I don't know if it's in the film but at one point after a good take of 'Let It Be' John says, "Okay let's track it," meaning they should add overdubs. Then he catches himself and says, "You bounder, you cheat!" It's on page 170 of Mark Lewisohn's "The Beatles Recording Sessions".
@@cjmacq-vg8um oh that absolutely sounds like john! he was a master of free associating, it's how some iconic lines came about (i am the eggman, anyone?)
The one thing the Spector version of Let It Be (the song) has is Harrison's insanely great solo and flourishes toward the end. He nails it with those overdubs and elevates the track to the sky, obliterating previous versions including the Glyn Johns. Agree that Dig A Pony is divine and underrated. And Across The Universe deserved far better production - take 2 on Anthology 2 is pretty nice.
However, people have forgotten it was George Martin's mix of the Let It Be song. The hit single, that everyone heard FIRST. That version with a low key guitar solo on it, no choirs and intrusive brass downing out other things. Just Preston and the Beatles. And no other guitar solo to compare it to until a couple of months later when the album came out. There's nothing wrong with either except I felt the orchestra, brass and choir tends to drowned out the band's instruments including Billy Preston's organ playing and sometimes the lead vocal by Paul...
@@thomastimlin1724 But the brass and choir etc were done by George Martin weren't they? Spector didn't do them. They were recorded during the Jan '70 session.
Regretfully, your enthusiasm is matched only by some fundamental misunderstanding of this album's context. At its core, LIB is the sound of The Beatles trying to sound relevant in the face of Rock's New Counterculture. Despite being a terrible person , Phil Spector actually did an adequate production job. And you have to have lived through the era to understand how poignant " Winding Road " and the title track were to Beatles fans who were losing an essential part of their lives. All in all, the revisionist history doesn't change the reality that "Let It Be" was the real postcard from the edge- and the fact that The Beatles were resilient enough to cut Abbey Road afterwards shows their absolute genius as musicians.
While it sounds odd - Let It Be is my favorite Beatles album. I don't pretend to say it is greater than Rubber Soul or Revolver or Sgt. Pepper's or The White Album or any other Beatles album you see ranked high. I think what attracts me to the album is there is a diverse range of sounds and emotions. I think the connection I have to "Across the Universe" and "The Long and Winding Road" is deep and keeps me coming back to it. Songs like "Dig a Pony," "For Your Blue," "Let It Be," and "Get Back" I love and just endears me to the album. I think you mentioned it toward the end - it is its imperfections that attract me to it and when I heard Let It Be - Naked I see what it could have been. I also feel if "Hey Jude" and "Don't Let Me Down" were on this album and say for some reason George lends "All Things Must Pass" to this album they becomes beyond epic in a hurry. Even without "ATMP" and just those two Beatles songs "HJ" and "DLMD" adding them puts Let It Be into epic mode. Even with what we have it is a fantastic album and it has grown on me. Now while Let It Be is a fantastic album, my personal bias and feeling it is the second best Let It Be album ever, with the best belonging to The Replacements.
right so this is actually the best explanation of the charm of let it be that i've ever read. no frills, no nonsense, no technical garbage. just a fan of the record identifying that its quirks make it endearing and truly special
"I Me Mine" is sensational !! The 2 sections are so different - but work together so well. For me, the original 1968 "Indian" version of "Across The Universe" is by far the best !!
You're absolutely right about 'Don't Let Me Down' not appearing on the album; worst of all it was released as the b-side to 'Get Back'. A b-side! Also 'Dig a Pony' is underrated, another Lennon word song like 'I Am the Walrus' and 'Because'.
I always thought the collection of songs in this album are amazing since my first listen. I didn’t understand what people were complaining about until I saw the Get Back Documentary
Actually John’s joke was on get back on the rooftop concert version and Glyn put it on the two of us version of his mix of get back. Phil Spector put John’s joke at the end get back from the rooftop concert to make it a closing track.
Let It Be was the first full album I ever listened to, courtesy of my brother who was 12 years older than me. He insisted I listen to it in spite of it not being from any cartoon I liked at the time, since I was only about 6 or 7 then. I was absolutely overwhelmed and instantly fell in love with every song on the record. For all its faults, I will always love this album because I’ve heard it for literally most of my life. I was also really glad that Peter Jackson put together the “Get Back” documentary when he did and I got to actually see it. 50 years is a very long time to wait to get a more complete picture about something you love. It was bittersweet for me though. My brother passed away last April 2021 from COVID which aggravated an underlying heart condition he had, sending him into repeated cardiac arrest and a coma. He was 63. The documentary came out last November, and I never got a chance to talk about it with him. I sure he would have loved to watch it. Anyway, sorry for my sob story, just wanted to thank you for talking about one of my all time favorite albums.
This was a suitcase record for me. I happened on my older brother's copy and put it on, the first full non-compilation Beatles album I'd heard. It felt like a record you put on and left on without skipping and because of its apparent looseness and the fact that they seemed otherwise so polished and perfect otherwise allowed me to consider myself the most sophisticated 13 year old on the block. A local radio station put a screening of the film on a few years later and I was spellbound as it felt like a natural record of the way the album was, loose and rattling but concerted when they actually played anything. And the rooftop just captivated. I moved through the Beatles back catalogue in the mid seventies backwards from this through the others and eventually found more strength in the early songwriting and playing than I would have if I'd started there. Let it Be grew decreasingly interesting in the light of the ones between Rubber Soul and Abbey Road, so it fell into disuse. I think I stand against every other Beatles fan on the planet in that I find Don't Let Me Down a chore to listen to, so I happily came to skip it on the Hey Jude comp. But then I love Got a Feeling with its partyish atmosphere and thunderous middle 8. I do like the title track particularly George's stinging solo on the album version. I liked the LIB naked release but, when it came time to pony up and get the Superdeluxe with the atmos mix on the Blu-ray, I obeyed the dictates of my age and just bought it. Thanks for another engaging and candid take.
13:21 - Your caption is so dead on right. George had always been my favorite Beatle before I even knew it. I just didn't feel comfortable with choosing. I loved the line he muttered before this - "Are you expecting us to go up on the chimney with the other people, or something like that?"
I saw the IMAX rooftop concert back in January and again in February. The showing in January had a Q&A portion that was live with Peter Jackson and to hear him talk about how they made the Get Back documentary was really cool. Johns best song was In My Life.
My aunt bought this for my sister when it came out. She hated it, but I was pretty interested at six years old. Next up for me was Revolver. I was SCARED TO DEATH of The White Album because of what 11-year-old I read about its Manson connotations in “Helter Skelter” (the book, which everyone was talking about). I grew up in LA, so there’s that, too. Interesting fact I learned when the deluxe edition came out: George Martin actually scored the brass on “Let it Be” (the song). It was at an overdub session in 1970, where among other things Paul played bass and George performed that transcendent guitar solo. Paul did, in fact, approve the brass. P.S. The brass and guitar solo were muted for the single version. P.P.S. “Let it Be” is my favorite song of all time.
Manson was definitely an ass hole. But I wonder, if Manson would of never happened, would we of ever heard the Beatles hidden joke? Would we have ever heard "Paul Is Dead"?
I listened to your comments on let it be and was really taken by your observations. I don’t think there was anything that I disagreed with. It actually is my favourite album that never came out. No matter how much you pile up a studio produced song with effects and tidying up, nothing can beat the live sound of a very talented band. Although “one after 909” is a basic rock and roll song, its delivery is sublime. You can feel the joy in their interaction on all the live tracks. “Gimme Some Truth” would have been a good inclusion. It fits right in there with Did A Pony and I’ve Got A Feeling. I am almost inclined to fit Let It Be into the Paul MCCARTNEY solo category along with Long and Winding Road.
There are certain Ringo -haters. We don't acknowledge them. I met Ringo and Babs(!) in 1990. Here's what you say to Starkey dislikers: Please, show me how it should be played. Just hit yer thighs on the downbeat. Oh, what is a downbeat?...
Heard this a lot growing up courtesy of my older brothers (on both vinyl and 8- track tape 😁).Finally bought my own copy in the late 70's. Favorites include: Two of Us, Across The Universe, One after 909 and I've Got a Feeling.
I really like Let It Be. From the first time I heard it, it became one of my favorite Beatles albums (Abbey Road is my absolute favorite, with the White Album being only a half a hair behind it). I like both the red and green apple versions of the album. ✌☮🤟❣
Years ago I wasn't sure how I felt about "Let it Be" - just lilke "Introducing the Beatles" / "Pleasse Please Me" (US/UK), I frowned upon it somewhat "It doesn't sound like the Beatles" which was bullshit of me. This is a brilliant album.
I always figured that The Long and Winding Road was a desperate plea to John to return to the way they were...and Two Of US was the acceptance that they were almost finished ("you and I have memories longer than the road that stretches out ahead"). It's kinda sad, in a way. The whole album consists of songs that signal a breakup.
Best John Lennon ad lib: at the Royal Variety performance in late 1963 with the Beatles performance, Queen in the audience etc. introducing the next song he says..."Those in the cheap seats just clap your hands....the rest of you just rattle your jewelry."
