Album Review: “Beatles VI”. I Love “Every Little Thing” about it!

This is an album by the Fabs that brings back so many wonderful memories since I received my first copy of it for Christmas 1984–1985. It was a Full Dimensional Stereo copy on the Capitol Purple label, and I was so psyched to hear it. My first copy was played to shreds, so I had to upgrade (and that’s putting it mildly) and buy different copies over the last 20 years and counting.

I just picked up a very nice mono copy for 8 bucks at my local record store here in Bethlehem PA. Before that, I had acquired original copies in mono and stereo, and on many record label variations (i.e. Capitol Rainbow labels from 1965, Apple Records, Capitol Rainbow subsidiary, and all from different Capitol pressing plants). I also scored a SEALED stereo copy earlier in the year, and it was determined to be a mid 70s copy, most likely on the Apple label or the orange Capitol label. Before anyone inquires in the comment section, I will NOT be opening it (heh-heh)!

There are also two different back covers of this album. One says “See Label for Correct Playing Order” while other pressings have the tracks in the correct order. I have both, but I’m finding that the “See Label for Correct…” copies are becoming more common. Capitol was still using this back cover for 1968 Capitol Subsidiary Rainbow label copies.

Speaking of the cover, isn’t this one of the coolest photos to grace the front? You have The Beatles smiling in a happy-go lucky manner and gripping what I and many other fans thought to be a microphone, when in actuality they are holding a knife and cutting a cake. The full photo can be found practically everywhere on social media.

I also love the font of BEATLES VI (it was titled as such because it was the group’s sixth album on Capitol Records not counting “The Beatles Story” which was a documentary record), and the manner in which the songs are displayed. The front cover photo was taken courtesy of Fabulous Magazine-Fleetway Publications Ltd. in late 1964.

Capitol Records did a fine job of putting this great collection of songs together for the release of Beatles VI. The tracks all have charm and flow evenly throughout the album. The group’s version of “Kansas City” is a variation of the Lieber-Stoller classic with the “Hey-Hey-Hey-Hey” originally performed by Little Richard. It’s a great rocking album opener, and one of four covers which The Beatles made their own.

Theirs are the versions I grew up with before hearing the originals. I love both versions of Buddy Holly’s “Words of Love”, but the first one I heard was the Fabs, and arguably, they have the edge, especially with the harmonies and George’s lead guitar. Other favorites are John’s interpretations of the Larry Williams’ compositions “Bad Boy” and “Dizzy Miss Lizzie” (I have heard both of the originals, and I have to give these to John Lennon’s guttural rocking and rolling renditions). I’m so glad George’s contribution “You Like Me Too Much” exists. I love the piano, George’s guitar and Paul’s harmony vocals.

“Tell Me What You See” is a gorgeous song. How else can I describe it? There’s so much emotion and sincerity in the lyrics Listen to me one more time/How can I get through?/Can’t you try to see that I’m trying to get to you?/Open up your eyes now/tell me what you see/don’t you realize now, what you see is me? These words tug at my heart strings every time I play the song and sing along.

“Every Little Thing” is a great album closer. It just makes me happy. It’s so real and honest. John and Paul sing as though they have just found real love. Youthful love. They’re happy. Life is great! That’s how I feel when I hear this song. It’s one of my favorites from the early innocent days of Beatlemania.

As always thank you for reading. Perhaps I will check in again and let you all know if I find copies of Beatles VI on the Capitol Lime Green, plain red, orange, or a better purple label variation. I’ve heard that some of the purple label stereo copies play in mono! Should I find the latter, maybe I’ll out the necessary paperwork and make it a national holiday for Beatles fans! Hey, it could happen!