Introducing The Beatles
Both Tell Me Why and BeatleSongs have nothing to say about this album. This album was released on VeeJay records before the deal with Capitol and the landmark Meet The Beatles album. One of the songs are on both albums (“I Saw her Standing There”) but most are from the group’s debut album Please Please Me, which did not make its way to these shores until the 80s – at least officially. The songs would appear on other Capitol releases (mostly The Early Beatles) over the years, but for my own organizational peace of mind, I place this as their first (and semi-official) release in North America. Some discount the album as it is not part of the Capitol catalog, nor does it fit into the newly aligned cross-Atlantic discography of Parlaphone releases (see the latest two box sets).
I have a number of prized possessions in my record collection. By “record collection” I mean vinyl LPs. Far and away one of my most treasured in my copy of Introducing The Beatles. I actually think my version of the album is counterfeit, since it has the “stereophonic” banner on top, though very few of the stereo versions were produced.
Side One
“I Saw Her Standing There”
“Misery”
“Anna”
“Chains”
“Boys”
“Love Me Do”
Side Two
“P.S. I Love You”
“Baby It’s You”
“Do You Want To Know A Secret?”
“A Taste Of Honey”
“There’s A Place”
“Twist And Shout”
As with most of the output before 1966, the songs mostly rock. It’s a great collection that provides an example of the second stage of the Beatles career. I used to know all of the Beatles song lyrics by heart, but now I don’t, mostly having Wiggles and other toddler favorites occupying my short term memory. I do, however, remember all of the lyrics for “I Saw Her Standing There” and have been using that as a lullaby. No, I haven’t been singing it in its original timbre or volume, but soften it up quite a bit. “Love Me Do” is one of my favorite Beatles songs as well, and “Twist And Shout” is a classic, superior perhaps to the original. Really, there’s a number of great songs on this album.
I stumbled upon the album during one of my regular rounds of used record stores over 20 years ago. The University District used to have a Tower Records as well as several used record stores and independent shops. Used to be a time when I would routinely hit these stores looking for stuff to add to my collection, and each and every time I would make sure to hit the Beatles section looking for new treasures. I’ve added some interesting items over the years this way, including a German pressing of Magical Mystery Tour.
This was the only time I found Introducing The Beatles at any form of affordability. This was approximately $10-$15 or so instead of the $100-$250 the album was normally found for. I actually hadn’t found the album all that often before or since. It’s in good condition, and one of the few albums I have in a plastic protective sleeve.
So I have Introducing The Beatles, and while it’s not my favorite Beatles album, I do cherish it. It’s a rare find, and I have one.