It’s one of those big-hit level songs that at first doesn’t sound like a big hit. But after listening to it a few times you want to listen to it forever.
It felt awkward at first, but after three listens or so it was stuck in my head. It is so liberating to have a new song stuck in my head that isn’t rubbish! 😂
This song feels right to me. The Beatles always were ridiculously successful at connecting at an emotional level with their audience and this song just proves it all over again.
I totally agree! Would love to see both Paul and Ringo accepting a Grammy Award on behalf of The Beatles' for the bands last release! Wouldn't that be cool!
These are very sophisticated people, Giles Martin, Ringo, Paul, et al., and obviously were extremely cautious to bring it up to a workable part, without erasing the humanity- the sweet natural voice from a demo.
I really like how they seperated and cleaned up John's vocal. It's a good song and a fun video. Anything that brings joy into a troubled world gets a thumbs up. So nice to hear John one last time.
Such is the Beatles legacy that finding an unreleased Lennon song is afforded the same respect as finding Beethoven's 10th symphony. You gotta hand it to those boys!
I have listened to the original demos from the actual cassette on RUclips like with Free As A Bird and Real Love original tape cassette and that is John Lennon's real actual voice.
Fil, there's three possible reasons I can see that they left out that pre-chorus in the final release. First, I think they wanted to shorten the song from the 5 minute demo to the current 4 minutes that it is for purposes of releasing as a single as is traditional practice which you are aware of. (usually 3 to 4 minutes is a preferred length). Second, as you pointed out, the lyric was not finished in the last part of that pre-chorus.You'll notice he just trails off just humming. And because I suspect they wanted to shorten the song anyway, then that would have been the obvious part of the song to cut out. And thirdly, the lyrics that are on the pre-chorus seem to be more specific to a personal relationship as we hear him singing lines such as, "I don't want to use or abuse you" and "sweet darling". Whereas, the other parts of the song that were used in the release are more open to interpretation by the listeners. Some people have imagined it being about the band members' feelings for each other as a group and missing the old days ("Now and then I miss you") or even a message of endearment from John to Paul. I've read that allegedly, there was a note attached to the tape in John's handwriting that read, "To Paul" or "For Paul" but I haven't been able to confirm that. I do know that in the few years just before John was killed, he and Paul were starting to get back on good terms and hanging out together whenever Paul would make a trip to the states and stop in to visit John in New York. But regardless, leaving out that pre-chorus allowed for a more open interpretation which I suspect Paul probably intended.
And there's no way McCartney could have sung it instead with his 2022 range. Yes, he could have lowered the key by 4 or 5 steps to get the highest part to match his current day highest note but that would have then rendered Lennon's verses as artificially low (i.e., too "bassy"). I think McCartney could have played the missing melody as his own lead/slide guitar part to keep the integrity of the song (and thus avoiding the lyrics that had no relevance to the verses) as well as avoid the attempt to imitate the inimitable Harrison's slide guitaring.
I agree with your analysis... My belief is that the 3rd point dominated thinking. The word "abuse" would have fuleed a lot of nonsense talk about John Lennon. And in today's world, Twitter would have been inundated with absolute nonsense that mainstream media would have pulled into their headlines.
and all poor reasons to leave out such a beautiful and signature section. among all the covers coming out lately I’ve been looking out for the odd and brave exceptions to the exception.
First off, people who insist this couldn't be achieved without replacing Lennon's voice with a robot obviously know nothing about rocket surgery. Second, they made the right choice getting rid of that half-finished bridge. If John and Paul were actually writing together, I'll bet they would've decided to throw it out.
Steve - If John & Paul had been working together on this (like they had in the 1960s) I think they would have come up with a different middle section. I really like the finished song they put together... but I think it would have been a bit longer - with a new middle section - had John & Paul actually worked together on it. Would love to hear what they might have come up with.
@@aBeatleFan4everListen to the production of John's demo a RUclips channel called "Now And Then" uploaded a few months ago. Whoever made that version kept the pre-chorus and it sounds so much better in my opinion. What you hear on John's demo is just him laying out the skeleton of the bone; with psychedelic guitars and more texture built upon it you can see how much could have been extracted from this song as a composition. I think the official release made some questionable decision.
I was a bit wary when I heard that there was going to be a "new Beatles song". Not because of the AI aspect but because I thought it would sound like they threw some glitter at a song that John didn't deem good enough to record himself. I'm relieved that it turned as it did. I liked John's demo, but they very respectfully improved it and turned it into a really lovely song.
@@rickboer7715 You mean John's demo? Hmmm... That's where I think they really used AI in a great way to turn a demo into a good song without taking the essence from John's original (in my opinion). Of course I can only guess, but I think that if they had gone ahead in 1995 and released Now and Then based on 1995 technology, the result would have been a lot worse. Just a gut feeling. And while I do enjoy Free as a Bird or Real Love as songs, I'd be curious to see how they would sound with today's technology. But they're done and fine as they are.
@@olivermueller1979 Free As A Bird & Real Love could've done without Jeff Lynne's overproduction which makes them sound like ELO songs not Beatles songs. Hopefully they can de mix John's vocals & de Lynne the production of these tracks for the 30th anniversary expanded editions of Anthology.
Maybe. Maybe if YOU were Paul. Sounds like it'd be really special. Now, I'm not saying John and Paul were all businesses or anything I'm not trying to pretend like they weren't friends any more (even though it is clear they did drift considerably apart in latter years...) But all I'm doing, I'm sorry for nitpicking, just trying to illustrate a point which is we really don't know what is in Paul's head nor would we ever know what was in the head the moment he first heard John's vocal clear.... Or even if he ever did hear it isolated or like that all. Anyway, I know you meant well and for that you get a ❤ and a single tear yellow round Paul McCartney face😢 but it's probably gonna close down my long ass comment and I'll get reprimanded just because.... Randomness: THINKING OUT LOUD WHERE can I join the writers in striking??? In NYC?
The amount of people I've had to correct about this bloody stupid myth about AI. What's frsutrating is that the Beatles put out the making of video, and Giles Martin and Peter Jackson have explained how it's done. It's not difficult to understand there's NOTHING added to the voice AI wise.
