Let It Be: History, analysis, and comparison of the song's different mixes

Summary

In this video, the creator shares their deep dive into the Beatles' 'Get Back/Let It Be' sessions of 1969, a period marked by turmoil and creativity. Highlighting the album as their favorite, they focus on the song 'Let It Be,' discussing its complex recording history, various versions, and unique guitar solos. The video also explores the different mixes of the song, from the single to the album and 'Naked' versions, and the creator's own attempt to craft the 'ultimate mix.' A tribute to the Beatles' enduring legacy, the video is a must-watch for fans seeking insights into one of their most beloved albums.

Takeaways

• 🎶 The speaker is a long-time Beatles fan and particularly fascinated by the Get Back/Let It Be sessions of early 1969.
• 📀 'Let It Be' is the speaker's favorite Beatles album, notable for its complex recording history and the band's internal tensions during its production.
• 🎵 Classic Beatles songs like 'Get Back', 'Two of Us', 'I've Got a Feeling', and 'Don't Let Me Down' originated from the Get Back sessions.
• 🎥 The Let It Be sessions were filmed, providing hours of audio recordings and insights into the band's creative process.
• 🌟 'Let It Be' the song was inspired by a dream Paul McCartney had about his late mother, which he described as a comforting message during a period of struggle.
• 🔁 The Beatles recorded over 100 takes of 'Let It Be', showing their dedication to perfecting the track despite the challenges they faced.
• 🎸 Different versions of 'Let It Be' feature various guitar solos, with George Harrison improvising multiple takes, each with unique nuances.
• 🎼 Phil Spector's involvement in the album's production added orchestral elements and other overdubs, which have been a subject of debate among fans.
• 🎧 The speaker created a custom mix of 'Let It Be', combining elements from different versions to showcase the song's evolution and their personal touch.
• 📖 The video serves as an educational resource for Beatles enthusiasts, offering a detailed look into the creation of one of their most beloved songs.

Q & A

What is the speaker's favorite Beatles album and why?

The speaker's favorite Beatles album is 'Let It Be' because they find the history behind its recording fascinating and the music from this period to be some of the best in the band's discography.

What is significant about the Get Back/Let It Be sessions of early 1969?

The Get Back/Let It Be sessions are significant because they are regarded as one of the most tumultuous times in Beatles history, with high tensions and often seen as subpar and weak music, yet the speaker argues that the music from this period is exceptional.

What classic songs originated from the Get Back/Let It Be sessions?

Classic songs like 'Get Back', 'Two of Us', 'I've Got a Feeling', and 'Don't Let Me Down' originated from the Get Back/Let It Be sessions.

How did the Beatles' documentary film relate to the Let It Be album?

The entirety of the Let It Be sessions were filmed by a camera crew as the Beatles attempted to make a documentary film to accompany the album, resulting in hours of bootlegged audio recordings.

What is the origin of the song 'Let It Be' according to the speaker?

The song 'Let It Be' originated from a dream that Paul McCartney had in which his late mother Mary visited him, comforting him and saying 'It's going to be okay, just let it be'.

How many takes of 'Let It Be' did the Beatles record during the Let It Be sessions?

The Beatles recorded over 100 takes of 'Let It Be' between January 3rd and January 31st, 1969.

What are the differences between the single version and the album version of 'Let It Be'?

The single version and album version of 'Let It Be' differ in the guitar solos, background vocals, and the presence of orchestral backing. The album version features a more prominent orchestra and an echo effect that is not present in the single version.

What is the 'Let It Be Naked' version and how does it differ from the original album version?

The 'Let It Be Naked' version, released in 2003, is a stripped-down version of the song that lacks the orchestral overdubs and other embellishments added by Phil Spector in the original album version. It uses a different guitar solo from take 27b.

What additional overdubs were added to 'Let It Be' after the initial recording sessions?

Additional overdubs added to 'Let It Be' included guitar solos, background vocals by George, Paul, and Linda McCartney, an orchestral backing, and additional drums and guitar parts after the guitar solo.

How did the speaker create their ultimate mix of 'Let It Be'?

The speaker created their ultimate mix of 'Let It Be' by using multi-tracks of the three officially released versions and combining elements such as the choir background vocals, orchestra, and creating a custom hybrid mix of organ and guitar parts.