The Beatles - Past Masters (1988) -

During the 1960s, it was common practice for bands to release standalone singles that were not included on their full-length LPs. For The Beatles, this meant many of their most significant hits—such as and "Hey Jude" —were not part of their standard 12 UK studio albums.

: When EMI transitioned the Beatles' catalog to CD in 1987, they established the original 12 UK albums plus the US version of Magical Mystery Tour as the official canon. The Beatles - Past Masters (1988)

The Beatles' serves as the essential "catchall" for the band's non-album tracks, fulfilling a critical role in consolidating their official discography for the digital age. Released on March 7, 1988 , it was originally issued as two separate volumes to bridge the gaps in the Beatles' catalog when it was first released on compact disc. Historical Context and Purpose During the 1960s, it was common practice for