Exactly John hasn't come back from the dead he was already alive when he recorded his piano n vocal parts on a Sony cassette machine, it wasn't possible at the time to split the piano n vocal and Phil explained this too. With new technology i.e.. AI both tracks were not only split but cleaned up as well, this was not generated AI as some seem to think.
As a huge John Lennon, and Beatle fan, I thank you very much, Fil! I appreciate your taking the time, sharing your experience, and knowledge with us! I love the song. I’m so grateful to be living during this incredible event! They did a fantastic job putting the video together, with photos of John and George. You have to smile seeing John dancing around, and being silly. Thanks again, Fil. I enjoyed this very much! 😊❤
Studio monitoring is so advanced now, using all the digital technologies available. They could truly extract just the vocals alone from any recording. It's not like back in the early days of analogue recordings where it was virtually impossible to separate any of the sounds unless they were recorded on a separate track already. So I'll believe Paul and Ringo when they say how they made the song. Also Let's give them Kudos for the video as well. It was so amazing to see the four of them together all at the same time, even if it was only a virtual trick. It brought tears to my eyes to see it. R.I.P. John and George, you are never forgotten and your music lives on forever!
McCartney has said he sang along with John in places where the voice was ‘thin’, to get a more rounded sound. He mimicked John’s flattened vocals as opposed to his own, more rounded voice. He said it was normal for them to sing whole songs together, so didn’t think it was departing from what the Beatles did.
The better guitar player, technically the better drummer, the only member 100% proficient on keyboards, he can play cello, trumpet .... to make it short, he plays way more instruments than all Beatles played on records, and some of them absolutely on pro-level. As if that was not enough ... the best of all: One of the best bass players in pop, excellent singer, and one of the most productive songwriters ever lived. That's Paul McCartney. Yes, he did support John Lennons voice often. Not a few Beatles songs were actually mostly him, in particular after '65. If you want to see things with this background in mind, yes, then you can count it as a Beatles song.
Thanks for clearing up this debate about John's voice. This song & the video gives me such nostalgic vibes. I grew up with the Beatles music as a young girl. This also makes me a little sad since John & George are no longer with us (John was murdered in 1980 & George died of cancer in 2001). But I enjoyed the video showing them all together. I am sure Paul & Ringo loved doing this tribute & it must have brought back a lot of fond memories for them.
Great job Phil. The inclusion of Ringo to such an extent, I think, really makes this recording’s rhythm and beat unfold in true Beatle fashion. His importance to the bands “sound” should never be doubted and always appreciated. One could argue Ringo is the most universally gifted “performer” in the band and the catalyst for the great vocal harmony of John, Paul & George.
I love the Timmy Sean version. I am a huge early Beatles fan and he NAILED it! I feel it is a great companion to the original. What a gift from the Beatles and Timmy Sean.
Thank you so much, Fil. I was on my way to Denver, CO and had the car radio blasting when they played this for the first time. Such a sense of nostalgia overcame me as I was driving. I grew up with the Beatles and given my age at the time, I was convinced I was going to go to a Beatles concert, be spotted in the crowd by Paul and swept off my feet, LOL!! Hearing John's voice and the music and just the whole experience was wonderful. Your videos are always so educational and especially for someone who doesn't know anything about music except that I love it and that it has had such a huge impact on my life. I will always feel blessed to have lived during the most amazing time for music and for me, it all started with the Beatles.
I was hoping you'd do a video on this. The song has really grown on me the more I've listened to it, and I got really emotional watching the video Peter Jackson directed. I personally prefer John's original demo, though- it has such a haunting sound, and there is just something magical about John Lennon on the piano. Of course, I'm a piano girl, so I might be biased 😊. I'm really bummed that the record company is blocking the demo now. I wish they'd release it as a b-side or something. I would gladly pay to have it!
It’s a good song, and am glad it got them another number one….man what a great group. I love your videos Fil. You gives these a thousand per cent. Utter magic.
After watching this a few times, I now have the answers to a couple question's I had: 1. Why John's demo sounded more haunting, and 2. Why Paul redid the piano, instead of using John's piano in the demo. The answer to both is the pitch correction Paul had them do. In John's demo he was singing flat of the notes, and more notes were minor not major as in the changes made by Paul. So of course with Paul changing notes to major, John's piano part no longer matched up. Pitch correction altered the actual feeling John had intended, and made it necessary for Paul to redo the piano part John had originally played.
I am not a musician nor am I a studio technician. That being said,John used to 'double track ' his vocals on many songs. He was able to make 2 separate recordings and layer one over the other. Is THAT AI? The only thing AI did was isolate John's voice from the other parts of the song and get rid of that hum. I see many reviewers 'sh-tting' over this song but I think it is quite beautiful. Life long Beatles fan since 1964 at 8 years old. I am now 67. You cannot fool me as to what is John and what is not. Thank you, Fil for bringing clarity to a cloudy subject.
9:30 My guess is that a lot of the production side of the song was done back in the 90s while they were still trying to combat the noise in the original recording, so if they'd decided not to include that section back then, they wouldn't have added it back in because George wouldn't have a part in that section.
Hi Fil, This was an interesting video on this song. And glad they did not overdo pitch correction on John’s voice. And I agree sometimes you have to adjust the EQ so everything blends better. I enjoyed TimmySean’s take on the song as well. I thought it had, and added many Beatles musical elements to the song giving it a more modern sound. Thank you for taking a look at this song and explaining how it really is John’s voice! Great Job, You Are The Best! Debbie☮️
The bit that was taken out, changes the point of the song. I would imagine that John was writing it for Yoko. But the version we have been given, with all of the Fab Four in it, makes it sound to me, like a love letter to each other and to the fans. Made me cry. Thank you for this analysis, Fil. I could hear some pitch correction, but it's nice to know that they didn't overdo it.
I couldn't hear the pitch correction at all, and I usually notice it, especially when it comes to the Beatles. It's a sign they did an excellent and nuanced job of it.
