This limited-edition box is laden with new-to-CD mixes, including the genuine rarities of the previously unreleased mono mixes of the four new songs from Yellow Submarine, and its packaging is gorgeous, filled with mini-LP replicas with stiff cardboard sleeves of every album from Please Please Me to The Beatles, complete with replicated gatefolds and packaging inserts, all protected in resealable plastic sleeves. As pure physical product, this satisfies any collector itch, but this also is arguably the better-sounding of the two sets, providing ample evidence that the Beatles did spend more time on mono mixes during much of their career. For generations of listeners raised on stereo mixes, there are plenty of surprises here, from the faster versions of "Shes Leaving Home" and "Dont Pass Me By" to the numerous little differences that pop up on SGT. PEPPERS, THE WHITE ALBUM, and REVOLVER, all adding up to dramatically different experiences. Sometimes, the density of mono just has more force- "Lady Madonna" rolls like a freight train, "Im Down" hits to the gut--and sometimes the colors just seem more vibrant; in either case, theres enough emotional difference to make this worthwhile for the dedicated, and depending on taste, it may even be preferable. But theres no question of one thing: of the two sets, as a package, the mono box is a thing to behold. And theres also no question that those who waited 22 years to hear a better version of the Beatles will not be disappointed (although they may still wonder why it took so long for the Fabs to be treated as they deserve).

ACollection of Beatles Oldies is a collection of songs The Beatles,recorded between 1963 and 1966. The album was released in the UK andAustralia in mono (PMC 7016) and stereo (PCS 7016). The album cover,namely the car on his way to a mans head, is regarded by some asconfirmation of the death of Paul McCartney in 1966. Backdrop artwork isinteresting in that when a disk before printing reached the Japanese,they saw a mirror image of the hieroglyphics on the robe of Paul, andthen turn around a photo.