Beatles Final Study Guide 2018
What happened after the Beatles came back from India?
"Esher Tapes" were demos of these tunes written in India, recorded back at George's house in the UK. When they return, they are in an exciting place. Apple is just getting started, and The Beatles are still excited about it. They record the "Esher Tapes" - home recordings at Harrison's house before the sessions for 'The While Album' began.
What is the first single the Beatles produced under Apple Records?
"Hey Jude" / "Revolution" (1968)
What was the longest Beatles #1 single?
"Hey Jude" was the longest #1 single in the UK, over 7 minutes. Includes long long long coda, with orchestrated arrangement, lots of vocals.
Feedback
"I Feel Fine" is a song written by John Lennon[4] (credited to Lennon-McCartney) and released in 1964 by the Beatles as the A-side of their eighth British single. The song has one of the first uses of guitar feedback in popular music. Audio feedback (also known as acoustic feedback, simply as feedback, or the Larsen effect) is a special kind of positive feedback which occurs when a sound loop exists between an audio input (for example, a microphone or guitar pickup) and an audio output (for example, a loudspeaker).
On which song has John on lead guitar?
"I Want You/ She's So Heavy"
Three Revolutions
"Revolution 1"/"Revolution 9" started as the same song, over 10 mins long. Later, it was split into a regular song and an 8 minute experimental tape-collage (largely by John, Yoko, and George). The single "Revolution" was the B-side to "Hey Jude," the heavy/fast version of "Revolution 1." "Revolution 9" shows the influence of several avant grade artists (Cage, Varése, Stockhausen) through Yoko. Sound collage. Invitation to listen. Things take on new meanings when out of sonic context.
What two songs morph into each other in Sgt. Pepper?
"Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band"/"With a Little Help from My Friends" They do this with chatter at the beginning of the record and applause at the end going into the beginning of "With a Little Help from My Friends"
When was Sgt. Pepper recorded?
1966-April 1967
"Lady Madonna"
1968 single recorded + released before trip to India. B-side, "The Inner Light" (George's first single) Sax solo by Ronnie Scott—kind of buried in the mix (fixed for Anthology and Love projects) Last single on parlaphone
When was Abbey Road released?
1969 First sessions (for "I Want You/She's So Heavy") began three weeks after the Let It Be/Get Back sessions. Bulk of the album was recorded July-to August 1969. George Martin and Geoff Emerick are back in; everyone on best behavior. Alan Parsons also works these sessions as an engineer—will later record Pink Floyd, Alan Parsons Project Things are better, not perfect: John requested that his and Paul's songs be on separate sides; Paul wanted the entire album to be a medley. Eventually they compromise with the medley taking up the majority of side two, with some of John's songs woven into it. Released September 29, 1969. Modern sounding album. The studio had a new 8 track tape machine, plus a new solid-state mixing board (unlike previous consoles, which used vacuum tubes). Some audiophiles say the new console board creates a slightly harder, less 'warm' sound.
How long was Sgt. Pepper #1 in the US and the UK?
22 weeks at #1 (UK), 15 weeks in the US
How much did Sgt. Pepper's production cost?
25,000 in total (akin to $600,000). Cover alone cost 3,000 pounds to make (much more expensive than usual)
The Beatles as Avant-Garde Artists?
66-68 is peak period of studio experimentation. They all have access to portable recording device/ tape machines. Revolver / Pepper / Magical Mystery Tour / 'White Album'. Jan '67: "Carnival of Light" - 15 minutes electronic 'Freak Out' for an avant-garde dance/light show. Never released. (vetoed for Anthology project; largely Paul's composition). "What's The New Mary Jane" - from nonsense ballad to sound collage (George, John, and Yoko; possibly co-written by 'Magic' Alex?) "Revolution" (Single) - Guitar sound, probably gotten by plugging guitar directly into recording desk. nasty sound.
"Two of Us"
About Linda or John? ("memories that go back further than the road that stretches on ahead..." Paul hadn't really known Linda all that long, so how could these memories stretching back be about her?) Some of these songs were never really finished, never stitched together, so Phil Spector made his own decisions about how they should be organized.
What is "Lovely Rita" about?
About a (fictional?) meter maid. A meter maid (traffic guard) alleges to have given Paul a ticket this summer. Apparently paying for parking was new in London; Paul got a bunch of tickets right in a row. Possible connotations of an orgy?
What is "Hey Jude" about?
After returning from India, John continues his affair with Yoko (while still married to Cynthia). By the end of the spring, Lennon and Cynthia were separated and then divorced soon after. Julian is about 4 years old at the time, not really understanding, but still hurt/affected. Paul wrote "Hey Jude" to console young Julian Lennon at the time of his parents' divorce. Paul tried to be a bit of a diffusor and comforter by spending time with Cynthia and Julian at the time. John apparently thought the song was actually about him.
Al Brodax
After seeing the Beatles perform on The Ed Sullivan Show, Brodax approached the band's management with the idea of producing an animated series featuring the Fab Four. The series, of which 39 episodes were produced, premiered on September 25, 1965 on ABC. He was later involved in the production of the Beatles' animated film, Yellow Submarine, for United Artists, as producer and co-screenwriter
"It's All Too Much" (George)
An extended psychedelic rock jam. Use of feedback (like in "I feel fine"), different instrumental timbres/textures. Different kind of guitar use for the Beatles.
"Mother Nature's Song" (Paul)
Another acoustic ballad showing the influence of Donovan. Caused some trouble, quite a scene of Paul being walked in on by John and Ringo, while Paul was working on timpani overdubs. They weren't included, were pissed off. Very awkward. Inspired by a lecture by the Maharishi (same inspiration as John's "Child of Nature," which turned into "Jealous Guy") Arrangement is sort of reminiscent of Blackbird (guitar, toe taps), but horns make it strangely like Mahler or something post-romantic. Obvious individuality in this song.
Alan Civil
As well as his work in classical music, Civil played the horn solo on The Beatles' song "For No One" from the album Revolver. Civil was also part of the orchestra crescendo in the song "A Day in the Life" from the album Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band
ADT
Automatic double tracking. The Beatles had been doing regular double tracking vocals since very early on, but the old fashioned way, actually recording a second track. (this is that sound when only one person sings a melody, but it sounds like it is getting out of sync with itself at times; creates a bigger sound.) -ADT is using a tape machine with a slight, variable delay (milliseconds) to achieve the same effect as recording multiple passes of a take. John loves this. Starts using it almost all the time, eventually going back to old fashioned double tracking to get more organic sounds at times. Famously runs the whole of "Lucy in the Sky with Diamond" through the machine to have the entire track get that swimmy/floaty vibe.