Great update Fil as always the Beatles always pushed the boundaries that’s what made them great and so unique. Keep up the great work. Watch all your videos
It is great that they did some pitch correction to his recording. Remember John wasn't recording this intending it to be released as-is. He was jamming making a song that he thought would be a cool Beatles song, so he could share it with Paul later. If they had gone to the studio and recorded it then obviously he would have put more effort into it. No but this was a loafers and bathrobe in front of the piano rendition, so obviously he didn't put that much effort into making it perfect! It's the equivalent of me getting up in the morning hung over with a song idea in my head putting it on tape so I don't forget.
At first, it was hard to separate my emotional response from my analytical response. After numerous listenings and giving it some time I think it was a wise move not to make this sound like any of the sixties version of the Beatles. I know there are nods to classic Beatle production, especially with the strings and guitar solo. But McCartney and Ringo are both in their 80s and this version had to reflect on where they are now. The end result was worth the wait . I can't listen to this without being happy and melancholy at the same time. Thanks for the interesting analysis .
Fil, this is so so interesting. When the song came out, it seemed nearly every website wanted to explain how it had been done. I didn’t click on any of them-knowing that if I really expected to hear how this was accomplished, that you would have the best explanation here on your channel along with the tech display. Thank you!
Thanks Fil for checking out the Now and Then video and song. I'm glad I have been watching you for a good while before finding the video of everyone working to put Now and Then out there. I was just excited that because I watch your videos I understood and appreciated what they discussed that much more. While it is extraordinary what can be done in a studio, nothing, absolutely NOTHING should ever replace good honest to god vocal talent & emotion with AI and then calling that manipulated voice talent.
Thank you so much, Fil, for your insights into this amazing song by the Beatles thanks to Paul and Ringo. It is something of a miracle, really! I never dreamed this kind of thing would ever have been possible when I was 8 years old in 1964!! It is thrilling and touching that Paul and Ringo were able to do it finally. You have great proof that nothing artificial was done to John's voice. Thanks again!! 🥰🎹🎸🎶❤
I listened to the version that you gave the link to and I also listened to the VEVO version. Thanks for providing a very interesting and informative analysis of “Now and Then” with regards to whether or not AI was used in making the song. At first, I was a little bit confused when I saw the “1964 AI” in brackets under the title until you explained it. I was glad that you explained the differences between the use of AI and applying different effects in recording/music production. When I worked in computer/electronics store, that was when I’d heard about Artificial Intelligence being an integral component in graphics cards and gaming, sometimes also in cryptocurrency but believe me, I’m not particularly familiar with that high level of technology. It’s refreshing to hear John’s voice in the song. I’d tend to think that his surviving band members wouldn’t want to fake it. No worries about you “going on so long” because for me, you’re giving me an education in music technology. Many thanks for all you do, Fil. Cheers!
I think many of us were all hoping for another Real Love. And we got this, and it is glorious. When I first heard it, it sounded to me more like Ringo and Paul guesting on a John song. The Beatles tracks with strings often featured cello and, as others have commented, the cellos are not dominant in this. Those cellos were part of their sound and almost George Martin's signature. George's voice is also, obviously not prominent and Paul's voice has changed tonally in his later years (but still a fabulous singer). As a result, we don't get those signature harmonies that we got on Free as a Bird and Real Love. But the song itself is mesmerising. That perfect mix of longing, sadness, joy and reflection that we got from a number of John's songs. Each repeat listen, I hear something new - which is what the very best of the Beatles songs do. Think Hard Days Night, Eleanor Rigby, Let it Be, Something, Don't let me down. Part of me wishes that they would remix John's vocals on Free as a Bird and Real Love. As someone else said, this is a labour of love, What a joyful thing to put out in the world. And bonus points for Timmy - loved that version too.
Love Me Do, She Loves You, I Want To Hold Your Hand ... THE BEATLES sang straight into my 14/15-year-old heart. Back then. When they stopped, I was 20. When John Lennon was shot, I was 30. Today, as a 73-year-old white (wise?) man, I don't need this stuff fiddled together with modern technology. But it's certainly very valuable for the heirs' coffers. It makes me sad because "the good old days" will never come back. That's life.
I first heard this last Saturday on the way home from my Brother-in-Law's funeral. I couldn't stop bawling. Never a huge Beatles fan, but this is something special.
Thank you, Fil, for your analysis video! As always, I appreciate your musical opinion. I believe this to be a fitting final song for The Fab Four. It's too bad that many are under the impression that it is not really John Lennon's voice on this track. I'm not a musician, but it is obvious to me that John's original vocal was well preserved for this song and not computer generated. It is very well put together. Only The Beatles could pull off releasing a new song 50+ years after they broke up and have it go to number 1! 💕💕
Good explainer on actual post production used with Lennon's vocals in Beatles release ---with A I used in vocal separation only. Adding example of an upbeat cover of Beatles release using 'A I vocal alteration' was a statement on possibilities of A I and seemingly an endorsement.
The Beatles often worked together to write songs. They would pitch a verse that would morph into something else. So dropping the bridge piece is not unusual. They also would sometimes take fragments of things they were working on and marry them to other fragments. Golden Slumbers/Carry the Weight is a prime example. Now and Then is a true Beatle song, and I for one love it.
I don't think this is pitch correction per se, but the adjustments that we see are an "artefact" of the AI processing which is also trying to stay close to the original voice. McCartney's ear is legendary, I doubt he'd put up with the kind of correction we're used to these days. Some of this new AI voice stuff is impressive.
Muddled lyrics possible insertion: "..But If you have to go.. Away. If you have to go.. Then I'll miss you every day." or Please return without a delay." or Please return to me someday." or Please tell me what to unsay." or I'll look for you every day." or ...?
I can't say anything different than anyone else is already added in the chat so I will just say thanks again Fil, and also thanks for that other version of then and now at the end of the video that was really cool. Many Blessings!
