Thursday 2nd November 2023 saw the release of the double A-Side Now And Then and Love Me Do, fittingly pairing the Beatles first song with their last. One of the distinctions between today and 5th October 1962 are the variety of formats available. In 2023 the options available for you to purchase would, however, depend on how quick off the draw you happened to be on day of release. I obviously wasn’t quick enough to capture the 7″ Marble and 12″ Red vinyl versions.

2023

• 7′ Black vinyl
• 7″ Marble vinyl
• 7″ Clear vinyl
• 7″ Blue vinyl
• 12″ Black vinyl
• 12″ Red vinyl
• Cassette
• CD single
• Streaming options

1962

• 7″ Black vinyl

Much debate has surrounded the cover art by artist Ed Ruscha, which in my view falls well short of normal Beatles standards. The rear cover when initially revealed drew similar feedback, though the story surrounding George’s clock and Paul’s call to Olivia to seek permission to continue work on Now And Then has brought context to the image which changes the viewpoint for me considerably. As Olivia considered Paul’s request and caught sight of the Clock on the mantelpiece she felt as though George had provided the consent that Paul was looking for.

Somewhat and understandable overlooked the release of the 2023 remixed “Love Me Do” provides an initial insight into the achievable results of mono to stereo conversion and remixing that other tracks will benefit from on the forthcoming Red & Blue albums. The results of the new “Love Me Do’ are sensitively managed and delivery greater clarity to both John and Paul’s vocals and the harmonica while possibly forfeiting an element of the “as nature intended” mono punch. We can look forward to similar results on the Red album with “She Loves You” in particular being the track that will most noticeably fall into focus.

Robust sleeves and poly-lined inner sleeves are included with each vinyl version and is accompanied by a short piece giving the story of the song. These features do little to warrant the excessive prices that we have to pay for these releases. As has been echoed in other forums during the week, I agree with those that have stated that an opportunity has been missed to remix “Free As A Bird” and “Real Love” too and have them repackaged in some way. Wouldn’t a 12″ with “Now And Then”, “Free As A Bird” and Real Love” have been something special?

For the cover artwork, item costs and release format availability I give the releases the grading listed at the foot of the page. This is no way a reflection of the music as a whole which I love but the artistic and marketing choices of Apple which in certain aspects have missed the mark and have slightly tainted my view of an amazing week.

As the “Now And Then” week of excitement is drawing to a close and so the spotlight will veer to the release of the Red and Blue albums in the coming week. It has certainly been an exhilarating ride though and I hope you’ve enjoyed it too.

By Gwyn Jenkins.