"Baby You're a Rich Man"
B-side to "All You Need Is Love." John/Paul split composition (verse/chorus) Referenced perhaps Brian Epstein, written before he died. John's verse part referencing the hippies, the 'beautiful people.' Paul's part was the quasi-nonsense chorus. Weird intro features toy keyboard (clavioline), sped up to sound almost like an oboe.
What song does Ringo not play drums on?
Back in the USSR
Whose name was first to appear on Beatles album since Hamburg days?
Billy Preston
What's the difference between the MMT US and UK releases?
British version is a double EP (2 * 7'', 45 RPM) containing just the movie soundtrack; includes a fancy 28 page color booklet. US version: a full LP including the remaining 1967 singles, ["Hello, Goodbye," "Strawberry Fields Forever," "Penny Lane," "Baby, You're a Rich Man," "All You Need is Love." (all with "fake stereo" mixes). CD version (1987) based on the US version, fixed stereo mixes—now considered part of the core catalogue. Side One (soundtrack). Side Two (Singles).
Yellow Submarine: the movie
Director: Al Brodax. Different references for children/adults watching the movie. Only "Hey Bulldog" and "All Together Now" were recorded specifically for the movie soundtrack; the rest is previously recorded material.
"Strawberry Fields Forever"/ "Penny Lane"
Double A-Side singles -Didn't make it to #1! The media claimed they were going to be done, but The Beatles weren't effected by it -Earliest songs recorded from the Pepper sessions -NOT included on Pepper. George Martin regretted this.
What was special about purchasing the physical Sgt. Pepper the album
It had the first record liner that was not plain white & came with cardboard cut-out badges, mustache, and bandstand (oddities)
What are pivot chords and which song features them?
Penny Lane A pivot chord is one that can be understood to be in two different keys, and fulfills a different function in each Most of the song is in one key, so pivot chords are used to modulate between them
What was "Being For the Benefit of Mr. Kite!" about and what studio techniques were used?
Taken from a late 19th century circus advertisement. John saw this in an antique shop years earlier. Lennon loved the words/ wordplay. Almost all of the lyrics can be sourced to the advertisement; of course the Horse's name was changed from "Zanthus" to "Henry." Tape-splicing and aleatoric techniques (think John Cage/Stockhausen) to create the psychedelic circus organ part. Random reassmbledge of cut up tape pieces of the original organ recording. John said he wanted to "smell the sawdust" in the arrangement.
Derek Taylor
Taylor was a national journalist working for the Daily Express when he was assigned to write a review of a Beatles concert on 30 May 1963.[2] He had been expected by his editors to write a piece critical of what at that time was considered by the national press as an inconsequential teen fad. However, he was enchanted by the group and instead sang their praises. Shortly afterwards, he was invited to meet the Beatles and soon became a trusted journalist in their circle, especially as he was a fellow Liverpudlian In early 1964, Beatles manager Brian Epstein hired Taylor away from his newspaper job, putting him in charge of Beatles press releases, and acting as media liaison for himself and the group. He subsequently became Epstein's personal assistant for a short period In April 1968, at Harrison's request, Taylor returned to England to work for the Beatles again, as the press officer for their newly created Apple Corps.
Who wrote "Within You, Without You"?
Written, sung, and recorded by George without any other members of the band
What song was featured on BBC- Our World?
"All You Need is Love"
Where was "Here Comes the Sun" written?
Eric Clapton's garden
What was the first album released under Apple Records? When?
White Album, First album released on Apple Records, 22 November 1968 (first single was "Hey Jude"/"Revolution"). Distributed by EMI..
Wings
Wings, also known as Paul McCartney and Wings, were an Anglo-American rock band formed in 1971 by former Beatle Paul McCartney with his wife Linda on keyboards, session drummer Denny Seiwell, and former Moody Blues guitarist Denny Laine. Wings were noted for frequent personnel changes as well as commercial success, going through three lead guitarists and four drummers. However, the core trio of the McCartneys and Laine remained intact throughout the group's existence.
"Come Together"
Written after/for Timothy Leary's gubernatorial campaign. [Tim Leary is a well known psychedelic advocate / leader of the Hippies / disgraced Harvard Psychologist.] Obscure, oblique lyrics, referencing each Beatle member. Contains muffled drums, handclaps, vocal sound effects ('shoot me') and featured Billy Preston on organ. Lennon was later sued by Big Seven (owner of Chuck Berry's songs) for lifting a line from Berry's "You Can't Catch Me": "Here come ol' flat top" [1st verse: about George. 2nd verse: about Ringo. 3rd verse: about John. 4th verse: about Paul.]
"Good Night" (John, sung by Ringo)
Written by John for Julian, sung by Ringo Super-cheesy arrangement by George Martin (schmaltzy on purpose).
"Hello, Goodbye" (Single, A-Side)
Written by Paul on a whim. Display of Paul's ability to whip out a song very quickly, on a sort of dare. Someone was talking about how hard it was to write a song, Paul wanted to prove them wrong, requesting a topic. The video was directed by the Beatles and seems almost purposefully bad. Issues of miming vs. performing, were perhaps exaggerated to piss the unions off. (The difference between miming a performance and giving an actual performance on film apparently forced the work into different classifications.)
"Here Comes the Sun" (George)
Written in Eric Clapton's garden. George and Eric are very close friends at this time. Iconic finger style guitar intro. Has a positive energy/vibe like in Octopus's Garden. George coming to terms in a positive way with impending solo-hood. Lots of Moog synth in the arrangement, exuberant treatment.
"I Am the Walrus"
Written to give critics "something to write about," a mix of psychedelia, word-play, and nursery rhymes. John had heard that songs were being analyzed in English classes, thought it was preposterous, wrote this to confuse potential analyzers. Complex arrangement (band and orchestra and guest singers, the Mike Sammes Singers, sound effects) "Magic" harmonies: uses almost exclusively major chords, creating a surreal tonality. Orchestration features novel acoustic idea, like a musical barber shop pole where some instruments keep going down, others keep going up. (forever!?) Ending includes radio static and lines from a performance of Shakespeare's King Lear that was playing on the radio during the mixing session: the line "Oh Untimely Death" became fodder for the "Paul is Dead" rumor/conspiracy theory. Pure happenstance, happened to be on the radio at that time. Complex structure: Chorus ('I am the egg man'), two different verses (same harmony, different melodies) ('I am he as you are he . . .', 'sitting on a cornflake . . .') Stitched up from many different ideas, later combined. Bridge ('Sitting in an English garden. . .') is anticipated in the intro, turns into the end of the "second" verse.
