Search - Beatles :: Live at Star Club 1962 1

History heard here but it's probably more than you want

Greg Brady | Capital City | 04/07/2005

(1 out of 5 stars)

"Someone had a tape recorder rolling one night at the Star Club in Hamburg, Germany and as a result we now have a document of the Beatles' lineup including Pete Best as they worked to perfect their sound.



HIGHLIGHTS:

If there is one, it's probably the chance to hear them do "I Saw Her Standing There" in an early version. Oddly enough, there's a version of the Olympics' hit "Hully Gully" with a honking sax at the intro. As the Beatles didn't play sax, I assume this was someone from the club? Or another band's member doing a sit-in?



LOWS:

Again, nothing really in particular except perhaps "Mr. Moonlight" which I've never liked as a song (It's the lowpoint of "Beatles for Sale" for me.) The sound is VERY "iffy" for repeat listening...it's exactly what you'd expect for a reel-to-reel placed haphazardly without any effort given as to left-right balance...etc. There are obvious dropouts at times.



BOTTOM LINE:

Only for completists. Most people who want to know how they sounded in the Hamburg days will be happy with the track or two on the "Anthology 1" disc. Skip this one..."

Early, early Beatles

GTTF | USA | 03/13/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This album does not sound like the Beatles who did Sgt. Pepper or Yellow Submarine, but it does sound good. The recording materials used in this CD are not high quality, but the album it self is very good as it has their hit song "I Saw Her Standing There" and their good versions of "The Hippy Hippy Shake" and "Kansas City/Hey Hey Hey Hey." If you are a true Beatles fan this album and Volume 2 are a must for you."

Live Before They Got Famous

Bill Dewey/Reclaiming Quarterly | San Francisco | 07/07/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Yes, it's raw, and no, they don't play their greatest hits. This is the Pre-Fab Four, showing their roots. Without the self-consciousness of the later BBC or Hard Days Night sessions, this is an incredible candid snapshot of the sound that was about to conquer the world. It sheds light on all that came after.



If you like the Early Beatles, this CD is a must."