It is a series of surprisingly high-fidelity bootlegs drawn from the Beatles' recording sessions. Heretofore, many of the unnamed compilers have been careful to construct highly playable compilation albums made up of fully developed alternate takes of Beatles songs ranging across their career. Others discs jump back and forth in time, from an April 1963 session for the BBC (all the other tracks come from recording sessions) to a July 1969. They contain some of the more ephemeral items from the Beatles' vault, but it is no less enjoyable for that, and, like the series as a whole, it served as inspiration for later legitimate releases. Source: www.allmusic.com
From Wiki: Ultra Rare Trax was a series of bootleg recordings of the Beatles, featuring studio outtakes, that first appeared in 1988.[1] It took advantage of a legal loophole known as the "protection gap" that allowed bootleggers to release old recordings due to ambiguous copyright laws.[2] In all, eight volumes were produced.[3] It was not the first Beatles bootleg to appear on compact disc but it was the first one to achieve widespread attention with bootleggers, because its sound quality showed what digital remastering was capable of.[4]
History
The bootleg appeared after John Barrett, an engineer at Abbey Road Studios, performed an audit of the material in the studio's archives in 1984 and made backups onto tape with the strict condition that they were not to be copied or sold. However, a Dutch collector managed to purchase some studio tapes for $20,000, which were subsequently resold to a German fan, Dieter Schubert. Schubert believed that any studio recordings made before Germany's ratification of the Rome Convention in 1966 were public domain in that country, and therefore decided to create his own bootleg label, Swingin' Pig, and released his titles on CD. The logo and name were based on the earlier Trademark of Quality bootleg label that regularly featured William Stout's artwork on its covers.[4]
One bootlegger claimed it to be "the single most important release in the history of CDs ... the quality just blew people's minds".[4] Author Clinton Heylin believes some tracks on the Ultra Rare Trax series sounded even better than the then recent CD reissues of official material from EMI.[5]
EMI Records, which held copyrights to the Beatles' studio recordings, was unhappy that somebody had effectively stolen work they held the rights to and released it. A representative was "mortified" to discover that the first volume of Ultra Rare Trax contained previously unreleased recordings of "I Saw Her Standing There" and "Strawberry Fields Forever", and the original 1963 recording of "One After 909" that was intended for Please Please Me. EMI representative Mike Heatly said in an interview with ICE Magazine that he had no idea how a bootlegger had managed to obtain such high-quality recordings.[5] The bootleg also convinced fans that there was far more unreleased material in the EMI vaults than was previously thought.[6]
Some of the material on the Ultra Rare Trax series was subsequently officially released on the Anthology series in the mid-1990s, though Michael Callucci, writing for Classic Rock magazine, claims the original bootlegs are still worth hearing as they contain material not on the official release.[3]
Ultra Rare Trax Vol. 1
I Saw Her Standing There
Recorded on Feb. 11th 1963 from “PLEASE PLEASE ME” session. Continued from warming up, they start a great live performance in the studio. John makes a mistake with some lyrics and Paul makes a mistake was some bass lines. No echo effects. Stereo version (take 2) taken directly from the master tapes.
One After 909
Recorded on March 5th 1963, from “FROM ME TO YOU” session. Composed by John Lennon in the late 50’s – early 60’s in the period of THE QUARRYMEN (pre-Beatles). Released on LET IT BE album in 1970, but this take is absolutely different. Stereo version (take 2) taken directly from the master tapes.
She’s A Woman
Recorded in Sept. – Oct. 1964. No lead guitar, piano, or additional overdubbed vocals. No fade-out at the end. Very primitive version. Stereo version (take 2) taken directly from the master tapes.
I’m Looking Through You
Recorded in Oct. 1965, from “RUBBER SOUL” session. No chorus made yet. Beginning with percussion, vocals on single track. No fade out at the end. Stereo version (take 1) taken directly from the master tapes.
If You’ve Got Troubles
Previously unreleased song. Recorded in Oct. 1965, from “RUBBER SOUL” session. Ringo Starr on lead vocals. Stereo version taken from an original acetate.
How Do You Do It?
Previously unreleased song by The Beatles. Recorded on Sept. 4th 1962, from “PLEASE PLEASE ME” session. Prepared as a second single, but never released. Mono version taken directly from the master tapes.
Penny Lane (Mono)
Recorded on Dec. 29th, 1966. Basically the same version as on “Rarities” album, but including dialogue, and Paul’s count in the beginning. Mono version taken directly from the master tapes.
Strawberry Fields Forever
There are two takes for STRAWBERRY FIELDS FOREVER. The previously released version consists of take A & B with controlled speed, and it is also remixed. This version on this disc it take II, with a different mix. Recorded in December 1966. Stereo versionz taken from an original acetate.
