"The Beatles'Story on Capitol Records, Part Two: The Albums" is the second volume of Bruce Spizer's epic Capitol project. The book opens in 1964 with the release of "Meet The Beatles!" and moves forward through 1967's "Magical Mystery Tour." Here is the real story behind the Capitol LPs, with explanations of why Capitol reconfigured the Beatles albums for the American market. For each album, the book provides session and chart information and pictures of the front and back covers, all label variations, trade advertisements, promotional posters and displays. The book offers the most comprehensive coverage ever on the infamous butcher cover to the "Yesterday And Today" album, which was judged so offensive that it had to be recalled and destroyed. It also provides full details regarding the recording and marketing of "Sgt, Pepper's Lonely Harts Club Band." Also included are chapters on the albums issued by Capitol's Canadian and Mexican subsidiaries and a complete breakdown on the stereo, duophonic and mono mixes used by Capitol. Contains over 600 color and original black & white images.
Although Capitol was not the first label to issue Beatles records in the United States, the majority of the group's songs appeared in America on the label. Capitol’s albums had unique titles, covers and song configurations. While British albums normally did not include hit singles, Capitol placed hit singles on the albums. From 1964 through 1967, Capitol issued thirteen albums and a double documentary disc.
Compiling this book brought back wonderful memories. In addition to reading numerous trade journals, magazines and newspaper articles from the sixties, I listened to the music in its purist form by playing the records. Playing the early Capitol albums on my vintage 1964 Beatles turntable transported me back in time. The record player hummed and the records sometimes gave off a popping sound from vintage scratches, but this only enhanced the experience. “Meet The Beatles!” was the first album I purchased. I still have that album, complete with my name printed on a record store sticker placed on the back cover.
Although I enjoy listening to the Beatles on CD, it is more of a sonic experience than a journey back in time. There is a certain thrill about holding a colorful 12" x 12" record jacket that no CD can ever hope to duplicate. Those Capitol albums were the records of my childhood that I will always remember. For Americans growing up in the sixties, the Beatles on Capitol were the greatest.
