Beatles Final Exam
Phil Spector
After his career had taken a downturn, Phil Spector got the chance to produce the Beatles final album, "Let It Be" and turned his career around. McCartney didn't approve of Spector, but the other Beatles did.[93] This proved to be McCartney and Klein's last face-to-face meeting. However, Apple made $6 million in the first month following the May 1970 release of the record and the film
"The Ballad of John & Yoko" single
April 14, 1969-John and Paul recorded and mixed entire song in one day John-lead vocals, guitars, percussion Paul -drums, bass, piano, vocals Autobiographical song of John & Yoko's marriage and subsequent honeymoon Honeymoon was a bed in for peace in Amsterdam with full press coverage Couple were interviewed & appeared on cover of newspapers worldwide
Linda Eastman
Paul McCartney's wife.
Reasons for Breakup
Death of Brian Epstein Paul's dominance •After Brian's death Paul became the dominant figure in group and de facto manager George's emergence as songwriter John & Yoko Apple Corps •Group decided needed help managing finances Allen Klein •Paul bitterly opposed to idea & would not sign contract •KleinhiresPhilSpectorto finish"LetItBe"album
"Let It Be" film
Film directed by Michael Lindsay Hogg released May 13 1969 in US, May 20 in UK "Fly on the wall" perspective of band rehearsing songs for their new album Unexpectedly it also depicted inner turmoil of band and eventual breakup of Beatles Mixed reviews-"music only force holding them together",-NME "fans will be enthralled"-Time Planned release of DVD in 2000's halted over concerns of Beatles global brand
Yellow Submarine soundtrack
Fri. Jan 17-"Yellow Submarine" soundtrack released seven months after film released Beatles delayed release because of White album Side A contained six Beatles songs, four "new" Side B contained Martin score arrangements "Only A Northern Song", "It's All Too Much"-George Harrison original compositions "All Together Now"-Paul "Hey Bulldog"-John Some consider it weakest album, Beatles little involvment in project, #2 in US after White album
Abbey Road album
Front cover picture based on Paul sketch Famous photograph of band walking across zebra crossing taken by Ian Macmillan Crosswalk in front of Abbey Road studios John, Paul & Ringo (but not George) wearing suits designed by Tommy Nutter Many famous false myths about picture One of most imitated pictures in history
"Something" song
George song originally written during White album sessions and recorded as demo Feb. 25 Love song presumed to be written about his wife Pattie, this was later denied by George "I was thinking of Ray Charles"-George also inspired by James Taylor newly signed to Apple Given to and recorded by Joe Cocker first George thought wasn't good enough for Beatles "Best track on album"-John "his best song"-Paul "greatest love song of last 50 years"-Sinatra
"Here Comes the Sun" song
George upbeat song written on acoustic guitar in Clapton's garden Later said song was a "great release" from inner turmoil of the Beatles Features George's moog synthesizer programmed by Mike Vickers Odd time signatures-2/4, 3/8, 5/8 Second most popular song when Beatles catalog released on iTumes
Rooftop concert
Jan. 30, 1969 the Beatles performed on the roof of Apple Studios in London A 42 minute lunchtime concert with Billy Preston on keyboards Get Back, Don't Let Me Down, I've Got A Feeling, The One After 909, Dig A Pony Finally broken up by London police "One of the most exciting days of my life" "I hope we passed the audition"-John
"Come Together" song
John song of grotesque imagery and apparent ode to heroin, he & Yoko users Chorus of song intended as campaign song for LSD guru Timothy Leary Paul suggested slow bluesy feel of Dr. John and came up with signature bass line riff Martin said one of Beatles best examples of individual talent and group interplay John later sued for "here come old flat-top" line from Berry's "You Can't Catch Me"
"Across The Universe" song
John song originally conceived in 1967 while in bed after fight with Cynthia "The words were purely inspirational and given to me, I don't own it"-John Sanskrit phrase "Jai guru deva om" means "Hail to the divine guru" 1967 version psychedelic and Indian influence-sitar and tambura Feb. 1968-Song recorded as a single with "Lady Madonna" but shelved by John
"Because" song
John song written after hearing Yoko play Beethoven's "Moonlight Sonata" on piano Asked her to play it backwards and that became the chord progression for song Lush Martin three-part vocal harmony triple tracked to sound like nine voices Electric harpsichord into played by martin then joined by John's guitar through leslie Moog synthesizer and Martin brass score "Knew they were doing something special"
Allen Klein
Managed the Beatles and the Rolling Stones simultaneously, Once in charge of Apple, Klein fired a large number of Apple employees, including Apple Records president Ron Kass, and replaced them with his own people. He closed Apple Electronics, which was headed by Alexis Mardas. Unhappy with production decisions on the Let It Be album and the other Beatles' decision to hire Klein as their manager, McCartney went public with his plans to exit the Beatles in April 1970.
