Past Masters Vol. 1 (1988)

Past Masters is a two-disc compilation originally released as two separate volumes on 7 March 1988, as part of the first issue of the band’s catalogue on compact disc.

Every song released commercially by the band that wasn’t on the Beatles’ 12 original UK albums or the US Magical Mystery Tour LP is included in this set. Mark Lewisohn provides background information in the liner notes. Most of the Past Masters set is made up of A- and B-sides from the band’s singles, including single versions of songs that appeared on the band’s albums in a different format. A UK-only EP, two German-language tracks, a song recorded for the American market, and a charity compilation track are also included.

Past Masters is the Beatles’ 14th (and final) major release, despite not being a studio album. The Beatles’ core catalog was standardized in 1987, followed by official re-releases in 2009.

Past Masters Vol. 1 contains 18 songs originally released between 1962 and 1965:

• eleven tracks from UK singles (including B-sides)
• Both tracks from the German single “Komm, Gib Mir Deine Hand” / “Sie Liebt Dich”
• Four tracks from the Long Tall Sally EP
• The US-only track “Bad Boy”, from the album Beatles VI

Past Masters Vol. 1 tracklist

(All songs written and composed by Lennon–McCartney, except where noted).

1. Love Me Do
2. From Me to You
3. Thank You Girl
4. She Loves You
5. I’ll Get You
6. I Want to Hold Your Hand
7. This Boy
8. Komm, Gib Mir Deine Hand
9. Sie Liebt Dich
10. Long Tall Sally (Johnson/Penniman/Blackwell)
11. I Call Your Name
12. Slow Down (Williams)
13. Matchbox (Perkins)
14. I Feel Fine
15. She’s a Woman
16. Bad Boy (Williams)
17. Yes It Is
18. I’m Down