"Not another flipping post about the bloody Beatles, Del, surely."

Er, sorry. Yes. Well, at least they've released a new record, eh?



Well, sort of. To anyone who's missed it, this is The Beatles back catalogue "mashed up" for a Cirque De Soleil show in the band's spiritual home of Las Vegas. Cough. Done by original producer George Martin and his son Giles. Now, I'm a big fan of mash up culture, as some of you may already be well aware. And this, as a mash up album, is alright. Some bits are amazing. 'Strawberry Fields' journeys into a perfect blend of 'Within You Without You' and 'Tomorrow Never Knows' in real style. But other bits aren't quite so smooth. In fact they're positively forced to breaking point. But let's gloss over that, and get onto the real bonus with this package:

IT

SOUNDS

FUCKING

INCREDIBLE!

Yes, those old CD copies of The Beatles albums sat on my shelf were done back in the digital stoneage. This album has been put together from the master tapes, and Jesus H Christ, it's like I've got new ears! You can hear every nuance of the mix, every instrument is there, every thwack, twang and breath, clear as day. It's absolutely astounding. Like seeing your favourite film in black and white off blurry VHS for a lifetime, only to be confronted by widescreen technicolour perfection. I've never liked the idea of the Digital Remaster as a moneymaking idea, but by crikey this is a different kettle of fish.

I'm listening to 'Revolution' as I type this. The hairs on my arms and neck are up on end. It is no understatement to say that it is simply breathtaking. Every introduction has me jumping around the room singing along, as if they're playing live right in front me. I feel like I'm standing in the booth at Abbey Road in the 60's. Just somewhat less stoned. And I'm only listening to the Stereo Mix! The 5.1 DVD mix might actually force me to throw the rest of my Beatles CDs into a ditch. And then set the ditch on fire. And then throw the ditch into the sun.

So, it all becomes clear. This is the world's biggest advert for The Beatles back catalogue being remastered, repackaged and rereleased. Now, the cynic in me knows that it is Apple holding out for the copyright on the original songs to expire, knowing they can rerelease them all again in perfect crystal clear quality. And then we can all help pay for Macca's divorce. The money grabbing monsters!

Well, quite frankly, fine. No problem. Here's my credit card. Print "Sucker" on my forehead. I don't care. Just do it soon. As a trailer, this is mouthwatering. I simply cannot wait.