My favorite track on LET IT BE is "For You Blue." It's not even trying to be great, you say? That's why it's so charming; it seems breezily effortless and fun. Dhani Harrison remade it in a similar spirit
There are reviews of the "Let it Be" album by other Beatle you-tubers, but this review by John Heaton is by far the best, because it's more than just opinions by the reviewer, it is a thorough, heavily researched collection of information about the songs on the album and the point in Beatles history during which they were recorded. Another great video, John!
Original US issue was a gate fold on a Red Apple label. The late 70's US reissue on a Purple Capitol label contained the pictured inner sleeve and poster. The same pictures which were in the original gate fold, were re-produced on the re-issue inner sleeve. "Let It Be" went out of print in the US in 1975 (something to do with United Artists losing their rights to manufacture and distribute in the USA that year,) and inferior quality counterfeits ran rampant in mom and pop stores until the Capitol re-issue appeared a few years later.
I also own Ian MacDonald's book and I am somewhat flumuxed by his comments on 'Across the Universe'. I think it is my favourite track on the whole album, well at the moment.
Around my 11th birthday, April 12, 1979, my father came into my room and heard me playing my brand new 45, "Blow Away" by George Harrison. He listened for a minute and said, "Nice song." But then threw an album onto my bed and said, "Listen to this, kiddo." And then left. It was Let It Be and I've been hooked since. Dad knew I was primed to be a Beatles fan as he saw how much I loved Wings and George Harrison, being that John Lennon's stuff was slightly over my head, with the exception of a few tracks; "Imagine", "#9 Dream" and "Whatever Gets You Thru The Night". But for Christmas of 1979 I received a copy of 1967-1970 (Blue Album) and as much as I loved every song on that set, I seemed to be most attracted to John's songs, "Walrus", "Strawberry Fields", "Day In A Life", "Don't Let Me Down". When John was murdered a year later it was like a family member died. My mother felt it the hardest but I shared her pain when I heard the news that next morning getting ready for school.
I flew to London from Canada and met with John and Derek at Apple. The place was wonderful and the morning is still clear to me . Kindness was ever present . It affected my music considerably , and does to this day. The next morning I was in Manchester Square for a follow up meeting . I stood at the stairwell . Love your work JOHN. Ps across the universe is beautiful . Shame on you ian mcdonald .
I quite like the Phil Spector production, and prefer it to Let It Be Naked. I think his participation is terribly underrated. I like the strings and backing singers on 'The Long And Winding Road'. It is one of my favourite Beatles albums because it is a little rough round the edges.
I find your reviews very insightful and your passion as a fan comes across beautifully and encourages me to go back and have a listen to all these gems.
Hi John Let it Be was the 1st Beatles album I ever got, in 1977. its one of my favourites too. Also, I do notice some differences between "Let it be" and "Naked" that you maybe do also, but don't mention on this review: 1/ Across the universe: There's a sparseness missing from the other ones on Naked, and a nice shimmering sitar-like guitar and a more up-front vocal. 2/ Let it Be: No echo on Ringo's cymbal near the beginning, and not extra drums near the end, and minus the guitar fills. 3/ One after 909: Rythmn guitar softer on Naked. 4/ Long and winding road: Different lead vocal track on Naked. 5/ For you blue: You can hear George's acoustic on Naked, which was buried on Let it be. (I prefer the Let it be version).
I absolutely love the "Let It Be" project, the resultant album, a bit less so. Honestly putting aside the "Let It Be...Naked" remix for the moment, neither the work that Glyn Johns or Phil Spector performed on the tapes could be called a definitive document of the project. Glyn Johns for one reason or another chose not to access the best material that The Beatles recorded in January, 1969 and Phil Spector strayed too far from the original intentions of the project. That's about the long and the short of it for me anyway. There are some tremendous songs on the album and some pedestrian ones to go along with them. George Harrison is terribly underutilized throughout the record and one could say that it's to the record's detriment. I wouldn't have minded at all personally hearing "All Things Must Pass" and "Let It Down" supplant "For You Blue" and "I Me Mine" which both sound like they took Harrison all of five minutes to write. John Lennon was also in the doldrums of his songwriting career during this project and ironically his best number, "Don't Let Me Down" didn't even make the final cut! "Dig A Pony" is absolute garbage and "Across The Universe", while brilliant is more of a testament to the lack of new Lennon material as that song already hearkened back a few years by the time it was issued. Paul McCartney's work as was customary at this point in his career is brilliant. All things being equal however, "Let It Be" might be the most fascinating Beatles album of them all as it truly documents the struggle, pull apart and eventual implosion of the greatest entertainment act of the twentieth century. Thanks for the review John!
After listening to the Let it Be album for so many years, your use to all the songs, they way they sound. When "Naked" came out, I bought it just to add to my collection. But I really didn't like all of it. I missed the strings. I know Paul's first intentions was no strings on Let it Be or Winding Road? No chorus's.. But. They sound really good!
Back in the early 70's this was my favorite Beatles album by far, just love the live feel. Great job on the review as you encompassed the whole Let it Be picture.
Great video John. I can't stress how important the box-set book was to me when I was a kid. A family friend lent it to me and I just poured over it (didn't pour anything over it fortunately). They were the first photographs of the Beatles I ever obsessed over.
Some really great tracks on this album, Paul's vocals on I've Got A Feeling are among his best, but overall I don't think it flows too well, you can tell it's not a 'normal' Beatles album. Let It Be is among the first handful of records I bought with my own money and was fortunate enough to get the box set which I bought on day of release, can't remember the price maybe about £3.00 ? I still have it and like you say I wish I had bought a couple more !
I agree! I'm glad someone else agrees that it doesn't flow. I've even made a playlist on my iPod with a better running order (and some different versions)
Absolutely love these reviews! Totally agree that the Spector version of Get Back is superior, although I don't like the abbreviated ending, while Across the Universe is a classic. Agree that the guitar solo for Let it Be is much better on the album.
Loved your review John. I'd like to see a reproduction of the Get Back book with the 50th anniversary reissue of Let It Be! I have a bootleg of the Get back album the Glyn Johns 2nd mix, there's a great stripped down version of Across the Universe on there.
Great review John. I'm fortunate enough to have a UK boxed set, which is probably 85% condition. (Usual issues with the inner cardboard which is slightly torn). Anyway, I've always been of the opinion that whilst the original album is roughly segued etc. it still is a timepiece of the Beatles career & is cherished because of this. GAZ PS, I really love the Naked version, especially because it includes Don't let me down.
A terrific discussion, John. Putting the album itself aside, I’ve always thought the title of “Let It Be, Naked” was a ridiculous one. A minor gripe for sure. Have always loved the film. The album is not in my top 5 but I do like it. I did visit 3 Savile Row back in 1970 which was a fabulous experience. I think I’ve mentioned it before. Take care.
Great video. Have you not heard about the 'renewed' Let It Be film project and director Peter Jackson's involvement? Michael Lindsey-Hogg has given the 55 hours of film and 140 hours of audio to Jackson. An entirely new film will be produced with a restored re-release of the original Let It Be film ( with full cooperation from Starr, McCartney, Yoko and Olivia ) through a partnership between Apple Corps Ltd and Jackson's New Zealand Film Company. So it's official this time.
The last I heard it was called :Get Back" and at first was being released to Theaters but postponed due to Covid-19. Then I hear Disney is going to bring it to TV.
The inside photos in the gatefold Blue/Red album was taken in St Pancras Churchyard near Kings Cross on the infamous Mad Day Out photo session in July 68, photos taken by Don Mc Cullen I think
Agree with you on Across the Universe , beautiful melody and lyrics , don't know what McDonald is talking about .Also the album version of Let it Be the song is better with a great George guitar solo which on the single is buried in the mix. Just listened to this album again and its great . Its a Beatles album with some superb songs on it its part of history and stands with all their other albums.