From Me To You
Recorded on March 4th-5th 1963, beginning with Paul’s count “1,2,3,4”, no harmonica. Stereo version taken directly from the master tapes.
Besame Mucho
Basically unreleased song. Recorded on June 6th, 1962, with Pete Best on Drums. A different take than “Decca Tapes”.
The Fool on the Hill
Recorded in Sept. 1967, Demo version. Paul performs solo with the piano. Stereo version taken from an original acetate.
Paperback Writer
Recorded in April 1966. Beginning with Paul’s count “1,2,3,4!” on the right channel. Same as the single, but different mix, no echo effects on vocals, and no fade-out at the end. Stereo version taken directly from the master tapes.
Release history
Swingin’ Pig TSP CD 001
You can listen to this collection here:
You can listen to this collection here:
https://archive.org/details/beatlesultrararetrax1
Ultra Rare Trax Vol. 2
Can’t Buy Me Love
Recorded on Jan. 29th 1964. Absolutely different with no echo and wonderful choral vocals by John & George. Paul makes mistakes on some lyrics. Stereo version taken directly from the master tapes.
There’s A Place
Recorded on Feb. 11th 1963, from “PLEASE PLEASE ME” session. Absolutely different with no harmonica or piano (take 3). Stereo version taken directly from the master tapes.
There’s A Place
Recorded on Feb. 11th 1963, from “PLEASE PLEASE ME” session. Absolutely different with no harmonica or piano (take 4). Stereo version taken directly from the master tapes.
That Means A Lot
Previously unreleased song; recorded in Feb. 1965, from 2nd “HELP!” session. Paul McCartney on lead vocals. Stereo version taken from an original acetate.
Day Tripper
Recorded on Oct. 16th 1965. Begins with instrumental without tambourine or lead guitar. Absolutely different, supposed to be the first basic. Not complete. Stereo version taken directly from the master tapes.
Day Tripper
Take 2 starts with Paul’s count “1,2,3,4”. Basically same version as the previously released one, but no additional vocals dubbed by Paul and no fade-out at the end. Stereo version taken directly from the master tapes.
I Am The Walrus
Recorded in Sept. 1967, from “MAGICAL MYSTERY TOUR” sessions. Un-edited long version without strings, bass guitar, choral, or side vocals. Mono version taken directly from the master tapes.
Misery
Recorded on Feb. 11th, 1963, from “PLEASE PLEASE ME” session. Absolutely different without piano or echo effects. Stereo version (take 1) taken directly from the master tapes.
Leave My Kitten Alone
Previously unreleased song; recorded on Aug. 5th 1964, from “FOR SALE” session. John Lennon on lead vocals. Mono version taken directly from the master tapes.
We Can Work It Out
Recorded on Oct. 20th 1965. Beginning with Paul’s count “1,2,3,4!” and has louder keyboards sound. Vocals on both channels with fade-out at the end. Stereo version taken from an original acetate.
A Hard Day’s Night
Recorded on April 16th, 1964, from “A HARD DAY’S NIGHT” sessions. Live performance in the studio. Absolutely different with acoustic or gat guitars, or piano. Stereo version taken directly from the master tapes.
Norwegian Wood
Recorded in Oct. 1965, from “RUBBER SOUL” sessions. Basically same as the released take, but with two false starts and John’s comment: “I showed ya!” at the end. Norman Smith replies, “Great, fine!” Un-edited version. Stereo version (take 4) taken directly from the master tapes.
Release history
Swingin’ Pig TSP CD 002
You can listen to this collection here:
https://archive.org/details/beatlesultrararetrax2
Ultra Rare Trax Vol. 3
Ob-La-Di-, Ob-La-Da
Tomorrow Never Knows
A Day in the Life
Yes It Is
I Saw Her Standing There
Norwegian Wood
Not Guilty
Across The Universe
While My Guitar Gently Weeps
Ticket To Ride
Release history
Swingin’ Pig TSP CD-025
You can listen to this collection here:
https://archive.org/details/beatlesultrararetrax3
Ultra Rare Trax Vol. 4
One After 909
A Taste Of Honey
I Feel Fine
Yer Blues
Blues Jam
Not Guilty
Get Back
Mailman Bring Me No More Blues
Do You Want To Know A Secret?
All You Need Is Love
Release history
Swingin’ Pig TSP-CD-026
You can listen to this collection here:
https://archive.org/details/beatlesultrararetrax4
Ultra Rare Trax Vol. 5
Christmas Time Is Here Again
Because
accepella version
Revolution
I Me Mine
Strawberry Fields Forever
Hey Jude
Magical Mystery Tour
What’s The New Mary Jane?
