This album was compiled from live shows at the Hollywood Bowl in 1964 and 1965 - and originally recorded on 3 track track tape. The convention being , record the band in stereo and put the voices on the third track and balance from there.

This live album was however deemed not good enough for release by EMI, due to the excessive audience noise -which sounded like the roar of a jet aircraft!

However - thankfully it was released by EMI and Capitol in 1977 - and I bought the album as soon as it came out on LP.

It was a revelation to hear the power and tightness in the performances - as they played without monitors and just their backline of Vox amps -and whatever they could hear from Ringo’s drums for reference.

In fact it is the power of the audience which goes some way to appreciate the energy and excitement of a live Beatles show.

Their set is split between their hits -but also the classic Chuck Berry, Little Richard and Isley Brothers tunes, that propelled the Beatles to stardom via their grueling 8 hour shows, playing the clubs in the Reeperbahn in Hamburg.

Its ironic that by performing tunes by these classic black American blues , rock and roll and soul artists ; the Beatles inspired a whole generation of American youth to explore their own musical heritage.

Also ironic - this album was not released on CD or other digital formats until 2016 - so the only document of these live shows was the 40 year old vinyl LP!

In retrospect, the roar from the audience does add to the chaotic live feel of a Beatles show - which is presented in its true raw self with no overdubbing or fixing - just an authentic document of the Beatles live at their prime.

Check it out:

https://www.discogs.com/release/1496708-The-Beatles-The-Beatles-At-The-Hollywood-Bowl