Unsurpassed Masters, Vol. 7 (1962-1969) by The Beatles on AllMusic

While much of this material was legitimately released in the Anthology series, the last 15:39 of this CD alone (the "Think For Yourself" studio dialog) should justify its purchase by true-blue Beatles fans. Harrison's song gave Lennon considerable difficulty. Producer George Martin (hoping to catch something useful for the annual X-mas fan club record) left the tape rolling. Nothing suitable for the fan club eventuated, but the tape did capture a host of light-hearted gibes as John struggled with a crucial chord. Harrison: "No, play major!" Lennon: "You'll have to bear with me or have me shot... I get something in my head and all the walls of Rome couldn't stop me." After Paul and George Martin object to John's "B.O.," the topic of conversation shifts from Rocky Marciano to religion to amateur theatrics. To McCartney's good-natured ribbing, Lennon retorts, "I will be pleased to see the earthmen disintegrated." All the while, John tries and fails repeatedly to get his part right (maddeningly, his actual flubs are missing -- the dialog is resumed between takes). As luck would have it, once John successfully completes his part, George Martin accidentally "wipes" the tape. Jokingly, Harrison mutters to Lennon: "I wonder if Ron Richards [another producer] is free tomorrow?" Note, however, that USM Vol. 7 offers more than just this fascinating studio banter. "I'm a Loser" and "I Feel Fine" are fine alternates -- the former lacking the doubled lead guitar overdub; the latter sung hoarsely and having a crisp ending (no fade). Collectors: "Penny Lane" has its full alto-trumpet end-tag intact; while super-separated channels (Ringo's cymbals, George's lead runs, Paul's Bobby McFerrin-esque muted hand-trumpet effects) allow a new appreciation of "Lady Madonna's" musical parts. "Not Guilty" is yet another of the infinitude of versions. As Beatlegs go, USM Vol. 7 is definitely still worth the investment.