The Beatles - The Decca Tapes (1962)

So, a little while back I featured the final known Beatles performance from the rooftop at Apple in '69. Today we explore the opposite end of Beatles' history. Here are a dozen tracks cut by the Beatles in January 1962 while in search of a label. These tracks are reportedly among 15 the band cut that day for Decca Records as part of an audition. Apparently the other three tracks were all Lennon-McCartney efforts, while the dozen below are all covers. Like the rooftop tape, this is also taken from some sketchy bootleg. I should point out that there is some debate among Beatles scholars about the origins of this recording, so take that into consideration if you care. Also, a word of warning to the audiophiles -- these mp3's are ripped at 64kb/s rather than the usual 192 or better. I got it this way, and I think it still sounds fine considering what it is. Either way, enjoy 'em!

The Beatles
The Decca Tapes
Recorded Jan. 1, 1962

01 - To Know Her is to Love Her
02 - Crying, Waiting, Hoping
03 - September in the Rain
04 - Besame Mucho
05 - Searchin'
06 - Sheik of Araby
07 - Till There Was You
08 - Take Good Care of My Baby
09 - Memphis
10 - Sure to Fall
11 - Money
12 - Three Cool Cats

Front cover
Back cover

The back cover also includes songwriting credits for the songs. Some great standards here -- I keep playing "Till There Was You" over and over. Good stuff.