I loved the Now and Then video. I have loved the Beatles for 60 years. I cried all the way through it. It was good for my heart and I'm sure all Beatle fans. I heard the mini documentary and when I heard Johns voice after all these years...I loved. Thanks Fil
I was able to take a recording on the crappiest cheap cassette tape you could buy from 1991 and use software to clean it up to such a level, that it sounded like a digital broadcast today. It had a persistent rumble in it that I successfully removed for the first time, like the demo of Now and Then had a persistent mains hum that Jeff Lynne couldn't handle with 1995 technology. The problem was that you weren't able to lose the piano and any fixes you applied to the voice also got applied to the piano creating distortion to it and making it unusable. I suspected they'd use pitch correction as it was the only way to correct a fragmented, demo vocal that wasn't a completed and/or perfected studio product. I like Now and Then, not the best thing The Beatles ever recorded by a long shot, but a lovely surprise gift to bring the curtain down on their remarkable career.
Right on. As a musician of many decades and Studio guy, it's good to hear this kind of take on it. And I thought of tons of details you didn't reference, but there's not time for everything is there! I love everything about this and while the guys cover sounded pretty artificial, I really loved his take on it. And in fact I really loved how he paid homage to Paul McCartney's bass guitar line here, which I absolutely love in this song. He basically replicates it and jazz is it up a little bit, but it preserves the feel of it at that faster tempo even.
I racking my brain over this. That very first chord in Timmy Sean’s rendition is the same chord that another Beatles song started with. “Things We Said Today”. Listen to it. It’s exactly the same kind of intro. He uses the cowbell which was in other Beatles songs as well. Actually, if you listen closely, there seems to be a LOT of little snippets of original Beatles songs in his rendition. LOL….I’m getting a headache trying to identify them.
It's well known that John Lennon, never happy with the sound of his own vocal sound, used to implore George Martin to modify or distort it whenever possible (although Martin, wisely, mostly resisted these requests). With that in mind, any use by co-producer Giles Martin of a bit of simple EQ'ing and compression - as well as being standard studio practice - would undoubtedly have been approved of by Lennon.
Reminded again the amazing quality of Lennon's voice. Takes me back to the earliest singles - From Me To You and I Want To Hold Your Hand - where it was his voice that made the ears prick up and the heart beat faster. .Paul was the harmoniser and the Little Richard rocker ( Saw Her Standing There etc ). He was the Beatles for me .. and turned out to be an amazingly articulate creative in those turbulent times. He said what we were sort of thinking but struggling to say. And the music - I mean I Am The Walrus and She Said She Said !! Still fresh as ever. A unique time.
John was my favourite but as an older person I much prefer Paul - a genius and the change on chords that he is a master at- and his vocals were incredible - second only to Steve Marriott - also he could do low and rich ( Paul) - believe it or not has amazing lyrics too “ changing my life with a wave of her hand springs to mind
I'm so glad you made this video, it made me subscribe to your channel. There has been so much confusion on this issue and I don't know why, it's not as if the makers did not explain it. The visual showing of the computer traces, along with your excellent and clear explanation of the whole process deserves praise. Well done and thank you Fil!
Dear Phil, I have watched several analysis videos of this song already. I just want to say thank you for presenting a fresh perspective on this beautiful song. And provided information that other people well regarded in this field have not. It was a well done video and I really enjoyed your presentation. Keep up the good work
It’s one of those big-hit level songs that at first doesn’t sound like a big hit. But after listening to it a few times you want to listen to it forever.
I admit, when I heard it for the first time I felt a bit underwhelmed and definitely did not expect it to soon become my earworm! 😄
so true.
It felt awkward at first, but after three listens or so it was stuck in my head. It is so liberating to have a new song stuck in my head that isn’t rubbish! 😂
@@5roundsrapid263 you mean like “Stayin Alive”? Woops sorry 😂
@@thescarletandgrey2505 The Bee Gees were brilliant songwriters, in my opinion. That wasn’t their best song, but it was miles ahead of todays hits!
This song feels right to me. The Beatles always were ridiculously successful at connecting at an emotional level with their audience and this song just proves it all over again.
Connecting at an emotional level .. they were masters ...
I totally agree! Would love to see both Paul and Ringo accepting a Grammy Award on behalf of The Beatles' for the bands last release! Wouldn't that be cool!
These are very sophisticated people, Giles Martin, Ringo, Paul, et al., and obviously were extremely cautious to bring it up to a workable part, without erasing the humanity- the sweet natural voice from a demo.
Excellent job done on it, the care taken shows the love for one another and for the fans.
I really like how they seperated and cleaned up John's vocal. It's a good song and a fun video. Anything that brings joy into a troubled world gets a thumbs up. So nice to hear John one last time.
Absolutely the point of it and a stunning epitaph for the Beatles.
Such is the Beatles legacy that finding an unreleased Lennon song is afforded the same respect as finding Beethoven's 10th symphony. You gotta hand it to those boys!
I was so happy when I first heard Now and Then because that IS John's voice.
I think all Beatle fans felt it in their gut the second we heard it!
It’s unmistakable. If they’d faked anything, it would be instantly noticed. The whole world has recognized John’s voice for 60 years!
I have listened to the original demos from the actual cassette on RUclips like with Free As A Bird and Real Love original tape cassette and that is John Lennon's real actual voice.
Fil, there's three possible reasons I can see that they left out that pre-chorus in the final release. First, I think they wanted to shorten the song from the 5 minute demo to the current 4 minutes that it is for purposes of releasing as a single as is traditional practice which you are aware of. (usually 3 to 4 minutes is a preferred length). Second, as you pointed out, the lyric was not finished in the last part of that pre-chorus.You'll notice he just trails off just humming. And because I suspect they wanted to shorten the song anyway, then that would have been the obvious part of the song to cut out. And thirdly, the lyrics that are on the pre-chorus seem to be more specific to a personal relationship as we hear him singing lines such as, "I don't want to use or abuse you" and "sweet darling". Whereas, the other parts of the song that were used in the release are more open to interpretation by the listeners. Some people have imagined it being about the band members' feelings for each other as a group and missing the old days ("Now and then I miss you") or even a message of endearment from John to Paul. I've read that allegedly, there was a note attached to the tape in John's handwriting that read, "To Paul" or "For Paul" but I haven't been able to confirm that. I do know that in the few years just before John was killed, he and Paul were starting to get back on good terms and hanging out together whenever Paul would make a trip to the states and stop in to visit John in New York. But regardless, leaving out that pre-chorus allowed for a more open interpretation which I suspect Paul probably intended.