I lean toward John singing part of "Danny Boy," mostly because that was a running bit in a cover band of mine. After we'd play "One After 909," a couple of us would do the "Danny Boy" bit, including one member who's no longer with us. May he rest in peace. Shawn R., Mo-Mutt Music/Sacred & Secular (and longtime Beatles fan)
I'm with you. Even though there are a lot of things Phil Spector produced in the 1960s that I love, what he did to "Let It Be" was criminal (no pun intended). I've personally considered "Let It Be...Naked" the official release for a long time.
Hi Abby, just wanted to say thanks for doing what you do. I love the depth of your historical knowledge of each album you review as well as the background stories you tell regarding the state of the artist(s) at time of recording. Let it Be has never been one of my favorite Beatles records, but I do like it and agree 100% that Get Back was clearly the best tune to open the album. Anyway, please keep up the great work, I always look forward to vinyl Monday. Bravo!
@aviation cat I love that "scene" in the original Let it Be in which Paul is running through I've Got a Feeling and after the bridge "...somebody who looks like you..." he shouts a joyous GOOD MORNING...and sometimes I need to remember that as I go into work every day - -some days at the office feel like the original Let It Be movie 😆
An album that brings back many fond memories of my now departed older brother who played this to death at the time. He had the initial box set complete with the book, but sadly that got lost through the years. By no means their best album, but even when they weren’t firing on all cylinders this album is way better than a lot that was around at the time. The new film/documentary has been a joy to watch, and see The Beatles at work and play. Another top video…nice one.
Wowee! Let It Be is a tough album to talk about, but you nailed it. It's a hot mess with a few of my favorite songs like I Dig A Pony & Get Back. I agree about Don't Let Me Down. This album could have been so much more cohesive as a final musical statement from them. Thanks for reviewing it!
Excellent video as usual. You are a master of reality. Due to the continuing adventures of Faul McCartney and Allen Klien, Let It Be was released as an album, a film and a lawsuit. I talk all about it, you know where.
i think both versions of this album have their merits, let it be has some more finalized takes of the tracks, bringing in more of the rooftop and later sessions, while get back is more rough around the edges, but is more consistent in the vibe (if that makes sense). i did my own version of the get back sessions mirroring the line-up of let it be... naked using the best mixes (in my eyes) and i really like listening to that version more! i'm redoing it right now to see if i can fit in more dialogue of the beatles talking. 01. get back (1969 Get Back/single mix) 02. dig a pony (1970 LIB) 03. for you blue (1969 Get Back) 04. the long and winding road (1969 get back) 05. two of us (1970 LIB) 06. i've got a feeling (1970 LIB) 07. one after 909 (1970 LIB) 08. don't let me down (LIBN for now, but the single version sounds really great as well!) 09. i me mine (1970 Get Back, extended mix) 10. across the universe (1970 Get Back) 11. dig it (1969 Get Back, edited to 2:32) 12. let it be (single mix) 13. maggie mae (1970 LIB, hidden track)
Bravo to yet another job well done! You hit all of the major points of discussion re this album.. AND, another "... 2, Electric Boogaloo!" shout out... which I am ALWAYS here for.
Well done, Abby. People who say Ringo is a bad drummer usually aren't drummers. Ringo was the perfect drummer for the Beatles. He always played to the song and could serve as another compositional element for the band. There are many Beatle songs that can be identified just by listening to the drum track alone. For decades pretty much any time that the various drummer magazines ("Modern Drummer", "Drumhead", etc.) would have a "best drummers of all time" poll, Ringo would usually finish in the top 20 (if not the top 10). Hey, drummers know. My favorite part of the "Get Back" doc was seeing the birth of the song "Get Back". Paul's just sitting strumming his bass, then out of the blue, he lands on the "Get Back" chords. So cool...
that's exactly what i always say - ringo was perfect for what the beatles needed. not to mention his baritone voice is lovely on the tracks he lent it to. he's no keith moon but he doesn't have to be!
@@abigaildevoe I know a professional drummer (who has played with some major artists) who would argue that Ringo was the best musician in the Beatles. I may not go quite that far ( Paul being a multi-instrumentalist and a great bass player) but there's a lot of respect for Ringo amongst musicians.
For a long time my favourite version of The Long and Winding Road was the unadorned version on Anthology 3. Nowadays it's something you can find on bootlegs, Along The River Rhine, it's a Ray Charles style slow blues done while they were jamming with Billy Preston, some of Paul's lyrics are improvised but some are the same lyrics as on The Long and Winding Road. For me the definitive Across The Universe is the one on Anthology 2.
Another great Monday! For my money, Let It Be... Naked is the best way to enjoy what became the Beatles' final album. The track listing/arrangement is better, the stripped down production is apparently more in line with what the band wanted, and it includes Don't Let Me Down. Finally found a vinyl copy in the wild earlier this year and it sounds amazing, will never get rid of it
Glyn John's mix is good but so is the UK first pressing original. The one that comes in the UK boxed set is killer. I happen to have one and it sounds great. I do someday want to try and get Let It Be Naked on vinyl. I actually agree with all you said about this. Everything you just covered is spot on. Thank You.
I was in my 7th grade home room class, when I heard that the Beattles broke up. I thought: How inconsiderate of them to do that! So at first I didn't pay to much attention to that album. Funny it's one of the few recordings by them I don't own. You provide an interesting perspective on the members, for me, 52 years later. Alan Parsons huh. I read the series of short stories I-Robot , when I was a teenager. His music has always been very special to me, along with the movie AI; which was a Steven Speilberg movie. That movie was originally a story by: Arthur C Clark called: Super Toys Last All Summer Long. ACClark passed away while writing that screen play. There I go again! Travel through a rabbit hole . The Great Labowsky
I organize groups / composers chronologically by recording date(s) as well. That gets tough with classical composers, but works quite well with popular music.
That’s so hilarious you flipping off Phil Spector on your 60 Second video!!! I appreciate your willingness to talk about the albums you somewhat like-ish. I agree, Let It Be is a challenging and flawed album that could have been great had it not been marred by outside forces, but it holds wonderful memories for me in my journey of discovery of The Beatles. Because of this, I am able to get past all the negatives and appreciate it from a different perspective. I also want to say your channel is the only one in the vinyl community I watch that I don’t scroll through to get to the good parts. They’re all good parts! Miss a little, miss a ton. I give this episode… 💒💒💒💒!!!
@@direkramseychikboy9102 I take it you didn't get the Let it Be deluxe edition. Glyn Johns' Get Back is a bit hard to listen to sometimes, but it's okay.
Glyn John's Get Back Naked mix makes me more appreciative of Phil Spector's Let It Be. To me it sounds more like a record, albeit a slightly ragged and quirky one. Across The Universe is a rare Beatles track -- John might differ re. "rare" -- that never jelled into a rendition quite as perfect as the song itself. Fashionwise there is no contest: Glyn wins hands down, even ignoring Phil's later Mozart-wig-wearing phase, which ended very badly. Thanks Abby! You rock ♥
Seeing you explain how you file and therefore place Let It Be was ace. It's important. I get it.The American release as a gatefold is interesting though, the UK release was a single sleeve. The black border was deconstructed as significant ( Victorian condolence cards ?). Don't Let Me Down is a beautiful gem, as is 'what grinds my gears'.
Great review. You are a fountain of information. I agree with your take on the album. Being an old guy, I lived through it all in real time. Seems like Yesterday. However, I didn’t know about the Glynn John version, which I intend to pick up a copy. Thanks.
One of my favourite lp. My parents gave me the initial box set on it's first release. My brothers took me to the drive in to see the Let it Be movie and they played Let it Be , Long and Winding Road and Get Back on TV. TOTALLY Loved Peter Jackson's Get Back series .
On your recommendation (just found this channel today), I checked out the Glyn Johns mix of Let It Be, and you're right; it's great! I have the original Let It Be, the Naked version, and even the bootleg "Apple Rooftop Concert" CD but the Glyn Johns mix had versions of some of these songs I had never heard before. Thanks for bringing it to my attention!
My mother's house was a Beatles house and Revolver on through White Album were in constant rotation (especially the White Album) also solo Paul and George albums. Weirdly, Let It Be was not in the mix! When I finally listened to it, only "Dig a Pony", "Get Back" and "I Got a Feeling" really did much for me. The GET BACK Mega Doc did a lot to help understand it and everything sounds better sans Spector (and hearing some of the material for Abby Road in brutal form with Billy Preston was a treat!). I need to get the Glynn Johns version!
I originally preferred the original mix to Let It Be... Naked, but now I think I've swapped my allegiance. I know it is Brian Wilson's favourite Beatles album though (along with Rubber Soul), so if it's good enough for him it's good enough for me. The songs still shine through over fifty years later, no matter how choppy the album itself is. Also 13:21 is sooooo true, love it.
serving some real john lennon in the beginning! though this album is not my fave beatles album, i have more appreciation for it after watching the docu and seeing the rooftop concert in IMAX, still can’t believe ‘don’t let me down’ wasn’t added to the track list like how?! P.S., phil spector reminds me of when I gained access to garage band when i was 12
roasting phil spector is 1000% welcome in this comments section. yes his production style was a trailblazer in the beginning and blah blah blah. but brian wilson did the wall of sound better than phil ever did!!
