Great place to start

However, to understand this album is to recognize its place in the Beatles canon when initially released in 1973. Although marketed internationally, this double-LP served as the first UK greatest hits package for the latter years of the Beatles. Just as the UK released in 1966 the greatest hits package "Collection of Beatles Oldies" without a U.S. counterpart, the semi-compilation "Hey Jude" was released in the U.S. without a UK counterpart. As such, "1967-1970" functioned not only as a greatest hits package internationally, but as the first album to feature for UK fans such singles-only releases as "Hey Jude," "Revolution," "Get Back" (single version), and "Ballad Of John and Yoko," as well as B-sides "Don't Let Me Down," and "Old Brown Shoe." Also, the LP "Magical Mystery Tour" was only released as a 45 rpm double-EP in the UK (until the late-70s)--so, likewise, this was the first album release for the "Magical Mystery Tour" tracks (which take up much of disc 1) for UK fans who didn't buy the imports. Another point of interest: the last 3 tracks were actually recorded in 1968, prior to the 1969 "Abbey Road" tracks, but placed in this order according to "Let It Be"'s release date of 1970. Since "Let It Be"'s actual recording year wasn't generally known until long after 1973 by the general public, the track-placement decision was probably made to avoid confusion at the time.



All in all, I've always found the 1967-1970 album to be an aesthetically appealing package, as well as the 1962-1966 album. I've also liked both packages unsensationalized, formalized packaging. The Beatles probably deserved such treatment at the time, too--especially after US Capitol's previous tendency to fill their jackets of early releases with banter and hyperbole. By comparison to its conjunctive album, though, 1962-1966 is somewhat wanting on tracks. The "red album"'s original side two only contained six two-three minute songs, while the "blue album"'s side two contained seven songs, including 5 minute + "I Am the Walrus" and "Hey Jude." Nor was 1962-1966's short overall time expanded with its CD release. As such, whereas I wouldn't recommend 1962-1966 at the price it sells for, I would recommend 1967-1970.

I would change it a bit but still good

It is extremely hard to make a good Beatles compilation. Really it is impossible. Every song they had could be considered a hit by some, not a hit by others. Then again there is really no such thing as a "hit" for a band, because so many people have different tastes. However, this album along with the 1962-1966 editon are still an excellent way to show people why the Beatles are possibly or probably the greatest rock-no, band ever. However, there are some things that i would change.



I would have made each disc have 16 tracks. With When im sixty four and Lovely Rita from SGT Peppers added to the first disc. On the second disc, Dear Prudence should be added to continue Back in The USSR. Along with the Golden SLumbers medley off of ABbey Road as one song, or maybe OH Darling! if my first idea would be too confusing. Other then that this is an excellent compilation showcasing The Beatles later days.

The desert island 'cheat' disc

You've probably heard about "desert island discs". The idea is you choose 10...only 10...albums you would take with you if you stranded on a deserted island and these would be the ones you'd listen to until your demise. This is one of the popular ones used by cheaters (greatest hits collections aren't proper albums..it's the coward's way out of making tough choices that make the game fun to begin with) as it contains a large portion of essential rock songs of all-time.



If you have NO clue who the Beatles are, this is a good one to use to decide if you'll be a fan. Most of their best material from 1967 on is here (except for the dubious inclusion of George Harrison's weak "Old Brown Shoe"...I'd rather have replaced it with "Piggies" from the "White Album" if they had to have a George song).



Be forewarned, though...this is how addicts get started...



4 1/2 stars