Unsurpassed Masters, Vol. 3 (1966-1967) – The Beatles

Culled from several strikingly different takes, "Strawberry Fields Forever" was as much the result of George Martin's editing and tape slicing as it was John Lennon's inspiration. While Anthology 2 offers a brief glimpse of the song's evolution, Unsurpassed Masters, Vol. 3 takes listeners far deeper into its creative process. This documentary approach may overwhelm non-Beatlemaniacs, but will surely please rabid fans. [Note: the embryonic precursor of "Strawberry Fields" ("It's Not Too Bad") is actually featured as three composing demos on another bootleg (Revolution Vigotone VT-117; 1994)]. With voice-overs by the announcer, the original TV broadcast of "All You Need Is Love" is a unique time capsule from the summer of love. "Aerial Tour Instrumental" (a.k.a. "Flying") has avian keyboard support and a silly "hoedown" finale -- neither of which survived on the Magical Mystery Tour version. Paperback Writer's aborted first take begins with some studio banter concerning McCartney's fuzz guitar; while "Hello Hello" is an early run-through of "Hello Goodbye" sans vocals. Since Anthology 2 did not plunder extensively from Unsurpassed Masters, Vol. 3, collectors may still wish to seek out this "Beatleg." ~ Stansted Montfichet, All Music Guide