Great Review!! I think that the Get back sessions were the beginning of a creativity period that covered Let it be , Abbey Road and John, Paul and George's solo albums from 1970
Great analysis. It was the last time when the boys mixed it up together. Jamming. That was what it was about. George Martin was pushed all the way to the side during the project, sitting on the edge as a disappointed observer, not being allowed to manage the mixes. The guys didn't know what the outcome or objective was supposed to be. Paul wanted much more than a record --- and you hear John saying "But that's what we do. We make records!". It was way too heavy a time. None of them even wanted to go through the excellent stuff they had put down so they left it to Phil Spector (John's decision??) and none paid attention to who was managing the post-production as they fell apart. George M and Paul focused them briefly during Abbey Road sessions --- but that was mostly studio work (much of which came out of the Get Back sessions). The tapes from Let It Be were too much of a mess. Glad that Peter Jackson became an archivist and showed us how beautiful the flawed sessions actually were.
I had a bootleg vinyl (with reproduction of the Get Back concept album art) of the Glyn Johns mix, which my uncle had bought in the 1980s, and I didn't even know what it was until your video! 25:28
Ram is amazing. I agree with you about the Long and Winding road. Also about Spector. Great take. It’s like they fought against the Capital records methods only to hand it over to the overlord of the “American sound”! Doh!
Best JL ad-lib "hark the herald angels cum". I hoped you might be explaining what "The One after 909" meant, but no. But I still love you. Keep 'em coming, girl, and I'll keep watchin'. So many to catch up on, being a late comer to your channel. Every one so far has been a joy.
My faves from Let It Be are Let It Be, Long 'n Windin' Road 'n Across The Universe. Me thinks Beatles For Sale has some fantastic classics: No Reply, I'll Follow The Sun, Words O' Love, Every Little Thing, I Don't Wanna Spoil The Party 'n What Yer Doin'. The American release was called Beatles VI (which is what I heard at the time) 'n included Eight Days A Week, You Like Me Too Much, Bad Boy, Dizzy Miss Lizzy 'n Tell Me What You See. One o' my all time favorite Beatles albums, sho''nuff!
The orchestral arranger on ther "Let it Be" album was Richard Hewson. McCartney had worked with Hewson on the Mary Hopkin single "Goodbye"(which was written by McCartney). Hewson would later record an orchestral version of Paul McCartney's "Ram" under the name Percy "Thrills" Thrillington
Since my school friend played this album to me when we were both 14-like, I took it for what it was, so thank you for giving me a different sight on it. In general I like this album, but not always like its mix. Especially when, adding choir and orchestra in stereo, PS packed the whole band together in the center, practically making them sound like mono. Pure grotesque. Now I'm really curious of the different mixes. Also, I tend to interpret wonderful "Across the Universe" as poetic description of meditative state. I think that's why there's "Jai Guru Deva... OOOOOhMMMMM!" Ahd George's (?) wah-wah guitar brings even more of that vibe... And then that choir dragging out that "OOOOOhMMMMM" like in a Disney cartoon song is just ridiculous! I love "Get Back", pretty piece of classical rock and of even more classical roll, even more since I can understand lyrics. Does he make fun of the counter-culture, or was it self-irony? And "One After 909" - the song shelved few years before, then re-worked. Can't say if I prefer album version or that from "Anthology 1", they are completely different. Such a bluesy, rocky, rolly. And I LOVE title track. Such uplifting music, here IMHO the choir fits as h... as heaven, especially after hammond's entrance. Is it the cause why John said "you can go to church and sing the hymn"? Oh, indeed, you can, and seriously! And I don't hate "Long and Winding Road" at all, though, you're right, it's Paul backed by John, George and Ringo, more than The Beatles. Like on "The Beatles" 2LP, where often they more back each other than play as the band. "I've Got a Feeling" - yeah, great John/Paul work, even if it's just a fusion of two separate songs (I remember I've seen a footage somewhere of John and Yoko singin' "Everybody had..." together in 2 octaves simultanously. And why "Master of Reality"? Because "Paranoid" would be too obvious? Or because some lyrics so much defy some stereotypes about Black, not to mention Sabbath?
master of reality because well...i've already done paranoid! back in march or april iirc, well before vinyl monday made it onto this channel. while i thank spector for saving "across the universe" from being scrapped, i don't thank him for much else - brian wilson did the wall of sound better than phil ever did and he knew it! you're right, that drawn-out ohm is goofy as hell.
Your review made me think about the song Dig It. I used to think that was a throwaway jam, but they worked on it several times at Apple, and I found a bootleg version from January 29, 1969 that is about 7 minutes long and in the 2nd half of the song, John Lennon reads off a list of the songs that they were working on. It dawned on me that if you took his list of 16 songs and added 8 more that they were rehearsing, it would be a killer double album. I would name this imaginary album "Dig It!", since that is what we should do when we listen. Here are John's 16 songs followed by 8 more to make it a double album: 1. Don't Let Me Down 2. Get Back 3. I've Got A Feeling 4. Two Of Us 5. All I Want Is You (Dig A Pony) 6. Teddy Boy 7. One After 909 8. All Things Must Pass 9. Dig It 10. Let It Be 11. The Long and Winding Road 12. For You Blue 13. Across the Universe 14. Maxwell's Silver Hammer 15. I Me Mine 16. Through the Bathroom Window (She Came In) 17. Maggie May 18. The Walk 19. Gimme Some Truth 20. Polythene Pam 21. Octopus's Garden 22. Oh! Darling 23. Something 24. Get Back (Reprise)
I can't say that I agree that Phil Spector "botched" this album.... He totally fucked it up! So much sugar, syrup, and wallpaper all over it! The title track and 'Long And Winding Road', for me are horrible, with the layers of crap that he threw all over them.... You are SO right that hearing them on 'LIB: Naked' is the best way! 👍 Peter Jackson's TV movies was very refreshing; you could see the boys enjoying being together, and jamming together - apart from that moment when George walks out... 😞 I was born in 1961, and heard the Beatles all the time as I was growing up; on radio and TV, and Mum & Dads records, and fell in love with those songs and that sound back then, and I still feel the same way today; greatest band ever to have existed, and for such a short time! The way their music shifted and changed from album to album was extraordinary at the time, and by the time they got to the White album, they were SO different, but yet the same young men.... I really feel that Abbey Road should have been the last album, and maybe the best tracks off Let It Be should have been on the 'B' side of the Yellow Submarine album, or a sedate EP - You're right, Long & Winding Road really was a McCartney solo song..... However, and whatever could have been done with some of those songs. Abbey Road should have been the closure album; a wonderful album throughout, with a fabulous production from George Martin, and really, the last song - The End - really said it all in last few lines of "And in the end, the love you take, is equal to love you make"...... 🙂 It just summed it up beautifully.....I don't count the little Her Majesty ditty at the very end; that's another thing that could have fitted into McCartney 1 somewhere, just for a laugh! Although now after all these years, it does seem to fit Abbey Road, so I don't mind it.....I guess it's just a little McCartney noodling on a guitar after the weight of the second side as a 'palette cleanser'...!! 😆 Hope to see you do a 'Vinyl Monday' on Abbey Road sometime soon... 😉
it's amazing how much the beatles grew in their time together. they'd literally grown up together by the end of everything - the whole thing began and ended before they were 30! by technicality abbey road was the last beatles album. a lot of fans including myself consider it such. as for an abbey road episode...i have big plans for that one :)
I agree with pretty much everything you say here. I would have left Across The Universe on the Wildlife Fund album and put don’t let me down on this album. Especially because the recording is from early 1968. Also John does mention in the original liner notes for Imagine that Paul co wrote Gimme Some Truth but those notes were scrapped. (They appear in Lennon Letters). Still with all its flaws, Let it Be is under appreciated in my opinion and it’s just about my favorite along with Rubber Soul.
Thanks for this Abby. You said that Super Deluxe is the go-to version, so I did (it's all there on RUclips Music), and there is some really good extra stuff. E.g. Can You Dig It?, Teddy Boy and the Billy Preston track, Without A Song. (Where he's sounding like his mentor, Ray Charles.) As a Beatles fan since 1963, I bought this album back in the day and found it a bit thin as it came out then. In defense of Phil Spector... he was asked to pull together a single album out of the material, although he hadn't been there at the sessions and obviously hadn't been told exactly what was wanted. He produced a pretty good album consisting of 10 longish songs and 2 snippets. The main flaws (I thought) about the original - nothing from Ringo, and a poor album cover - were not his fault. Sorry Abigail, I thought the cover was just plain lazy, compared to every other Beatles album. It wasn't as if it was a nice glossy black (and in England it wasn't a gatefold). Anyway, thank you for directing us to the new version, it's really good. Looking forward to Ozzy (right?) next week.
I quite like the black background with the individual photos, the Beatles looking like in the White Album photos. It could've been left untitled, and become known as the Black Album.