I'm glad you mentioned the "Get Back" book, I have a copy with a different cover, it's one of the best books on the group. You get an inside look at what went on and the state of mind of the guys. "Let It Be" would have been better had it included 'Don't Let Me Down' which was wasted as a b-side to the 'Get Back' single. It's true about John not wanting to play on George's songs, he didn't play anything on 2 of his White Album songs. I did manage to download a copy of the film a few years ago, it was uploaded on You Tube with the picture 45 degrees off. I was able to correct that with software and put it on a DVD-R disc.
Completely agree about the album version of Let It Be and the guitar solo, an absolutely brilliant take. But the drums are also better on that version with the additional hi hats on the intro and also the toms in break down after the solo. And I also prefer the dialogue in the Spector version
Great stuff as usual John. Agreed, I always come back to the 1970 release as opposed to the Naked version. Just a thought after watching some of your other videos recently, I thoroughly enjoyed your Top 10 Beatles Solo Promo Videos. In it you mentioned doing The Beatles Video Promos at some stage too, so how's about it? Cheers mate.
Ever since I first listened to Let It Be... Naked, I haven’t been able to listen to the full album anymore. I love the Get Back sessions, they might be my favorites after the White Album and Abbey Road sessions, and I feel that Phil Spector, well, not _ruined_ the songs, but made them significantly less interesting. Or, in some cases, flat out bad (For You Blue, Long and Winding Road, I Me Mine). I like a lot of Spector’s work, but I just don’t think his style worked in the slightest for the Beatles. Although if I do have one huge gripe with the Naked album, it’s that the cover is horrible. Why they didn’t use the original Get Back cover, I will never understand.
I agree that Spector's production didn't suit The Beatles style. The original cover for Get Back was used for the 1962-66 and 1967-70 compilations which probably explains why it wasn't used for Let It Be Naked.
Completely agree with your sentiment! Let it be naked, rocks! I have heard Paul McCartney in interview, saying much the same as yourself. He talked of, at the time Glyn Johns did a desk mix, without the horns & strings. He said he much preferred that mix, over Phil Spector’s. Also the desk mix, fell into line, much more that what inspired them to record both film & music. To show a band throughout the whole creative process. I personally feel They Long Winding Road, is completely ruined by Spector’s over the top strings & horns. Excellent comment my friend!
Hi John. Sure, some of what you share is well known information for Beatles fans, but i always appreciate everything you share. Your perspective is as a fan who gives credit where it is deserved but give balanced and fair criticism where there should be some. Your videos are always welcome and insightful and enjoyable. Stay well.
Hey John. I've been sort of hiding in the bushes so to speak, having really loved hearing your reviews and insights over the past couple of weeks and after stumbling across one of your reviews, not seeing your channel prior. I'm Canadian, my name is Jack, but my grandfather came to live with us in 66 when I was four and we lived in Toronto, and he started calling me "Little John" after the Robin Hood character and the name John stuck! lol! So most of my family and friends call me John! My parents were both born in England John, Dad was a WWII veteran and he served aboard the carrier HMS Illustrious during the war, and Mum worked at secret locations throughout the war assembling bomb components. Both very highly prized targets by the Luftwaffe! After the war their country was in large heaps and so they decided to immigrate to Canada in late 45. My mom and her sister, aunt Joyce, moved first, then their parents about a year later. My father had transferred from the Royal Navy to the British army after the war because he loved hard physical labor and as much as he hated warfare, he figured he was pretty safe staying in the military, after all, the world had surely learned from the second war to end all wars! To his tremendous shock and disgust he found himself shipped off to WAR at the start of the Suez Canal blockade by Egypt! Once again he was in battle, this time not feeling helpless inside a huge soup tin being hammered by Luftwaffe bombs and torpedoes, this time he was having to fire a rifle at other human beings, as they were at him and his brethren! As soon as he was able Dad was honorably discharged and decided also to immigrate to Canada, which is where he met Mum! I remember the first time I heard a Beatle song was when my sisters, 12 and 13 years older than I am, brought home a 45. I was impressed at how excited they were and how they both tore down the stairs to their basement lair to get the record on as quickly as they possibly could! lol! And so I was quite impressed with the song even before I heard it just from my sister's reaction! Their was music blasting out of the basement constantly in our house, with my sister's bedroom down there and there was always a group of their friends over. Pretty much from 4 days old, when Mum brought my wee carcass home for the first time, I had 24/7 exposure to a steady, fluid stream of great rock n roll! I heard a lot of the 50's music, Motown, then the Beatles came home so to speak and even at such a young age I recognized there was something different and quite special about the Beatles. It was more than my sister's reaction, they quite obviously loved it, but I recognized something quite different myself at that young age and in hindsight I know the Beatles were the first band I personally fell in love with! That first 45 was Eleanor Rigby, and Beatles music was just different from anything else I'd heard, and as I said, my sisters had music playing constantly! I was used to the bee bop 50's music, they really loved Dion and the Belmonts, Elvis was huge of course, and I still love Elvis, and Motown was great music but when I heard the Beatles that very fist time, like countless others, I knew this was "different" but couldn't tell you why obviously at that young age! It wasn't long after that when I was walking to a friend's apartment, I was 5 years old and it was the summer of 67!! It was a beautiful summer day and I always loved walking down this one particular street because in the summer the huge oak and maple trees touched at the top and formed a fantasy land effect where the entire street was always painted in a magical green shade because the trees formed a stunning tunnel of leaves! So I'm walking down this awesome street and I see a Volkswagen Beatle parked at the curb, I kid you not John, and I could hear music coming from that car and could see someone's arm resting on the window ledge. As I got closer I immediately recognized the band, but it was the first time I'd ever heard "Hello Goodbye" and again, I felt something powerful, yet couldn't explain what! I will NEVER, EVER forget that day because the scenery coupled with the V.W. Beetle and the first time hearing that awesome song, and having so recently been introduced to this powerful band, well it just set that moment of time apart and it was etched deep into my memory bank, and you know how certain smells can trigger memories? Well anytime I see trees touching at the tops and forming a tunnel, that day - that moment in time comes straight back and it always feels as though I was just experiencing that exact time over again, and I never get tired of that!! So yes I am a huge Beatle fan John, and I do really enjoy your incredible insights and vast knowledge base not only of Beatle music, but your incredible wealth of musical knowledge and your amazing collection!! I really appreciate your efforts and all the awesome facts and huge body of knowledge you share! Finally, just to underscore the impact this wonderful group had on my personally, I started teaching myself guitar and singing around 12 years old, because I wanted to be a Beatle! My personal favorite was Paul, but John was a very close second! lol! Sorry George, Ringo! That lead to a career which lasted almost 30 years! I've performed live, and have done studio work more times than I could count and absolutely loved each last second of it!! Having been a several different bands, and spending extended close quarters with other musicians, I completely understand how the very best, greatest rock/pop band ever got sick of each other, and the life!! I was lead vocalist/writer with Rhythm guitar ability. although the guitar is mostly for writing, parties/camping etc. I think I could count the number of times I actually layed guitar on live stage on two hands, less the thumbs! ") I subbed after that first review John, so glad I found the channel!! On a final personal level - I very much love all their work, however I'm afraid we disagree on this one John, I very much prefer "Let It Be Naked" Before I'd had a chance to listen to LIBN I was convinced there was just no way I would EVER like it more than I loved (and love) Spector's version. And I believe Phil is innocent! I believe his bizarre lifestyle, and his mega arrogance were on trial as opposed to the alleged crime. Have you seen the Pacino TV movie John? No way he could have done that and not one spec of blood on his anywhere! Phil Spector was his own worst enemy! Coming to court with a huge from wig as (in his own words) "my homage to Jimmy" (Hendrix) Phil Spector is doing life for assholery! ") Thank you so much John! Jack/John!!AKA John - Canada!
