Beatles for Sale

Beatles For Sale was The Beatles fourth album, released in 1964. Produced by George Martin for EMI Records. After the highly successful and bright A Hard Day's Night soundtrack, the Beatles released this moodier album.

The United States release was retitled Beatles '65. The U.S. version did not include "Kansas City/Hey, Hey, Hey", "Eight Days A Week", "Words Of Love", "Every Little Thing", "I Don't Want To Spoil The Party" and "What You're Doing". The U.S. version added three tracks that were not on the British release, "I'll Be Back", and the singles, "She's A Woman", and "I Feel Fine".

The opening three tracks are regarded as the "Lennon Trilogy". John Lennon was the chief writer of the three tracks, and each one has a sad or resentful emotion attached to it. John also contributes "Every Little Thing", a happy and light pop tune worthy of praise.

Paul McCartney adds the solemn "I'll Follow The Sun", The Byrdsish "What You're Doing", and the number one hit "Eight Days A Week". The latter track is widely considered one of the best pop songs ever written.

The covers of the album are also staggering. The Beatles not only cover a song, but more than usually, make the song their own and are more highly regarded for the song than the original writer. "Rock And Roll Music", written by Chuck Berry, is a thrilling Lennon performance. "Kansas City" and "Hey, Hey, Hey, Hey", a medley, is a cool jam. "Words of Love" is done more hearfelt than Buddy Holly. "Honey Don't" is a neat Ringo Starr vocal.

The true wealth of this album is on the Lennon/McCartney originals, however. The first three songs are tremendous and would foreshadow Rubber Soul; McCartney's offerings are wonderful against Lennon's. The album cover, due to the music's sadder themes, shows the Beatles in an autumn scene.

1. No Reply (Lennon/McCartney)
2. I'm a Loser (Lennon/McCartney) SAMPLE (92k)
3. Baby's in Black (Lennon/McCartney)
4. Rock and Roll Music (Berry)
5. I'll Follow the Sun (Lennon/McCartney) SAMPLE (100k)
6. Mr. Moonlight (Johnson)
7. Medley:
   • Kansas City (Lieber/Stoller)
   • Hey, Hey, Hey, Hey (Penniman)
8. Eight Days a Week (Lennon/McCartney) SAMPLE (100k)
9. Words of Love (Holly)
10. Honey Don't (Perkins)
11. Every Little Thing (Lennon/McCartney)
12. I Don't Want to Spoil the Party (Lennon/McCartney)
13. What You're Doing (Lennon/McCartney)
14. Everybody's Trying to Be My Baby (Perkins)