Abby! Great work, as always. I always enjoy your insights. I remember taping the album off WBCN Boston, a week before its release, playing it to my friends. The consensus was that, except for Road and Universe, it sounded like demos or maybe outtakes. Hell, we were all hoping for the next step beyond Abbey Road. Thing is that, as important as the Beatles were back then, nobody imagined that they were the most important band in freaken history. Right? I guess what I'm getting at is I wonder how this album would be received apart from the mystique. And I seriously wonder that. Like, do I love these songs because it's The Beatles? Like, how many other great songs, great albums, have sunk without a trace because, well, they weren't the Beatles. So, like you, I'm conflicted about Let It Be. Not a bad song on it, but is there a great song on it? Maybe. It's all subjective of course. Keep up the good work.
As usual loved your video. I bought a bunch of cassettes that had let it be included only to find out the tape wasn’t in the case. I like the Beatles for sale album mainly because if the tight harmony. Mr moonlight being my fav. Again. Well done. Always look forward to your vids.
I agree with you. Don't let me down would've been great on this album. I've always found the original movie deadly dull but I'm so excited about the Get Back movie.
Seeing how short Side 2 is you have to wonder if Don't Let Me Down was supposed to be there -- maybe as the penultimate track. But the song had just been re-released on the U.S. Hey Jude album so maybe that's why it was left off Let It Be. Regardless, it should have been there. It was one of the best tracks of the sessions.
The most important question the documentary answered for me was: did John Lennon call Glyn Johns 'Glynis'? (Spoiler: he did). For the record, Glynis Johns is hot, too. And her mix of Iggy Pop's "Lust For Life" album is superior to Bowie's.
Let It Be was the first Beatles album I owned, except perhaps for the Red and Blue compilations. I am not quite sure. It was over forty years ago. Either way, in spite of the flaws and turmoil associated with it, I love it. Especially, I love the Let It Be album versions of I've Got A Feeling and Let It Be. Though it would be great if Don't Let Me Down was on there.
I love some of the more underplayed songs as you do. One After 909 and Dig a Pony. But my favorite on Let it Be is Across the Universe. I also think this is some of John’s best lyrics. I do like the album version musically, though. Probably because that’s the only version I heard for 30 or so years and I’m used to it. There is something to be said for inertia, I guess.
I totally agree with you Abby! I too personally think that Phil Spector should have left this album alone and stayed way the hell away from it.Otherwise,very nice video as usual!!!…Karl
This was my first Beatles album. I found it in my shed when I moved to this new house about a year ago. It is a first US Pressing from Pennsylvania i believe
Wow, I TOTALLY agree on 2.5 of your 3 mistakes. The first two - yes, totally agree. As far as Phil Spector goes, yes I agree that he should not have touched this album… but… I also feel that his involvement might have been a disaster for this album, but it sparked a working relationship with Lennon that was very interesting. So… was it worth it? It’s a tough call, imo
I had never actually listened to a Beatles album until today (or technically yesterday) when I watched the Get Back docuseries. You could argue it has about three hours of superfluous footage, but it is absolutely transfixing to watch even if you're not into the band (as I wasn't), so long as you don't just absolutely hate the music. I actually remember hearing Don't Let Me Down from a clip of the rooftop concert, really liking it, and then finding that not only was it not on the album, there was a huge controversy about which was the best version of the album and everyone hated the original... I just went "alright, whatever" and shelved the Beatles thing. Coming back to it, I have to say I really like the album... so long as it's not the original Spector mix. It's not awful, but really misses the whole appeal. And Don't Let Me Down not being on it? What on God's green earth. My favorite song I've heard from them so far. I would say I probably prefer the 2021 mix over even naked so long as you put that somewhere in there. Reminds me of In Utero, where the original Albini mix is OK, the original release was very good, the 2013 remix was (in my opinion), interesting but way too soft, and the brand new anniversary remaster is the best version. Also I feel so weirdly invested in the Beatles now. I've been psyopped. And, now, for your host this evening, the Rolling Stones
One thing I didn’t like that Phil Spector did was remove George’s guitar on For You Blue. He has George playing it in the beginning but then after his intro it’s gone
I like all three mixes but I agree with most that Gyn's angelic mix is the best however, my favorite is Phil's mix. They may sound weird but it's a nostalgic thing for me being the version I grew up with since it's release. Not a fan of the boosted orchestration and horns but love the grittier guitar solo and accents. George Martin's single mix is average and what you'd expect and played on most radio. As always, not right nor wrong, just my opinion and personal view.
I have always liked the late Beatles sound and have always liked this record. One After 909 is a great rocker. I agree that Don't Let Me Down should be on the record. I would also nominate Old Brown Shoe as a candidate for inclusion. I really like Two of Us as well. Finally, i do believe there is a hint of sadness as this was the end. Good record and one of the first i ever bought for myself.
Thanks for sharing, Abby. Interesting observations, as usual. I like the version of "Across the Universe" that appears on the "Rarities" album, which I bought on vinyl as a teenager. Not sure what happened to it. Shawn R., Mo-Mutt Music/Sacred & Secular
This is my favorite Beatles album. Is it the best, no. I'm a Detroit kid and had Motown in my blood (Where are the Motown record reviews? Such a huge influence on MC5 and so many others). This record has some soul. Billy Preston infused some of that into the Beatles. The Naked version made me love this album even more.
I don’t know. I’ve listened to some of the songs mixed by Glyn Johns. And even though I love the raw versions of songs, I have to admit, I love the strings Phil Spector put on “The Long And Winding Road” and I love the fullness of “I Me Mine” and “Across The Universe.” The songs on the rooftop were great and I agree “Don’t Let Me Down” should have been added. But the biggest let down of Glyn Johns was not keeping or adding George Harrison’s second take guitar solo you hear on the original album’s version of “Let It Be.” It drives me nuts hearing the impotent original solo of Harrison’s constantly played on the radio. I have to believe George felt his original solo wasn’t good enough or else he wouldn’t have gone back in the studio to record his ass kicking second take. As far as I’m concerned, Spector was balls accurate adding Harrison’s new solo to the original.
As usual, you gave a very insightful perspective of Let it Be or Get Back, or whatever! What do you think of the singles versions of Get Back, and Let it Be? The differences are subtle but I always preferred the sings to the album versions.
I was just typing a comment of if you’ve been the Japanese copy of this album because of how great the gatefold is… Then you opened yours… I forgot the Japanese cover took it from the American version.
I actually really love that album. It is flawed, but sometimes great things are. It's part of their makeup. I love the song, I got a feeling, I've played it many times with different bands and it was always fun. Same goes for Dig a Pony.
I've never been a fan of the original Let It Be release. Let It Be... Naked has a much better flow and rhythm to it in my opinion. Plus the inclusion of "Don't Let Me Down" and the exclusion of "Dig It" and "Maggie Mae" are major improvements. Miss the coda to the single version of "Get Back" though...
“When we feel like that we take a fat holiday with our fat wallets…”. He was a good interviewee but his remarks became more cutting after ‘success’. His ad libs we’re more quotes and anything really spontaneous he said isn’t that easy to come by. I think “I hope we passed the audition” was a return to those earlier days.
what’s the best john ad-lib? comment below! i’m partial to “i hope we passed the audition”
Sweet Loretta Fat ..she thought she was a cleaner..but she was a frying Pan..begining of Get Back...🤣🍳(thats a frying pan with an egg)
how about "jojo was a man who thought he was kleenex but he was a frying pan." i think that was john. that always cracked me up.
I don't know if it's in the film but at one point after a good take of 'Let It Be' John says, "Okay let's track it," meaning they should add overdubs. Then he catches himself and says, "You bounder, you cheat!" It's on page 170 of Mark Lewisohn's "The Beatles Recording Sessions".
@@donleblanc2669 i was SO close to referencing this one in the video
@@cjmacq-vg8um oh that absolutely sounds like john! he was a master of free associating, it's how some iconic lines came about (i am the eggman, anyone?)
The photographer caught the only time George ever smiled in history.
Exactly 💯
I guess you need stronger glasses. E.g. check the cover of his solo albums Gone Troppo and Cloud Nine.
@@MIB_63they weren’t saying that he literally never smiled, obviously. Just that it was rare.
The one thing the Spector version of Let It Be (the song) has is Harrison's insanely great solo and flourishes toward the end. He nails it with those overdubs and elevates the track to the sky, obliterating previous versions including the Glyn Johns. Agree that Dig A Pony is divine and underrated. And Across The Universe deserved far better production - take 2 on Anthology 2 is pretty nice.
i agree with you on that, george's solo is essential to the song!
However, people have forgotten it was George Martin's mix of the Let It Be song. The hit single, that everyone heard FIRST. That version with a low key guitar solo on it, no choirs and intrusive brass downing out other things. Just Preston and the Beatles. And no other guitar solo to compare it to until a couple of months later when the album came out. There's nothing wrong with either except I felt the orchestra, brass and choir tends to drowned out the band's instruments including Billy Preston's organ playing and sometimes the lead vocal by Paul...
@@thomastimlin1724 But the brass and choir etc were done by George Martin weren't they? Spector didn't do them. They were recorded during the Jan '70 session.
