The Beatles - Rarities

Rarities

This UK compilation album was released in October 1979. This was original released as part of the The Beatles Collection box set. Like some earlier compilation albums, this stand-alone album is also not available in CDs, but all the tracks here are included in the double CD compilation "Past Masters".

This album includes lesser known songs that are not included on the original studio albums - B-sides of singles, two songs sung in German, songs from an EP and one alternative version of
Across The Universe.

All songs credited to Lennon-McCartney, except where noted.

Side A

1. Across The Universe: This was recorded in 1968 but never made it as a single or included in the Abbey Road album. It was finally given to WWF who included it on the charity album No-One's Gonna Change Our World. A different recording of this song appeared later on the Let It Be album. John sings lead vocal on this track, with Paul harmonising in places. It also features backing vocals from two female singers (Lizzie Bravo and Gayleen Pease) which is not included in the Let It Be album version. Instrumentation includes John on acoustic/lead guitars, Paul on piano, George on sitar and Ringo on maraccas. John and George Martin duet on organ, too.

2. Yes It Is: Originally released as B-side to the 1965 Ticket To Ride single, it features a three-part harmony vocals from John, Paul and George, with John singing solo in parts.

3. This Boy: This was released in 1963 as B-side to I Wanna Hold Your Hand. Like the previous track, the song is dominated by a close harmony vocals from John, Paul and George with John singing the lead vocal.

4. The Inner Light (Harrison): Originally released as the B-side to the 1968 Lady Madonna single, it is the last of three Bealtes' track by George Harrison featuring almost entirely Indian instrumentation. (The previous two were Love You To and Within You, Without You.). George is on solo vocal with session musicians playing the Indian instrument. The other three Beatles were not present.

5. I'll Get You: This was released in 1963 as the B-side to She Loves You. The song has John in lead vocal, with Paul and George providing the harmony vocals. John also overdubs in the harmonica.

6. Thank You Girl: This track was also released in 1963 as the B-side to From Me To You. It features a lead vocal duet from John and Paul and a predominant harmonica from John.

7. Komm, Gib Mir Deine Hand (Lennon-McCartney-Nicolas-Hellmer) : This is the German version of I Want To Hold Your Hand. The German lyrics was written by two German songwriters.

8. You Know My Name (Look Up The Number): Although this track was recorded in 1968, it was only released in 1970 as the B-side of Let It Be single. The lyrics of this intriguing track, which sounds like a jam session, are simply a repetition of the title, with some spoken comments. The lead vocals are from John, Paul and Ringo (who is uttering some meaningless verses). The instrumentation has John on maraccas, george on xylophone and Ringo doubles on drums and bongos. The jazzy piano is from Paul while Brian Jones (from The Rolling Stones) helps out with a saxophone solo.

9. Sie Liebt Dich (Lennon-McCartney-Nicolas-Hellmer): This is the German version of She Loves You.

Side B:

1. Rain: Originally released as the B-side to Paperback Writer in 1966 , this was included earlier in 1970 on the Hey Jude compilation album.

2. She's A Woman: This was written by Paul and orignally released as the B-side of I Feel Fine in 1964. Paul is on solo vocal and doubles on bass and piano. Ringo plays drums and maraccas.

3. Matchbox (Perkins): Ringo is on solo vocal in this Carl Perkins song. Producer George Martin adds in the piano. The song was originally released in 1964 as part of the Long Tall Sally EP.

4. I Call Your Name: The song is also from the Long Tall Sally EP. John sings the lead vocal in this track, which was given and recorded earlier to Billy J. Kramer and The Dakotas.

5. Bad Boy (Williams): see A Collection Of Beatles Oldies

6. Slow Down (Williams): The third track from the Long Tall Sally EP features John on solo vocal of this Larry Williams song. George Martin is on piano.

7. I'm Down: Paul writes and sings lead vocal in this up-tempo song, which was earlier released as the B-side of Help! in 1965. John and George provide the backing vocals. John plays the Hammond organ with Ringo doubles on drums and bongos.

8. Long Tall Sally (Johnson-Penniman-Blackwell): This last of four tracks from Long Tall Sally EP was originally recorded by Little Richard, who also co-wrote this rock 'n' roll track. Paul is on a lead powerful vocal here.