Twickenham film studios
Michael Lindsay-Hogg hired to direct film Unique "fly on the wall" perspective of Beatles writing and rehearsing new songs The film was to culminate with live concert performance, George & John against this Only one month was allotted for making of film and rehearsing new songs Jan. 2-filming at Twickenham studios After tensions escalated Twickenham scraped for new Apple studios
"Let It Be" album
Most of album was recorded in Jan. 1969 at Apple studios & rooftop show Glyn Johns hired as engineer/producer mastered album of get Back sessions Mid-1969 planned release of album but unhappy Beatles pushed back date Project was shelved as they began work on Abbey Road album Phil Spector 's controversial remix one of reasons Paul decided to quit Beatles Paul very upset with remix by Spector and part of lawsuit against Beatles
The White album
Oct. 16-17, 1968-Beatles minus George mix album in marathon 24 hour session •Only double album released by Beatles thirty songs many written in India •Martin wanted "them to whittle down to 14 or 16 songs" for solid single album •Officially called The Beatles but known as The White album plain white cover art •Really a collection of solo efforts as very few songs were actual collaborations
Abbey Road medley
Paul and Martin wanted album to end in grand style Martin "a continuously moving piece of music" and suggested they "think in symphonic terms" Medley consisted of finished and unfinished songs linked together by edits and crossfades Many of these songs were previously written during the White album and Get back sessions Paul's idea to link all these songs into one medley First time a Medley of that length appeared in a popular music song-16 minutes in length
"Get Back" concept, single, sessions and planned album
Paul song and planned title of new film Idea behind song and project was to "get back" to their roots as rock band Songs were to be performed live "as nature intended it", "warts and all" Original version satirized the growing anti-immigration sentiments in UK Keyboardist Billy Preston featured on most songs suggested by George
"The End" song
Paul song originally intended to end medley but "Her Majesty" was added on at end Famous lyric "the love you take is equal to the love you make", "very cosmic line"-John Song features only Ringo drum solo and trading lead guitar solos from others Two bar solo breaks played three times Solo order is Paul, George then John Song neatly sums up the medley, the album and the Beatles entire career
"Let It Be" song
Paul song written after he had dream about this mom, "Mother Mary" lyric Lyrics also refer to inner turmoil in band "In my darkest hour" Recorded and filmed at Apple Studios Jan. 31, 1969 with John playing bass George later re-recorded guitar solo and Paul re-recorded bass for single Martin also added score for brass
"The Long and Winding Road" song
Paul song written with Ray Charles and jazz influence in mind Imagery from B842 road near Paul's farm in High Park, Scotland Also inspired by inner turmoil in group-song of sorrow and hope Producer Phil Spector later brought in to remix tracks from sessions His over-the-top lush orchestral score was one reason Paul quit the Beatles
Breakup announcement
Paul very disappointed with Spector's treatment of his songs especially "The Long And Winding Road" •Paul sent sharply worded letter to Klein to remove harp and chorus-request was ignored by Klein •Other Beatles wanted the release of Paul's solo album McCartney to be delayed for Let It Be release •April 7, 1970-Paul ignores request, solo album released •April 10, 1970 Paul in self-interview says the Beatlesbroken up over "personal, musical, business differences" •On Dec. 31, 1970 Paul sues other three Beatles & Klein
Billy Preston
Preston was the only musician to be credited on a Beatles recording other than the group's four members: the group's number-one hit "Get Back" is credited to "The Beatles with Billy Preston".
Yellow Submarine film
Released July 17, 1968 the film was critically acclaimed and a huge box office success Animated film directed by George Dunning Art Directors-Heinz Edelmann one of pioneers of psychedelic animation style Professional actors did voice-overs of Beatles Film featured four "new" and older Beatle songs Beatles had little involvement in project but were very impressed with the film The Beatles then agreed to a live-action cameo appearance in final scene of film
Michael-Lindsay Hogg
Some of his early promo film work includes videos for the Beatles' "Paperback Writer", "Rain", "Hey Jude", and "Revolution."
