Last week marked the 50th anniversary of a cultural revolution: the release of the Beatles’ Please Please Me. Their first effort, recorded over 12 hours on a single day, stands as one of the most impressive debuts in rock history.

Last week’s Deep Beatles took a closer look at the Beatles’ 1962 audition for Decca Records. Since manager Brian Epstein wanted to present Decca’s A&R department with a vivid picture of the Beatles’ live shows, he asked the band to perform covers

2012 marked a number of musical events, including the 50th anniversary of the Beatles’ debut single “Love Me Do.” The limited-edition anniversary “Love Me Do” single represents just one of many Fab Four-related products released this past year.

Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, I stand before you to defend the reputation of the Beatles’ 1964 cover of “Mr. Moonlight.” Since its first appearance on Beatles for Sale, fans and critics have derided the track as corny, cheesy, and overdone, unworthy of the band’s otherwise stellar recordings.

It’s nearly two and half minutes into this film — during a friendly game of pool with son Giles — before you notice the hearing aid in George Martin’s ear. It’s a devastating reality for music lovers of every kind.

A new video has emerged that traces the development of George Harrison’s seminal ballad “Here Comes the Sun,” and it features a never-before-heard guitar solo.

As with the decades-old hit solo album for which it’s named, Ringo Starr’s forthcoming Ringo 2012 includes an array of name guest stars. Unfortunately, unlike 1973′s Ringo, none of those friendly assists come from his fellow ex-Beatles.

There is much about the Beatles that’s easy to love. The ornate pop, the long-haired peaceability, the arguments over which one’s your favorite. Still, lend them your ear and you’ll discover a few duds.

It seems any “new” Beatles material is going to be greeted with the same reaction from die-hard fans: mostly derision, because whatever it is will surely be either leftover material parading as new or rehashes in the form of best-ofs.

NICK DERISO: If you’re going to remix and remaster a bunch of Beatles tunes, and bring in legendary former producer George Martin and his son Giles to do it, I’m going to expect more than “Love.” This album simply doesn’t go far enough. Not with songs that, by and large, are as familiar as exhalations. Sure, purists will chafe at [...]