Who was "Getting Better" about?
Jimmy Nichol
"Hey Bulldog" (John)
(like the yang to "Lady Madonna" 's yin. ) Rock. Pre-India, Band having fun in the studio. James Bond-esque, a signature of Lennon. Mod vibe. Mid 1960s British cool.
Apple Corps
-Epstein's last great idea. Beatles at the time were vulnerable to takeover; anyone could buy out a controlling share in the Beatles' business. Epstein also wanted to separate his family from the international business (perhaps to avoid a degree of liability). Formalized after Epstein's death, Apple Corps. officially formed in end of 1967, to avoid losing 2 million pounds to taxes. -Apple Films, Apple Electronics, Apple publishing (hired songwriters for other projects, and for McCartney, Lennon, Harrison to publish music for other artists) -Apple Records/Zapple Records. (Beatles and other acts) -Apple Boutique. Sold Beatles everything, hippie gear, clothes. -Apple Studio (recording studio). Unprecedented for a band to go and develop a giant multimedia company. Most of these projects fail, but Apple Corps. is still alive and well. Oversees the Beatles to this day. Managers: Alistair Taylor (Epstein's first personal assistant), Neil Aspinall, Allen Klein (1969-75), Aspinall again (until the 2000s sometime) (Wanted to solve the lawsuit between Apple Corps and Apple Computers) , Jeff Jones (present). Owned by Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, and the estates of Lennon and Harrison (as carried out by their widows).
Yoko Ono (b. 1933)
-Japanese-born, U.S. educated -NY scene: Fluxus, La Monte Young, John Cage, Ornette Coleman, Fredric Lieberman Films: -Cut (1965) -No. 4 (1966) (a.k.a. "Bottoms" ...look it up) Met John in 1966 (possibly 1965). Paul claims he sent her to John, that he would enjoy her strangeness; John doesn't recall that. Two previous marriages; Toshi Ichiyanagi, Anthony Cox—both artists. Yoko had a daughter named Kyoto from second marriage, who she was estranged from for decades. -Sean Lennon (b. 1975). The beginning of John's hiatus from music when he was a house dead for five years while caring for Sean
Who played lead guitar in "While My Guitar Gently Weeps"?
-Lead guitar by Eric Clapton (of the Yardbirds, Cream)-joins the session as a guest of George. Everyone was on best behavior while Clapton was there. Legend is that Clapton showed up drunk/high on Cocaine, knocked out the solo in one take. Clapton's solos get treated liberally with ADT to sound more Beatles-like.
"While My Guitar Gently Weeps"
-originally a mellow, acoustic guitar driven ballad; hear it on the Esher Tapes, Anthology, and Love -Lead guitar by Eric Clapton (of the Yardbirds, Cream)-joins the session as a guest of George. Everyone was on best behavior while Clapton was there. Legend is that Clapton showed up drunk/high on Cocaine, knocked out the solo in one take. Clapton's solos get treated liberally with ADT to sound more Beatles-like.
Northern Songs
A music publishing company holding the vast majority of the Beatles catalogue. The first two Beatles songs were not published by The Beatles, they didn't have the rights. So, Brian Epstein contacted a publisher named Dick James, and the company is founded in 1963 by Dick James, Epstein, Lennon, and McCartney. Dick James set up the company to maintain 50% of control; Paul and John each got 20%. Epstein gets 10%. Later, when the company goes public, Ringo and George gain 0.8% each. Northern songs employs George as a songwriter, so he gets a much worse deal than John and Paul. (John and Paul make more than George on each song that George writes). Twice the company is sold under the Beatles' noses! (second time to Michael Jackson, who, ironically, gets into the business after McCartney advised him to get into publishing).
"All Together Now" (Paul)
A psychedelic children's song echoing the tone of "Yellow Submarine."
What was "She's Leaving Home" about and who did the string arrangements?
Based on a story they read in the papers. Two sides in the story, the daughter's side and the parents' side, with Greek Chorus-like responses to the narrative ('fun is the one thing that money can't buy'). This string arrangement was not done by George Martin, who was too busy with other projects the day Paul wanted him to do it. Instead, another EMI arranger, Mike Leander did it. Martin conducted the orchestra doing this other person's arrangement, and was hurt by the circumstances. Arrangement is a little schmaltzier, perhaps, than what Martin would have done.
"Back In The U.S.S.R."
Beach Boys influence (or spoof?). Witty lyrics with wordplay on California/surf music and Soviet imagery. Great wordplay: "Georgia's always on my mind" is nod to Ray Charles. Impressive solo/lead guitar work (prof. thinks it is Paul, but very disputed). Paul also played drums. (Song had been recorded during the time that Ringo quit the band. He had been feeling estranged, not feeling good about his drum-playing, not feeling good about his place in the band.) Composite drum parts, with spurious random snare hits, loosening things up. [transition via jet engine sound]
When did the Beatles meet the Maharishi?
Beatles met Maharishi Mahesh Yogi in London in August '67 after Pattie Boyd's introduction. Proponent of transcendental meditation.
Allen Klein
Beatles' new manager. Originator of modern "business manager" role. Assertive, a little rough/intimidating on the band's behalf. He had previously been the manager of the Rolling Stones and other successful rock groups. Klein was favored by John to replace Brian Epstein. Paul wanted Lee Eastman (Linda Eastman's father) as the manager. Paul had met Linda in the spring of 1968, and they soon were married. Paul never actually signed the representation contract with Allen Klein. But, by letting him manage them for a year, it counted in court as an acquiescence. Klein turned Apple Corps. around, cut spending, alienated a lot of people (Alistair Taylor, 'Magic' Alex). Renegotiates the Beatles' abysmal contract with EMI to get the highest royalty rate at the time (69 cents per $7 album).
Where did the band record Let It Be and why?
Because 'Magic' Alex screwed up the construction of the Apple Studio, the Beatles had to rehearse/record/film at Twickenham studios. (huge, cold, dark, depressing) Jan 2-10 1969. Bright lights from camera crew.
How did Paul try to keep the band together after Epstein's death?
By making the MMT movie; they were planning on going to India, but Paul was scared that would make them break up. They end up going eventually anyway.