I agree. Those are some excellent points and actually make perfect sense.
Yes!!
And there's no way McCartney could have sung it instead with his 2022 range.
Yes, he could have lowered the key by 4 or 5 steps to get the highest part to match his current day highest note but that would have then rendered Lennon's verses as artificially low (i.e., too "bassy").
I think McCartney could have played the missing melody as his own lead/slide guitar part to keep the integrity of the song (and thus avoiding the lyrics that had no relevance to the verses) as well as avoid the attempt to imitate the inimitable Harrison's slide guitaring.
I agree with your analysis... My belief is that the 3rd point dominated thinking.
The word "abuse" would have fuleed a lot of nonsense talk about John Lennon. And in today's world, Twitter would have been inundated with absolute nonsense that mainstream media would have pulled into their headlines.
and all poor reasons to leave out such a beautiful and signature section. among all the covers coming out lately I’ve been looking out for the odd and brave exceptions to the exception.
First off, people who insist this couldn't be achieved without replacing Lennon's voice with a robot obviously know nothing about rocket surgery. Second, they made the right choice getting rid of that half-finished bridge. If John and Paul were actually writing together, I'll bet they would've decided to throw it out.
The bridge was finished. Only the last line of the lyrics was unfinished.
I've seen the orginal printed lyrics from 1995, marked up by Jeff Lynne. They had already decided to remove it.
Steve - If John & Paul had been working together on this (like they had in the 1960s) I think they would have come up with a different middle section. I really like the finished song they put together... but I think it would have been a bit longer - with a new middle section - had John & Paul actually worked together on it. Would love to hear what they might have come up with.
@@aBeatleFan4everListen to the production of John's demo a RUclips channel called "Now And Then" uploaded a few months ago. Whoever made that version kept the pre-chorus and it sounds so much better in my opinion. What you hear on John's demo is just him laying out the skeleton of the bone; with psychedelic guitars and more texture built upon it you can see how much could have been extracted from this song as a composition.
I think the official release made some questionable decision.
It's clearly a more interesting and less repetitive song with the bridge
I was a bit wary when I heard that there was going to be a "new Beatles song". Not because of the AI aspect but because I thought it would sound like they threw some glitter at a song that John didn't deem good enough to record himself. I'm relieved that it turned as it did. I liked John's demo, but they very respectfully improved it and turned it into a really lovely song.
I love that Paul didn't try to speak for John or George. He left a ton of space to evoke them and let them fill it.
I never once thought they would do what you were afraid of. ;)
But if it's all you got what else can you do?
@@rickboer7715 You mean John's demo? Hmmm... That's where I think they really used AI in a great way to turn a demo into a good song without taking the essence from John's original (in my opinion).
Of course I can only guess, but I think that if they had gone ahead in 1995 and released Now and Then based on 1995 technology, the result would have been a lot worse. Just a gut feeling. And while I do enjoy Free as a Bird or Real Love as songs, I'd be curious to see how they would sound with today's technology. But they're done and fine as they are.
@@olivermueller1979 Free As A Bird & Real Love could've done without Jeff Lynne's overproduction which makes them sound like ELO songs not Beatles songs. Hopefully they can de mix John's vocals & de Lynne the production of these tracks for the 30th anniversary expanded editions of Anthology.
I can't imagine how hard it hit Paul the first time he heard the clean version of this vocal. This was a labor of love.
Yasssss!
For some reason it seems fitting that the final Beatles song was a Lennon tune. I’m sure Mac is okay with that
It hit me so hard when I watched the documentary. I’m so sick of autotune and AI, that when I heard it done right, I was speechless.
@@5roundsrapid263Same here when I watched it! Brought tears to my eyes!
Maybe. Maybe if YOU were Paul. Sounds like it'd be really special.
Now, I'm not saying John and Paul were all businesses or anything I'm not trying to pretend like they weren't friends any more (even though it is clear they did drift considerably apart in latter years...)
But all I'm doing, I'm sorry for nitpicking, just trying to illustrate a point which is we really don't know what is in Paul's head nor would we ever know what was in the head the moment he first heard John's vocal clear.... Or even if he ever did hear it isolated or like that all. Anyway, I know you meant well and for that you get a ❤ and a single tear yellow round Paul McCartney face😢 but it's probably gonna close down my long ass comment and I'll get reprimanded just because....
Randomness: THINKING OUT LOUD
WHERE can I join the writers in striking???
In NYC?
The amount of people I've had to correct about this bloody stupid myth about AI. What's frsutrating is that the Beatles put out the making of video, and Giles Martin and Peter Jackson have explained how it's done. It's not difficult to understand there's NOTHING added to the voice AI wise.
Fantastic ai vocals...
Exactly John hasn't come back from the dead he was already alive when he recorded his piano n vocal parts on a Sony cassette machine, it wasn't possible at the time to split the piano n vocal and Phil explained this too. With new technology i.e.. AI both tracks were not only split but cleaned up as well, this was not generated AI as some seem to think.
"Number* of people"
@@cmonman3639 What are you referring to and how does that change anything?
@@crunchyfrog555 One of those...
As long as Yoko isn't squreetching and caterwauling in the background, I'm fine with that.
Ain't that the TRUTH !
As a huge John Lennon, and Beatle fan, I thank you very much, Fil!
I appreciate your taking the time, sharing your experience, and knowledge with us! I love the song. I’m so grateful to be living during this incredible event! They did a fantastic job putting the video together, with photos of John and George. You have to smile seeing John dancing around, and being silly.
Thanks again, Fil. I enjoyed this very much! 😊❤
Fil, thank you brother, it's so obvious. Pure Johnny!
Studio monitoring is so advanced now, using all the digital technologies available. They could truly extract just the vocals alone from any recording. It's not like back in the early days of analogue recordings where it was virtually impossible to separate any of the sounds unless they were recorded on a separate track already. So I'll believe Paul and Ringo when they say how they made the song. Also Let's give them Kudos for the video as well. It was so amazing to see the four of them together all at the same time, even if it was only a virtual trick. It brought tears to my eyes to see it. R.I.P. John and George, you are never forgotten and your music lives on forever!
