So I'm not sure if anyone else is paying close attention to the remasters rumors that are flying at a fever pitch right now. It actually looks like it might be happening, and it's about time. It's only been twenty years since the original CDs were released.

Whether or not they've been done right is another story.

The rumor goes as follows: Apple Corps. and Apple, Inc. (the former Apple Computers) has resolved their differences over the "Apple" trademark, and will announce via a Super Bowl commercial that remastered Beatles albums will be available exclusively via iTunes starting in February or March.

After three months as an iTunes exclusive, physical CDs will be released in June to coincide with the 40th anniversary of Pepper.

There are also rumors that they will be mono/stereo twofers where appropriate.

What does everyone think? Is it a bunch of malarkey, or is it true?

Personally, I think this is the real deal. Neil Aspinall alluded to remasters coinciding with the Beatles' debut as legitimate downloads. The fact that Steve Jobs used "Lovely Rita" and "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band," as well as a high-res Pepper cover, this month when he demoed his iPhone and AppleTV is also a good clue that the two Apples have resolved their differences.

Early in 2006 Capitol had a scheduled release date for the remastered cds slotted for August in their retail & marketing site. It was there for a brief period and was removed. This could've been due to a then new lawsuit filed by Apple Corps. against EMI & Capitol.

Apparently, the albums have already been remastered and are waiting to be released.

As for Apple vs. Apple, even though Apple Corps lost the lawsuit against Apple Computers, its not over. Apple Corps. have refiled their lawsuit. The rest about a joint project between the two Apple's is speculation for now.

I believe the remasters have been delayed also because they wanted to make space for the Capitol Albums Vol. 2 release....but still they could have been released for Christmas 2006. If the UK remasters had come out earlier last year, I dont think Vol. 2 would have sold very well (if it did anyways). I also believe that maybe Capitol Vol. 3 will be delayed so that Sgt. Pepper can be released properly in a deluxe UK remastered version with mono & stereo mixes included. This way Vol. 3 wont interfere with UK releases, and Sgt. Pepper won't be making it's debut in a flimsy Capitol Records box set. I believe it will still be included in Capitol Vol. 3 for completeness of the series. Same with Revolver and Magical Mystery Tour.

I hope the entire UK catalog (including A Collection Of Beatles Oldies) is released in 24-bit stereo & mono just like the Capitol sets. I would also like to see a compilation of their singles and b-sides remastered, and including rare or alternate mixes that didnt appear on the UK or US albums. There is a series in the bootleg circuit called "Every Little Thing" which was 8 cd's comprised of every UK, US and other countries alternate mixes. I would like to see Apple release something similar

It seems likely that this could be true. I remember Neil Aspinal talking about iTunes and remastered Beatle songs a few years ago. When June comes by and remastered titles appear then we know it wasn't a rumor.

June? Where did that date come from?

From AKA's post.



So I hope this is all true and not a rumor. I'd like to hear the Beatles in good clean 2007 digital sound.

As it is now Beatle CDs represent the digital sound possible in 1987. Some of them were remixed from 1966/7 stereo, and that in itself was easier on the ears. To have the catalouge in 2007 stereo remixes would be the greatest. Any guesses as to 5.1 mixes? The Stones did it on their reissues of 2002 five years later the Beatles can catch up to their friendly rivals.

Let's hope so! I would love to hear 5.1 mixes of all the Beatles songs.

Apple and Apple have resolved their differences. Apple Computers & EMI have made an agreement concerning EMI's catalog to be made available without copy protection. However, they and Apple Corps. have been quiet about the availabilities of The Beatles' catalog for downloading. Its all speculation & rumours by the media.

I really would like to see, have & hear the remastered Beatles catalog sooner than later. I'm not an original fan nor did I grow up with The Beatles in the 60s sixties, but even I am getting older. C'mon Apple & EMI let 'em out!