I do love Revolution In The Head, I can remember buying it and I got home and read about half of it in one sitting. I was quite engrossed, it is a good read. But McDonald absolutely slates some of their stuff, especially tracks off The White Album, he had no need to be that hypercritical and does come across as rather grandiose.
Don’t Let Me Down for sure should have been on this album instead of Maggie Mae and Dig It. If so, it would quite possibly be in my top 5 albums by them
Let it be, the album, is not a disaster. It may have been made in disastrous circumstances but one shouldn’t mistake the circumstances and the outcome. It has got some of the best Beatles songs: let it be, Get back, the long and winding road, two of us. You can hear how perfectly they played together and the pleasure that comes out of it. The sound is incredibly warm. It’s the kind of album that is so suave you don’t réalise it’s over when it is. I give it a 10.
Hi John - you mentioned a few songs where there are differences between Let it be album and Naked. "For you blue" was one track where you didn't notice a difference - but if you listen carefully on the Naked version, you can hear GA's acoustic guitar where you couldn't on the let it be album. That being said, personally I prefer the let it be version, I think its heavier and stompier. Overall I also prefer the let it be album, with the exceptions of Long and winding road which was overdone on Let it be, and Across the universe which I like better on Naked.
Hi. Let It Be is not as bad as some people say. I always liked the album. But it would have been better if the song Don't Let Me Down was on it. As supposed by Glyn Johns on his second acetate version. Across The Universe is in my opinion the strongest song on the album. I agree with your opinion on the song Let It Be, concerning the guitar solo. I've got the same Get Back bootleg vinyl and indeed it is a superb bootleg. Last year I bought the box set for a fair price. The album Let It Be .... Naked is sometimes too "naked" in my opinion. So I will stick to the original. Not all Phil Spector did was bad. The Doug Sulpy is a good book, when listening to the complete Nagra tapes.
I feel like I'm the only person who loves Dig A Pony and I've Got A Feeling. They along with Don't Let Me Down are my 3 favorite songs on the whole album/session. Even John hated Dig a Pony lol. I think it's great.
Dig a pony is George at his best as lead guitarist supporting Beatles vocals, beautiful fills playing off the vocal lines. It’s a genius song w classic Lennon lyrics weaving through tight band guitar licks. Classic Ringo fills. One of their great live songs/performances as part of rooftop concert.
Don't worry Bigfoot - you're not alone :-). I actually think that Dig A Pony and I've Got A Feeling give us a glimpse behind the magician's cloth. I love this whole album except, and I can't explain this, Get Back.
Robutube1 I adore the album, I can even listen to Maggie Mae from time to time just because it seems like they had fun on it. I will say the two songs I really don’t like are the Long and Winding Road along with For You Blue
Linda WAS a professional photographer. I don't think they reshot the Get Back cover because they didn't like the picture. There was some issue with the balcony/structure above them that had been changed since 63, some things had to be rearranged on the reshoot for it to look more similar.
John Lennon wrote “Across the Universe” when he was still with Cynthia. “Don’t Let Me Down” is good but not on album, therefore “Universe” was the only John song I cared for on the album. I love “Get Back”, “The Two of Us”, and “Let It Be” and “Long and Winding Road” but last two songs were a bit over produced with Spector I thought. I also liked “I Got A Feeling”. I also liked both “I Me Mine” and “For You Blue”.
If I'm not mistaken, the Naked version of Let It Be seems to be the same as the single version without George Harrison's lead guitar played through the Leslie speaker.
I always wondered why the only comments between the tracks were by John. I like the effect of having little chats between songs, but I wish they'd have had more from the others... I guess Paul says "thanks Mo" at the end...
My original copy of the Let It Be book is in horrendous shape. I was 16 years old when it came out. Who knew? Everyone has regrets about things they did or didn't do in their youth. Not taking better care of my records and the Let It Be book in particular is a big regret of mine. Just a few months ago I was with a friend and she was trying to find something for me in this box she had inherited from a friend. She was taking stuff out and setting it aside trying to get to the bottom of the box. One of the things she so casually pulled out and set aside was the Let It Be book in mint minus condition. I just stared at it. The sky opened up and angels sang. She sold me the book. It meant nothing to her. I honestly had to wipe away tears of joy.
The film must be cleaned up and polished and released if only for the rooftop gig which is historic. The last recording of them playing live and the only one since 1966 except for the Hey Jude/Revolution performances on the David Frost show in September 68. You can see this gig on you tube but it needs to be available on DVD quality
I agree with you John that Let it be is a great album but I don't agree with you on One after 909 being the only track on the album to be actually from the rooftop performance. Both I've got a feeling and Dig a pony are from the roof with but with minor edits. The former being more noticeable with the "All I want is you" line missing from both the intro and outro. Otherwise they are identical. Check out the clips from the movie to compare.
Once I heard it I've always preferred "Let It Be Naked". As for the original if they really wanted to make a great album they could have just by cutting out some of the short snippets of songs and adding "Dont Let Me Down" which is pretty much what "Let It Be Naked" does. Pretty much from "Hey Jude" on, McCartney was the creative driving force in the Beatles and Lennon seemed to become less interested in making Beatles records (Yoko Ono influence?). It's also important to remember in the early/middle Beatles years Lennon was the primary driving force with songs like "Hard Days Night", "Help", "Nowhere Man", and "Ticket To Ride".
I don’t think you can compare Let it Be to the other albums. Those were studio albums. Let it Be was live.. in that contests it is really great!. I watched this video a few times. Very good John!
Mentioning of The Rutles parody of the roof top concert, reminded me i actually watched it being filmed from another building in Soho London. It took the best part of a day to film the scene and some of us in the office i was working in, stupidly thought it was The Beatles recording a secret concert. As for the Let it Be album, I read quite recently the only piece of dialog used from the Twickenham sessions, was John's "Queen says no to pot smoking FBI members"
I mostly prefer Naked because it has a much cleaner and brighter sound. Phil Spector's Let It Be has always sounded kinda muddy and drudgery to me. Not knocking his production but it doesn't work for me in this case. But I do love the chatter in between songs.
The reason the single version has a guitar solo that sounds like an organ, is that George was putting his guitar through a Leslie speaker. (The same type of speaker usually used with a Hammond B3 organ). I’m surprised that a knowledgeable guy like you doesn’t know that…
I thought everyone knew George played the lead through a Leslie speaker. Some folk think John Played the lead on the "Let it Be" album. But I believe it was George. He might have used the Les Paul for that one, and the Tele for the Single?
One thing I've wondered about the album is why-after the long, drawn out and difficult time with the White album-did they start on another project so soon. Was it a contractual thing or were they keen to put 1968 behind them and start something new/fresh/different.
Flubs, mistakes, etc: The Beatles' catalogue wouldn't be nearly as interesting if everything they released was 'perfect'. The mistakes show that they are human.
As much as I respect Mr Heaton's incredible knowledge regarding most things regarding ' The Beatles ' To seriously Say that, Dig a Pony is the worst song on ' Let it be' is unbelievable. Don't give up the day job, Mr Heaton.
It makes me laugh, Paul tells the story that his first failing out with George was about playing guitar after every line of hey Jude. Paul didn't want it and told George so. Fair enough right? Until you hear the Wilson Pickett version of Hey Jude which ROCKS and sure enough theres guitar licks after every line. It sounds exactly as George suggested and it's such a good cover. Arguably the best cover version. Clapton thinks so, it's why he wanted to meet Duane Allman who played guitar on it. It's why they jammed, why they created and why we have Layla.