Regretfully, your enthusiasm is matched only by some fundamental misunderstanding of this album's context. At its core, LIB is the sound of The Beatles trying to sound relevant in the face of Rock's New Counterculture. Despite being a terrible person , Phil Spector actually did an adequate production job. And you have to have lived through the era to understand how poignant " Winding Road " and the title track were to Beatles fans who were losing an essential part of their lives. All in all, the revisionist history doesn't change the reality that "Let It Be" was the real postcard from the edge- and the fact that The Beatles were resilient enough to cut Abbey Road afterwards shows their absolute genius as musicians.
While it sounds odd - Let It Be is my favorite Beatles album. I don't pretend to say it is greater than Rubber Soul or Revolver or Sgt. Pepper's or The White Album or any other Beatles album you see ranked high.
I think what attracts me to the album is there is a diverse range of sounds and emotions. I think the connection I have to "Across the Universe" and "The Long and Winding Road" is deep and keeps me coming back to it.
Songs like "Dig a Pony," "For Your Blue," "Let It Be," and "Get Back" I love and just endears me to the album.
I think you mentioned it toward the end - it is its imperfections that attract me to it and when I heard Let It Be - Naked I see what it could have been.
I also feel if "Hey Jude" and "Don't Let Me Down" were on this album and say for some reason George lends "All Things Must Pass" to this album they becomes beyond epic in a hurry. Even without "ATMP" and just those two Beatles songs "HJ" and "DLMD" adding them puts Let It Be into epic mode.
Even with what we have it is a fantastic album and it has grown on me.
Now while Let It Be is a fantastic album, my personal bias and feeling it is the second best Let It Be album ever, with the best belonging to The Replacements.
right so this is actually the best explanation of the charm of let it be that i've ever read. no frills, no nonsense, no technical garbage. just a fan of the record identifying that its quirks make it endearing and truly special
"I Me Mine" is sensational !! The 2 sections are so different - but work together so well. For me, the original 1968 "Indian" version of "Across The Universe" is by far the best !!
Really? 😂 The LIB Across The Universe was amazing. Do you think Spector would have gotten away with it if Lennon did not approve? 😮
You're absolutely right about 'Don't Let Me Down' not appearing on the album; worst of all it was released as the b-side to 'Get Back'. A b-side! Also 'Dig a Pony' is underrated, another Lennon word song like 'I Am the Walrus' and 'Because'.
I think it was on Side 2 of that awful joke of an album "Hey Jude" 😅
I always thought the collection of songs in this album are amazing since my first listen. I didn’t understand what people were complaining about until I saw the Get Back Documentary
Actually John’s joke was on get back on the rooftop concert version and Glyn put it on the two of us version of his mix of get back. Phil Spector put John’s joke at the end get back from the rooftop concert to make it a closing track.
I always found the phrase "A new phase Beatles album" on the cover extremely optimistic and quite ironic in the light of what happened after. Cheers.
Let It Be was the first full album I ever listened to, courtesy of my brother who was 12 years older than me. He insisted I listen to it in spite of it not being from any cartoon I liked at the time, since I was only about 6 or 7 then. I was absolutely overwhelmed and instantly fell in love with every song on the record. For all its faults, I will always love this album because I’ve heard it for literally most of my life. I was also really glad that Peter Jackson put together the “Get Back” documentary when he did and I got to actually see it. 50 years is a very long time to wait to get a more complete picture about something you love. It was bittersweet for me though. My brother passed away last April 2021 from COVID which aggravated an underlying heart condition he had, sending him into repeated cardiac arrest and a coma. He was 63. The documentary came out last November, and I never got a chance to talk about it with him. I sure he would have loved to watch it. Anyway, sorry for my sob story, just wanted to thank you for talking about one of my all time favorite albums.
never apologize, these personal stories are my favorite comments to get. i hope this record continues to bring back good memories of your brother
This was a suitcase record for me. I happened on my older brother's copy and put it on, the first full non-compilation Beatles album I'd heard. It felt like a record you put on and left on without skipping and because of its apparent looseness and the fact that they seemed otherwise so polished and perfect otherwise allowed me to consider myself the most sophisticated 13 year old on the block. A local radio station put a screening of the film on a few years later and I was spellbound as it felt like a natural record of the way the album was, loose and rattling but concerted when they actually played anything. And the rooftop just captivated. I moved through the Beatles back catalogue in the mid seventies backwards from this through the others and eventually found more strength in the early songwriting and playing than I would have if I'd started there. Let it Be grew decreasingly interesting in the light of the ones between Rubber Soul and Abbey Road, so it fell into disuse. I think I stand against every other Beatles fan on the planet in that I find Don't Let Me Down a chore to listen to, so I happily came to skip it on the Hey Jude comp. But then I love Got a Feeling with its partyish atmosphere and thunderous middle 8. I do like the title track particularly George's stinging solo on the album version. I liked the LIB naked release but, when it came time to pony up and get the Superdeluxe with the atmos mix on the Blu-ray, I obeyed the dictates of my age and just bought it. Thanks for another engaging and candid take.
i truly love comments like these, and i love that calling personally significant albums "suitcase albums" has become a hallmark of this channel
13:21 - Your caption is so dead on right. George had always been my favorite Beatle before I even knew it. I just didn't feel comfortable with choosing. I loved the line he muttered before this - "Are you expecting us to go up on the chimney with the other people, or something like that?"
I saw the IMAX rooftop concert back in January and again in February. The showing in January had a Q&A portion that was live with Peter Jackson and to hear him talk about how they made the Get Back documentary was really cool. Johns best song was In My Life.
that's so cool, i'd love to have heard how peter jackson & co. went about remastering that footage!
You get the sixties, you get the Beatles, historically and vibrationally. Amazing. Get Mac's first and Ram.
My aunt bought this for my sister when it came out. She hated it, but I was pretty interested at six years old. Next up for me was Revolver. I was SCARED TO DEATH of The White Album because of what 11-year-old I read about its Manson connotations in “Helter Skelter” (the book, which everyone was talking about). I grew up in LA, so there’s that, too.
Interesting fact I learned when the deluxe edition came out: George Martin actually scored the brass on “Let it Be” (the song). It was at an overdub session in 1970, where among other things Paul played bass and George performed that transcendent guitar solo. Paul did, in fact, approve the brass.
P.S. The brass and guitar solo were muted for the single version.
P.P.S. “Let it Be” is my favorite song of all time.
Manson was definitely an ass hole. But I wonder, if Manson would of never happened, would we of ever heard the Beatles hidden joke? Would we have ever heard "Paul Is Dead"?
@@spiritualarchitect4276 I mean…same idiocy?
I listened to your comments on let it be and was really taken by your observations.
I don’t think there was anything that I disagreed with.
It actually is my favourite album that never came out.
No matter how much you pile up a studio produced song with effects and tidying up, nothing can beat the live sound of a very talented band.
Although “one after 909” is a basic rock and roll song, its delivery is sublime.
You can feel the joy in their interaction on all the live tracks.
“Gimme Some Truth” would have been a good inclusion. It fits right in there with Did A Pony and I’ve Got A Feeling.
I am almost inclined to fit Let It Be into the Paul MCCARTNEY solo category along with Long and Winding Road.
There are certain Ringo -haters. We don't acknowledge them. I met Ringo and Babs(!) in 1990. Here's what you say to Starkey dislikers: Please, show me how it should be played. Just hit yer thighs on the downbeat. Oh, what is a downbeat?...
Heard this a lot growing up courtesy of my older brothers (on both vinyl and 8- track tape 😁).Finally bought my own copy in the late 70's. Favorites include: Two of Us, Across The Universe, One after 909 and I've Got a Feeling.
I really like Let It Be. From the first time I heard it, it became one of my favorite Beatles albums (Abbey Road is my absolute favorite, with the White Album being only a half a hair behind it). I like both the red and green apple versions of the album. ✌☮🤟❣
Years ago I wasn't sure how I felt about "Let it Be" - just lilke "Introducing the Beatles" / "Pleasse Please Me" (US/UK), I frowned upon it somewhat "It doesn't sound like the Beatles" which was bullshit of me. This is a brilliant album.
I was 5 years old when I heard The Long And Winding Road on the radio and I remember I cried.
I did, too - I was 7 when it came out.
I always figured that The Long and Winding Road was a desperate plea to John to return to the way they were...and Two Of US was the acceptance that they were almost finished ("you and I have memories longer than the road that stretches out ahead"). It's kinda sad, in a way. The whole album consists of songs that signal a breakup.
Best John Lennon ad lib: at the Royal Variety performance in late 1963 with the Beatles performance, Queen in the audience etc. introducing the next song he says..."Those in the cheap seats just clap your hands....the rest of you just rattle your jewelry."
I lean toward John singing part of "Danny Boy," mostly because that was a running bit in a cover band of mine. After we'd play "One After 909," a couple of us would do the "Danny Boy" bit, including one member who's no longer with us. May he rest in peace. Shawn R., Mo-Mutt Music/Sacred & Secular (and longtime Beatles fan)
I'm with you. Even though there are a lot of things Phil Spector produced in the 1960s that I love, what he did to "Let It Be" was criminal (no pun intended). I've personally considered "Let It Be...Naked" the official release for a long time.
