Mexico
The Beatle Brunch story is a nice inside peek at the new CD. However, the statement that the songs will be in stereo when they were in stereo and mono when they were in mono is a bit misleading. The first Beatle single to be originally released in stereo is in fact Get Back. All previous original singles were released only in mono. Hey Jude was not even mixed in stereo until 1970 when the compilation, The Beatles Again (Hey Jude) was released in north america. The Past Masters CD series featured stereo versions of the singles (some of which were gathered and prepaired from various different versions and mixes of releases throughout the world), save for She Loves You and 2 others. Evidently, She Loves You was dubbed down from the original two-track, and then the two-track master was either lost or destroyed. So it would be my guess that only She Loves You, From Me To You and Love Me Do, will be in mono on the new #1.
After opening the compact disc I noticed that the booklet contains pictures of each album cover from each single on the album. Inside the booklet there is little information on each song. For example, the information provided within the booklet contains when the song was recorded, where the song was recorded, and the songs chart position. Nothing more, nothing less. The first page inside the booklet contains a brief message from George Martin. Basically the booklet contains mostly pictures. However, the good news is the sound quality is perfectly restored. Ticket to Ride has been enhanced greatly and sounds unbeleivable. Help, Day Tripper, and Paperback Writer are also incredible. Most interestly, Yellow Submarine, All You Need Is Love, and Eleanor Rigby are remastered here, but not remixed like on Yellow Submarine. Lastly, each song is remastered by Peter Mew. (These original analogue masters have been digitally remastered at 24 bits resolution, processed using Sonic Solutions NoNoise technology and mastered to 16 bit for CD using Prism SNS Noise Shaping) (Tracks 1-3, MONO) The Bass on a lot of these songs has been kicked up a notch. I honestly cant beleive how awesome Ticket To Ride sounds!
I am listening to the new Beatles "One" CD, and it does sound fabulous. A few things bother me though. As always the version of Love Me Do is the LP version not the single (OK the US 45 was the LP version, and that was #1 unlike the UK single. What really bothers me is inside the booklet. They show pictures of various sleeves throughout the world. The condition of some of these sleeves are nowhere near mint. I have pristine copies of the US single picture sleeves. I am sure Apple could have used better condition sleeves. The sleeve shown for I Want To Hold Your Hand is NOT the original sleeve, but the version from the early 1980s that has Paul's cigarette airbrushed out. This is shameful to say the least.
More info on the Beatles 1 booklet as it sits in front of me here...On the inside of the first page is a narrow rectangle running up the page with little square album covers filling it in (4 across and 7 down)... all appear to be different designs for the album cover, using the same basic "1", but with different colour codes (eg yellow background with a orange flaming '1', black background with a pink flaming '1', etc). The Beatles logo is missing from them all, except the bottom right hand album square features a nazy blue background with a slightly lighter shade of blue "The Beatles" placed in the middle, and no "1" at all. Below that it says in white lettering "27 #1 singles = 1" (the cover '1' symbol).
As far as some of the pictures I said before I had never seen, there are a few. A few of my favorites would be the sleeve for "Eight Days A Week" (I'm A Loser is listed as the B-side) on the Dischi PARLOPHON labal... it features the Beatles on a golf course, with Paul striking an awkward pose, "with ciggie in mouth", using an iron club to make a putt on the green... John, Ringo and George look on, Ringo and John leaning on clubs. This sleeve is the main one, with a few more common ones surrounding it on the Eight Days A Week page. Another good one is a sleeve from what appears to be Japan (?)... the pic features the Beatles from the Magical Mystery Tour sessions standing in front of a piano at Abbey Road, in casual dress, smiling. Never seen that one before either. Few others, but lets not ruin all the surprises!!
And dispite what has also been rumoured, "Love Me Do", "From Me To You" and "She Loves You" are in mono still. The rest of the album, though, is stereo. The opening chord to A Hard Day's Night is stunning now that it's been cleared up. Really jolted me at work today when I first heard it (of course I had it on very loudly as well). Speaking of which, in case any die hards have questioned if this new Greatest Hits will suceed or not, it already is, at least in the shop I work at. I had great response to it today while I played it, and have taken orders for it's release already. Just tonight, a guy who normally listens to dance and rap and all that, reserved a copy of "Beatles 1" and bought a poster of the Abbey Road cover. He was blown away by the number of songs that he knew, and was further shocked to learn of even MORE songs he knew of that weren't on this album... so the purpose of this album is already working like a charm.