Lady Madonna
One After 909
Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da
Release history
Swingin’ Pig TSP CD 035
You can listen to this collection here:
https://archive.org/details/beatlesultrararetrax5
Ultra Rare Trax Vol. 6
Volume 6 in the Ultra Rare Trax series features material later released in better quality on Live At The BBC and Anthology. There are some gems though, such as “I Hate To See” and “Dig It”. The inside of the front cover features a mispelling of Ringo “Starrr”. Track notes are taken from the back of the CD.
Come And Get It
Previously unreleased song by the Beatles. Recorded on July 24, 1969 by Paul in just one hour (!) as a demo for Badfinger
Hold Me Tight
Recorded on September 12, 1963 during With The Beatles sessions. Different take to the previously released one.
I’ll Be On My Way
Previously unreleased song, recorded on April 1963 for the BBC.
Strawberry Fields Forever
Take 7, recorded on November 29, 1966. An overdubbed version of Take 6, again this is very interesting because completely differnt to the previosuly released ones. One of the finest Beatles songs, by the way.
It’s All Too Much
Recorded on May 25/26, 1967. Alternate version with extra verse.
12 Bar Original
Mislabeled “12 Bad Original”, later released on Anthology 2.Previosuly unreleased instrumental from the Rubber Soul sessions, recorded on November 4, 1965.
I Hate To See
Previously unreleased song, recorded sometime during “Hey Jude” session in July/August 1968.
She’s A Woman
Take 7, recorded on October 8, 1964. Extra long take, extended into a jam at the end.
What’s The New Mary Jane?
Early long mix of this previously unreleased song; recorded on August 14, 1968. Different to version on Ultra Rare Trax vol. 5!
Dig It
Recorded on January 1969. The longest known version of this song, lasting more than 8 minutes!
Release history
Swingin’ Pig TSP-CD-036
You can listen to this collection here:
https://archive.org/details/beatlesultrararetrax6
Ultra Rare Trax Vol. 7
Not part of the original Ultra Rare Trax series and issued by a different label.
I Saw Her Standing There
Recorded live in Stockholm at the Karlaplansstudio, Oct 24, 1963
Too Much Monkey Business
Recorded live in London Paris Stuudio (BBC), Apr 4, 1963
This Boy
Recorded live in Melbourne at the Festival Hall, Jun 16, 1964
If I Needed Someone
Recorded live in Tokyo at the Nippon Budokan Hall, Jun 30, 1966
She’s A Woman
Recorded live in London, Oct 3, 1964
I’m A Loser
Recorded live in London at the Odeon Cinema, Christmas Show 1964
Yesterday
Recorded live on the Ed Sullivan Show, New York, Aug 14, 1964
Crying, Waiting, Hoping
Recorded live at London Paris Studio (BBC), Jul 16, 1963
Everybody’s Trying To Be My Baby
Recorded live in Paris at the Palais des Sports, Jun 20, 1965
Shout
Recorded during “Around the Beatles” at Wembley Studios, London, Apr 28, 1964
Yer Blues
Recorded live at “The Rolling Stones Rock’n’Roll Circus” at Wembley, Dec 11, 1968. Features Eric Clapton and Keith Richards
Nowhere Man
Recorded live in Tokyo at the Nippon Budokan Hall, Jun 30, 1966
Anna (Go To Him)
Maida Vale Studios (BBC), Jun 17, 1963
Twist And Shout
Recorded live in Melbourne at the Festival Hall, Jun 16, 1964
Release history
The Genuine Pig – TGP-CD-111, released 1990
You can listen to this collection here:
https://archive.org/details/beatlesultrararetrax7
Ultra Rare Trax Vol. 8
Not part of the original Ultra Rare Trax series and issued by a different label.
Baby’s In Black
Recorded live in Stockholm at the Karlaplansstudio, Oct 24, 1963
You Really Got A Hold On Me
Recorded live in Stockholm at the Karlaplansstudio, Oct 24, 1963
The Fool On The Hill
Demo recorded by Paul, 1967
To Know Her Is To Love Her
Recorded live in London Paris Studio (BBC), Jul 16, 1963
A Hard Day’s Night
Recorded live in London at the Odeon Cinema, Christmas Show 1964
Day Tripper
Recorded live in Tokyo at the Nippon Budokan Hall, Jun 30, 1966
All You Need Is Love
Recorded live on the “Our World” TV Show, London, Jun 25, 1967
Till There Was You
Recorded live in Melbourne at the Festival Hall, Jun 16, 1964
And I Love Her
Recorded in the BBC Studio 52, Jul 14, 1964
Can’t Buy Me Love
Recorded live in Paris at the Palais des Sports, Jun 20, 1965
I Feel Fine
Recorded live in London at the Odeon Cinema, Christmas Show 1964
Hey Jude
Recorded live on the David Frost Show, 1968
Release history
The Genuine Pig – TGP-CD-112, released 1990
You can listen to this collection here:
https://archive.org/details/beatlesultrararetrax8
Source: https://aboutthebeatles.com/ultra-rare-trax-series
