updated 2/19/05
THE BEATLES
THE GET BACK SESSIONS: JANUARY 1969
To view the day by day list
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CROSS REFERENCE ACCORDING TO
SONG TYPE
Get Back/let It be session songs
Don’t Let me Down-Jan. 2, 1969-John’s
first run through on the first day of filming
Dig A Pony-Jan. 2, 1969-As with “Don’t
Let Me Down”, first run through by John
Don't let Me Down-Jan. 2, 1969-Demo sung
by John and George during first day of recording. It starts as an unknown song
by John titled “Everybody got song”, and then it goes straight into “Don’t Let
Me Down”.
I’ve got a feeling-Jan. 2, 1969-John
singing the middle “everybody had a hard year” section only
Don’t Let Me Down -Jan 2, 1969-This take
is based on the “Sun King” riff which John was just working on in the previous
take. Very different feel and tempo.
Don’t Let Me Down -Jan 2, 1969-In this
take, towards the end, Paul changes the words to, “Don’t let Him Down”. John
sings it this way once, and then changes it back by saying, “No, don’t let me
down”.
I Got A Feeling -Jan 2, 1969-first try at
this one, as Paul is teaching the others the chords, John’s middle section has
not been added to the song at this point. (2.26)
I Got A Feeling -Jan 2, 1969-An almost
complete take, but John's vocal is off mike. The lead guitar is quite different
in this take. (2.35)
I Got A Feeling -Jan 2, 1969-After
rehearsing this song, George suggest that it may be better to learn the same
amount of some other songs and then return to this song. Paul & John agree, and
after this full take, and a bit more rehearsing, they move on. This take opens
with Paul saying, “sing it to me children”. (2.46)
Sun King/Don’t Let Me Down -Jan 2,
1969-This take is again based on the Sun King riff, and is a lovely take, but
unfortunately breaks down (2.49)
Don’t Let Me Down -Jan 2, 1969-this take
is John demonstrating to the others the chords and song arrangement. A very nice
complete take. (2.50)
Don’t Let Me Down -Jan 2, 1969-After the
discussion, another take, this with Ringo on Tambourine.The song breaks down a
number of times as John & Paul are still working out the words and arrangement.
(2.53)
Two of Us-Jan. 2, 1969-Just Paul on
vocals on this take, as he teaches the chords to the rest. The tempo is faster
in this take. After the take, Paul spends the rest of the day teaching the
others the arrangement and chords for the song. (2.63)
Two of Us-Jan. 2, 1969-another complete
take of Two of Us was performed on Jan. 2nd. They have slowed the tempo down at
this point, but they have yet to work out the ending. (2.73)
The Long & Winding Road-Jan. 3,
1969-First time played at these sessions, unfortunately, the tape only captures
the last few seconds of this take, which is Paul at the Piano early morning.
(3.01)
Let it Be-Jan. 3rd-First time played at
these sessions *(see also "other unique songs" below for more on this take)
Don't let Me Down-Jan. 3rd-This is a
standard take, until the end, when Paul starts singing in a high falsetto voice,
and John includes the spoken line, "Don't let me down, I'd really like it not to
let me down, and when I hold you in your arms and I feel your pancake next to my
trigger". This line of course is a take off on the similar line from "Happiness
is A Warm Gun". (3.47)
Don't let Me Down-Jan. 3rd-This take
starts with a John asking how long the take is, and saying they should time it.
