iTunes have set a June 14 world wide release date for the digital versions of The Beatles' three remastered 'Anthology' music collections. Here are the details from Apple Corp:Starting today, the acclaimed 'Anthology, Vols. 1-3' are available for pre-order in most countries as individual iTunes LPs ($29.99), as are an iTunes-exclusive 'Anthology Box Set' with all 155 tracks from the three volumes ($79.99) and an exclusive 23-track 'Anthology Highlights' collection of standout tracks from each ($12.99). 'Anthology' songs will also be available for individual download on June 14 for $1.29 each. A special 'Anthology' video introduction and a 50-minute "Meet The Beatles" radio show are available for free streaming at www.iTunes.com/TheBeatles starting today.
'Anthology, Vols. 1-3' have been digitally remastered by the same dedicated team of engineers at EMI Music's Abbey Road Studios responsible for remastering The Beatles' original UK studio albums, carefully maintaining the authenticity and integrity of the original analogue recordings. The result is the highest fidelity the catalogue has seen since its original release. The collections feature original collage artwork created by Klaus Voormann from classic Beatles imagery.
Originally released in 2-CD volumes in 1995 and 1996, 'Anthology''s three chronological collections of rare and previously unreleased Beatles recordings include studio outtakes and alternate versions. The "Free as a Bird" and "Real Love" singles, from 'Anthology, Vol. 1' and 'Anthology, Vol. 2,' respectively, were completed in 1995 by George Harrison, Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr from 1977 demos recorded by John Lennon.
Upon their original release, 'Anthology, Vols. 1-3' topped charts and went multi-platinum in several countries around the world. "Free as a Bird" became The Beatles' 34th Top 10 hit in the U.S., winning the 1996 GRAMMY Award for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal. 'Anthology, Vol. 3' includes "A Beginning," an instrumental orchestral arrangement originally recorded for 'The Beatles' (The White Album).
