The Beatles Remasters Pt. 3: Paul is Very Clean

In our continuing series, we look at the remastered versions of Past Masters Vol. 2 and A Hard Day's Night.

The Beatles' third album is probably my favorite among their early records. This was their first album to be recorded on a four-track machine, so it's surprising that this remaster is the first proper stereo issue of the album.

What makes this particular remaster endearing is the depth and clarity of the master that brings out all the tiny little flaws in these magnificent songs. For example: Paul's audible inhale of air before the high note in the title track, or the warbling of harmonica reeds on "I Should Have Known Better." "If I Fell" has a full round dynamic range that only swells wider when the harmonies come in. And "Can't Buy Me Love" has an ebullient optimism and energy.

With a track listing that ranges from the chiming chords of "Day Tripper" to the contemplative finale of "Across the Universe" and "Let It Be", Past Masters Vol. 2 has always been an interesting collection. "Paperback Writer", "Lady Madonna" and "Rain" all sound fantastic, as does the epic "Hey Jude" and the raucous single version of "Revolution." This last track threatens to blow the speakers with the sound of John's call to arms.

The Get Back-era material is very strong here, especially "Don't Let Me Down" and "The Ballad of John and Yoko", a song that features John and Paul on all instruments. (It says something about Ringo's ability that his presence is sorely missed on this track.) Finally, "You Know My Name (Look Up the Number)" may be the silliest song in the band's catalogue, but it sounds great here and ends the collection on a comic note.