"The Ballad of John and Yoko" (Single)
Chronicles events leading up to and immediately following their marriage. Recorded by just John and Paul, a sign of their enduring friendship even during the infighting of the late 60s. George and Ringo were not around. The song was banned in the United States due to blasphemy, (for the lyrics "christ you know it ain't easy . . . they're going to crucify me,") and in Spain, for political reasons (the line "Gibraltar near Spain" proved contentious, as Spain considered Gibraltar to be in Spain, not near it.) Released as a single in May 1969, [B-side "Old Brown Shoe" (George)] Bed-ins, referenced in the song, were a form of peace protest, in which Yoko and John stayed in bed for a week and talked, gave interviews, etc. 'Bagism,' also referenced, is a sort of tongue-in-cheek political belief system of John's in which he thought the world would be better if everyone just wore a bag on their head, couldn't see people's race.
"Let it Be"
Classic Paul balled (along the lines of "Hey Jude") Notice horrid delay on hi-hat (gag!) Three versions: Album (produced by Specter); Single (produced by G. Martin); ...Naked. three different guitar solos by George on each version. Spector kitsch-zone. About Paul coming to grips with the Beatles breaking up. Paul's mother was named Mary as well, to confuse some of the biblical imagery.
Medley of Abbey Road
Climactic suite stringing together finished/unfinished songs and ideas. -"You Never Give Me Your Money" (Paul) about Allen Klein (possibly?) -"Sun King" - three-voice harmonies & 'Spanglish' lyrics. -"Mean Mr. Mustard" - "Just some crap [John] wrote in India" -"Polythene Pam" - Mr. Mustard's sister? (sex worker/performer of some kind?) -"She Came In Through the Bathroom Window" (Paul)—based on a fan's antics. -"Golden Slumbers" - lyrics by Alexander Dekkers (17th c. poet) -"Carry That Weight"- reprises "You Never Give Me Your Money" -"The End" - drum solo (Ringo's only), triple guitar solo (Paul, George, John, 3x), really BIG ending until . . . -"Her Majesty" - a 'discarded' piece of tape (that used to be between 'mustard' and 'pam') tacked at the end by an assistant engineer. The Beatles liked the effect, so it stayed. Originally unlisted (until CD re-release). (ghost track, in modern terms). EMI engineers/techs working with the Beatles knew never to throw anything out, so they just pasted it to the end of the master for safe keeping.
What is played backwards in Strawberry Fields and what is overdubbed?
Cymbal hits (hi-hats) played backward on the tape. Low-tuned, free-flowing drum parts were overdubbed, in this case, with excessive yet musically compelling fills.
Paul is Dead Myth
Dating back to '66 in England, rumor that Paul had died on Nov 9, 1966. He had been in a crash in '65 (motorcycle, scar on his lip), and his car was totaled in 1967, though he hadn't been driving. Idea is that EMI, the surviving Beatles, and possibly the Illuminati had decided to keep it a secret and hire a lookalike (William (Billy) Shears Campbell). For some untold reason, they also decided to drop "clues" on subsequent releases. (makes sense, right?) Conspiracy theories of Sgt. Pepper cover: Hand above his head. English horn is symbol of death in classical music. Only using 3 fingers to play it, because there's only 3 Beatles left . . The bass guitar made of flowers in front, only has three strings. Ringo is sad, to the side. Bob Dylan was in a crash once. Marilyn Monroe is dead, so Paul is dead. Bloody race car gloves? If a mirror is put across the drum, flipped, 'lonely heart' turns into "I one IX He - Die" or something. Sgt. Pepper's lyrics clues. "Billy Shears!" -> Bill's Here. "Wednesday Morning at 5 o'clock... [She's Leaving Home] Paul turns his back to you in the lyric sheet picture. The whole story of "Lovely Rita" "He blew his mind out in a car. . ." Magical Mystery Tour: Walrus, in India, is a symbol of death. Mirror on Beatles, ends up being a phone number for a London mortuary, or a us number which has a machine recording when you call: 'you're getting closer. . .' "I am the Walrus' (no you're not) "o untimely death" "Blue Jay Way" creepy background vocals say "Paul is dead and buried" "Hello Goodbye" hello to billy, goodbye to paul "I buried Paul" [Strawberry Fields Forever] actually "Cranberry Sauce" 'White Album': Creepy picture of Paul in bathtub, because he's dead. Weird photo of Paul's disguise to not be caught by fans, 'actually' a photo of Billy Shears. Paul dancing with skeleton hands touching him. (Some) White Album lyrics Clues "The Walrus was Paul" "Find me in my field of grass" ["Moter Nature's son"] "You were in a car crash...and you lost your hair" ['don't pass me by'] backwards on "I'm So Tired:" "Paul is dead, miss him, miss him" Backwards on Revolution 9: "Turn me on, dead man" Abbey Road - Paul is barefoot, so obviously he's dead. John is the preacher, wearing white. Ringo is the pallbearer, wearing funerary tire. George is the undertaker, wearing denim. Cigarette in wrong hand, apparently. License place says 28 IF. If you connect the cars, they go through his head.
Yannis 'Magic' Alex Mardas.
Electronic 'engineer' (so-called engineer) -Impressed John with his "Nothing Box" back in '66-'67. -Told the Beatles he could build a 72-track console—they made him head of Apple Electronics, in charge of building a new studio. -Likely the source of rumors about the Maharishi's inappropriate behavior. Allegedly tried to seduce Cynthia on John's behalf. -Lost Apple Corps. about 300,000 pounds (equivalent to ~$3 million today) due to this jerk's mistakes
Describe the production of "When I'm Sixty-Four"
English Music-hall / tin-pan alley style at its finest. Written on the occasion of Paul's father's 64th birthday. Cool arrangement. The entire track was sped up (You might notice that Paul sounds slightly like a chipmunk)
Ken Townsend
Eventually Emerick and Ken Townsend will develop a way to synchronize multiple four-track machines together. Using a variable pitch as a control track to tune a second machine, getting you up to 7 tracks.
"Dear Prudence"
First song on the album with the fingerpicking style picked up from Donovan in Rishikesh. Shows up on lots of tracks on the White Album, a bit later on. Paul on drums, again. Written for Prudence Farrow, Mia's sister, who was staying in her tent all the time, presumably meditating, during the Rishikesh sessions. John wanted her to just come out and join the fun.