He then singing, "Oh them golden slippers" and then "Desmond has a sparrow in
the parking lot", the take then begins, but there are two false start, followed
by a full take with John & Paul singing very good harmony together. The take
ends with a few chords of "Sun King". (3.50-3.56)
I’ve Got A Feeling-Jan. 3rd-After
rehearsing ‘Don’t Let Me Down”, The Beatles return to rehearsing “I’ve Got A
Feeling again”. This take, John, towards the end, sings “everybody had a sex
dream, everybody got a hard on”. Not an especially good take, but for that
alternate lyric, it needs to be noted. (3.56)
One After 909-Jan 3, 1969-this is the
first take of this old Beatles number. As the number ends, they discuss doing
this song on the proposed show, as well discussing the lyric. George asks if
they should practice that a bit, but then says, “perhaps we should do it without
practicing, practicing might f**k it up”.(3.64)
One After 909-Jan 3, 1969-This take is
much tighter than the first, unfortunately, there is a long take call in the
middle, which spoils it. (3.66)
Two Of Us-Jan. 3, 1969-after one complete
take and some discussion, The Beatles recorded a complete takes with just Paul
on vocal. (3.77-3.78 )
Two Of Us-Jan. 3, 1969-The next take
featured both Paul & John sharing vocal. Paul stops the take to tell George how
to play his part, the take resumes, but Paul stops it again to tell George to
try it “the other way”. (3.79)
Two Of Us-Jan. 3, 1969-The next take,
again features mainly Paul on vocals. (3.80)
For You Blue-Jan. 6, 1969-After a short
discussion of sound proofing the set, George begins singing, "Those soundproof
walls of silence are ringing in my ears" to the tune of "For You Blue". (6.09)
Across the Universe-Jan 6, 1969-I believe
this is the first pass at this during this session, and it is much different
than the finished product. Unfortunately,
John's vocal is off mic. (6.18 )
I’ve Got A feeling-Jan 6, 1969-following
“You Wear Your Women Out”, they go right into “I’ve Got A Feeling” , which on
this take has a very different bass line running through it. At the end of the
song, Paul says, “The downtown Rhythm and Blue influence in I’ve Got a Feeling
can be noted by the Aeolian cadences and the Cadaconic clusters”. The Aeolian
cadence reference of course refers to how a reporter described their songs in
the early ‘60’s. (6.24)
One after 909-Jan 6, 1969-This rehearsal
segment features a complete take, followed by an instrumental take, and then
another instrumental take of the song as George plays around with different wah
wah effects on his guitar (6.31-6.34)
Don’t Let Me Down-Jan 6, 1969-A long
rehearsal segment, in which Paul suggests that he sing alternate lyrics
underneath Johns lead vocal., such as , “I’m in Love for the first time”- “for
the first time in my life”- “Don’t you know it’s gonna last”- “Not gonna let it
get away”. At one point Paul says the song is corny so it is O.K. to add other
corny lines. It is a good thing that John had the good sense not to do the song
this way as it would have ruined it. (6.62-6.65)
Don’t Let Me Down-Jan 6, 1969-a complete
take using Paul’s idea of him and George singing the alternate lyrics under
Johns vocal. At the end of this take, George says with the foot pedal he can
play some different riffs so it doesn’t sound like the “same old shit”. John
says he likes “the same old shit if it’s just clear” (6.66-6.67)
Don’t Let Me Down-Jan 6, 1969-This
complete take, George is adding different guitar fills as he just suggested
after the last take (6.67)
Don’t Let Me Down-Jan 6, 1969-a short
take sung with Paul on lead vocal. Unfortunately this take ends prematurely
(6.69)
Two of Us-Jan. 8th-fast version as heard
in the Let It Be Film
Get Back-Jan. 9th-The "No Pakistanis"
version. This is the version which created the urban legend that the Beatles
were racists, which of course was not true. The song is making a statement about
England’s immigration policies in the 1960's.
Don't let Me Down-Jan. 21st-rehearsal
segment in which John completely forgets the words and adlibs through most of
it, finally singing "Dicky Dicky Murdock, Dicky Dicky Dicky Do".
Two of Us- Jan 25th-sung in mock French &
German voices by John & Paul
Dig it-Jan 26th- 15+ minute version,
(submitted by Louie)
Let It Be-Jan 26th-The "Kum Back" LP
version. I have always loved the different intro which uses the descending line
on piano instead of just playing the chords as it is on the official version.
Plus, George's tone going through a Leslie speaker is really cool on the solo.
(submitted by pasadena)
Get Back-Jan 27th-sung in German
Let It Be-Jan 31st-a short run through
where John speaks "spiting words of whiskey over me" and "Squeaking turds of
whiskey over me", while Paul sings. Paul asks for "more top in the PA" as the
take breaks down, and John says, "Daddy wants wee wee's".
Abbey Road versions sung
during the GB sessions
Sun King-Jan 2, 1969-working out the
chords for Sun King, which at this point was most likely just a guitar riff.
Oh Darling Jan. 3, 1969-following, “The
Long & Winding Road” , Paul begins playing ‘Oh Darling” on the piano,
unfortunately he was off the vocal mike, and also the tape only captures about
55 seconds of this. This too is the first time played at these sessions for this
song. (3.02)
Maxwell Silver Hammer-Jan. 3rd-Paul at
the piano, has hardly any of the lyrics yet (3.05)
Sun King-Jan 3, 1969-Short instrumental
riff on the Sun King chords.(3.82)
Maxwell's Silver Hammer-Jan 3, 1969-The
band spends the rest of the session working on the song of Paul’s. This first
take, which is just 51 seconds in length and not complete, is just Paul calling
out the chords to the others as he plays the song on the piano. (3.141)
Maxwell's Silver Hammer-Jan 3, 1969-first
take with words, which are incomplete at this point. Paul only has part of the
first and second verse and not even the full chorus yet, He is still
occasionally calling out the chords. After the take and some more discussion,
Paul says, "Originally I was going to get a hammer which we might get Mal to do.