McCartney has said he sang along with John in places where the voice was ‘thin’, to get a more rounded sound. He mimicked John’s flattened vocals as opposed to his own, more rounded voice. He said it was normal for them to sing whole songs together, so didn’t think it was departing from what the Beatles did.
The better guitar player, technically the better drummer, the only member 100% proficient on keyboards, he can play cello, trumpet .... to make it short, he plays way more instruments than all Beatles played on records, and some of them absolutely on pro-level.
As if that was not enough ... the best of all: One of the best bass players in pop, excellent singer, and one of the most productive songwriters ever lived. That's Paul McCartney.
Yes, he did support John Lennons voice often. Not a few Beatles songs were actually mostly him, in particular after '65. If you want to see things with this background in mind, yes, then you can count it as a Beatles song.
Thanks for shouting out my little A.I. experiment, Fil!
The Timmy Sean version sounds great.
Timmy's version sounds exactly like I imagined the song to be
I like this song very much, its beautiful and sad and so Beatles.
Exactly.
Great video! Thanks for including that cover by Timmy Sean - what a great arrangement he created!
Thanks for clearing up this debate about John's voice. This song & the video gives me such nostalgic vibes. I grew up with the Beatles music as a young girl. This also makes me a little sad since John & George are no longer with us (John was murdered in 1980 & George died of cancer in 2001). But I enjoyed the video showing them all together. I am sure Paul & Ringo loved doing this tribute & it must have brought back a lot of fond memories for them.
Great job Phil. The inclusion of Ringo to such an extent, I think, really makes this recording’s rhythm and beat unfold in true Beatle fashion. His importance to the bands “sound” should never be doubted and always appreciated. One could argue Ringo is the most universally gifted “performer” in the band and the catalyst for the great vocal harmony of John, Paul & George.
I love the Timmy Sean version. I am a huge early Beatles fan and he NAILED it! I feel it is a great companion to the original. What a gift from the Beatles and Timmy Sean.
I like tribute or covers of Beatles but never more than the original!
Thank you Fil. Your take is informative and appreciated. After all these years, it's nice to once again hear The Beatles. ☮🖤🤘
Thank you so much, Fil. I was on my way to Denver, CO and had the car radio blasting when they played this for the first time. Such a sense of nostalgia overcame me as I was driving. I grew up with the Beatles and given my age at the time, I was convinced I was going to go to a Beatles concert, be spotted in the crowd by Paul and swept off my feet, LOL!! Hearing John's voice and the music and just the whole experience was wonderful. Your videos are always so educational and especially for someone who doesn't know anything about music except that I love it and that it has had such a huge impact on my life. I will always feel blessed to have lived during the most amazing time for music and for me, it all started with the Beatles.
Fil..🎸🌹thanks to show us what the IA ..can do..and what she can't do..!! love you.🤘🥴💌
I was hoping you'd do a video on this. The song has really grown on me the more I've listened to it, and I got really emotional watching the video Peter Jackson directed. I personally prefer John's original demo, though- it has such a haunting sound, and there is just something magical about John Lennon on the piano. Of course, I'm a piano girl, so I might be biased 😊. I'm really bummed that the record company is blocking the demo now. I wish they'd release it as a b-side or something. I would gladly pay to have it!
It’s a good song, and am glad it got them another number one….man what a great group. I love your videos Fil. You gives these a thousand per cent. Utter magic.
After watching this a few times, I now have the answers to a couple question's I had: 1. Why John's demo sounded more haunting, and 2. Why Paul redid the piano, instead of using John's piano in the demo. The answer to both is the pitch correction Paul had them do. In John's demo he was singing flat of the notes, and more notes were minor not major as in the changes made by Paul. So of course with Paul changing notes to major, John's piano part no longer matched up. Pitch correction altered the actual feeling John had intended, and made it necessary for Paul to redo the piano part John had originally played.
Timmy Sean nailed it. Gave me goosebumps. Thanks for another great video
Beautifully done Fil!❤ what a gift to all of us Beatles lovers!
I am not a musician nor am I a studio technician. That being said,John used to 'double track ' his vocals on many songs. He was able to make 2 separate recordings and layer one over the other. Is THAT AI? The only thing AI did was isolate John's voice from the other parts of the song and get rid of that hum. I see many reviewers 'sh-tting' over this song but I think it is quite beautiful. Life long Beatles fan since 1964 at 8 years old. I am now 67. You cannot fool me as to what is John and what is not. Thank you, Fil for bringing clarity to a cloudy subject.
What a fantastic video have a good day ❤😊
If you ask me, I think Timmy Sean took a sad song and made it better.
9:30 My guess is that a lot of the production side of the song was done back in the 90s while they were still trying to combat the noise in the original recording, so if they'd decided not to include that section back then, they wouldn't have added it back in because George wouldn't have a part in that section.
Thanks for the great analysis, Fil! This new song gave me chills…what a wonderful gift to all of us
Studio manipulation is scary. But it’s John’s voice. I like the educational analysing, thanks Fil for posting.
All music studio recording is manipulating.. so there is no escape.
Phil you are the best!
My respect
You are right! That Timmy Sean version is fabulous! Thanks for the recommendation! I would love to hear what Paul and Ringo think of Timmy's version!
John liked to use echo and kickback during the Beatles recording sessions. He was not fond of the sound of his own voice.
thank you, Fil, for this analysis. when i heard it, i knew it was John and not AI. i do love the sound of John's voice.
Hi Fil,
This was an interesting video on this song. And glad they did not overdo pitch correction on John’s voice. And I agree sometimes you have to adjust the EQ so everything blends better. I enjoyed TimmySean’s take on the song as well. I thought it had, and added many Beatles musical elements to the song giving it a more modern sound. Thank you for taking a look at this song and explaining how it really is John’s voice! Great Job, You Are The Best! Debbie☮️
Thank you Fil for explaining this, it was an awesome analysis!
Thank Fil! You nailed it!