I think across the universe is a charming track, what is that muppet Ian Mcdonald talking about? shouldnt be allowed in print with ridiculous opinions like that. As an observation Paul is famously livid about what Phil Spector did to the Long And Winding Road putting a choir etc on it, if you listen to the aforementioned Across the Universe Spector gave this track exactly the same treatment but dont remember John kicking off about it....
Well the 1968 version of across the universe has a couple of ladies singing on the chorus and I think it has the strings but the naked version doesn’t have the strings and the version on the let it be album the album version has the strings I know that but it doesn’t have the ladies singing in the background on the chorus and I don’t think the 1968 version needs a couple of ladies singing on the chorus in the background aswell
John - check out on you tube a deep dive into that argument which has been edited to show it was far worse - it wasn't really an argument ( with Paul) I mean they continue talking for ages and George calls Paul Paulina at one point which is amusing.
I have always thought this not quite as great as Abbey Road , White Album , Pepper and Revolver and Rubber Soul . When you look at objectively there are some of the best Beatles songs on it. Paul was on top form as he continued to be with Abbey Road . Let it Be , Long and Winding Road , Get Back , Two of Us and Ive got a feeling are top drawer . John less so on form although Don't Let me Down is a great track and performance although not on the original Let it Be album. Perhaps my impression is because its not as polished or beautifully produced as Abbey Road or perhaps the pervading atmosphere comes through . It includes a few throwaways like Maggie May and Dig it so I feel its uneven with some absolute legendary classics and a bit of filler. John... I agree about Get Back - the Let it Be version is better and rockier than the single . Also did you say Klien was responsible for the red & blue albums? Surely he did not decide on the tracks included? If so I am really surprised as he did a great job. I am surprised that Paul and the others were prepared to let him decide that , Paul particularly . Anyhow Klien did a great job with those double albums.
Three boxes of negatives and photos were thrown out, by a cleaning service at EMI (Or Apple) anyhow, it contained the negatives for the please please me and red and blue albums
Brian Wilson is a big fan of Across The Universe by the way which is a pretty good endorsement.That DH McDonald had no idea. I agree the Spector version is the definitive one - Lennon approved it. Guess what? Don't Let Me Down should have been on the album. Also, it should have a longer version of Dig It, like was on the original Glyn Johns 'Get Back' LP. So they still haven't got that album right. I think Dig A Pony is brilliant. Don't know why people rubbish that track. That is all I want to say...
@@vinylrichie007 he's simply correcting the slurs made about him by John in the early seventies, and written into history when John died. Paul was the main drive behind The Beatles from 67 on, and if it wasn't for him we probably wouldn't have had Pepper or Abbey Road. John was brilliant yes, but without Paul The Beatles wouldn't have been anywhere near as successful.
It seems like Lennon would have hated the Let It Be Naked album. If he had been alive he never would have approved its release. But who knows. I agree with Lennon. Phil Spector did a wonderful job from what he had to work with.
Catherine Wilcox I have to disagree with you. Certainly there were slurs, some accurate, some not. But they went both ways. I can only look at the evidence. Both George and, to a lesser extent, Ringo had very public rows with Paul. John and Paul had resolved their differences well before John's murder. But it took until 1995 before George would get into a studio with him and then there were several nasty comments from George.
The Red and Blue albums use two different frames from the same photo sessions that would be the Please, Please Me and Get Back album covers. Any other band would give their first born to have such a "disaster".
Ian MacDonald's summary of Across the Universe is right. Shapeless hippy meanderings. I prefer almost any other song in this album to it. Great to see your excellent new review John.
John, out of all the suggestions, Paul did not suggest the roof of Apple, he was the last one to agree to that, Mark Lewishon confirmed that, I had heard it rumoured before this, but Mark confirmed my information. As a foot note, can you remove the plastic covers as you leave them on, they crinkle and rattle like S..t and is VERY annoying! Thanks👍👍 P.S. you need to put something in your hands John, you look irritated by the way you keep wrapping and wrenching together, even keep and album there till you finish your video! (Just an observation)😉👍
I’m absolutely mad for the Glyn Johns versions just now. So sick of overproduced music and the Johns versions are so bluesy and raw. Add billy Preston to the mix and you’ve got a rough diamond.
When I bought Let it be on vinyl I was disappointed because there was about 20 minute potential for more songs. Don't Let me down, All things must pass, Isn't it a pity, Junk could have been added.
Get back, Long and Winding Road, Let it be. I’ve got a feeling , better than anything Paul wrote for abbey road which is regarded as a better album. Yes agree one of their finest albums. George was improving as a song writer. They should have stayed together and do albums. But also should have been allowed to do their solo work. They could have booked a month once a year to record an album.
Ir Paul wanted a honest sound they coul'd be released the "Best Back" LP from the Glyn Johns mixes. Nas of story or taking the job to G Martin bit without overdubbing mas effects. I think Phil Spector was not informed about the "Get Back" original concept. Lennen said to him work on this "recorded shit" to Make a decent disc. P Spector was a bit profissional and Make a good job. McCarntney take the opportunity by the Long and Winding Road polemic to leaving the band. Many yeats late played the piano ballad TLAWR with horns. And make more money with the "Let It Be... Naked" agains the original and classic. I think it cem be more honest releasing the 1969 ""Get Back".
If only Spector had put 'Don't Let Me Down' on it I would hail it as something much more than it is.
Yeh, Never understood why he left that song off? That would of been one of the highlights of the album!
99% of bands would kill to have an album this good
I love the warm , smooth sound of the album.
My favorite track on LET IT BE is "For You Blue." It's not even trying to be great, you say? That's why it's so charming; it seems breezily effortless and fun. Dhani Harrison remade it in a similar spirit
Dhani's a eunuch
There are reviews of the "Let it Be" album by other Beatle you-tubers, but this review by John Heaton is by far the best, because it's more than just opinions by the reviewer, it is a thorough, heavily researched collection of information about the songs on the album and the point in Beatles history during which they were recorded. Another great video, John!
Original US issue was a gate fold on a Red Apple label. The late 70's US reissue on a Purple Capitol label contained the pictured inner sleeve and poster. The same pictures which were in the original gate fold, were re-produced on the re-issue inner sleeve. "Let It Be" went out of print in the US in 1975 (something to do with United Artists losing their rights to manufacture and distribute in the USA that year,) and inferior quality counterfeits ran rampant in mom and pop stores until the Capitol re-issue appeared a few years later.
I also own Ian MacDonald's book and I am somewhat flumuxed by his comments on 'Across the Universe'. I think it is my favourite track on the whole album, well at the moment.
Around my 11th birthday, April 12, 1979, my father came into my room and heard me playing my brand new 45, "Blow Away" by George Harrison. He listened for a minute and said, "Nice song." But then threw an album onto my bed and said, "Listen to this, kiddo." And then left. It was Let It Be and I've been hooked since. Dad knew I was primed to be a Beatles fan as he saw how much I loved Wings and George Harrison, being that John Lennon's stuff was slightly over my head, with the exception of a few tracks; "Imagine", "#9 Dream" and "Whatever Gets You Thru The Night". But for Christmas of 1979 I received a copy of 1967-1970 (Blue Album) and as much as I loved every song on that set, I seemed to be most attracted to John's songs, "Walrus", "Strawberry Fields", "Day In A Life", "Don't Let Me Down". When John was murdered a year later it was like a family member died. My mother felt it the hardest but I shared her pain when I heard the news that next morning getting ready for school.