Just to get on a hammer like on an anvil, a big hammer on an anvil. Maxwell
Silver Hammer came..., Cause it's only that sound, you can't make it with
anything else. Bang Bang". (3.142)
Maxwell's Silver Hammer-Jan 3, 1969-Still
demonstrating how the song goes, Paul demonstrates a very short fast up-tempo
run through. [3.146]
Maxwell's Silver Hammer-Jan 3,
1969-Although still nowhere near lyrically complete, this is the most complete
take of the day. And the band is beginning to learn there parts. Paul ends the
take by saying, "There are only two verses, I don't know where it goes after
that". [3.147-3.148]
Oh! Darling-Jan. 6, 1969-early Monday
morning, Paul again at the piano sings this by himself. Unfortunately, the
levels were not adjusted correctly at this point, and the first two thirds of
the take have some distortion. (6.01)
Carry That Weight-Jan. 6, 1969-What seems
to start as an improvisation, Paul starts singing this. After a couple lines,
Paul says "all together now" and the others half heartily join in. Paul then
adds some lyrics which were eventually dropped from the final product.(6.12)
Octopus’s Garden/Carry That Weight-Jan.
6, 1969-The first go at "Octopus's Garden", unfortunately can only be heard
underneath George's conversation, Paul quickly changes it back to "Carry That
Weight". (6.13)
Carry That Weight-Jan. 6, 1969-Paul
continues with this song, and towards the end, they change the lyric to "boy
your gonna open that gate".(6.14)
Her Majesty-Jan. 24th- two minute version
of the song which would end Abbey Road
Something-Jan. 28th-a lovely sprawling
jammed version where George is open to suggestions with regard to the lyrics
(submitted by Jamie)
I Want You (She's So Heavy)-Jan.
31st-Sung by Paul
Beatles
originals never released
Let it Down-Jan. 2, 1969-George’s demo,
which towards the end, he changes it and sings “Don’t let Me Down” for one line.
(2.07-2.08 )
Jan. 2nd Improvisation #1-Jan. 2, 1969-a
not two inspiring short improvisation (2.09)
A Case of The Blues-Jan. 2, 1969-an off
mike, short run through of this Lennon original, of which a demo, circa 1968
exists. (2.12)
Picasso-a short piece, of an unreleased
Ringo song. it appears just before the second pass of Ringo's "Taking A trip to
Carolina". (3.23)
Taking A Trip To Carolina-Jan. 3rd-two
short piano segments of this original Ringo song (3.17 & 3.24)
Jan. 3rd. Improvisation #2-referred to as
"Your name is Ted", this appears after "All Thing Must Pass"
Jan. 3rd. Improvisation #3-The Beatles
start playing "Crackin' Up" which leads into this really nice improvisation
“Because I Know You Love Me So”-Jan 3,
1969-an original unreleased Beatle song. (3.65)
I’ll Wait till Tomorrow-Jan. 3,
1969-another Beatles original unreleased number, unfortunately again spoiled by
a slate call in the middle. (3.67)
A Pretty Girl is like a Melody/Thinkin’ of
Linkin’/Won’t You Please say Goodbye-Jan 3, 1969-Starts with John making
up some lines to “A Pretty Girl”, follows with just the opening notes of
“Thinkin” of Linkin”, which is another unreleased Beatles song. It follows with
a short rendition of “Won’t you Please say Good Bye”, which too is a Beatles
unreleased song. (3.68-3.70)
I'm A Tiger-In the middle of working on
"All Things Must Pass", Paul starts singing, "I'm a tiger, I'm a Tiger" over and
over. When he finishes, he asks, "Does anyone have any suggestions for what that
was, for what it could have been?". George & John appear to be ignoring him as
they continue to work out the chords on the organ. (3.97)
organ improvisation-a short instrumental
improv, which sounds very much like something The Band would do. Paul says,
"welcome ladies and gentleman to the Los Angeles Drive-In church". George says,
"Drive-in Drug Store". Paul then says, "This morning Father F. Ela Angeles will
read a small sermon, he hopes will be of use to you, and yours". (3.99)
Over and Over Again-Jan 3, 1969-A Paul
original which consists of just Paul singing "Over and Over again". (3.131)
Piano Improvisation-Jan 3, 1969-Although
track 23 is listed as Maxwell Silver Hammer, after the take of that song breaks
down at the beginning of the track, Paul says, "There is no PA, can you get some
of that on it". Then he begins playing a little piano improv tune on the piano
and the others attempt to join in. This is not "Maxwell Silver Hammer" that he
is playing at this point, unless it is a middle chorus section which Paul was
thinking of using and later abandoned. This improv starts at 1:14 on track 23
and goes until 1:44. (3.144)
Spoken segment-Jan. 6, 1969-Paul speaking
about old songs the Beatles wrote. He says he likes "One after 909" the best. He
also mentions early songs such as "Love Me Do" and "Two Bad About Sorrows" and
says there are hundreds of them. He then sings acapella the following lines from
an early unreleased Beatles tune, "They said that our
love was just fun, the day that our friendship begun. There's no blue moon that
I can see, there's never been in history." (unnumbered)
The Castle of The King Of The Birds-Jan.