Got your message about giving me a free guitar. I appreciate it but I have too many, as it is! Thanks anyway.... Ro
The bit that was taken out, changes the point of the song. I would imagine that John was writing it for Yoko. But the version we have been given, with all of the Fab Four in it, makes it sound to me, like a love letter to each other and to the fans. Made me cry. Thank you for this analysis, Fil. I could hear some pitch correction, but it's nice to know that they didn't overdo it.
I couldn't hear the pitch correction at all, and I usually notice it, especially when it comes to the Beatles. It's a sign they did an excellent and nuanced job of it.
He did for Paul
Who did what for Paul?@@stevemorris6790
The bit the Fab2 took out was obviously for Paul as well...
Beautiful song and touching video.
The ending with the band disappearing and then the lights saying Beatles going out, was very emotional.
Thanks, Fil.
This song is a wonderful gift to Beatles fsns.....but it's also sad to think of all the songs that never came
Thanks Fil. ✌🏽
Great update Fil as always the Beatles always pushed the boundaries that’s what made them great and so unique. Keep up the great work. Watch all your videos
This is an excellent video, Fil.
I like Timmy’s version of the song as well. He’s obviously a talented guy.
Your fantastic analysis blew me away!!! How smart and intelligent! Thank YOU so much!
Great review and breakdown.
Love Now and Then…Beatles!
It is great that they did some pitch correction to his recording. Remember John wasn't recording this intending it to be released as-is. He was jamming making a song that he thought would be a cool Beatles song, so he could share it with Paul later. If they had gone to the studio and recorded it then obviously he would have put more effort into it. No but this was a loafers and bathrobe in front of the piano rendition, so obviously he didn't put that much effort into making it perfect!
It's the equivalent of me getting up in the morning hung over with a song idea in my head putting it on tape so I don't forget.
I found your video a lot more interesting than the actual song, to be honest!
At first, it was hard to separate my emotional response from my analytical response. After numerous listenings and giving it some time I think it was a wise move not to make this sound like any of the sixties version of the Beatles. I know there are nods to classic Beatle production, especially with the strings and guitar solo. But McCartney and Ringo are both in their 80s and this version had to reflect on where they are now. The end result was worth the wait . I can't listen to this without being happy and melancholy at the same time. Thanks for the interesting analysis .
I think this is a great example of creative tecnology at work. Thanks for the explanation Fil.
Thanks, Fil. I think Paul, Ringo and the production team did a fabulous job on this . . . it's a lovely farewell/tribute song.
Fil, this is so so interesting. When the song came out, it seemed nearly every website wanted to explain how it had been done.
I didn’t click on any of them-knowing that if I really expected to hear how this was accomplished, that you would have the best explanation here on your channel along with the tech display.
Thank you!
Amazing analysis on this song…❤️ Thanks Fil!!!
Thanks For for correctly breaking it down.... The more I hear it the more I like it! !! And its number 1 in England!!
Thanks Fil, another great analysis.
Thanks Fil for checking out the Now and Then video and song. I'm glad I have been watching you for a good while before finding the video of everyone working to put Now and Then out there. I was just excited that because I watch your videos I understood and appreciated what they discussed that much more. While it is extraordinary what can be done in a studio, nothing, absolutely NOTHING should ever replace good honest to god vocal talent & emotion with AI and then calling that manipulated voice talent.
Wonderful video. Thanks so much for taking the time and making the effort on this.
Thanks for your in depth and very understandable explaination of AI, Fil.
We are living in a truly amazing time of change!
Congratulation Fil for hitting 329K subscribers! You and your channel are the best on the Internet! Keep on rockin'! 🎸🤘💜
Thank you so much, Fil, for your insights into this amazing song by the Beatles thanks to Paul and Ringo. It is something of a miracle, really! I never dreamed this kind of thing would ever have been possible when I was 8 years old in 1964!! It is thrilling and touching that Paul and Ringo were able to do it finally. You have great proof that nothing artificial was done to John's voice. Thanks again!! 🥰🎹🎸🎶❤
I listened to the version that you gave the link to and I also listened to the VEVO version. Thanks for providing a very interesting and informative analysis of “Now and Then” with regards to whether or not AI was used in making the song. At first, I was a little bit confused when I saw the “1964 AI” in brackets under the title until you explained it. I was glad that you explained the differences between the use of AI and applying different effects in recording/music production. When I worked in computer/electronics store, that was when I’d heard about Artificial Intelligence being an integral component in graphics cards and gaming, sometimes also in cryptocurrency but believe me, I’m not particularly familiar with that high level of technology. It’s refreshing to hear John’s voice in the song. I’d tend to think that his surviving band members wouldn’t want to fake it. No worries about you “going on so long” because for me, you’re giving me an education in music technology. Many thanks for all you do, Fil. Cheers!
I think many of us were all hoping for another Real Love. And we got this, and it is glorious. When I first heard it, it sounded to me more like Ringo and Paul guesting on a John song. The Beatles tracks with strings often featured cello and, as others have commented, the cellos are not dominant in this. Those cellos were part of their sound and almost George Martin's signature. George's voice is also, obviously not prominent and Paul's voice has changed tonally in his later years (but still a fabulous singer). As a result, we don't get those signature harmonies that we got on Free as a Bird and Real Love. But the song itself is mesmerising. That perfect mix of longing, sadness, joy and reflection that we got from a number of John's songs. Each repeat listen, I hear something new - which is what the very best of the Beatles songs do. Think Hard Days Night, Eleanor Rigby, Let it Be, Something, Don't let me down. Part of me wishes that they would remix John's vocals on Free as a Bird and Real Love. As someone else said, this is a labour of love, What a joyful thing to put out in the world. And bonus points for Timmy - loved that version too.
Love Me Do, She Loves You, I Want To Hold Your Hand ... THE BEATLES sang straight into my 14/15-year-old heart. Back then. When they stopped, I was 20. When John Lennon was shot, I was 30. Today, as a 73-year-old white (wise?) man, I don't need this stuff fiddled together with modern technology. But it's certainly very valuable for the heirs' coffers. It makes me sad because "the good old days" will never come back. That's life.
I first heard this last Saturday on the way home from my Brother-in-Law's funeral. I couldn't stop bawling. Never a huge Beatles fan, but this is something special.
