BEATLES FOR SALES : During this time The Beatles were under contract to produced two albums per year and given the absurd work rate, the strain took its toll on the band. It does shows on the album cover. Unsmiling and serious. After the high of "A Hard Day's Night" which consisted of all originals, this one took a slight step backward, following the first two albums format mixing the albums with 8 originals and 6 covers. Generally considered to be a step backward by most, I, however, disagreed for I found this album to be more enjoyable than their first two albums and I played it often too. Overall, the feel of this album are more country and rock-a-billy influence, which is not a bad thing 'cos it show their versatile.
NO REPLY : Said by some as the weakest opening of any Beatles albums. I beg to differ. Though it's not exactly my favorite track, it does have that infectious melody that only The Beatles can write and record. This together with 'I'm A Loser', and 'Eight Days A Week' were at one time seriously considered as singles material until John pop up with 'I Feel Fine', so it can't be that weak as an opening song, can it.
I'M A LOSER : A Bob Dylan influenced number, this one I like. It show the insecurity of John Lennon in love and in life. This was actually the first song that John write that he could convey his innermost feeling.
BABY'S IN BLACK : This was performed regularly during their concert. A rather dark song. Not my favorite but their harmonizing is amazing.
ROCK AND ROLL MUSIC : This cover show just the way the song should be sung. In many ways it's better than the Chuck Berry's original. A good one for the party goers.
I'LL FOLLOW THE SUN : Any Beatles album would not be complete without a Paul McCartney's ballad. Most of Paul's ballad are heartfelt and outstanding but this one was not it. Simple and short, it only lasted 1.47 minutes. Still, it does have its charm.
MR. MOONLIGHT : Most critics and fans agreed that this was the worst Beatles cover but I disagree. There are others that are lot more worst than this. I rather like this one though. It was a favorite with me and my band and we sang it without fail whenever we jammed.
KANSAS CITY / HEY, HEY, HEY, HEY : Like most of their harder sound, this one does not work for me. I usually skipped this whenever I play this record. I've learn to tolerate it since and listen to it now and then, but still, it's not my favorite.
EIGHT DAYS A WEEK : The hit song from this album. It's distinction was the fading in instrumental which was a first in those days. A nice melody but not too great for me. The Beatles are way beyond this kind of music anyway.
WORDS OF LOVE : A wonder rendition of one of Buddy Holly's love song. In fact, I find it's much better than the original. The lead guitar is so arresting that you can't help humming the melody over and over again.
HONEY DON'T : Ringo's turn on a Carl Perkins' original. Ringo may not be one of the world's best singer but now and then, if given the right song, he could shine, as is shown here. I don't press the skip button on this track so it's okay in my book.
EVERY LITTLE THING : One of those average song that was lifted out of their averageness as only The Beatles could. The rare time when a Paul McCartney's song was cover by John. A good track.
I DON'T WANT TO SPOIL THE PARTY : Another nice one from John. This one with a strong folky country style to it. A self pity song that's cut from the same cloth as 'I'm A Loser'.
WHAT YOU'RE DOING : Paul's turn to shine. I especially like the drumming. This one have all the boys shouting on the first world of each verse. A nice one for any band to cover 'cos they can all participate.
EVERYBODY'S TRYING TO BE MY BABY : The last one was a cover from George. Again I usually stop playing this when the record needle reaches here but in time I've learn to tolerate it. I like the instrumental more than the singing. Must better than I can tolerate 'Kansas City'
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