I flew to London from Canada and met with John and Derek at Apple. The place was wonderful and the morning is still clear to me . Kindness was ever present . It affected my music considerably , and does to this day. The next morning I was in Manchester Square for a follow up meeting . I stood at the stairwell . Love your work JOHN. Ps across the universe is beautiful . Shame on you ian mcdonald .
I quite like the Phil Spector production, and prefer it to Let It Be Naked. I think his participation is terribly underrated. I like the strings and backing singers on 'The Long And Winding Road'. It is one of my favourite Beatles albums because it is a little rough round the edges.
I find your reviews very insightful and your passion as a fan comes across beautifully and encourages me to go back and have a listen to all these gems.
Hi John Let it Be was the 1st Beatles album I ever got, in 1977. its one of my favourites too. Also, I do notice some differences between "Let it be" and "Naked" that you maybe do also, but don't mention on this review: 1/ Across the universe: There's a sparseness missing from the other ones on Naked, and a nice shimmering sitar-like guitar and a more up-front vocal. 2/ Let it Be: No echo on Ringo's cymbal near the beginning, and not extra drums near the end, and minus the guitar fills. 3/ One after 909: Rythmn guitar softer on Naked. 4/ Long and winding road: Different lead vocal track on Naked. 5/ For you blue: You can hear George's acoustic on Naked, which was buried on Let it be. (I prefer the Let it be version).
I absolutely love the "Let It Be" project, the resultant album, a bit less so. Honestly putting aside the "Let It Be...Naked" remix for the moment, neither the work that Glyn Johns or Phil Spector performed on the tapes could be called a definitive document of the project. Glyn Johns for one reason or another chose not to access the best material that The Beatles recorded in January, 1969 and Phil Spector strayed too far from the original intentions of the project. That's about the long and the short of it for me anyway. There are some tremendous songs on the album and some pedestrian ones to go along with them. George Harrison is terribly underutilized throughout the record and one could say that it's to the record's detriment. I wouldn't have minded at all personally hearing "All Things Must Pass" and "Let It Down" supplant "For You Blue" and "I Me Mine" which both sound like they took Harrison all of five minutes to write. John Lennon was also in the doldrums of his songwriting career during this project and ironically his best number, "Don't Let Me Down" didn't even make the final cut! "Dig A Pony" is absolute garbage and "Across The Universe", while brilliant is more of a testament to the lack of new Lennon material as that song already hearkened back a few years by the time it was issued. Paul McCartney's work as was customary at this point in his career is brilliant. All things being equal however, "Let It Be" might be the most fascinating Beatles album of them all as it truly documents the struggle, pull apart and eventual implosion of the greatest entertainment act of the twentieth century. Thanks for the review John!
After listening to the Let it Be album for so many years, your use to all the songs, they way they sound. When "Naked" came out, I bought it just
to add to my collection. But I really didn't like all of it. I missed the strings. I know Paul's first intentions was no strings on Let it Be or Winding Road?
No chorus's.. But. They sound really good!
Back in the early 70's this was my favorite Beatles album by far, just love the live feel. Great job on the review as you encompassed the whole Let it Be picture.
Great video John. I can't stress how important the box-set book was to me when I was a kid. A family friend lent it to me and I just poured over it (didn't pour anything over it fortunately). They were the first photographs of the Beatles I ever obsessed over.
I have learnt so much from you over the years, and value your opinion. Thankyou John.
Some really great tracks on this album, Paul's vocals on I've Got A Feeling are among his best, but overall I don't think it flows too well, you can tell it's not a 'normal' Beatles album. Let It Be is among the first handful of records I bought with my own money and was fortunate enough to get the box set which I bought on day of release, can't remember the price maybe about £3.00 ? I still have it and like you say I wish I had bought a couple more !
I agree! I'm glad someone else agrees that it doesn't flow. I've even made a playlist on my iPod with a better running order (and some different versions)
Absolutely love these reviews! Totally agree that the Spector version of Get Back is superior, although I don't like the abbreviated ending, while Across the Universe is a classic. Agree that the guitar solo for Let it Be is much better on the album.
Loved your review John. I'd like to see a reproduction of the Get Back book with the 50th anniversary reissue of Let It Be! I have a bootleg of the Get back album the Glyn Johns 2nd mix, there's a great stripped down version of Across the Universe on there.
Great review John. I'm fortunate enough to have a UK boxed set, which is probably 85% condition. (Usual issues with the inner cardboard which is slightly torn). Anyway, I've always been of the opinion that whilst the original album is roughly segued etc. it still is a timepiece of the Beatles career & is cherished because of this. GAZ PS, I really love the Naked version, especially because it includes Don't let me down.
A terrific discussion, John. Putting the album itself aside, I’ve always thought the title of “Let It Be, Naked” was a ridiculous one. A minor gripe for sure. Have always loved the film. The album is not in my top 5 but I do like it. I did visit 3 Savile Row back in 1970 which was a fabulous experience. I think I’ve mentioned it before. Take care.
Great video. Have you not heard about the 'renewed' Let It Be film project and director Peter Jackson's involvement? Michael Lindsey-Hogg has given the 55 hours of film and 140 hours of audio to Jackson. An entirely new film will be produced with a restored re-release of the original Let It Be film ( with full cooperation from Starr, McCartney, Yoko and Olivia ) through a partnership between Apple Corps Ltd and Jackson's New Zealand Film Company. So it's official this time.
The last I heard it was called :Get Back" and at first was being released to Theaters but postponed due to Covid-19. Then I hear Disney is going to
bring it to TV.
The inside photos in the gatefold Blue/Red album was taken in St Pancras Churchyard near Kings Cross on the infamous Mad Day Out photo session in July 68, photos taken by Don Mc Cullen I think
John, love your reviews. Do you plan on seeing the Danny Boyle film, "Yesterday" when it comes out (June I think)?
Agree with you on Across the Universe , beautiful melody and lyrics , don't know what McDonald is talking about .Also the album version of Let it Be the song is better with a great George guitar solo which on the single is buried in the mix. Just listened to this album again and its great . Its a Beatles album with some superb songs on it its part of history and stands with all their other albums.
I'm glad you mentioned the "Get Back" book, I have a copy with a different cover, it's one of the best books on the group. You get an inside look at what went on and the state of mind of the guys. "Let It Be" would have been better had it included 'Don't Let Me Down' which was wasted as a b-side to the 'Get Back' single.
It's true about John not wanting to play on George's songs, he didn't play anything on 2 of his White Album songs.
I did manage to download a copy of the film a few years ago, it was uploaded on You Tube with the picture 45 degrees off. I was able to correct that with software and put it on a DVD-R disc.
Why would John Not want to play on George's songs?
I love the warm smooth sound...of Mr Heaton’s voice. 😉 Another terrific review. John should be on TV.
Completely agree about the album version of Let It Be and the guitar solo, an absolutely brilliant take. But the drums are also better on that version with the additional hi hats on the intro and also the toms in break down after the solo.
And I also prefer the dialogue in the Spector version
Great stuff as usual John. Agreed, I always come back to the 1970 release as opposed to the Naked version. Just a thought after watching some of your other videos recently, I thoroughly enjoyed your Top 10 Beatles Solo Promo Videos. In it you mentioned doing The Beatles Video Promos at some stage too, so how's about it? Cheers mate.
Ever since I first listened to Let It Be... Naked, I haven’t been able to listen to the full album anymore. I love the Get Back sessions, they might be my favorites after the White Album and Abbey Road sessions, and I feel that Phil Spector, well, not _ruined_ the songs, but made them significantly less interesting. Or, in some cases, flat out bad (For You Blue, Long and Winding Road, I Me Mine). I like a lot of Spector’s work, but I just don’t think his style worked in the slightest for the Beatles. Although if I do have one huge gripe with the Naked album, it’s that the cover is horrible. Why they didn’t use the original Get Back cover, I will never understand.