"The older songs like "I Want to Hold Your Hand" they cleaned up as best as they could. The problem is the songs are so old. A song like "A Hard Days Night" they can only do so much with. I mean the older songs sound great compared to what they sounded like. As far as "Eleanor Rigby," the remastered version on One is better than the remixed version on "Yellow Submarine." However, "All You Need Is Love" is better on the remixed Yellow Submarine soundtrack. Dont know why. "Yellow Submarine" is also better on ONE. Cool, uh, we have two versions of these three songs. I wish "Revolution" and "Strawberry Fields" were on this disc. To call this disc a greatest hits is a crime. It's a great album but by all mean its not a greatest hits and you know it.
(11/10/00) Tim Swaddling on the CD's booklet (thanks, Tim!):
Hi Steve,I noticed someone has already given you the low down on what the music sounds like on Beatles "1," so I thought I'd chip in with what the booklet features, since many fans may only be interested in buying the album for the 32 page booklet.
It didn't feature what I had been hearing it was going to be, which was supposed to be write-ups on each song. Instead, the booklet features a page for each #1 hit, with the chart information at the bottom of the page printed in white, with the rest of the page featuring the sleeve covers for the #1 single from all over the world (I'd like to presume from every country that the song went to number one in, but I'm not sure). While it is interesting, since some of the sleeves I've never seen before (and therefore features some rare photographs), it probably isn't going to be enough to make ALL the die-hards go out and buy it (of course, the whole point of this album is to bring in new fans). The opening page of the booklet features a little write up by George Martin on the Beatles, and the last page features the Richard Avedon pictures that were mentioned on your page sometime earlier. The music does sound much better, and the booklet is ok as well. Not bad. Could've used a better cover though in my opinion.
Update (11/9/00) From Joe Johnson, host of the "Beatle Brunch" weekly radio show (thanks, Joe!):
Hi Steve.. A friend of mine who has an advance copy of the new "1" CD, says the songs have been remastered (not remixed)...and that they sound incredible. One item worth noting, "Day Tripper" drop outs have been digitally corrected and sound great. Also, "Eleanor Rigby" and "All You Need is Love" are the original mixes, not the Yellow Sub Songtrack remixes...but have also been cleaned up. (Read the story on my website).
Hi! I just wanted to give you some tips on about TRL (in case you want to put them up.) If you vote by computer, vote only once from the same computer, otherwise, they disregard both votes. If you call in and get through, it's worth like a hundred emails. (The reason I know this is because on a group called SR-71's egroup list, they've been trying to get them on TRL and MTV told this to the group's management and they passed it on to the egroup list.)Just wanted to let you know! :)
**sarah**
Update (11/6/00) David Freis points out that Amazon.co.uk's page for "1" features a detailed analysis of how long each track held the top spot in the charts. (Thanks, David)
Update (11/3/00) One of the ways the Beatles will apparently promote "1" is through the Internet. We've received an email about this. One of the first things they wish to do is get the "Love Me Do" video on "Total Request Live." So please send your requests to MTV. And as it figures, we were off on our guesstimate on the advance sales ...er, slightly. The dollar figure is closer to $15 million. Our apologies...
Update (10/31/00) The Daily Telegraph article we linked to on the 29th makes a few interesting points: First, the album has already racked up more than £10 million in advance sales (a guesstimate on our part converts that to about $7.5 million). And there's this from Chris Windle, vice president of marketing at EMI: Mr Windle said: "The interest in this album is intense. Promotion is on a truly global basis with creative multi-media campaigns, and builds on the Beatles' traditional fans to emphasise the music and its importance to a younger music audience." That's the significant part. "1" is not targeted to longtime fans. It's directed at the younger audience that know little or nothing about them, though, of course, the older fans (well, many) will buy it anyway. As the article says further down, it will be released on the same day as the new CD from Oasis. Will many of those fans pick up "1"? Wouldn't surprise us. There's been a lot of discussion (example, MOJO's "The Slight Album") about what's been left off "1," especially "Strawberry Fields Forever." As we see it, collecting the Beatles' hits on a single disc and getting everything that should be there in is impossible. That's the bottom line. Also, a wire report said $25 mil for promotion and an additional $7.5 mil for an Internet site will be spent for ""1.'' The report said about 8 million copies will be shipped by Christmas. It also claims the surviving Fabs will do promotion for it next year.