Everyone loves your show. I remember when II bought my album because they had just broken up a few months earlier and the world did not end....but.
Hi Abby, just wanted to say thanks for doing what you do. I love the depth of your historical knowledge of each album you review as well as the background stories you tell regarding the state of the artist(s) at time of recording. Let it Be has never been one of my favorite Beatles records, but I do like it and agree 100% that Get Back was clearly the best tune to open the album. Anyway, please keep up the great work, I always look forward to vinyl Monday. Bravo!
wow thank you so much!
Let It Be is underrated. "One After 909" is one of my favorite Beatles rocking songs.
@aviation cat So is I've Got a Feeling.
@aviation cat I love that "scene" in the original Let it Be in which Paul is running through I've Got a Feeling and after the bridge "...somebody who looks like you..." he shouts a joyous GOOD MORNING...and sometimes I need to remember that as I go into work every day - -some days at the office feel like the original Let It Be movie 😆
I always look forward to the guitar solo, so good!!
An album that brings back many fond memories of my now departed older brother who played this to death at the time. He had the initial box set complete with the book, but sadly that got lost through the years. By no means their best album, but even when they weren’t firing on all cylinders this album is way better than a lot that was around at the time. The new film/documentary has been a joy to watch, and see The Beatles at work and play. Another top video…nice one.
Wowee! Let It Be is a tough album to talk about, but you nailed it. It's a hot mess with a few of my favorite songs like I Dig A Pony & Get Back. I agree about Don't Let Me Down. This album could have been so much more cohesive as a final musical statement from them. Thanks for reviewing it!
Excellent video as usual. You are a master of reality. Due to the continuing adventures of Faul McCartney and Allen Klien, Let It Be was released as an album, a film and a lawsuit. I talk all about it, you know where.
"released as an album, a film and a lawsuit" damn how did i not think of that first??
@@abigaildevoe look for The Rutles video 'All You Need Is Cash' mockumentary. I nicked it from there. A Monty Python side project.
At school currently, but I can’t wait to watch this when I get home!
i think both versions of this album have their merits, let it be has some more finalized takes of the tracks, bringing in more of the rooftop and later sessions, while get back is more rough around the edges, but is more consistent in the vibe (if that makes sense).
i did my own version of the get back sessions mirroring the line-up of let it be... naked using the best mixes (in my eyes) and i really like listening to that version more! i'm redoing it right now to see if i can fit in more dialogue of the beatles talking.
01. get back (1969 Get Back/single mix)
02. dig a pony (1970 LIB)
03. for you blue (1969 Get Back)
04. the long and winding road (1969 get back)
05. two of us (1970 LIB)
06. i've got a feeling (1970 LIB)
07. one after 909 (1970 LIB)
08. don't let me down (LIBN for now, but the single version sounds really great as well!)
09. i me mine (1970 Get Back, extended mix)
10. across the universe (1970 Get Back)
11. dig it (1969 Get Back, edited to 2:32)
12. let it be (single mix)
13. maggie mae (1970 LIB, hidden track)
Congrats on 20K ..you deserve it.
thank you so much!
Bravo to yet another job well done! You hit all of the major points of discussion re this album.. AND, another "... 2, Electric Boogaloo!" shout out... which I am ALWAYS here for.
the (insert thing here) 2: Electric Boogaloo! joke format will never not be funny to me i'm very glad you appreciate it too
I don't understand the joke so can anyone please explain it to me ? 🤡
That fur coat is on point! Again your energy in your vids are great!
Well done, Abby. People who say Ringo is a bad drummer usually aren't drummers. Ringo was the perfect drummer for the Beatles. He always played to the song and could serve as
another compositional element for the band. There are many Beatle songs that can be identified just by listening to the drum track alone. For decades pretty much any time
that the various drummer magazines ("Modern Drummer", "Drumhead", etc.) would have a "best drummers of all time" poll, Ringo would usually finish in the top 20 (if not
the top 10). Hey, drummers know. My favorite part of the "Get Back" doc was seeing the birth of the song "Get Back". Paul's just sitting strumming his bass, then out of the blue, he lands on the "Get Back" chords. So cool...
that's exactly what i always say - ringo was perfect for what the beatles needed. not to mention his baritone voice is lovely on the tracks he lent it to. he's no keith moon but he doesn't have to be!
@@abigaildevoe I know a professional drummer (who has played with some major artists) who would argue that Ringo was the best musician in the Beatles. I may not go quite that far ( Paul being a multi-instrumentalist and a great bass player) but there's a lot of respect for Ringo amongst musicians.
For a long time my favourite version of The Long and Winding Road was the unadorned version on Anthology 3. Nowadays it's something you can find on bootlegs, Along The River Rhine, it's a Ray Charles style slow blues done while they were jamming with Billy Preston, some of Paul's lyrics are improvised but some are the same lyrics as on The Long and Winding Road. For me the definitive Across The Universe is the one on Anthology 2.
Another great Monday! For my money, Let It Be... Naked is the best way to enjoy what became the Beatles' final album. The track listing/arrangement is better, the stripped down production is apparently more in line with what the band wanted, and it includes Don't Let Me Down. Finally found a vinyl copy in the wild earlier this year and it sounds amazing, will never get rid of it
enjoy that vinyl copy! still looking for one myself, i'll be searching for a while by the sounds of it
@@abigaildevoe Now what do you think of Martin Junior's new mix? Is it worth havin'?
Glyn John's mix is good but so is the UK first pressing original. The one that comes in the UK boxed set is killer. I happen to have one and it sounds great. I do someday want to try and get Let It Be Naked on vinyl. I actually agree with all you said about this. Everything you just covered is spot on. Thank You.
I've always felt that Let It Be should have been the album closer.
Just as a farewell message after the fact. The band is over... Let It Be.
Love how the nuances of that time roll into your brain as you make your points. Great insights.
thank you, that means a lot
I was in my 7th grade home room class, when I heard that the Beattles broke up. I thought: How inconsiderate of them to do that! So at first I didn't pay to much attention to that album. Funny it's one of the few recordings by them I don't own. You provide an interesting perspective on the members, for me, 52 years later. Alan Parsons huh. I read the series of short stories I-Robot , when I was a teenager. His music has always been very special to me, along with the movie AI; which was a Steven Speilberg movie. That movie was originally a story by: Arthur C Clark called: Super Toys Last All Summer Long. ACClark passed away while writing that screen play. There I go again! Travel through a rabbit hole . The Great Labowsky
Yeah !!! it's Vinyl Monday. Mailman just delivered me a stack of wax too. LOL
I organize groups / composers chronologically by recording date(s) as well.
That gets tough with classical composers, but works quite well with popular music.
That’s so hilarious you flipping off Phil Spector on your 60 Second video!!! I appreciate your willingness to talk about the albums you somewhat like-ish. I agree, Let It Be is a challenging and flawed album that could have been great had it not been marred by outside forces, but it holds wonderful memories for me in my journey of discovery of The Beatles. Because of this, I am able to get past all the negatives and appreciate it from a different perspective. I also want to say your channel is the only one in the vinyl community I watch that I don’t scroll through to get to the good parts. They’re all good parts! Miss a little, miss a ton. I give this episode… 💒💒💒💒!!!
Glyn Johns vision of let it be album is by far the best. I picked up a bootleg copy at a record store in 1970. It was titled Kum Back. Good memories.
Should have been released as it was. Great album, The Two Of had dialogue after the song ended. it also had Teddy Bear.
I think Glyn Johns version was not in Beatles standard. It will pan out if that version was released.
@@direkramseychikboy9102 I take it you didn't get the Let it Be deluxe edition. Glyn Johns' Get Back is a bit hard to listen to sometimes, but it's okay.
Glyn John's Get Back Naked mix makes me more appreciative of Phil Spector's Let It Be. To me it sounds more like a record, albeit a slightly ragged and quirky one. Across The Universe is a rare Beatles track -- John might differ re. "rare" -- that never jelled into a rendition quite as perfect as the song itself. Fashionwise there is no contest: Glyn wins hands down, even ignoring Phil's later Mozart-wig-wearing phase, which ended very badly.
Thanks Abby! You rock ♥
Seeing you explain how you file and therefore place Let It Be was ace. It's important. I get it.The American release as a gatefold is interesting though, the UK release was a single sleeve. The black border was deconstructed as significant ( Victorian condolence cards
?).
Don't Let Me Down is a beautiful gem, as is 'what grinds my gears'.
Great review. You are a fountain of information. I agree with your take on the album. Being an old guy, I lived through it all in real time. Seems like Yesterday. However, I didn’t know about the Glynn John version, which I intend to pick up a copy. Thanks.
One of my favourite lp.
My parents gave me the initial box set on it's first release.
My brothers took me to the drive in to see the Let it Be movie and they played Let it Be , Long and Winding Road and Get Back on TV.
TOTALLY Loved Peter Jackson's Get Back series .
On your recommendation (just found this channel today), I checked out the Glyn Johns mix of Let It Be, and you're right; it's great! I have the original Let It Be, the Naked version, and even the bootleg "Apple Rooftop Concert" CD but the Glyn Johns mix had versions of some of these songs I had never heard before. Thanks for bringing it to my attention!