I agree that Spector's production didn't suit The Beatles style. The original cover for Get Back was used for the 1962-66 and 1967-70 compilations which probably explains why it wasn't used for Let It Be Naked.
Completely agree with your sentiment! Let it be naked, rocks! I have heard Paul McCartney in interview, saying much the same as yourself. He talked of, at the time Glyn Johns did a desk mix, without the horns & strings. He said he much preferred that mix, over Phil Spector’s. Also the desk mix, fell into line, much more that what inspired them to record both film & music. To show a band throughout the whole creative process.
I personally feel They Long Winding Road, is completely ruined by Spector’s over the top strings & horns. Excellent comment my friend!
Hi John. Sure, some of what you share is well known information for Beatles fans, but i always appreciate everything you share. Your perspective is as a fan who gives credit where it is deserved but give balanced and fair criticism where there should be some. Your videos are always welcome and insightful and enjoyable. Stay well.
Great review. Get back, let it be and I’ve got a feeling would be personal favourites.
Great stuff John! Told me lots I didn’t know.
On Let It Be Naked they also kept Spector's lengthening of "I Me Mine," contravening the implicit vision of eliminating Spector's contributions.
Thank you, John! I think I'm going to rewatch my attitude to this album, which I, in fact, don't appreciate much.
Hey John. I've been sort of hiding in the bushes so to speak, having really loved hearing your reviews and insights over the past couple of weeks and after stumbling across one of your reviews, not seeing your channel prior.
I'm Canadian, my name is Jack, but my grandfather came to live with us in 66 when I was four and we lived in Toronto, and he started calling me "Little John" after the Robin Hood character and the name John stuck! lol! So most of my family and friends call me John!
My parents were both born in England John, Dad was a WWII veteran and he served aboard the carrier HMS Illustrious during the war, and Mum worked at secret locations throughout the war assembling bomb components. Both very highly prized targets by the Luftwaffe! After the war their country was in large heaps and so they decided to immigrate to Canada in late 45. My mom and her sister, aunt Joyce, moved first, then their parents about a year later.
My father had transferred from the Royal Navy to the British army after the war because he loved hard physical labor and as much as he hated warfare, he figured he was pretty safe staying in the military, after all, the world had surely learned from the second war to end all wars! To his tremendous shock and disgust he found himself shipped off to WAR at the start of the Suez Canal blockade by Egypt! Once again he was in battle, this time not feeling helpless inside a huge soup tin being hammered by Luftwaffe bombs and torpedoes, this time he was having to fire a rifle at other human beings, as they were at him and his brethren!
As soon as he was able Dad was honorably discharged and decided also to immigrate to Canada, which is where he met Mum!
I remember the first time I heard a Beatle song was when my sisters, 12 and 13 years older than I am, brought home a 45. I was impressed at how excited they were and how they both tore down the stairs to their basement lair to get the record on as quickly as they possibly could! lol! And so I was quite impressed with the song even before I heard it just from my sister's reaction!
Their was music blasting out of the basement constantly in our house, with my sister's bedroom down there and there was always a group of their friends over. Pretty much from 4 days old, when Mum brought my wee carcass home for the first time, I had 24/7 exposure to a steady, fluid stream of great rock n roll! I heard a lot of the 50's music, Motown, then the Beatles came home so to speak and even at such a young age I recognized there was something different and quite special about the Beatles. It was more than my sister's reaction, they quite obviously loved it, but I recognized something quite different myself at that young age and in hindsight I know the Beatles were the first band I personally fell in love with!
That first 45 was Eleanor Rigby, and Beatles music was just different from anything else I'd heard, and as I said, my sisters had music playing constantly! I was used to the bee bop 50's music, they really loved Dion and the Belmonts, Elvis was huge of course, and I still love Elvis, and Motown was great music but when I heard the Beatles that very fist time, like countless others, I knew this was "different" but couldn't tell you why obviously at that young age!
It wasn't long after that when I was walking to a friend's apartment, I was 5 years old and it was the summer of 67!! It was a beautiful summer day and I always loved walking down this one particular street because in the summer the huge oak and maple trees touched at the top and formed a fantasy land effect where the entire street was always painted in a magical green shade because the trees formed a stunning tunnel of leaves!
So I'm walking down this awesome street and I see a Volkswagen Beatle parked at the curb, I kid you not John, and I could hear music coming from that car and could see someone's arm resting on the window ledge. As I got closer I immediately recognized the band, but it was the first time I'd ever heard "Hello Goodbye" and again, I felt something powerful, yet couldn't explain what!
I will NEVER, EVER forget that day because the scenery coupled with the V.W. Beetle and the first time hearing that awesome song, and having so recently been introduced to this powerful band, well it just set that moment of time apart and it was etched deep into my memory bank, and you know how certain smells can trigger memories? Well anytime I see trees touching at the tops and forming a tunnel, that day - that moment in time comes straight back and it always feels as though I was just experiencing that exact time over again, and I never get tired of that!!
So yes I am a huge Beatle fan John, and I do really enjoy your incredible insights and vast knowledge base not only of Beatle music, but your incredible wealth of musical knowledge and your amazing collection!!
I really appreciate your efforts and all the awesome facts and huge body of knowledge you share!
Finally, just to underscore the impact this wonderful group had on my personally, I started teaching myself guitar and singing around 12 years old, because I wanted to be a Beatle! My personal favorite was Paul, but John was a very close second! lol! Sorry George, Ringo!
That lead to a career which lasted almost 30 years! I've performed live, and have done studio work more times than I could count and absolutely loved each last second of it!!
Having been a several different bands, and spending extended close quarters with other musicians, I completely understand how the very best, greatest rock/pop band ever got sick of each other, and the life!! I was lead vocalist/writer with Rhythm guitar ability. although the guitar is mostly for writing, parties/camping etc. I think I could count the number of times I actually layed guitar on live stage on two hands, less the thumbs! ")
I subbed after that first review John, so glad I found the channel!!
On a final personal level - I very much love all their work, however I'm afraid we disagree on this one John, I very much prefer "Let It Be Naked"
Before I'd had a chance to listen to LIBN I was convinced there was just no way I would EVER like it more than I loved (and love) Spector's version.
And I believe Phil is innocent! I believe his bizarre lifestyle, and his mega arrogance were on trial as opposed to the alleged crime.
Have you seen the Pacino TV movie John? No way he could have done that and not one spec of blood on his anywhere! Phil Spector was his own worst enemy! Coming to court with a huge from wig as (in his own words) "my homage to Jimmy" (Hendrix) Phil Spector is doing life for assholery! ")
Thank you so much John!
Jack/John!!AKA John - Canada!
Thanks for your comments!
@@johnheaton5667
You're too kind after that novel! lol!
Thanks again John
Jack - Canada
I do love Revolution In The Head, I can remember buying it and I got home and read about half of it in one sitting. I was quite engrossed, it is a good read. But McDonald absolutely slates some of their stuff, especially tracks off The White Album, he had no need to be that hypercritical and does come across as rather grandiose.
Don’t Let Me Down for sure should have been on this album instead of Maggie Mae and Dig It. If so, it would quite possibly be in my top 5 albums by them
Let it be, the album, is not a disaster. It may have been made in disastrous circumstances but one shouldn’t mistake the circumstances and the outcome. It has got some of the best Beatles songs: let it be, Get back, the long and winding road, two of us. You can hear how perfectly they played together and the pleasure that comes out of it. The sound is incredibly warm. It’s the kind of album that is so suave you don’t réalise it’s over when it is. I give it a 10.