Phasing
Flanging is one specific type of phase-shifting or "phasing".[23] In phasing, the signal is passed through one or more all-pass filters which have non-linear phase response, and then added back to the original signal. This results in constructive and destructive interference that varies with frequency, giving a series of peaks and troughs in the frequency response of the system. In general, the position of these peaks and troughs do not occur in a harmonic series.
When and how did Brian Epstein die?
From an accidental (?) overdose in August 27, 1967
What was unique about "A Day in the Life Recording"?
Full orchestra of session musicians recorded three times, paid much more than what was usual at the time. At the end of the recording session they gave the Beatles a standing ovation. Total recording time on the track was 34 hours. Final chord was played by Paul, Mal, John, Ringo, and G. Martin on three grand pianos + one harmonium. Album ends with a literal dog whistle followed by strange/spooky sound on the run-out groove (the loop at the end of the record).
Describe the production of "Within You, Without You"?
George apparently wrote the song after hearing Ravi Shankar on the radio. He wanted to distill a 40 minute piece down to something more approachable. The song was written at Klaus Voorman's house, who had a harmonium. Voorman was pumping the pedals while George played with only 3 fingers from each hand. Laughter after the track, on George's request. After a 'heavy' tune, maybe a way of releasing the tension, or shows some self-confidence issues? Or, a way of tying the song into the concept of the album? Or, the Beatles lightening up the mood after something heavy, sort of like following up "Yesterday" with "Dizzy Miss Lizzy."
"Blue Jay Way"
George's Raga-rock. Indian inspired in the static nature of its melody/drone. Less of a direct blend of Indian and rock sounds than some of George's earlier pieces, such as "Love You To" and "Within You Without You." Tells the story of waiting for Derek Taylor (Beatles press agent), who moved to the states to work for The Byrds, the Stones, etc. George is waiting for Taylor to show up, composes the song waiting for him, he never shows up. Crazy phasing/comb filtering on the drums. Some backwards lyrics pop in here and there (stereo version only) Automatic Double-tracking, pushing the two tracks out of phase, messes with the sound of the voice/drums. ("flanging")
Glyn Johns
Glen Johns was brought in as an engineer/producer. The role of George Martin was unspecified, though he is credited as a producer. Martin took a bit of a side step on this album, with less direct involvement. A lack of focus/confusion on this project is due to Martin's not really being there, exaggerated by the fact that Glyn Johns has no report with the Beatles. Glyn Johns assembled two potential albums from the session tapes, both of which were rejected by the band. As of spring of 1969, the project was shelved.
Describe the very complicated post production of Let It Be
Glyn Johns assembled two potential albums from the session tapes, both of which were rejected by the band. As of spring of 1969, the project was shelved. In the meantime, the four go back in the studio with Martin and Emerick to record and release Abbey Road (relatively peacefully). Martin agrees to come back if they let him produce. Emerick comes back if everyone treats him better/ less fighting. In 1970, EMI insists that the "Get Back" sessions be released. George and John give the tapes to Phil Spector for editing+mixing. By this time, Paul has retreated to his Scottish home, very hard to reach, changed his phone number, so George and John make most of the decisions. Paul claims he never got a chance to give feedback, and hated the final version of the album. Paul is extremely dissatisfied with the results and tries to halt/alter production (in vain); announces he's leaving the band in early April. Paul had scheduled his first solo album to be released in May 1970, Apple Corps. schedules Let It Be and Ringo's album to be released all right at the same time, to Paul's deep dissatisfaction. In December 1970, Paul sues for the dissolution of the business relationship between band members. Suit goes on for five years.
Who produced Let It Be?
Glyn Johns was brought in as an engineer/producer. The role of George Martin was unspecified, though he is credited as a producer.
What was the White Album composed of and what was hapenning during the studio recordings?
Has been described as three solo projects and a song by Ringo, or as the sound of a band breaking up. This album had the most of songs recorded by a solo Beatle. (Paul is the prime offender). The Beatles was a double album, twice the length of a normal LP, and much more expensive to make. George Martin felt that the material was not all great, and should've been squeezed into one single uniformly excellent album. They vetoed George Martin, in part because their song-writing agreement with EMI required them to finish out publishing a ton of songs, so they could finish their contractual obligation, to make a better deal. (They got a better deal the next year through the help of their new manager Allen Klein) The album is extremely varied in terms of song genres, style, and quality. Songwriting became much more individual; several tracks were recorded solo. At this point, there is a schism between John and Paul, partly due to Yoko's constant presence at the sessions. The other Beatles felt that it was great that John found this new love/relationship, but they resented her presence in the studio. They greet Ono with despicable racism/sexism. People would ignore Yoko, while interacting with John. John said this stress lead them into heroin use. Tension and strife in the studio (beginning of the end...); George Martin goes on hiatus, Geoff Emerick leaves altogether. During the session period, Ringo and George just go on holiday. Ringo actually quits the band at some point, and has to be invited back. Once he returns, things are somewhat more cordial through finishing the album.
Why did Phil Spector end up editing and mixing Let It Be?
In 1970, EMI insists that the "Get Back" sessions be released. George and John give the tapes to Phil Spector for editing+mixing. By this time, Paul has retreated to his Scottish home, very hard to reach, changed his phone number, so George and John make most of the decisions. Paul claims he never got a chance to give feedback, and hated the final version of the album.
When and where are the Indian influences in Strawberry Fields Forever?
Indian Zither was featured in the intro to later verses, and in the double-outro
What is "Good Morning Good Morning" about and what does it feature?
Inspired by a breakfast cereal commercial. Suburban depression song. About being stuck in the suburban lifestyle with no excitement. Lots of strange phrase lengths, held together by Ringo. (bars of 2, 4, 5 etc.) Brass by Sounds Inc. Sound collage of barnyard animals, in the food-chain order. (nod to The Beach Boys' Pet Sounds). Guitar solo (probably) by Paul. Chicken clucking transitions directly into the "Sgt. Pepper" reprise.
What is "Lucy In the Sky with Diamonds" about?
Inspired by a drawing by John's son Julian. (allegedly) Imagery and colors certainly informed by LSD, drug experience.
