At this point all the songs for the new (as yet untitled) album were down on tape; all that remained was to apply the finishing touches. At today’s session, The Beatles Bible tells us, there were three orders of business:
- “More vocals” were recorded for “The End” (who was doing the singing is not disclosed).
- George laid down a part for “Because” on his Moog synthesizer, which had recently been delivered to the studio.
- Paul added tape loops to the transition between “You Never Give Me Your Money” and “Sun King.” Says TBB, “The effects included birds twittering, crickets chirping and bells ringing.”
Despite the ever-widening rift between them, The Beatles were working very efficiently during this period. Maybe it was a case of “Let’s get this last album over with so I won’t have to see these assholes every day anymore” — though it’s entirely possible that no two of them were ever in the same room at the same time today.
But they got the job done. I personally think that Abbey Road is a work of vast and luminous beauty, and it always surprises me to learn that not everyone feels the same. De gustibus non est disputandum. But it seems to me that a world without Abbey Road would be a measurably less enjoyable one.
Which reminds me, I finally broke down and went to see that movie Yesterday recently. It was fine. I have quibbles, but the lead actor had charisma, the music was creditable (even excellent in the case of “Help”), and Kate McKinnon was great as the living embodiment of the Long Plastic Hallway. I give it three stars.
Finally, a quick shout-out to the Old Man, who turned 27 (considerably less Old) on this day. Without him this blog would not exist. A big hand, please.
HAND
I have no idea what that means.
you asked for a big hand, that is as big a font as I could get in the reply
Curses. You’re too clever for me, Von Funk.
Thanks! Glad you gave Yesterday 3 stars.