It wasn't over, they got together again recorded "Abbey Road" 🚶🏿♂️🚶🏿♂️🚶🏿♂️🚶🏿♂️🌞
John, you should watch Let It Be related videos from “Pop goes the 60’s”. Clears up many common misconceptions about the Let It Be time period…
Abbey Road was the penultimate Beatles album recorded - the Let It Be material was recorded earlier, but not released until 1970.
christohop did I say it wrong? let it be penultimate to be recorded abbey road the last to be recorded ...although they came out the other way round
Hi John - you mentioned a few songs where there are differences between Let it be album and Naked. "For you blue" was one track where you didn't notice a difference - but if you listen carefully on the Naked version, you can hear GA's acoustic guitar where you couldn't on the let it be album. That being said, personally I prefer the let it be version, I think its heavier and stompier. Overall I also prefer the let it be album, with the exceptions of Long and winding road which was overdone on Let it be, and Across the universe which I like better on Naked.
Thanks for another interesting chat a fab album as a fan I’ll listen and watch any thing you say about this band 🙏
Hi.
Let It Be is not as bad as some people say. I always liked the album. But it would have been better if the song Don't Let Me Down was on it. As supposed by Glyn Johns on his second acetate version.
Across The Universe is in my opinion the strongest song on the album. I agree with your opinion on the song Let It Be, concerning the guitar solo.
I've got the same Get Back bootleg vinyl and indeed it is a superb bootleg.
Last year I bought the box set for a fair price.
The album Let It Be .... Naked is sometimes too "naked" in my opinion. So I will stick to the original.
Not all Phil Spector did was bad.
The Doug Sulpy is a good book, when listening to the complete Nagra tapes.
The same photographer took the 1963 and 1969 photos on the red & blue albums , building is EMI Manchester Square.
Yeah I didn't know about the Linda shot, but I knew that they made it a point to get the same photographer for the same building shot
I feel like I'm the only person who loves Dig A Pony and I've Got A Feeling. They along with Don't Let Me Down are my 3 favorite songs on the whole album/session.
Even John hated Dig a Pony lol. I think it's great.
Bigfoot is Just Really Shy when l have 7 dig a pony was my favority
Dig a pony is George at his best as lead guitarist supporting Beatles vocals, beautiful fills playing off the vocal lines. It’s a genius song w classic Lennon lyrics weaving through tight band guitar licks. Classic Ringo fills. One of their great live songs/performances as part of rooftop concert.
Don't worry Bigfoot - you're not alone :-). I actually think that Dig A Pony and I've Got A Feeling give us a glimpse behind the magician's cloth. I love this whole album except, and I can't explain this, Get Back.
Robutube1 I adore the album, I can even listen to Maggie Mae from time to time just because it seems like they had fun on it. I will say the two songs I really don’t like are the Long and Winding Road along with For You Blue
I always like it...love the guitar work and the singing
The great thing about digital is I now have a version of Let It Be with Don't Let Me Down on it lol
That’s awesome.
The downside is you can’t hold the lp or whatever while listening.
I and Julia Baird went to her old home in Liverpool where I was introduced to an old man working in his garden. His name? Georgie Wood! True story.
The guitar solo on the let it be track on the Album is far superior to the other versions
Linda WAS a professional photographer. I don't think they reshot the Get Back cover because they didn't like the picture. There was some issue with the balcony/structure above them that had been changed since 63, some things had to be rearranged on the reshoot for it to look more similar.
How wonderfully humorous and playful a lot of their songs were.
John Lennon wrote “Across the Universe” when he was still with Cynthia. “Don’t Let Me Down” is good but not on album, therefore “Universe” was the only John song I cared for on the album. I love “Get Back”, “The Two of Us”, and “Let It Be” and “Long and Winding Road” but last two songs were a bit over produced with Spector I thought. I also liked “I Got A Feeling”. I also liked both “I Me Mine” and “For You Blue”.
I was always indifferent to Let It Be, but I listened to the '...Naked' version repeatedly when I first heard it and definitely prefer it.
If I'm not mistaken, the Naked version of Let It Be seems to be the same as the single version without George Harrison's lead guitar played through the Leslie speaker.
I always wondered why the only comments between the tracks were by John. I like the effect of having little chats between songs, but I wish they'd have had more from the others... I guess Paul says "thanks Mo" at the end...
My original copy of the Let It Be book is in horrendous shape. I was 16 years old when it came out. Who knew? Everyone has regrets about things they did or didn't do in their youth. Not taking better care of my records and the Let It Be book in particular is a big regret of mine. Just a few months ago I was with a friend and she was trying to find something for me in this box she had inherited from a friend. She was taking stuff out and setting it aside trying to get to the bottom of the box. One of the things she so casually pulled out and set aside was the Let It Be book in mint minus condition. I just stared at it. The sky opened up and angels sang. She sold me the book. It meant nothing to her. I honestly had to wipe away tears of joy.
Very nice talking to us!
The film must be cleaned up and polished and released if only for the rooftop gig which is historic. The last recording of them playing live and the only one since 1966 except for the Hey Jude/Revolution performances on the David Frost show in September 68. You can see this gig on you tube but it needs to be available on DVD quality
I agree with you John that Let it be is a great album but I don't agree with you on One after 909 being the only track on the album to be actually from the rooftop performance. Both I've got a feeling and Dig a pony are from the roof with but with minor edits. The former being more noticeable with the "All I want is you" line missing from both the intro and outro. Otherwise they are identical. Check out the clips from the movie to compare.
Hi John. Where did you get the Get Back LP from that you show at 8.52?
James Griffiths hi James I think I bought it in Liverpool in ‘84 but it’s a bootleg...poor quality but worth it for the cover alone!
my dad has the box set but he said he cut some of the pics out of the book to stick on his bedroom wall ..Ahhhhhhhhh ps love this album
Once I heard it I've always preferred "Let It Be Naked". As for the original if they really wanted to make a great album they could have just by cutting out some of the short snippets of songs and adding "Dont Let Me Down" which is pretty much what "Let It Be Naked" does. Pretty much from "Hey Jude" on, McCartney was the creative driving force in the Beatles and Lennon seemed to become less interested in making Beatles records (Yoko Ono influence?). It's also important to remember in the early/middle Beatles years Lennon was the primary driving force with songs like "Hard Days Night", "Help", "Nowhere Man", and "Ticket To Ride".
I don’t think you can compare Let it Be to the other albums. Those were studio albums. Let it Be was live.. in that contests it is really great!. I watched this video a few times. Very good John!
supposed to be live yes but very little of it actually is…eg only one rooftop performance was used on the album
Obrigada 🇧🇷
NICE REVIEW OF LET IT BE. IT IS AN AWESOME ALBUM AND MOVIE. I HOPE THE 2020 VERSION OF THE ALBUM AND MOVIE ARE SUPERB. TAKE CARE.
Thanks for the review.....I enjoyed it.
John can you review Goodbye Jumbo by World Party?
Mentioning of The Rutles parody of the roof top concert, reminded me i actually watched it being filmed from another building in Soho London. It took the best part of a day to film the scene and some of us in the office i was working in, stupidly thought it was The Beatles recording a secret concert.
As for the Let it Be album, I read quite recently the only piece of dialog used from the Twickenham sessions, was John's "Queen says no to pot smoking FBI members"
I mostly prefer Naked because it has a much cleaner and brighter sound. Phil Spector's Let It Be has always sounded kinda muddy and drudgery to me. Not knocking his production but it doesn't work for me in this case. But I do love the chatter in between songs.
