The Beatles - Beatles For Sale [180g Black Vinyl LP, Stereo]

Recorded between touring commitments in 1964 The Beatles' fourth UK album, Beatles For Sale, mixes weary, introspective Lennon-McCartney originals with energetic rock and roll covers. John Lennon's opening songs introduce disappointment and self-doubt, a change from the optimism of the group's earlier hits. The sessions also drew on American songs the band had performed onstage, bringing Chuck Berry, Buddy Holly, and Carl Perkins material into the album.

"No Reply" tells a story of unanswered calls and suspected betrayal, while "I'm A Loser" turns inward with a confession of heartbreak. "Eight Days A Week" answers that mood with handclaps, harmonies, and an exuberant refrain. "I'll Follow The Sun" offers a quieter acoustic melody and a farewell delivered without confrontation. Covers such as "Rock And Roll Music" and "Everybody's Trying To Be My Baby" show the band returning to the American rock and roll repertoire that shaped their early performances.

Eight of the album's fourteen songs are Lennon-McCartney compositions, with six covers reflecting the group's demanding concert schedule. George Harrison sings lead on the Carl Perkins number at the album's end, and Ringo Starr takes the vocal on "Honey Don't." This stereo vinyl record uses the 2009 remaster, issued on 180g black vinyl with replicated original artwork and a gatefold sleeve.

• Format: Vinyl LP
• Standout tracks: No Reply, Eight Days A Week
• Pressing details: 180g Black Vinyl, Stereo, Remastered, Gatefold Jacket
• Genre/style: Rock & Roll, Pop Rock, Beat Music
• UPC: 094638241416

"Baby's In Black" adds close vocal harmonies to a song about grief and an unusual love triangle. "Every Little Thing" and "What You're Doing" point toward the more varied arrangements the Beatles would develop on their subsequent studio recordings and singles.

* The Spotify track list may not exactly represent the tracks and audio of this LP edition.

Side A

1. No Reply
2. I'm A Loser
3. Baby's In Black
4. Rock And Roll Music
5. I'll Follow The Sun
6. Mr. Moonlight
7. Kansas City / Hey-Hey-Hey-Hey!

Side B

1. Eight Days A Week
2. Words Of Love
3. Honey Don't
4. Every Little Thing
5. I Don't Want To Spoil The Party
6. What You're Doing
7. Everybody's Trying To Be My Baby