Live at the Star-Club in Hamburg, Germany; 1962 by The Beatles (Bellaphon cat: BLS 5560).
This is an interesting two-record set at Dorene’s store. The best way to describe recording is to tell you what it is and what it isn’t.
Let’s start with what it isn’t. If you’re looking for a slick, well-engineered rendition of early Beatles, you’re not going to find it here.
The Beatles were formed in 1957 and this is 5 years into the group’s existence. Also this was an original live recording made in 1962, but the original release date for this recording was 1977 after the technology existed to enhance the sound quality and its still a little rough. The original recording was done from Ted “Kingsize” Taylor’s personal tape machine as he sat near the stage while the boys from Liverpool performed. Legend has it that John agreed to let Taylor record in exchange for beers after the performance which actually sounds about right.
So as the needle drops, you’re going to be transported to that evening in Hamburg; complete with shouts from the crowd with John, George, and Paul’s response.
Now let’s talk about what this is. Simply put, an amazing slice of history and I would venture to say a must have for any Beatle or early rock collector.
There are a total of 26 cuts which are primarily covers of popular music of the day. There is a lot of Chuck Berry, Carl Perkins, and Ray Charles as well as two originals from Lennon and McCartney (“Saw Her Standing There” and “Ask Me Why”).
As I listened to this a couple of things jumped out at me. First, the more Blues-oriented the tune, the more comfortable the play; which lead me to the conclusion that you’re apt to play and practice what you like. But where they really stood out were the two songs they wrote. They were familiar enough with their own sound that they knew what worked well. I mean you’ll hear a switch turn on when you hear them play those two cuts, it’s truly amazing.
If you’re looking for a slick, well-engineered rendition of early Beatles, you’re not going to find it here.
I also found that the instrumentation was much more polished and refined than the vocals. I mean it’s still good; just not as good as it would become. The softer stuff was really rough although Paul does a decent job with the standard “Falling in Love Again,” but the music doesn’t really come together. The same issue with Besame Mucho.
What truly makes this relevant is a twist of fate. When Taylor recorded this tape, the Beatles regular drummer, Pete Best, was not at the club. And so – you guessed it – Ringo Starr sat in his place. So you have the original Beatles on this recording.
This is worth having for its historical context alone and the tunes and atmosphere of the record are fun. There was a time I was listening, saying to the 1962 crowd, “What’s wrong with you people?! This is the freaking Beatles! Pay attention!”
So here’s my suggestion: ice down your favorite German beer, put this on, enjoy, and then immediately follow it up with either the White Album of Abbey Road. Then you’ll see what was and what it became: iconic rock royalty.