the beatles: river rhine tapes

there's not a lot of information about the reasons behind these tapes, but having been recorded in 1969, it was most likely that these were rehearsal/demo tapes for songs on 'abbey road' and 'get back' (a documentary which was later entitled 'let it be'). the beatles broke up in the summer of '69 (officially in '70) before trying to return their recording focus to less produced, more traditional, four-piece performances of their earlier albums. however, 'let it be', as we know it, was produced by phil 'wall of sound' spector in 1970 without much supervision by the band itself, essentially bulldozing the initial concept of a stripped down sound. though recently, apple records re-released the album, 'let it be... naked' sans spector's additions.

anyway, dozens of songs were culled from hours of tape and released by some bootleg label. listening, the recordings show a lot of goofing around and tomfoolery, which might indicate a more optimistic time for the beatles as well as a period lacking in focus. their previous recording experience for 'the white album' wasn't pleasant (understatement: yoko), so it may be comforting at least to hear them having a good time on these tapes - perhaps a last hurrah.

some personal observations: since it was paul's idea to get back to their earlier times, you can sense him trying to make things work; john is obviously fucking around; ringo is being ringo, the few of his songs on the tapes are unnotable; and my favorite part, george really comes to the table with some complete and beautiful songs. i hope you enjoy the mix!

1. across the universe
2. oh! darling
3. suzy parker
4. maxwell's silver hammer
5. one after 909
6. for you blue
7. chi chi cha
8. across the universe
9. golden slumbers/carry that weight
10. all things must pass
11. her majesty

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-ji