Beatles Recording Sessions Without Perfect Attendance
The tight knit image of the Beatles as a recording entity during their 1962–1970 session work changed dramatically as they matured both personally and musically. From their initial recording session in June 1962 until the final session in early 1970, there were many instances that the complete band wasn’t involved in the session. Some may surprise you. As you’ll read, the reasons were both practical and emotionally based. I’ll itemize each song and reason for the missing band member(s).
1. “Love Me Do” — Initially recorded in their first session with soon to be long time producer George Martin. Ringo had just been added to the band at Martin’s request, but he didn’t care for his drumming on this song and chose to replace him with session drummer Andy White. In September 1962 they recorded two versions of the song, one using each drummer. By mistake, the hit UK single was Ringo’s drumming, and the correct Andy White version ended up on their first album Please Please Me which rocketed to No1 in the UK.
2. “Yesterday” — This musical gem was recorded 80 songs later in 1965 and only included songwriter Paul McCartney. This was a practical decision based on the uniqueness of the song and the producers thinking that the instrumental support for Paul’s vocal and should be a single acoustic guitar and a string quartet. Everyone supported the decision. It reached No1 worldwide.
3. “Eleanor Rigby” — Another McCartney No1 masterpiece. This time the song was backed by a double string quartet who based their arrangement on the soundtrack of the 1960 movie thriller Psycho. George and John furnished backing vocals, but Ringo was not involved.
4. “For No One” — Less than 2 weeks later, Paul records this song with Ringo’s percussion support. Other than an iconic French horn, Paul provides all the other instrumental support. John and George were not involved.
5. “Love You Too” — This is George Harrison’s second use of his sitar on a recording and his first attempt at writing a classical Indian song. Paul and Ringo provided support, but John didn’t participate. I’m speculating but in 1966 John was still dismissive of George’s songwriting skills. So, this song probably wasn’t his cup of tea, but he didn’t veto it.
6. “She Said She Said” — John wrote this song inspired by actor Peter Fonda’s annoying comments at a Hollywood drug party about knowing “what it’s like to be dead”. Paul participated in early takes but does not think he played on the final take. He recalls “We’d had a barney [a fight] or something and I said, “oh fuck you” and they said, “we’ll do it”. He walked out for the first and last time. This is the first sign of band discord in the private sanctum of the studio. It occurred in June 1966 as they were preparing for their final tours of Europe, Asia and America.
7. “She’s Leaving Home” — This 1967 classic adult contemporary song was mostly written by an unmarried and childless 24 year old McCartney. His age and maturity depth are amazing! The instrumentation repeats an interesting pattern in both his and George Martin’s choice of using string ensembles for Paul’s songs. This was the first to feature a harp. George and Ringo did not participate due to the song’s uniqueness.
8. “Within You Without You” — George’s 5 minute classic song leads off Side-2 of the Sgt. Peepers Lonely Heart Club album. He placed a firm stake in the minds of Western listeners that Indian music was the real thing. It was recorded with the Asian Music Circle of London, a group of 16 local musicians. None of the other Beatles participated, but both John and Paul were quoted later in flattering terms about the song.
9. “The Inner Light” — George’s 3rd Indian music release which appeared on the B-Side of “Lady Madonna” single. It was George’s first song that earned a spot on a single record and it was recorded in Bombay with 12 classically trained Indian musicians which George found intimidating. John and Paul encouraged him to play on, which he agreed to do. This was his final Indian influenced track with the Beatles. Ringo had a scheduling conflict and didn’t attend.
10. “Back in the U.S.S.R.” — This 1968 No1 hit was written by Paul while the band was in India. During the tension filled session, Ringo left the band but fortunately returned several weeks later. However, Paul insisted they continue the session, and he played the drums on the final track. Ringo was MIA.
11. “Blackbird” — Another compelling composition by Paul including both his disguised lyrics, lovely melody and his Bach-inspired guitar playing technique. Very much like “Yesterday”, the uniqueness of the song required no additional musical contributions from the others. To his credit, George Martin never pushed for strings on this track choosing instead to create more of an outdoor vibe.
12. “Don’t Pass Me By” — This is Ringo’s first song release and was an accommodation by the other Beatles to not veto it. However, John and George were MIA. Strictly an album filler.
13. “Good Night” — It was written by John for his 5 year old son and offered to Ringo. Again, because of the song’s uniqueness no other Beatles participated.
14. “I Will” — It was written by Paul in India and took 68 takes to complete, a highly unusual number for his songs. John and Ringo participated with various percussion techniques. George was MIA.
15. “Julia” — This is one of John’s best works which was inspired by memories of his dead mother. His poetic lyrics, haunting delivery of the melody and his finger picking make this another unique song requiring no additional participants. It was already perfect. But Paul offered encouragement from the control room.
16. “Mother Nature’s Son” –Another gem written by Paul and recorded without any contribution from the band. There were 4 unknown brass musicians involved.
17. “Revolution 9” — This art piece is 100% John’s baby with heavy influence from Yoko Ono. George provided a few bits of spoken text and Paul and Ringo were MIA.
18. “Savoy Truffle” — George Harrison wrote this song mocking his friend Eric Clapton’s addiction to sweets. Ringo and Paul were present, but John was MIA.
19. “Why Don’t We Do It In The Road” — McCartney wrote this song in India and quickly recorded it with Ringo’s help. Paul played the bass, lead guitar, acoustic guitar and piano without asking John or George for their participation. John was quite upset.
20. “Wild Honey Pie” — This is another song Paul wrote in India and is a 53 second art song experiment. He recorded it alone playing all the instruments. John, George and Ringo were excluded.
21. “The Ballad of John and Yoko” — Lennon wrote this about his 1969 wedding to Yoko in Gibraltar, Spain. He contacted Paul for help in completing the lyrics and they quickly went into the studio, finishing it off in a very congenial 6 hours session. George and Ringo weren’t available. It reached No1 worldwide except in the US where it reached No8.
22. “Her Majesty” — Paul’s 23 second song snippet became the last song on their final album by mistake. It was originally recorded to be included on the Side-2 medley on the 1969 Abbey Road album, but he didn’t think it was strong enough, so he instructed the engineer to ‘throw it away” Fortunately, he instead chose to save it further down the recording tape. Paul obviously appreciated the engineer’s decision to not follow his instruction. The song was recorded as a demo and doesn’t include the other Beatles.
23. “Here Comes The Sun” — This is one of George Harrison masterpieces. It’s complex time meter changes combined with his positive, sunny day lyrics and melody make for great listening. John missed the session because he was recovering from a car accident.
24. “Maxwell’s Silver Hammer” — Paul wrote the song which included a new “instrument”, a blacksmith’s anvil. John didn’t care for the song, dismissing as “just more of Paul’s granny music”. You are correct if you remember seeing video of he and Yoko in the studio, but he refused to participate and walked out, so he was MIA
25. “I Me Mine” — George was inspired by Indian teachings about materialism and ego and wrote this quickly. Both Paul and John weren’t fans of the song and the latter was MIA. This was a clean-up session to complete the Let It Be album and documentary project which had been shelved for a year. It was finally released in April 1970 roughly 8 months after their September 1969 break-up.
So, there you have it. During their very brief 8 year band career, they recorded a total 213 songs. Roughly 88% of their total discography was recorded as a complete band but, as I’ve shown, several of their important original works were not.
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