Alistair Taylor
James Alistair Taylor (21 June 1935 - 9 June 2004) was the English personal assistant of Brian Epstein, the manager of the Beatles. As an employee at Epstein's company NEMS, Taylor accompanied him when he first saw the Beatles perform, at the Cavern Club in Liverpool on 9 November 1961. Taylor subsequently worked as the group's so-called "Mr. Fixit", devising escape routes from crazed fans and assisting the band members in purchasing property. He later became general manager of Apple Corps but was fired soon after Allen Klein arrived to address the company's financial problems
Rooftop Concert
Jan 30 1969. Unscheduled/unannounced, brings traffic to a halt. Final public appearance of the Beatles (plus Preston on keys). (Jefferson Airplane had just done something similar in NYC). setlist: "Get Back" "I Want You/She's So Heavy" "Don't Let Me Down" "I've Got a Feeling" "One After 909" "Danny Boy" "Dig A Pony" "God Save The Queen" "A Pretty Girl Is Like A Melody" A lot of the sound from this concert ends up on the album. (unedited or lightly edited).
"The Long and Winding Road"
John later made fun of this song, said Paul was trying to re-write Simon & Garfunkel's "Bride Over Troubled Water." (BS: written and released almost a year before the "Bridge") Perfect example of Spector's heavy handed arrangement style.
What is "All You Need Is Love" all about?
John's anthem/mantra/slogan thing. Commissioned by the BBC for Our World, the first world-wide satellite simulcast, as the British contribution to the program. Aired on 25 June 1967. Filmed in the studio; performed live to pre-recorded backing tracks. Mick Jagger is at the recording/broadcast session along with several other Beatles friends Intricate arrangement by G. Martin at the end, with Bach, Jazz Tunes, etc. Extreme self awareness in inclusion of quotes from "Yesterday" and "She Loves You" in the end of "All You Need is Love." [ See "Glass Onion" later, on The White Album].
"Julia"
John's hymn to his mother AND Yoko. Oedipal. Ocean-child is one translation of Yoko's name. Loss intertwined with new-found love. He used to say he lost his mother twice—once when he moved in with aunt Mimi, and once when Julia actually died. Yoko was both a lover and a mother-figure for him. John's only solo recording from the Beatles time-period. Fingerpicked guitar (Donovan pattern again), and vocals, both double-tracked (manually; no ADT). Very vulnerable, honest.
Which song has a rattling whiskey bottle at the end?
Long Long Long
"Piggies"
Lots of animal themed songs on 'The White Album.' ("Blackbird," "Rocky Raccoon") Satirical/Political song by George. Neo baroque tinges, harpsichord part, string arrangement, final cadence. Very manneristic. (Very different from Esher tapes recording). Perhaps inspired by Animal Farm, a critique of capitalist society. Like other songs from 'The White Album,' lyrics were interpreted by Charles Manson as having prophetic/instructional meaning. He thought The Beatles were speaking through their lyrics directly to him, to bring about a race war. George was horrified by the Manson situation, realized that things they meant as a joke or satire might be interpreted badly by lunatics. "What they need's a damn good whacking" was something George's mom used to say about children who misbehaved. Manson took it literally . . . Recording it was not particularly fun; during a break George was starting to strum some chords (for what would become "Something"), the engineer asked if they could work on that song instead.
"Glass Onion"
Lots of inside jokes. Very self-referential. Seems to be egging on conspiracies, though it was before the 'Paul is Dead' thing took off. John was perhaps referencing the idea that they were putting secret messages in songs. He's giving fake hints. ("The walrus Was Paul,' a lie). Musical quote: recorders from "Fool On the Hill." Some James Bond-ian motion in the verse, ending is slightly related. Certainly an oddity.
What instrument made the white noise at the coda of "I Want You/She's So Heavy?
Moog Synthesizer
"Because" (John)
Maybe the most lavish thing the Beatles ever did. Three-voice harmony, overdubbed twice (sounds like nine voices). Electric harpsichord, Moog synthesizer in the bridge (played by Harrison). Simple, almost inane lyrics become transcendental due to the harmonic setting and overall *sound* of the song.
What song was Paul recording solo when he got walked in on?
Mother Nature's Son
"Something"
Older song by George, dates back to The Beatles (aka 'the White Album'). George's first A-side single, featuring a GREAT guitar solo by George. (double A-side with "Come Together"). Tasteful arrangement, orchestral on the verses. [First line comes from a James Taylor song] Strange transition between verse and chorus. Guitar lick leads differently when heading to verse and heading to chorus. (music theory nerds: Median relationship between C maj and A maj triads)
David Mason
On 17 January 1967 at Abbey Road Studios Mason recorded the piccolo trumpet solo which is a prominent part of The Beatles' song "Penny Lane". Mason also contributed to several other Beatles songs, including "A Day in the Life", "Magical Mystery Tour", "All You Need Is Love" and "It's All Too Much".
"Across the Universe"
Originally recorded as a demo in 1968. Released for No One's Gonna Change Our World/WWF benefit in 1969. Overdubbed orchestration by Spector, digitally corrected in Let it Be . . . Naked John was reportedly upset that his vocal take was never corrected in this song, he's out of pitch at times. Spector arrangements/mixes don't seem to match the Beatles sound.
What happened in Rishikesh?
Other celebrities present included Donovan, Mia Farrow, Mike Love (from the Beach boys). Acoustic guitar was the main available instrument (The Beatles weren't supposed to write songs, were just supposed to meditate, but wrote over 40 songs!) John was telegramming with Yoko daily, his marriage was falling apart, (asked to sleep in separate room from Cynthia after just a few days in India; Cynthia thought the trip was going to bring them closer together). Maharishi was catering to rich westerners, claiming to be able to cleanse their souls, provide them with spiritual fulfillment, etc. John and George leave once they get the impression that the Maharishi wants to take advantage of their brand to promote his own brand. There were also allegations of sexual impropriety on the Maharishi's part during the meditation sessions. (Inspiration to "Sexy Sadie," originally titled "Maharishi.")
Why did Paul and Jane Asher break up?
Paul finally breaks with Jane Asher, after she finds him in bed with another woman. She sends her mom to pick up her things. They'd been having issues for years.
Lee Eastman Linda Eastman
Paul wanted Lee Eastman (Linda Eastman's father) as the manager. Paul had met Linda in the spring of 1968, and they soon were married.
Let It Be... Naked (2003) (cover is a negative of the original cover)
Paul's attempt at recreating the Get Back project, included a different track order, different takes, stripped-down arrangements, some studio fixes. Loses some 'live' elements like the stage banter/extended codas (abrupt fadeout at the end of "Get Back"). Although, "Naked" ends up using more live takes, like from the rooftop. Crisp, remastered sound. Allegedly "signed off" by George Harrison before he died. Who knows if Lennon would have approved. He apparently applauded Spector's work back in the 1970s. In December 1970, speaking about Spector, Lennon said, "He was given the shittiest load of badly recorded shit with a lousy feeling to it ever, and he made something of it... When I heard it, I didn't puke." different tracklist, including "Don't Let Me Down" (which had previously only been released as the B-side to the "Get Back" single.