Update (10/30/00) Several people have commented on the TV commercial for Beatles "1". It's nice to see it, but something in us cringes when they see the Beatles being sold like any other Top 40 group. (But then, that's the idea, isn't it? To pitch them to the masses?)
Update (10/29/00)
Update (10/27/00)
Update (10/20/00) Capitol's press release for the "1" album, as it's now being called:
1 - The New Album From The Beatles 27 No.1 Singles On One CD Launches November 13thThe much anticipated Beatles project will be released on the 13th November by EMI Worldwide.
Bearing the unique title "1" this album brings together all the group's 27 British and American number one singles on one CD for the very first time.
The tracklisting for 1 is: Love Me Do, From Me To You, She Loves You, I Want To Hold Your Hand, Can't Buy Me Love, A Hard Day's Night, I Feel Fine, Eight Days A Week, Ticket To Ride, Help!, Yesterday, Day Tripper, We Can Work It Out, Paperback Writer, Yellow Submarine, Eleanor Rigby, Penny Lane, All You Need Is Love, Hello Goodbye, Lady Madonna, Hey Jude, Get Back, The Ballad Of John And Yoko, Something, Come Together, Let It Be and The Long and Winding Road.
Ken Berry, CEO EMI Recorded Music, says "The Beatles are the most influential band in popular music and no other band has had their degree of chart success.
"Their music has had an unprecedented impact on the lives and cultures of so many around the world. Their songs are as vibrant and contemporary today as when they were recorded.
"This is a must-have album for every music lover's collection which will be supported by an innovative marketing campaign. We are proud that the Beatles spent their entire career with EMI and this album is a tribute to their genius."
Chris Windle, Sr. Vice President Marketing Recorded Music, says "Priced as a regular album this long playing CD with over 79 minutes running time represents fantastic value to the public. Promotion on a truly global basis with hugely creative multi-media campaigns will build on the Beatles huge fan base to emphasise the music and its importance to a contemporary audience."
In selecting the tracks for 1, EMI Records together with Capitol Records in the USA chose the songs that were either No.1 in the Record Retailer chart in the UK (the only independently-audited UK chart throughout the sixties) or in the Billboard chart in the USA.
The Beatles achieved 17 No.1 hits on the Record Retailer singles chart between May 1963 and July 1969. In the USA, The Beatles had a total of 20 No.1 singles between February 1964 and June 1970.
The booklet will be 32 pages, with one page devoted to each of the 27 songs. On each page is between 4 and 7 picture sleeves for the subject single, from around the world. Indicated are the recording dates for the song, release dates, and charting info.The back of the booklet (and the CD tray card) features the four portraits of The Beatles taken by Richard Avedon on August 17, 1967, shortly before their trip to Bangor, Wales to visit with the Maharishi (they're the shots of them taken individually and then "pschedeliced" up). There's also an introduction by George Martin in the front of the booklet. Another page features the brush-painted "1" logo, but in 27 different color combinations.
Sounds like a cool "1"! Comes out November 14 on Capitol.
Update (9/30/00) The track listing, as shown on Amazon.com:
Hi Steve,Firstly, keep up the good work with your excellent, informative web site!
Secondly, please accept my apologies if you've already been made aware of this but Mojo magazine here in the UK has a short article in the current edition regarding the forthcoming Beatles Greatest Hits CD.
Under the heading "The Slight Album", the article says the CD is going to be called "Beatles One" and will feature 27 tracks (the track listing is provided and appears to be identical to the ICE listing). The release date is given as November 14th.
The article points out that "Please Please Me" and "Strawberry Fields Forever" will definitely NOT be included. The article goes on to say that the track listing is sure to cause much debate among fans as to what should and shouldn't be included and that Apple are remaining tight-lipped about the whole situation!
Hope this may be of use to you and other fans!!
Best Regards
Martin Kyprianides, UK
The Chicago Sun-Times Sunday edition (Sept. 17) has a cover story on the Beatles and their impact to our culture. It reports that the first single disc compilation of their no. 1 hits will be entitled 'Beatles One' and will be released November 5.
Update (9/8/00) We're told that, despite all the reports, the title and track listing for the disc has not been settled on and is still in the works by Apple.
Update (9/1/00) From John Simpson in the UK (thanks, John!):
Hi, thought you might like to know , HMV in Kent are advertising "Best of the Beatles" with a release date of 13th November ,order now ! No other details.
Cheers
John
Update (8/26/00) From Sven Solterbeck (thanks!):