Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

My first introduction to the White Album was at the ripe old age of 10, courtesy of a local radio station that played a few tracks from Side 2 a couple weeks or so before the album's release in November '68. I begged my mother for the LP for Christmas. She said no, that it was too expensive. Fortunately, I've now broken the habit, but back then it was my wont to look around in closets, drawers and under beds during Christmastime to see what I was getting (I always was a bit of a scoundrel, you see). Hope in finding the Beatles' masterwork was almost lost, until I noticed our cedar chest in the living room was locked. So naturally I hunted around for the key. The key was eventually found, the chest was opened, and hidden beneath some photo albums and blankets I found my treasure. I'll spare you the long story why, but it was out of the shrink. Mint condition, but opened. I couldn't believe my good luck. Whenever my parents left the house, I'd grab the LP and run downstairs and listen to it on my circa 1965 record player. It was the perfect crime. The only thing left to do was to act totally surprised when the gift was opened. I've only had time to listen to the outtakes once, as well as the first three sides of the 5.1 mixes. As far as the 5.1, it's outstanding. They don't call it surround-sound for nothing. And it still sounds quite excellent cranked. Little surprises are in nearly every song. A previously unheard harmony towards the end of "Ob-La-Di" comes immediately to mind, or some piano in "Rocky Raccoon" that had always been buried before. The rear speakers get quite the workout. The first thing I checked to see was if Martin happened to leave in the tuba on "Happiness is a Warm Gun." Not surprisingly, he didn't. It remains mixed out. At least I can't hear it. For those interested, it can be heard on The White Album Chronicles boot. Once upon a time it was on YouTube, until the Apple police removed it. There's some true gems in the outtakes. "Across the Universe" and "Long, Long, Long" are just about worth the price of admission alone. "Let it Be" is guaranteed to surprise. And what I believe to be a rare missed opportunity - and without a doubt one of Lennon's prettier melodies - it's a shame that Take 22 of "Good Night" wasn't used to close out the officially released album. Take 15 of "Mother Nature's Son" and Take 27 of "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" are also wonderful to hear. Whoever thought we'd get to listen to a different take with Clapton? That's it. Oh. The slipcase for the book and discs is also a very nice touch, although it looks to be easy to crack or break if you're not careful. So, is it worth it? Absolutely. It's a lot of dough, sure, but it's a must-have. Give plasma, beg, steal, whatever's necessary. You need to buy this.