Guide to British Music of the 1960s

November 1999

CD Review

The Beatles - Yellow Submarine Soundtrack

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This is a new release from The Beatles although none of the tracks are totally new. All have already appeared on one of the Beatles' albums. This CD differs from the previously available Yellow Submarine soundtrack as it includes all the Beatles' songs from the film. The earlier release contained just the songs that were unique to the film as well as incidental instrumental music from George Martin. At the same time, the film has been released on video and a DVD is also available including a documentary on the making of the cartoon film called The Mod Odyssey. 

Yellow Submarine was originally the song on Revolver that Lennon & McCartney wrote for Ringo. It was intended as a children's song and was suited to Ringo's voice although for me it has always been the John Lennon "funny voice" that is memorable. The film was built around this song. 

The second track on the CD is the first of those that is unique to the film. It has been suggested that the songs given to the film makers were throwaways more than serious songs that the Beatles wanted to use. However, this may be true for a couple of them but certainly not for Hey Bulldog. This is a very strong Lennon track that sounds wonderful even today. It is a shame that it was hidden away on Yellow Submarine when it clearly deserves a much wider audience. I'd love to hear Liam Gallagher sing this one.

Two more songs from Revolver are next before the next unique song. All Together Now is a "childish" Paul McCartney song. This fits in better as part of the film rather than being listened to outside this context.

The next four songs are well-known and, with the exception of Rubber Soul's Think for Yourself, come from the Sergeant Pepper album. These songs are given a new lease of life by the remastering where the clarity of the sound comes through better than ever before. The strength of the band's harmony vocals is particularly apparent.

Baby You're a Rich Man comes from Magical Mystery Tour and Only a Northern Song is exclusive to Yellow Submarine. The latter is a George Harrison piece that is a cynical dig at the music industry. It was recorded at the same time as Sergeant Pepper. 

I personally can't stand All You Need is Love although I do appreciate the significance of the song. I find it somewhat dreary and usually skip past it.

When I'm 64 and Nowhere Man are "known" songs. Nowhere Man stands out on the album and, especially in its remixed state, must rate as one of Lennon's best Beatles songs. 

The CD is the best collection of Yellow Submarine songs. OK, many of them are already available but the improved sound and the inclusion of Hey Bulldog make it certainly worth adding to your collection.

mp, October 1999

Essential Tracks:

• Hey Bulldog

• Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds

• Nowhere Man

Track Listing:

1. Yellow Submarine
2. Hey Bulldog
3. Eleanor Rigby
4. Love You To
5. All Together Now
6. Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds
7. Think for Yourself
8. Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band
9. With a Little Help from My Friends
10. Baby Your a Rich Man
11. Only a Northern Song
12. All You Need is Love
13. When I'm Sixty Four
14. Nowhere Man
15. It's All Too Much