I imagine this disc could set off a lot of controversy amongst avid Beatles fans–the ones who feel that any new presentation of a classic repertoire is treading on hallowed ground.  But aside from that, this newest of Beatles releases is actually the soundtrack to a Cirque du Soleil presentation at The Mirage in Las Vegas.  What Love is: a new reconfiguration of Beatles songs, reimagined and recombined (or as some would say, a “mash-up”) to create something new.  Gimmick?  Or a unique new project?

My vote: Love is pretty darned cool!  I already have the original albums, so it’s not like this new collection is going to replace anything.  It is not simply a best-of or greatest hits set: numerous Beatles songs have been combined and/or borrowed from to create a completely new presentation.  While most of the primary songs are intact, even these are dressed up with little snippets of song, percussion or sound effects (think White Album or Sgt. Pepper) that will have you guessing.  While there might be a very slight change in tempo or pitch, or processed with reverb or echo effects, all of the sounds you hear are ones that came from the Beatles’ own tapes; nothing has been added or synthesized.  Thanks to George Martin and his son Giles, they’ve managed to remain faithful to the original sound while still creating something new.

There are two versions of this set: the CD version, and a CD/DVD-A two-disc set.  The CD is a good choice, but to hear this project in full-blown surround sound on the DVD-A is an absolutely stunning experience.  The sound just washes over you completely, and you’re totally involved in it.  In addition to the surround presentation, the sound itself is really good–nicely balanced, no noise reduction, and plenty of dynamic range.  For those who do not have a DVD-Audio player, video DVD players can access the DTS and Dolby Surround versions of this disc.  Not quite as powerful as pure DVD-Audio (these compressed formats tend to dull the sound slightly), but the surround mix is still quite powerful in and of itself.

What about some of the songs?  One of my favorites here is the clever mash-up between “Within You, Without You” and “Tomorrow Never Knows”: I’ve always liked the latter song, but the former is one of those interminable sitar features, and it was one I always skipped.  It’s a bit surreal, but it works.  “Blackbird” becomes a guitar intro to “Yesterday”.  “Drive My Car”, “The Word” and “What You’re Doing” are almost pieced together like a medley here.  “Strawberry Fields” is presented in its original key here–rather than slowing down the Beatles version in the original, the orchestra is sped up to match, not to mention the Beatles version starting off the song.  Pieces of other Abbey Road songs adorn “Get Back” as the upbeat opener to the set, immediately following an a capella version of “Because”.  Naturally, the set finishes with “All You Need Is Love”.

And there you have it!  As I mentioned, there may be some out there who feel this project is sacrilege.  But in my opinion, take it for what it’s worth: it’s a new presentation of familiar music, and it is a lot of fun to listen to!  You’ll find yourself identifying various snippets of the songs as they fly past.  If anything, it’s a celebration of the Beatles’ music.  Enjoy it!  I recommend it highly!