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Remastered versions of classic albums from the Apple Records catalogue are on the way from EMI in October, covering artists such as James Taylor, Mary Hopkin, Billy Preston and Badfinger. Most of the CDs will include bonus content and they will also be available for digital download. Apple Records was launched by the Beatles in 1968 as an outlet for their own recordings and it also became the home of an eclectic mix of talented artists.

The following titles will be released on October 26, 2010:

• James Taylor (1968) by James Taylor – this was Taylor’s debut album, including the original versions of his signature tunes “Something In The Way She Moves” and “Carolina In My Mind.” The latter song features contributions from both Paul McCartney and George Harrison
• Magic Christian Music (1970) by Badfinger – this album contains three songs for the soundtrack of the Magic Christian movie, which starred Peter Sellers and Ringo Starr. One of these tracks, “Come and Get It,” was written by Paul McCartney and became a worldwide hit
• No Dice (1970) by Badfinger – guitarist Joey Molland made his debut with the band on this album, which included the top ten single “No Matter What,” and the original recording of “Without You,” which would later be made famous by Harry Nilsson
• Straight Up (1972) by Badfinger – George Harrison partly produced this album and played slide guitar on the worldwide hit “Day After Day.” It also includes the hit “Baby Blue”
• Ass (1974) by Badfinger – the final and least successful album recorded by Badfinger for Apple, before the band signed with Warner Bros. This parting of the ways is referenced in the lead track “Apple of My Eye”
• Post Card (1969) by Mary Hopkin – a very appealing album with songwriting contributions from Donovan, Harry Nilsson and Paul McCartney, who also produced the album. This includes her smash hit “Those Were The Days.” The album reached number three on the UK album chart
• Earth Song, Ocean Song (1971) by Mary Hopkin – Mary’s second album was produced by her husband Tony Visconti and included cover versions of songs by Ralph McTell, Gallagher & Lyle, Tom Paxton and Cat Stevens. The album failed to match the commercial success of “Post Card”
• That’s the Way God Planned It (1969) by Billy Preston – George Harrison produced the album, after working with Billy on the Beatles’ Get Back sessions. The album attracted the talents of Eric Clapton, Ginger Baker and Keith Richards
• Encouraging Words (1970) by Billy Preston – Preston’s second album for Apple was also produced by George Harrison and again featured Clapton, Baker and Richards. George Harrison contributed two of his own songs, “My Sweet Lord” and “All Things (Must) Pass,” before he had released them himself
• Doris Troy (1970) by Doris Troy – the American R&B singer’s debut album on Apple included four songs Doris co-wrote with George Harrison, two of which also credit Stephen Stills and Ringo Starr. Guest musicians included Billy Preston, Peter Frampton and Eric Clapton
• Is This What You Want? (1968) by Jackie Lomax – this is a great rock album which didn’t achieve the success it deserved. Among the highlights is George Harrison’s “Sour Milk Sea.” The album features all the Beatles except Lennon and also Keith Richards and Eric Clapton
• Under the Jasmin Tree (1968) & Space (1969) by the Modern Jazz Quartet (a 2-on-1 CD) – John Lennon was a particular admirer of the Modern Jazz Quarter, who were the only jazz act on the Apple roster. Two albums of improvisational bebop have been remastered and will be included on one CD
• The Whale (1970) & Celtic Requiem (1971) by John Tavener (a 2-on-1 CD) – these were the first full length releases by Sir John Tavener, who went on to become one of Britain’s most popular classical composers.

The Apple remasters can be ordered via the News Releases archive.