"Helter Skelter" (Paul)
Paul's response to those who said he only wrote ballads. Also, read review of a song by "the who," saying their new song was the dirtiest, craziest, ugliest, etc. song ever. Paul wanted to do them one-up. Various versions, one almost 1/2 hr long. Classic Beatles moment, Ringo yelling: "I got blisters on me fingers!" at the end of the take. Major 'inspiration' for the Charles Manson scenario/murders. A Hester Skelter is a slide that spins around in a circle on British playgrounds. Manson thought it sounded like 'hell,' took meaning about a slide to be prophetic of race war/revolution.
What is "Strawberry Fields Forever" about? and how do the lyrics play with that?
Personal song about being in his own world. Lyrics feel like having a conversation with yourself. 'no one I think is in my tree/ I mean it must be high or low/ that is you can't, you know, tune in but it's all right / that is I think it's not too bad.' Transformed into sonic dream.
Peter Blake
Pop artist Peter Blake and his wife Jann Haworth conceived and constructed the set, including all the life-sized cut-outs of historical figures. The set was photographed, with the Beatles standing in the centre, by Michael Cooper. Sgt Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band
"I Me Mine"
Preachy song by George, about materialism. Recorded in January 1970 (without John). Last new Beatles song recorded Different meter in verse/chorus
Describe the production of "Fixing a Hole".
Psychedelic elements, harpsichord, gnarly guitar solo/fills. Solo by George, one of few spotlight moments in the album. Guitar sounds here are fuzzy/ugly/distorted/gnarly. Strange rhythmic intro, starts with straight square feel, moves to shuffle feel.
When was Yellow Submarine recorded and released?
Recorded in '67 and '68, but not released untill Jan 1969
When was Let It Be (film and album) recorded and released?
Recorded in January/February of 1969, not released until May 8, 1970 (well after the release of Abbey Road in September, 1969)
"Don't Pass Me By"
Ringo's first solo composition as a songwriter. Almost a regular country song, but with the psychedelic production treatment. Strange out-of-tune fiddle part, quasi-idiomatic. [They realized people were buying both stereo and mono versions, so The Beatles started putting different segments of music in different versions]
"Octopus's Garden" (Ringo)
Second solo composition by Ringo. Found out in Sardinia (while bailing on 'the White Album' sessions) that octopuses collect rocks and items to build underwater "gardens." Great guitar work/arranging by George, with lots of cool/tasty licks and sound effects (bubbles solo?). Arrangement is fun, cheeky, and innocent sounding. Children's song? Escapist dream? Utopian fantasy?
Which album was first to be the same in both the US and the UK?
Sgt. Pepper
What was the first record without "banding" and why?
Sgt. Pepper, meant it was hard to drop the needle to play a specific song did this because it invited the listener to hear the whole album as one piece of art.
When was the MMT film shown and how did this impact its response?
Shown on British TV on Boxing Day, a huge shopping holiday, in black and white. This presentation of the film probably didn't help it, as the colors account for much of the visual interest. It was savaged by critics upon its televised showing, and loathed by fans. As a cheeky move, pull quotes from terrible reviews were used for advertising the theatrical release. (released by Apple Movies)
"Blackbird"
Solo acoustic guitar, toe taps, and some tape loops (birdsong)—recorded by Paul alone. Dedicated to the unfolding of the civil rights movement in the U.S. Guitar accompaniment is a combination of classical techniques (i.e. J.S. Bach's Bourrée in E minor for lute) and Donovan's finger style
"For You Blue" (George)
Straightforward 12-bar blues. John on lap steel guitar. George referencing Elmore James is a joke. Acknowledges that this is a hokey, inauthentic version of Chicago blues. Doesn't actually believe that 'Elmore James ain't got nothing on this ...'
What convinced George to re-join the band and when?
The Beatles convince George to return by agreeing to move back to basement of Apple Studios Jan 20-31. George asks to bring in Billy Preston (organ/keys) as a way to ease the tensions, to have a colleague they respect to act as a diffusor. They are on better behavior as a result. Preston will become first musician credited on a Beatles release (the "Get Back" single) since Tony Sheridan in the Hamburg days.
Norman Smith
The Beatles first engineer. Produced their first 6 albums. In 1959 landed a job as a recording assistant at EMI studios on Abbey Road. Last album he recorded was rubber soul. In '65 he was promoted to producer.
When did the band go to Rishikesh and for how long?
The Beatles traveled to Rishikesh, India in Feb '68 to studio with the Maharishi, for an unplanned amount of time. Ringo and his wife Maureen left after 10 days, Paul next, George+John last, after approximately 2 months.
The Fireman
The Fireman is the experimental music duo of Paul McCartney and Youth formed in the early 1990s. Their music catalogue ranges from rock to electronica, evolving over more than two decades and three albums. Although officially anonymous until 2008 with the release of the album Electric Arguments, the identities of the two members had been heavily rumored since their initial album's release in 199
Lowrey Organ
The Lowrey Organ is one of several organs on The Beatles' 1967 song "Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite!" (from the Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band album), helping create a fairground atmosphere.[5] Furthermore, a Lowrey DSO Heritage organ was used to produce the classic opening for "Lucy In the Sky With Diamonds"
The Traveling Wilburys
The Traveling Wilburys (sometimes shortened to the Wilburys) were a British-American supergroup consisting of Bob Dylan, George Harrison, Jeff Lynne, Roy Orbison, and Tom Petty. The band recorded two albums, the first in 1988 and the second in 1990, though Orbison died before the second was recorded.
String Octet
The song continued the transformation of the Beatles from a mainly rock and roll- and pop-oriented act to a more experimental, studio-based band. With a double string quartet arrangement by George Martin and striking lyrics about loneliness, "Eleanor Rigby" broke sharply with popular music conventions, both musically and lyrically
Why did the Beatles make Yellow Submarine (both the movie and album)?
This was a way to get out of the United Artists film contract. They were supposed to deliver 3 films. But, UA didn't think it counted, as The Beatles didn't actually appear in the film (except for a short cameo at the end), they were played by voice actors. Thats why they were still on the rope with UA to make the "Let It Be" film.
