George's Catch 22

[Bobber]

I had (and have) this one. When I got it, it thought it was very much an addition to what I already had. It was merely a collection of b-sides from singles and songs from EP's (Long Tall Sally) that had not appeared on a European album. In these days of an overwhelming offer on the internet, it does seem lame, but it once wasn't.

[Kevin]

I had (and have) this one. When I got it, it thought it was very much an addition to what I already had. It was merely a collection of b-sides from singles and songs from EP's (Long Tall Sally) that had not appeared on a European album. In these days of an overwhelming offer on the internet, it does seem lame, but it once wasn't.

Same here. It is hard to believe now, but I had never heard Rain until this came out (didn't own the single, never played on the radio, not on any albums)

[Mr Mustard]

It's a bit unfair to compare 1979's Rarities with the much later Anthology offerings. I regard Rarities more as a sort of "proto-Past Masters", gathering up all those odds and ends that weren't readily available at the time.

What induced the real gasp of delight when I first plucked a copy from the record store rack was seeing those two German language recordings listed on the cover! Wow!!

Much later I got the US Rarities album. The best thing about that one as I recall was some never before seen (by me) photos on the inner sleeve!

[stevie]

I had (and have) this one. When I got it, it thought it was very much an addition to what I already had. It was merely a collection of b-sides from singles and songs from EP's (Long Tall Sally) that had not appeared on a European album. In these days of an overwhelming offer on the internet, it does seem lame, but it once wasn't.

This is from the Beatles Collection from 1978(?) which was all the UK studio albums plus this one of Rarities that came with it. Later it was released with a new cover in 1979/80. I remember buying the second version here in Oz in about 1980. I remember the inner photo collage was pretty cool. I should still have it in a box with all my other all records. 

It was the first time I had heard The Inner Light as I stated earlier lol

[Moogmodule]

It's a bit unfair to compare 1979's Rarities with the much later Anthology offerings. I regard Rarities more as a sort of "proto-Past Masters", gathering up all those odds and ends that weren't readily available at the time.

What induced the real gasp of delight when I first plucked a copy from the record store rack was seeing those two German language recordings listed on the cover! Wow!!

Much later I got the US Rarities album. The best thing about that one as I recall was some never before seen (by me) photos on the inner sleeve!

I suppose having bought Beatles records in both the US and Australia, the holes in my collection were a bit smaller.  The US albums for instance have the German versions.  As well as I'll Get You, This Boy, Thank You Girl etc.

But yes there were a couple of new things. Like Stevie I think it was my first hearing of the Inner Light. And although I'd heard You Know my Name on those Beatle themed radio station days, I didn't have a recording of it.

And back then even one or two new Beatle tracks was worth the price of the album to me. It's just in retrospect that the wealth of really rare recordings that were later revealed suggested that calling the albums rarities was gilding the lily a bit. My criticism is probably more relevant to the US version, which I bought first, which I think was more heavily focused on slightly different versions of already known tracks. Like I am the Walrus and Penny Lane.  The European version was as you say more of a collection of stuff not on albums there and as such would have been a valued collection.

I'm wondering what's happened to my copies now. I've kept all my Beatle records ( my daughter has stolen them for her turntable though).

[Hello Goodbye]

It's a bit unfair to compare 1979's Rarities with the much later Anthology offerings. I regard Rarities more as a sort of "proto-Past Masters", gathering up all those odds and ends that weren't readily available at the time.

What induced the real gasp of delight when I first plucked a copy from the record store rack was seeing those two German language recordings listed on the cover! Wow!!

Much later I got the US Rarities album. The best thing about that one as I recall was some never before seen (by me) photos on the inner sleeve!

Right.  The Capitol Rarities LP kept me happy for fourteen years until the Anthology CDs started coming.  I was able to listen to the piccolo trumpet ending of Penny Lane any time I felt the urge.   

[Klang]

I like the Indian stuff. Adds a little curry to the dish.

[oldbrownshoe]

I used to love 'Rarities'.
Indeed, an expanded 'Rarities' that gathered up the other b-sides (e.g. Old Brown Shoe, Don't Let Me Down, Revolution) would find favour in my house. Could fit them all onto a single CD as well.