My mother's house was a Beatles house and Revolver on through White Album were in constant rotation (especially the White Album) also solo Paul and George albums. Weirdly, Let It Be was not in the mix! When I finally listened to it, only "Dig a Pony", "Get Back" and "I Got a Feeling" really did much for me.
The GET BACK Mega Doc did a lot to help understand it and everything sounds better sans Spector (and hearing some of the material for Abby Road in brutal form with Billy Preston was a treat!). I need to get the Glynn Johns version!
I originally preferred the original mix to Let It Be... Naked, but now I think I've swapped my allegiance. I know it is Brian Wilson's favourite Beatles album though (along with Rubber Soul), so if it's good enough for him it's good enough for me. The songs still shine through over fifty years later, no matter how choppy the album itself is.
Also 13:21 is sooooo true, love it.
serving some real john lennon in the beginning!
though this album is not my fave beatles album, i have more appreciation for it after watching the docu and seeing the rooftop concert in IMAX, still can’t believe ‘don’t let me down’ wasn’t added to the track list like
how?!
P.S., phil spector reminds me of when I gained access to garage band when i was 12
roasting phil spector is 1000% welcome in this comments section. yes his production style was a trailblazer in the beginning and blah blah blah. but brian wilson did the wall of sound better than phil ever did!!
Great Review!! I think that the Get back sessions were the beginning of a creativity period that covered Let it be , Abbey Road and John, Paul and George's solo albums from 1970
Great analysis. It was the last time when the boys mixed it up together. Jamming. That was what it was about. George Martin was pushed all the way to the side during the project, sitting on the edge as a disappointed observer, not being allowed to manage the mixes. The guys didn't know what the outcome or objective was supposed to be. Paul wanted much more than a record --- and you hear John saying "But that's what we do. We make records!". It was way too heavy a time. None of them even wanted to go through the excellent stuff they had put down so they left it to Phil Spector (John's decision??) and none paid attention to who was managing the post-production as they fell apart. George M and Paul focused them briefly during Abbey Road sessions --- but that was mostly studio work (much of which came out of the Get Back sessions). The tapes from Let It Be were too much of a mess. Glad that Peter Jackson became an archivist and showed us how beautiful the flawed sessions actually were.
I had a bootleg vinyl (with reproduction of the Get Back concept album art) of the Glyn Johns mix, which my uncle had bought in the 1980s, and I didn't even know what it was until your video! 25:28
Ram is amazing. I agree with you about the Long and Winding road. Also about Spector. Great take. It’s like they fought against the Capital records methods only to hand it over to the overlord of the “American sound”! Doh!
Best JL ad-lib "hark the herald angels cum". I hoped you might be explaining what "The One after 909" meant, but no. But I still love you. Keep 'em coming, girl, and I'll keep watchin'. So many to catch up on, being a late comer to your channel. Every one so far has been a joy.
don't worry you're not a latecomer, this thing is just getting started!
My faves from Let It Be are Let It Be, Long 'n Windin' Road 'n Across The Universe. Me thinks Beatles For Sale has some fantastic classics: No Reply, I'll Follow The Sun, Words O' Love, Every Little Thing, I Don't Wanna Spoil The Party 'n What Yer Doin'. The American release was called Beatles VI (which is what I heard at the time) 'n included Eight Days A Week, You Like Me Too Much, Bad Boy, Dizzy Miss Lizzy 'n Tell Me What You See. One o' my all time favorite Beatles albums, sho''nuff!
The Beatles Are The Best 💯 Period
The orchestral arranger on ther "Let it Be" album was Richard Hewson. McCartney had worked with Hewson on the Mary Hopkin single "Goodbye"(which was written by McCartney). Hewson would later record an orchestral version of Paul McCartney's "Ram" under the name Percy "Thrills" Thrillington
Since my school friend played this album to me when we were both 14-like, I took it for what it was, so thank you for giving me a different sight on it. In general I like this album, but not always like its mix. Especially when, adding choir and orchestra in stereo, PS packed the whole band together in the center, practically making them sound like mono. Pure grotesque. Now I'm really curious of the different mixes.
Also, I tend to interpret wonderful "Across the Universe" as poetic description of meditative state. I think that's why there's "Jai Guru Deva... OOOOOhMMMMM!" Ahd George's (?) wah-wah guitar brings even more of that vibe... And then that choir dragging out that "OOOOOhMMMMM" like in a Disney cartoon song is just ridiculous!
I love "Get Back", pretty piece of classical rock and of even more classical roll, even more since I can understand lyrics. Does he make fun of the counter-culture, or was it self-irony? And "One After 909" - the song shelved few years before, then re-worked. Can't say if I prefer album version or that from "Anthology 1", they are completely different. Such a bluesy, rocky, rolly.
And I LOVE title track. Such uplifting music, here IMHO the choir fits as h... as heaven, especially after hammond's entrance. Is it the cause why John said "you can go to church and sing the hymn"? Oh, indeed, you can, and seriously!
And I don't hate "Long and Winding Road" at all, though, you're right, it's Paul backed by John, George and Ringo, more than The Beatles. Like on "The Beatles" 2LP, where often they more back each other than play as the band.
"I've Got a Feeling" - yeah, great John/Paul work, even if it's just a fusion of two separate songs (I remember I've seen a footage somewhere of John and Yoko singin' "Everybody had..." together in 2 octaves simultanously.
And why "Master of Reality"? Because "Paranoid" would be too obvious? Or because some lyrics so much defy some stereotypes about Black, not to mention Sabbath?
master of reality because well...i've already done paranoid! back in march or april iirc, well before vinyl monday made it onto this channel. while i thank spector for saving "across the universe" from being scrapped, i don't thank him for much else - brian wilson did the wall of sound better than phil ever did and he knew it! you're right, that drawn-out ohm is goofy as hell.
ooh hint on the shelf 4 whats coming next week , another British band that starts with B !🐝 GOOD Video abbey with alotta records...🌠
Great coat!
Your review made me think about the song Dig It. I used to think that was a throwaway jam, but they worked on it several times at Apple, and I found a bootleg version from January 29, 1969 that is about 7 minutes long and in the 2nd half of the song, John Lennon reads off a list of the songs that they were working on. It dawned on me that if you took his list of 16 songs and added 8 more that they were rehearsing, it would be a killer double album. I would name this imaginary album "Dig It!", since that is what we should do when we listen.
Here are John's 16 songs followed by 8 more to make it a double album:
1. Don't Let Me Down
2. Get Back
3. I've Got A Feeling
4. Two Of Us
5. All I Want Is You (Dig A Pony)
6. Teddy Boy
7. One After 909
8. All Things Must Pass
9. Dig It
10. Let It Be
11. The Long and Winding Road
12. For You Blue
13. Across the Universe
14. Maxwell's Silver Hammer
15. I Me Mine
16. Through the Bathroom Window (She Came In)
17. Maggie May
18. The Walk
19. Gimme Some Truth
20. Polythene Pam
21. Octopus's Garden
22. Oh! Darling
23. Something
24. Get Back (Reprise)
I can't say that I agree that Phil Spector "botched" this album....
He totally fucked it up! So much sugar, syrup, and wallpaper all over it! The title track and 'Long And Winding Road', for me are horrible, with the layers of crap that he threw all over them.... You are SO right that hearing them on 'LIB: Naked' is the best way! 👍
Peter Jackson's TV movies was very refreshing; you could see the boys enjoying being together, and jamming together - apart from that moment when George walks out... 😞
I was born in 1961, and heard the Beatles all the time as I was growing up; on radio and TV, and Mum & Dads records, and fell in love with those songs and that sound back then, and I still feel the same way today; greatest band ever to have existed, and for such a short time! The way their music shifted and changed from album to album was extraordinary at the time, and by the time they got to the White album, they were SO different, but yet the same young men.... I really feel that Abbey Road should have been the last album, and maybe the best tracks off Let It Be should have been on the 'B' side of the Yellow Submarine album, or a sedate EP - You're right, Long & Winding Road really was a McCartney solo song..... However, and whatever could have been done with some of those songs.
Abbey Road should have been the closure album; a wonderful album throughout, with a fabulous production from George Martin, and really, the last song - The End - really said it all in last few lines of "And in the end, the love you take, is equal to love you make"...... 🙂
It just summed it up beautifully.....I don't count the little Her Majesty ditty at the very end; that's another thing that could have fitted into McCartney 1 somewhere, just for a laugh! Although now after all these years, it does seem to fit Abbey Road, so I don't mind it.....I guess it's just a little McCartney noodling on a guitar after the weight of the second side as a 'palette cleanser'...!! 😆
Hope to see you do a 'Vinyl Monday' on Abbey Road sometime soon... 😉
it's amazing how much the beatles grew in their time together. they'd literally grown up together by the end of everything - the whole thing began and ended before they were 30! by technicality abbey road was the last beatles album. a lot of fans including myself consider it such.
as for an abbey road episode...i have big plans for that one :)
I agree with pretty much everything you say here. I would have left Across The Universe on the Wildlife Fund album and put don’t let me down on this album. Especially because the recording is from early 1968. Also John does mention in the original liner notes for Imagine that Paul co wrote Gimme Some Truth but those notes were scrapped. (They appear in Lennon Letters). Still with all its flaws, Let it Be is under appreciated in my opinion and it’s just about my favorite along with Rubber Soul.