Apple Corps
• Beatles were advised best way to shelter income was set up self-owned companies • April 1968 Apple Corps was established and longtime friend Neil Aspinall director • Apple Records, Apple Films, Apple Electronics, Apple Retail London boutique • John & Paul appeared on Tonight Show saying they wanted to back peoples dreams • Within days Apple London offices deluged with demos, songs, poems, products, etc.
"While My Guitar Gently Weeps" song
• George song inspired by Chinese I Ching Book of Changes, there is "no such thing as coincidence" • Opened book and first words he saw were "gently weeped" • Felt others not paying attention to song so asked Clapton to play • Ran Clapton's lead guitar solo through a Leslie speaker • "They were all on their best behavior"-George
Rishikesh, India
• Other celebrities included Donovan Mike Love of Beach Boys & Mia Farrow • Ringo left after 10 days, Paul after month "We made a mistake"-Paul • John summoned friend "Magic Alex" to join him there to keep him company • Within days Alex started a rumor that the celibate Maharishi made sexual advances • John & George left abruptly the next day
"Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da" song
• Paul song inspired by growing reggae and highlife music scene in London • Song title borrowed from phrase sung by Nigerian born conga player Jimmy Scott • Scott plays congas on recording and later tried to get writer's credit on song • Cover version by group Marmalade went #1 •John dismissed song as "Paul's granny sh**"
"Hey Jude" single and promo film
• Paul song written for Julian Lennon after John and Cynthia's divorce • Original title "Hey Jules" written while driving to visit Cynthia & Julian • "One of Paul's masterpieces"-John •Song over 7 minutes in length repetitive coda over 4 minutes long • Martin score for 36 piece orchestra • One orchestra musician walked out after refusing to clap & sing along
"Savoy Truffle" song
•George song written as a tribute to Eric Clapton's chocolate addiction •Many of lyrics come directly from box of Mackintosh's Good News chocolates •"We all know Ob-la-di-blah-da" reference •Six saxophonists used on recording
"Revolution 9" song
•John and Yoko collaborative effort of tape loops, sound effects, etc. •Tape loops-choir with backwards violins, symphonic piece played backwards, backwards mellotron, extract of "Day In The Life" orchestra •Most famous sound effect was "Number nine, Number nine" repeated over and over again •John was unlisted producer of piece
"Yer Blues" song/Dirty Mac group
•John blues song written in India •Early version refers to Bob Dylan's "Ballad Of A Thin Man" song •Raw, striped down 12-bar blues in tiny room at Abbey Road •John performed this song on The Rolling Stones Rock and Roll Circus •Dirty Mac super-group-Lennon, Clapton, Richards & Mitch Mitchell
"Sexy Sadie" song
•John derogatory song written in India about Maharishi Mahesh Yogi •Originally titled "Maharishi" persuaded by George to change title to avoid lawsuit •Original version of obscene lyrics changed •Opening lyric borrowed from Smokey Robinson's "I've Been Good To You" •Lyrics disguised as a teasing girl
"Good Night" song
•John lullaby written for son Julian • John asked Martin to write a "real cheesy" lush arrangement for orchestra •Mike Samms singers provide backgrounds •Ringo lead vocal, only Beatle on recording •Placement on side four to close album after "Revolution #9", many never heard it
"Julia" song
•John song about his mother Julia •"Ocean child" lyric refers to Yoko •Opening lines of song taken from Kahlil Gibran's "Sand and Foam" •Donovan again taught John the "Travis-picking" finger-style part •Only Beatles song that John is solo •Last song recorded for album, double track vocal overlapping
"Helter Skelter" song
•Paul song inspired by an overtop review he read of "I Can See For Miles" by the Who •Paul often seen as the ballad writer in band wanted to write "the most raucous vocal" •Title dual meaning-an amusement park slide & "disorderly haste or confusion" in UK •Original 12 minute version edited down "I got blisters on my fingers"-Ringo quote •Charles Manson told followers that song was a coded prophecy of an apocalyptic war •Manson famously painted song title in blood at site of murders in Los Angeles