"Happiness is a Warm Gun"
Three songs stitched together. Opening lyrics come from an acid trip; the rest is often interpreted to reference John's heroin habit. Also, sexual innuendo about Yoko. Chorus (or section 3) Taken from paradoxical ad for a gun manufacturer (riffing on Peanuts' "Happiness is a Warm Puppy") Complex time/meter changes—the band rehearsed it extensively in the studio in order to pull it off ("like the old days") Donovanesque finger style at the beginning. End is spoof of 1950s pop. Guitar solo probably by George, (maybe John?).
"I Want You/She's So Heavy" (John)
Two distinct parts to the song, (as reflected in the title). One of the band's longest tracks, also least words in a song. About Yoko. Includes some 'primal scream;' John had been studying primal therapy at the time. Lead guitar work BY JOHN! Extended coda with overdubbed guitar chords and white noise faded in before an abrupt cut . . . real heavy! Real doomy track in the 'she's so heavy' / coda part. The White noise was generated on a Moog Synthesizer, at the time a new machine. (George gets really into it, making a record called Electronic Sound, released on Zapple records.).
Which song on Pepper combines two songs?
Two songs (John/Paul) spliced together by the sound mass/alarm clock sequence (Paul's idea, orchestrated by G. Martin, conducted by Paul and GM). John's elegiac tune about someone who 'blew his brains out in a car;" Paul's humdrum day fantasy.
Which song features uncredited Indian session musicians?
Uncredited Indian session musicians (Dilruba- a sort of bowed guitar), Neil Aspinall and Harrison overdubbed Tamboura, Martin wrote a string arrangement imitating Indian instruments. (The session musicians were perhaps never paid!!)
Why was "A Day in the Life" banned?
Very direct communication. Banned from airplay because of 'turn you on' drug reference. Didn't pass the BBC censors.
"Long, Long, Long" (George)
Very personal/vulnerable song by George. Ambiguous love song, talking to a woman or to god? George lived a Hindu life from this point forward. The experience of having found the divine is expressed in this song. Ending has a crazy sound, combination of buzzing whisky bottle set on top of an organ, amplified and orchestrated w/ pick scrape and drum roll. Counterpart to opening chord of "Hard Days Night."
Mechanical rights
What a third party must pay in order to record a cover song. Small license for every manufactured copy of the music.
Abbey Road Medley
You Never Give Me Your Money" "Sun King" "Mean Mr. Mustard" "Polythene Pam" "She Came in Through the Bathroom Window" "Golden Slumbers" "Carry That Weight" "The End" "Her Majesty" "Free as a Bird"
Flanging
an audio effect produced by mixing two identical signals together, one signal delayed by a small and gradually changing period, usually smaller than 20 milliseconds. This produces a swept comb filter effect: peaks and notches are produced in the resulting frequency spectrum, related to each other in a linear harmonic series. Varying the time delay causes these to sweep up and down the frequency spectrum. A flanger is an effects unit that creates this effect.
What is a mellotron and what song features it?
board instrument and primitive sampler: pressing a key results in a bit of tape being played back (here, flute sounds, there clarinet sounds, etc).
Klaus Voorman
designed revolver cover
What is used in the production of "Lucy In the Sky With Diamonds?"
double-tracked vocals (John), Lowrey organ (intro), guitars run through Leslie Cabinet, very active over-dubbed bass part. Whole track was fed through ADT (automatic double tracking); over time gets out of sync with itself, leading to a strong phasing effect, especially evident on mono version. Sounds almost like comb filtering. Harmonically, 3 parts of song are sort of in 3 different keys. Metrically, verse and pre-chorus are in 3/4; chorus is in 4/4
Leslie Cabinet
k of Pet Sounds, released the following year.[64] The Beatles first recorded using a Leslie during the sessions for Revolver in 1966. After John Lennon had asked for his voice to sound "as though I'm the Dalai Lama singing from the highest mountain top",[65] Abbey Road engineer Geoff Emerick rewired the input of the studio's Leslie so a vocal microphone could be attached to it. Emerick used this setup to record Lennon's vocal on the track "Tomorrow Never Knows" and claims the Beatles subsequently wanted to record everything through a Leslie.[65] George Harrison played his guitar through a Leslie on "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds" and "You Never Give Me Your Money".[66] The Beatles subsequently inspired other guitarists to use the speaker. George Harrison played through a Leslie in his guest appearance on Cream's song "Badge", and David Gilmour used a similar setup when recording with Pink Floyd
Phil Spector
one of the most important producers in modern rock (The Righteous Brothers, The Ronettes, . . .). He originated the 'wall of sound' approach to mixing. Really lavish orchestrations, massively attacked the listener with epic/cohesive sound world, with lots of reverb.
What was different about the two takes spliced together in "Strawberry Fields Forever"?
one with mellotron, electric slide guitar, etc; the other featuring a cello+brass arrangement by George Martin. John wanted to splice them together, but the two takes were recorded several days apart, and were in different keys and tempos (whoops!). Difference between keys/tempi was such that if you changed the playback speed, the pitches ended up being close enough. Nearly seamless edit at 1 minute mark. Sonic atmosphere changes at that point.
Paul Is Dead . . . (Or is he?) "Hoax"
originated in 1969 in the U.S. from a Drake University (Iowa) student paper article. -Picked up on an October 12 WKNR broadcast. -Fred La Bour "mock review" at University of Michigan of Abbey Road which gathered all of the so-called clues. -WABC nighttime broadcast, October 21 covered 38 states and could be heard abroad, because of other stations going dark at night. -Talked all night long about it. Rumors subsided by November 1969 (Life Magazine interview).
How long did it take "Strawberry Fields Forever" to record?
over 55 hours of studio time.
Phonographic rights (℗)
royalties paid for album copies sold, negotiated directly with record label—regardless of what material was recorded. Calculated as a percentage of album copies sold.
"Only a Northern Song" (George)
sarcastic/polemical by George about the Beatles' publishing system (0.8% share, anyone!) Written for Pepper; blocked by G. Martin. Distorted trumpet, glockenspiel, "wrong" harmonies. (similar melody to "If I Needed Somebody")
Songwriting rights (©)
split 50/50 between songwriter(s) and publisher. Beatles made a lot of money this way, by people rerecording their songs. ("Yesterday," "Something," etc.) -Also pertains to Print rights (sheet music), lyrics as poetry, quotation in a novel. -Also pertains to Performance rights (live performances)
Synchronization Rights
when you want to synchronize music to a video. Requires approval from a copyright holder.