Thanks for this Abby. You said that Super Deluxe is the go-to version, so I did (it's all there on RUclips Music), and there is some really good extra stuff. E.g. Can You Dig It?, Teddy Boy and the Billy Preston track, Without A Song. (Where he's sounding like his mentor, Ray Charles.) As a Beatles fan since 1963, I bought this album back in the day and found it a bit thin as it came out then. In defense of Phil Spector... he was asked to pull together a single album out of the material, although he hadn't been there at the sessions and obviously hadn't been told exactly what was wanted. He produced a pretty good album consisting of 10 longish songs and 2 snippets. The main flaws (I thought) about the original - nothing from Ringo, and a poor album cover - were not his fault. Sorry Abigail, I thought the cover was just plain lazy, compared to every other Beatles album. It wasn't as if it was a nice glossy black (and in England it wasn't a gatefold).
Anyway, thank you for directing us to the new version, it's really good. Looking forward to Ozzy (right?) next week.
I quite like the black background with the individual photos, the Beatles looking like in the White Album photos. It could've been left untitled, and become known as the Black Album.
Abby! Great work, as always. I always enjoy your insights.
I remember taping the album off WBCN Boston, a week before its release, playing it to my friends. The consensus was that, except for Road and Universe, it sounded like demos or maybe outtakes. Hell, we were all hoping for the next step beyond Abbey Road.
Thing is that, as important as the Beatles were back then, nobody imagined that they were the most important band in freaken history. Right?
I guess what I'm getting at is I wonder how this album would be received apart from the mystique.
And I seriously wonder that. Like, do I love these songs because it's The Beatles? Like, how many other great songs, great albums, have sunk without a trace because, well, they weren't the Beatles.
So, like you, I'm conflicted about Let It Be. Not a bad song on it, but is there a great song on it? Maybe. It's all subjective of course.
Keep up the good work.
As usual loved your video. I bought a bunch of cassettes that had let it be included only to find out the tape wasn’t in the case. I like the Beatles for sale album mainly because if the tight harmony. Mr moonlight being my fav. Again. Well done. Always look forward to your vids.
I agree with you. Don't let me down would've been great on this album. I've always found the original movie deadly dull but I'm so excited about the Get Back movie.
And now your hosts for this evening the bottles!!!!!
Abigail ...tell us about the E.P. COLLECTION ASAP 😮
Seeing how short Side 2 is you have to wonder if Don't Let Me Down was supposed to be there -- maybe as the penultimate track. But the song had just been re-released on the U.S. Hey Jude album so maybe that's why it was left off Let It Be. Regardless, it should have been there. It was one of the best tracks of the sessions.
I've been waiting all day for this lol
The most important question the documentary answered for me was: did John Lennon call Glyn Johns 'Glynis'? (Spoiler: he did). For the record, Glynis Johns is hot, too. And her mix of Iggy Pop's "Lust For Life" album is superior to Bowie's.
Let It Be was the first Beatles album I owned, except perhaps for the Red and Blue compilations. I am not quite sure. It was over forty years ago. Either way, in spite of the flaws and turmoil associated with it, I love it. Especially, I love the Let It Be album versions of I've Got A Feeling and Let It Be. Though it would be great if Don't Let Me Down was on there.
I love some of the more underplayed songs as you do. One After 909 and Dig a Pony. But my favorite on Let it Be is Across the Universe. I also think this is some of John’s best lyrics. I do like the album version musically, though. Probably because that’s the only version I heard for 30 or so years and I’m used to it. There is something to be said for inertia, I guess.
I totally agree with you Abby! I too personally think that Phil Spector should have left this album alone and stayed way the hell away from it.Otherwise,very nice video as usual!!!…Karl
This was my first Beatles album. I found it in my shed when I moved to this new house about a year ago. It is a first US Pressing from Pennsylvania i believe
Wow, I TOTALLY agree on 2.5 of your 3 mistakes. The first two - yes, totally agree.
As far as Phil Spector goes, yes I agree that he should not have touched this album… but…
I also feel that his involvement might have been a disaster for this album, but it sparked a working relationship with Lennon that was very interesting. So… was it worth it? It’s a tough call, imo
I had never actually listened to a Beatles album until today (or technically yesterday) when I watched the Get Back docuseries. You could argue it has about three hours of superfluous footage, but it is absolutely transfixing to watch even if you're not into the band (as I wasn't), so long as you don't just absolutely hate the music.
I actually remember hearing Don't Let Me Down from a clip of the rooftop concert, really liking it, and then finding that not only was it not on the album, there was a huge controversy about which was the best version of the album and everyone hated the original... I just went "alright, whatever" and shelved the Beatles thing.
Coming back to it, I have to say I really like the album... so long as it's not the original Spector mix. It's not awful, but really misses the whole appeal. And Don't Let Me Down not being on it? What on God's green earth. My favorite song I've heard from them so far. I would say I probably prefer the 2021 mix over even naked so long as you put that somewhere in there.
Reminds me of In Utero, where the original Albini mix is OK, the original release was very good, the 2013 remix was (in my opinion), interesting but way too soft, and the brand new anniversary remaster is the best version.
Also I feel so weirdly invested in the Beatles now. I've been psyopped. And, now, for your host this evening, the Rolling Stones
One thing I didn’t like that Phil Spector did was remove George’s guitar on For You Blue. He has George playing it in the beginning but then after his intro it’s gone
I like all three mixes but I agree with most that Gyn's angelic mix is the best however, my favorite is Phil's mix. They may sound weird but it's a nostalgic thing for me being the version I grew up with since it's release. Not a fan of the boosted orchestration and horns but love the grittier guitar solo and accents. George Martin's single mix is average and what you'd expect and played on most radio. As always, not right nor wrong, just my opinion and personal view.
I like what you do.
Omg I sort by 1st name alphabetical too! Unite!
I have always liked the late Beatles sound and have always liked this record. One After 909 is a great rocker. I agree that Don't Let Me Down should be on the record. I would also nominate Old Brown Shoe as a candidate for inclusion. I really like Two of Us as well. Finally, i do believe there is a hint of sadness as this was the end. Good record and one of the first i ever bought for myself.
Thanks for sharing, Abby. Interesting observations, as usual. I like the version of "Across the Universe" that appears on the "Rarities" album, which I bought on vinyl as a teenager. Not sure what happened to it. Shawn R., Mo-Mutt Music/Sacred & Secular
This is my favorite Beatles album. Is it the best, no. I'm a Detroit kid and had Motown in my blood (Where are the Motown record reviews? Such a huge influence on MC5 and so many others). This record has some soul. Billy Preston infused some of that into the Beatles. The Naked version made me love this album even more.
I don’t know. I’ve listened to some of the songs mixed by Glyn Johns. And even though I love the raw versions of songs, I have to admit, I love the strings Phil Spector put on “The Long And Winding Road” and I love the fullness of “I Me Mine” and “Across The Universe.” The songs on the rooftop were great and I agree “Don’t Let Me Down” should have been added. But the biggest let down of Glyn Johns was not keeping or adding George Harrison’s second take guitar solo you hear on the original album’s version of “Let It Be.” It drives me nuts hearing the impotent original solo of Harrison’s constantly played on the radio. I have to believe George felt his original solo wasn’t good enough or else he wouldn’t have gone back in the studio to record his ass kicking second take. As far as I’m concerned, Spector was balls accurate adding Harrison’s new solo to the original.
I love “the two of us “ feels like a nostalgic Lennon McCartney memory of how they started.
As usual, you gave a very insightful perspective of Let it Be or Get Back, or whatever! What do you think of the singles versions of Get Back, and Let it Be? The differences are subtle but I always preferred the sings to the album versions.
the box set is the best including the Glynn Johns version
It's turned into a thirty-three and a third, R.P.M Shrine from like the Twilight Zone's 16 mm shrine.
I was just typing a comment of if you’ve been the Japanese copy of this album because of how great the gatefold is…
Then you opened yours…
I forgot the Japanese cover took it from the American version.
It is the American made version and if it has BELL SOUND in the dead wax you have a great sounding copy that is if it was not worn out..
I actually really love that album. It is flawed, but sometimes great things are. It's part of their makeup. I love the song, I got a feeling, I've played it many times with different bands and it was always fun. Same goes for Dig a Pony.
I've never been a fan of the original Let It Be release. Let It Be... Naked has a much better flow and rhythm to it in my opinion. Plus the inclusion of "Don't Let Me Down" and the exclusion of "Dig It" and "Maggie Mae" are major improvements. Miss the coda to the single version of "Get Back" though...
“When we feel like that we take a fat holiday with our fat wallets…”. He was a good interviewee but his remarks became more cutting after ‘success’. His ad libs we’re more quotes and anything really spontaneous he said isn’t that easy to come by. I think “I hope we passed the audition” was a return to those earlier days.