In the “50 Years Ago Today” section of the record reviews in the British magazine “Record Collector”, they reprinted a review of the first Beatles album. The review was published in 1963, and as well as being nostalgic, it’s interesting to note the unusual foresight possessed by the reviewer, as stated in the last line of the review:
"The Beatles
Please Please Me
Cliff has competition.
In case you haven’t heard, this Liverpool-based foursome are already said to be the sound of 1963. Their second single, Please Please Me, was a smash hit, while personal appearances around the country have generated the kind of enthusiasm not see since young Cliff Richard arrived on the scene.
Parlophone have rushed out this LP in an attempt to cool red-hot demand for new Beatles material; musically the 10 new tracks are a pleasing addition to the two single discs we’ve already heard. The boys have a good ear for an obscure rhythm and blues cover version – John Lennon’s vocals help turn their take on Twist and Shout into a real stormer, while he lends an effective harmony to bassist Paul McCartney’s co-led vocals on their own effective composition, Misery.
In fact, what sets The Beatles apart from their contemporaries is Lennon and McCartney’s ability to pen their infectious originals, which range in style from the warm ballad Do You Want To Know A Secret (sung by lead guitarist George Harrison), to the McCartney-sung rocker I Saw Her Standing There.
All told, it adds up to a respectable debut long-player, though whether we’ll still remember them come Christmas is anyone’s guess. – Sidney Shirley"
"The Beatles
Please Please Me
Cliff has competition.
In case you haven’t heard, this Liverpool-based foursome are already said to be the sound of 1963. Their second single, Please Please Me, was a smash hit, while personal appearances around the country have generated the kind of enthusiasm not see since young Cliff Richard arrived on the scene.
Parlophone have rushed out this LP in an attempt to cool red-hot demand for new Beatles material; musically the 10 new tracks are a pleasing addition to the two single discs we’ve already heard. The boys have a good ear for an obscure rhythm and blues cover version – John Lennon’s vocals help turn their take on Twist and Shout into a real stormer, while he lends an effective harmony to bassist Paul McCartney’s co-led vocals on their own effective composition, Misery.
In fact, what sets The Beatles apart from their contemporaries is Lennon and McCartney’s ability to pen their infectious originals, which range in style from the warm ballad Do You Want To Know A Secret (sung by lead guitarist George Harrison), to the McCartney-sung rocker I Saw Her Standing There.
All told, it adds up to a respectable debut long-player, though whether we’ll still remember them come Christmas is anyone’s guess. – Sidney Shirley"