Very interesting- thanks! Yep, it’s John’s vocal.
Thank you, Fil, for your analysis video! As always, I appreciate your musical opinion. I believe this to be a fitting final song for The Fab Four. It's too bad that many are under the impression that it is not really John Lennon's voice on this track. I'm not a musician, but it is obvious to me that John's original vocal was well preserved for this song and not computer generated. It is very well put together. Only The Beatles could pull off releasing a new song 50+ years after they broke up and have it go to number 1! 💕💕
The AI can probably rebuild missing frequency bands that were lost when the vocal was extracted because it was trained on John’s voice.
Good explainer on actual post production used with Lennon's vocals in Beatles release ---with A I used in vocal separation only.
Adding example of an upbeat cover of Beatles release using 'A I vocal alteration' was a statement on possibilities of A I
and seemingly an endorsement.
Thank you, brilliant as usual.
Very interesting analysis. Keep up the good work. 👍👍
The Beatles often worked together to write songs. They would pitch a verse that would morph into something else. So dropping the bridge piece is not unusual. They also would sometimes take fragments of things they were working on and marry them to other fragments. Golden Slumbers/Carry the Weight is a prime example. Now and Then is a true Beatle song, and I for one love it.
This is such a useful analysis. There is so much misinformation out there along with a lot of high emotion.
I don't think this is pitch correction per se, but the adjustments that we see are an "artefact" of the AI processing which is also trying to stay close to the original voice. McCartney's ear is legendary, I doubt he'd put up with the kind of correction we're used to these days. Some of this new AI voice stuff is impressive.
Muddled lyrics possible insertion:
"..But If you have to go..
Away.
If you have to go..
Then I'll miss you every day." or Please return without a delay." or Please return to me someday." or Please tell me what to unsay." or I'll look for you every day." or ...?
Hey FIl! Adam Petrie here. Long Time no see. Great Video! You Nailed it.
I heard the 64 version last week. I thought it was good. The 64 version sounds like something that would be from The Hard Day's Night album.
I can't say anything different than anyone else is already added in the chat so I will just say thanks again Fil, and also thanks for that other version of then and now at the end of the video that was really cool. Many Blessings!
I loved the Now and Then video. I have loved the Beatles for 60 years. I cried all the way through it. It was good for my heart and I'm sure all Beatle fans. I heard the mini documentary and when I heard Johns voice after all these years...I loved. Thanks Fil
Love your channel Phil! You are si informative, i’m learning a lot from your channel, you ( obviously) know your stuff. Keep it going!
Phil your videos are not too long, they can never be long enough when they are interesting to listen to. They fly by.
I was able to take a recording on the crappiest cheap cassette tape you could buy from 1991 and use software to clean it up to such a level, that it sounded like a digital broadcast today. It had a persistent rumble in it that I successfully removed for the first time, like the demo of Now and Then had a persistent mains hum that Jeff Lynne couldn't handle with 1995 technology. The problem was that you weren't able to lose the piano and any fixes you applied to the voice also got applied to the piano creating distortion to it and making it unusable. I suspected they'd use pitch correction as it was the only way to correct a fragmented, demo vocal that wasn't a completed and/or perfected studio product. I like Now and Then, not the best thing The Beatles ever recorded by a long shot, but a lovely surprise gift to bring the curtain down on their remarkable career.
Thank you ! Another Excellent analysis Fil … your work really helps us understand these studio techniques … (especially on this one ! )
Right on. As a musician of many decades and Studio guy, it's good to hear this kind of take on it. And I thought of tons of details you didn't reference, but there's not time for everything is there!
I love everything about this and while the guys cover sounded pretty artificial, I really loved his take on it. And in fact I really loved how he paid homage to Paul McCartney's bass guitar line here, which I absolutely love in this song. He basically replicates it and jazz is it up a little bit, but it preserves the feel of it at that faster tempo even.
Another great video. Thanks for explaining how these things work and showing the proof. :)
One thing AI will not emulate is your grasp of reality and your enthusiasm, Fil.
Great explanation!
I racking my brain over this. That very first chord in Timmy Sean’s rendition is the same chord that another Beatles song started with. “Things We Said Today”. Listen to it. It’s exactly the same kind of intro. He uses the cowbell which was in other Beatles songs as well. Actually, if you listen closely, there seems to be a LOT of little snippets of original Beatles songs in his rendition. LOL….I’m getting a headache trying to identify them.
You Can't Do That had cowbell, yes? I notice the same thing you did. ;)
I agree - the song is missing a bridge. xx
It's well known that John Lennon, never happy with the sound of his own vocal sound, used to implore George Martin to modify or distort it whenever possible (although Martin, wisely, mostly resisted these requests). With that in mind, any use by co-producer Giles Martin of a bit of simple EQ'ing and compression - as well as being standard studio practice - would undoubtedly have been approved of by Lennon.
Reminded again the amazing quality of Lennon's voice. Takes me back to the earliest singles - From Me To You and I Want To Hold Your Hand - where it was his voice that made the ears prick up and the heart beat faster. .Paul was the harmoniser and the Little Richard rocker ( Saw Her Standing There etc ). He was the Beatles for me .. and turned out to be an amazingly articulate creative in those turbulent times. He said what we were sort of thinking but struggling to say. And the music - I mean I Am The Walrus and She Said She Said !! Still fresh as ever. A unique time.
John was my favourite but as an older person I much prefer Paul - a genius and the change on chords that he is a master at- and his vocals were incredible - second only to Steve Marriott - also he could do low and rich ( Paul) - believe it or not has amazing lyrics too “ changing my life with a wave of her hand springs to mind
I'm so glad you made this video, it made me subscribe to your channel. There has been so much confusion on this issue and I don't know why, it's not as if the makers did not explain it. The visual showing of the computer traces, along with your excellent and clear explanation of the whole process deserves praise. Well done and thank you Fil!
Dear Phil, I have watched several analysis videos of this song already. I just want to say thank you for presenting a fresh perspective on this beautiful song. And provided information that other people well regarded in this field have not. It was a well done video and I really enjoyed your presentation. Keep up the good work
Great video 😊 Timmy Sean’s version is incredible ❤