Disco de The Beatles: “The Beatles Compact Disc EP Collection [Box]”

Overpriced. I only own this set because, twelve years ago, a local branch of a major retail chain had this mismarked with the "1" accidentally left off of the then-$150 price tag (then it became a heck of a deal!). You can pretty much get any of these songs on all of the other lower-priced Beatles CDs out there. There are, however, some great carrots for collectors in the form of the mono mixes, especially on the Magical Mystery Tour disc (which is actually presented in stereo AND mono).

While the first seven discs contain widely-available mono mixes, the final eight discs contain mono tracks unavailable anywhere else. Some of these mixes are significantly different from the stereo mixes. This is nowhere more evident on "I Am the Walrus", in which the mono mix contains a couple of extra bars in the middle of the song.

Over all, a ripoff for non-completists but almost worthwhile for obsessive collectors.

For David MacIntosh's inaccurate comments that all of the original UK albums had been in a mono format, let me historically bring correction (who is obviously a long-time Beatles affectionado): Nowhere has there been a legitimate EMI/Parlophone/Apple mono mix and release of the following albums - "Abbey Road" & "Let It Be" unless you mix in illegitimate former Soviet bloc nations or Asian/Pacific dubious mixes.

Music lovers are passionate, but not always correct about their history. I have been corrected on many an occasion, all for my benefit. And as mature (another term for "old") as I am, I want to believe my own press. But this is a simple correction and assumption on your part, David. No great sin, just a mistake.

But I must say that I always enjoy picking up this box set out of my collection of over 2000 record albums, 1800 vinyl 45's, and 700 CDs. Just taking out the sleeves and admiring the cute-at-the-time commentary by Tony Barrow on the backs just tickle me and remind me of why a generation became so fascinated with this moptop band.....and generations later we all still are.

And apart from being reminded of the beauty of the mono mixes, this is simply one wonderful piece to have in your hands for history's sake AND for pure material enjoyment. (Don't tell anyone, but I think this is much more enjoyable and rewarding than the "Singles" box set. Shhhhhhhhh.)

great songs. but to be got on the original albums for a lot less than this extreme overpriced set