Search - Beatles :: Live at the BBC

Live Without An Audience. 3 1/2 stars

Dave Sigmon | Connecticut, USA | 03/29/2010

(3 out of 5 stars)

"These live radio broadcasts reflect astounding wit and warmth coming through with their studio banter. This exemplifies a superb but long forgotten piece of their history.



During this point in their career, they were assimilating the American roots of early rock n' roll, R&B, blues and rockabilly into their sound. At its very best they are having a blast playing and hungering for good old rock and roll. And several true finds make their "official" premiere. "A Shot of Rhythm and Blues" and "Soldier of Love" have John tackling Arthur Alexander proudly. He also sings a great "Got to Find My Baby" that equals Chuck Berry. George does good by the Coasters "Young Blood". Paul rocks out fiercely on his idol's "Lucille". And the Mersey Beat anthem, "Some Other Guy", is fun, raw and vital. But it's John's committed reading of the Shirelles "Baby It's You" that is the cherry topping it all. This exquisite vocal performance even eclipses Shirley Alston-Reeves.



Unfortunately, most of what remains is non-descript or worse. "Roll Over Beethoven", "Dizzy Miss Lizzie" and "She's A Woman", for instance, have none of the verve that the Hollywood Bowl versions have. Perhaps that audience helped to make them sound edgy and exciting. And the other obscurities must have remained as such for a reason.



*** 1/2 stars

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