I bought the "Red" (1962-1966) and "Blue" (1967-1970) albums back in 1993, the year they were released on CD, and honestly didn't understand why they put such drivel such as "Old Brown Shoe," "While My Guitar Gently Weeps," "Don't Let Me Down," and "Across The Universe."
Now before you all dismiss me as being a fool, I just want to point out that these blusey, slow numbers are very
unlike what the Beatles represented to "fresh fish" such as what I was back then.
I mean, 1962-1966 was essentially perfect. They didn't include odd one/off's like the covers, or "I Want To Be Your Man," or "You Can't Do That." They included the songs that really defined this band! All hits, too.
I'm thinking they ran out of songs for the second edition. Then again, they could have included the upbeat songs like "Maxwell's Silver Hammer" or "Being For The Benefit of Mr. Kite."
I know those songs I initally panned are
great songs, but to a newby they turned me off for years. I always skipped those songs, and really, didn't give them a chance until about 14 years later. My loss? Maybe. But I'm sure I wasn't the only one.
And the selection of George Harrison songs was odd. I thought his "Only A Northern Song" and "You Like Me Too Much" and "I Need You" were more toe-tappin' than "Old Brown Shoe." In fact, I don't think they used
any George on 1962-1966, so maybe they made up for it by including more George on the latter.