A Collection of
Beatles Oldies...
A Collection of Beatles Oldies
(subtitled But Goldies!)
is a compilation album
by the English
rock band
Released in
the United Kingdom
in December 1966,
it features hit singles
and other songs issued
by the group between
1963 and 1966.
The compilation served as
a stopgap release
to satisfy EMI's
demand for product
during the Christmas period,
since the Beatles
had only begun recording
Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band,
the follow-up to their
Revolver album,
late the previous month.
It was the band's
first official
greatest hits collection,
although the Beatles
had no involvement
in the album.
The album's preparation
and release coincided
with rumors in the press
that the group were
on the verge
of splitting up.
This speculation was encouraged
by the band members'
high-profile
individual activities
since completing
their final US tour,
in late August 1966,
and the announcement that,
unlike in previous years,
the Beatles would not be
performing any concerts
in Britain at
the end of the year.
The album cover is a
painting combining
contemporary psychedelic
and op art themes
and was commissioned by
the band's manager,
Brian Epstein.
To followers of the
"Paul is dead" rumor,
the artwork offered the
first clues relating to the
alleged demise of
Paul McCartney
and his replacement
in the Beatles
by a lookalike,
a scenario that is said to
have taken place in
November 1966
and been facilitated by
the group's retirement
from live performance.
A Collection of Beatles Oldies
offered the
debut album release
in Britain for many
of the band's singles,
although these songs
had been available on
compilation EPs
since their
initial release.
The compilation peaked
at number 7
on the
UK Albums Chart,
where all the
band's previous albums
had held the
top spot.
It was also released
in some other
European countries
and,
in 1968,
in Australia.
The album was deleted
from the
Beatles' catalogue
following the reissue
of their albums on
compact disc in 1987.
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