The reason the single version has a guitar solo that sounds like an organ, is that George was putting his guitar through a Leslie speaker. (The same type of speaker usually used with a Hammond B3 organ). I’m surprised that a knowledgeable guy like you doesn’t know that…
I thought everyone knew George played the lead through a Leslie speaker. Some folk think John Played the lead on the "Let it Be" album.
But I believe it was George. He might have used the Les Paul for that one, and the Tele for the Single?
One thing I've wondered about the album is why-after the long, drawn out and difficult time with the White album-did they start on another project so soon. Was it a contractual thing or were they keen to put 1968 behind them and start something new/fresh/different.
thanks John
Flubs, mistakes, etc: The Beatles' catalogue wouldn't be nearly as interesting if everything they released was 'perfect'. The mistakes show that they are human.
I like to know what John Heaton thinks of the GET BACK 3 part doco and the re-re-worked album by Giles Martin, Hm?!?
As much as I respect Mr Heaton's incredible knowledge regarding most things regarding ' The Beatles ' To seriously Say that, Dig a Pony is the worst song on ' Let it be' is unbelievable. Don't give up the day job, Mr Heaton.
Wonderful well-considered evocative commentary
It makes me laugh, Paul tells the story that his first failing out with George was about playing guitar after every line of hey Jude. Paul didn't want it and told George so. Fair enough right?
Until you hear the Wilson Pickett version of Hey Jude which ROCKS and sure enough theres guitar licks after every line. It sounds exactly as George suggested and it's such a good cover. Arguably the best cover version. Clapton thinks so, it's why he wanted to meet Duane Allman who played guitar on it. It's why they jammed, why they created and why we have Layla.
I think across the universe is a charming track, what is that muppet Ian Mcdonald talking about? shouldnt be allowed in print with ridiculous opinions like that. As an observation Paul is famously livid about what Phil Spector did to the Long And Winding Road putting a choir etc on it, if you listen to the aforementioned Across the Universe Spector gave this track exactly the same treatment but dont remember John kicking off about it....
Well the 1968 version of across the universe has a couple of ladies singing on the chorus and I think it has the strings but the naked version doesn’t have the strings and the version on the let it be album the album version has the strings I know that but it doesn’t have the ladies singing in the background on the chorus and I don’t think the 1968 version needs a couple of ladies singing on the chorus in the background aswell
John - check out on you tube a deep dive into that argument which has been edited to show it was far worse - it wasn't really an argument ( with Paul) I mean they continue talking for ages and George calls Paul Paulina at one point which is amusing.
I have always thought this not quite as great as Abbey Road , White Album , Pepper and Revolver and Rubber Soul . When you look at objectively there are some of the best Beatles songs on it. Paul was on top form as he continued to be with Abbey Road . Let it Be , Long and Winding Road , Get Back , Two of Us and Ive got a feeling are top drawer . John less so on form although Don't Let me Down is a great track and performance although not on the original Let it Be album. Perhaps my impression is because its not as polished or beautifully produced as Abbey Road or perhaps the pervading atmosphere comes through . It includes a few throwaways like Maggie May and Dig it so I feel its uneven with some absolute legendary classics and a bit of filler. John... I agree about Get Back - the Let it Be version is better and rockier than the single . Also did you say Klien was responsible for the red & blue albums? Surely he did not decide on the tracks included? If so I am really surprised as he did a great job. I am surprised that Paul and the others were prepared to let him decide that , Paul particularly . Anyhow Klien did a great job with those double albums.
Agree. Across the Universe is a classic. That critic is goofy
Three boxes of negatives and photos were thrown out, by a cleaning service at EMI
(Or Apple) anyhow, it contained the negatives for the please please me and red and blue albums
Brian Wilson is a big fan of Across The Universe by the way which is a pretty good endorsement.That DH McDonald had no idea. I agree the Spector version is the definitive one - Lennon approved it. Guess what? Don't Let Me Down should have been on the album. Also, it should have a longer version of Dig It, like was on the original Glyn Johns 'Get Back' LP. So they still haven't got that album right. I think Dig A Pony is brilliant. Don't know why people rubbish that track. That is all I want to say...
Never pay attention to what John Lennon said after 1970
Now that John and George have passed away Paul has been revising history.
Vinyl Richie yes
@@vinylrichie007 he's simply correcting the slurs made about him by John in the early seventies, and written into history when John died. Paul was the main drive behind The Beatles from 67 on, and if it wasn't for him we probably wouldn't have had Pepper or Abbey Road. John was brilliant yes, but without Paul The Beatles wouldn't have been anywhere near as successful.
It seems like Lennon would have hated the Let It Be Naked album. If he had been alive he never would have approved its release. But who knows. I agree with Lennon. Phil Spector did a wonderful job from what he had to work with.
Catherine Wilcox I have to disagree with you. Certainly there were slurs, some accurate, some not. But they went both ways. I can only look at the evidence. Both George and, to a lesser extent, Ringo had very public rows with Paul. John and Paul had resolved their differences well before John's murder. But it took until 1995 before George would get into a studio with him and then there were several nasty comments from George.
In my top 3
The Red and Blue albums use two different frames from the same photo sessions that would be the Please, Please Me and Get Back album covers. Any other band would give their first born to have such a "disaster".
George's solo is going through a Leslie on the single.
Ian MacDonald's summary of Across the Universe is right. Shapeless hippy meanderings. I prefer almost any other song in this album to it. Great to see your excellent new review John.
Henry Hemming blimey Henry...I thought McDonald was alone in that opinion:- )
@@johnheaton5667 nah its a boring dirge, even paul looked bored by it in the film
John, out of all the suggestions, Paul did not suggest the roof of Apple, he was the last one to agree to that, Mark Lewishon confirmed that, I had heard it rumoured before this, but Mark confirmed my information.
As a foot note, can you remove the plastic covers as you leave them on, they crinkle and rattle like S..t and is VERY annoying! Thanks👍👍
P.S. you need to put something in your hands John, you look irritated by the way you keep wrapping and wrenching together, even keep and album there till you finish your video!
(Just an observation)😉👍
Love Me Do with Billy Preston could have been added.
The long and winding road is granny music to myself. I love them but upset w this album honestly
I love Dig a Pony
ive always prefered the original, get back , [bootleg lp, which was going to be released in 69, [music and chat ], as was originaly intended
This is why you got 10,000 subs before Mayo because you provide EVIDENCE
Not including don't let me down was a huge error....
That's why I prefer let it be naked....though the 2nd disc was a waste....
I’m absolutely mad for the Glyn Johns versions just now. So sick of overproduced music and the Johns versions are so bluesy and raw. Add billy Preston to the mix and you’ve got a rough diamond.
When I bought Let it be on vinyl I was disappointed because there was about 20 minute potential for more songs. Don't Let me down, All things must pass, Isn't it a pity, Junk could have been added.
Get back, Long and Winding Road, Let it be. I’ve got a feeling , better than anything Paul wrote for abbey road which is regarded as a better album. Yes agree one of their finest albums. George was improving as a song writer. They should have stayed together and do albums. But also should have been allowed to do their solo work. They could have booked a month once a year to record an album.
Ir Paul wanted a honest sound they coul'd be released the "Best Back" LP from the Glyn Johns mixes. Nas of story or taking the job to G Martin bit without overdubbing mas effects. I think Phil Spector was not informed about the "Get Back" original concept. Lennen said to him work on this "recorded shit" to Make a decent disc. P Spector was a bit profissional and Make a good job. McCarntney take the opportunity by the Long and Winding Road polemic to leaving the band. Many yeats late played the piano ballad TLAWR with horns. And make more money with the "Let It Be... Naked" agains the original and classic. I think it cem be more honest releasing the 1969 ""Get Back".