6, 1969-Paul starts playing some chords for this improvisational song, which the
others join in on at about 3 minutes into it. At about 6 minutes in, the song
begins to take some form and is actually very nice. The track runs over 14
minutes long. This song eventually became "The Castle Of The King Of The Birds",
a McCartney original, later used as part of the soundtrack for Rupert The Bear.
(6.15-6.16)
Jan 6th Improvisation #1-Jan 6, 1969-an
interesting jam which runs almost 9 minutes (6.17)
You Wear Your Women Out-Jan 6, 1969-This
is actually two takes. The first take is the commonly know version found on
Vigotones “Thirty Days” set. After that take ends, Paul starts a different bass
line and begins the song again. This second take, two thirds of the way through
almost breaks down, but they begin playing the opening chords of “I’ve Got a
Feeling”, and then go right back into “You Wear Your Women Out” for another
verse. (6.23)
My Imagination-Jan 6, 1969-If you listen
to the riff in this song, it is based on the song “Watch Your Step” by Bobby
Parker, which was also used by the Allman Bros. Band for the song “One Way Out”.
This Beatles version is basically just a 7+ minute improvisation in which Paul
sing/screams, “My Imagination, took my by surprise in the middle of my
conversation”. (6.25-6.26)
Jan 6th Improvisation #2-Jan 6,
1969-another interesting improvisation lasting about 5 minutes. (6.27)
I’m Gonna Pay for his Ride-Jan 6, 1969-As
the previous improvisation ends, they go right into this take, referred to as
“I’m Gonna Pay For His Ride” by a line Paul says towards the end of the
improvisation. This and the previous take makes you wonder why Paul was looking
for “Polish and perfection” in the Get Back sessions, when they could have just
gone out on the road and been a great jam band. These two takes are proof that
they could have given the Grateful Dead a run for their money. (6.28 )
Hear Me Lord-Jan 6, 1969-Fist try at this
Harrison original, unfortunately once again George is off mic. This is almost a
complete take. (6.40)
We should concentrate on the sound-Jan 6,
1969-After another discussion of the poor sound quality, John sings and plays on
guitar the following, “I’d like to say that I like the intimate idea rather than
a large park, simply because we should concentrate on the sound, simple because
we should concentrate on the sound”.(6.42)
Leaning on A Lamp Post/Annie/Maureen-Jan
6, 1969-George says to Paul, “are you going to be doing “Leaning On A Lamp Post
then”, and Paul begins to sing it, but they are having a hard time getting the
chords correct. After about 1 minute, John then begins singing “Annie”, with the
lyrics “ take a look at Annie she’s pretty fine, just take a look at Annie Oh my
Oh my…” He then stops singing for a second and says “This is one I wrote for
Ringo” before finishing this quick take. .George then begins singing this song
called “Maureen”, which could have been about Ringo’s wife. (6.46-6.48 )
Jan 6th Improvisation #3-Jan 6, 1969-This
improv start as an over 1 minute drum solo and then is joined by the others for
the remaining 4+ minutes(6.50)
Suzy's Parlour-Jan. 9th- a Lennon
original (submitted by Cindy who likes it because everybody gets well done)
Comonwealth-Jan. 9th-it shows the
creative flow of the music. Paul is singing "Commonwealth is much to wealthy for
me" while John quips in with "To common for me" (submitted by White Wolf)
Two Bad About Sorrow-Jan. 21st-a short
run-through, 59 seconds, of the unreleased Beatles song, with both Paul & John
on vocals
I Lost my Little Girl-Jan. 25th-Pauls
first song, sung by John
Other Beatles & Solo Beatle songs sung during the sessions
On The Road to Marrakesh-Jan. 2,
1969-John & George singing this song which was written India, and would later
become “Jealous Guy” on John’s Imagine album (2.15)
All Things Must Pass-Jan. 2, 1969-just
George and his guitar singing his original composition (2.62)
All Things Must Pass-Jan. 3rd-A short
discussion between Paul, George & Ringo about new songs they have written, with
George stating he has one called, "taxman part 2 or Taxman revisited". He then
plays a couple chords and a half a line. "Taxman part 2" is actually, "Isn't it
a Pity" but at this point in the sessions, is untitled, so George is referring
to it as "Taxman part 2". After that short discussion, this early run through of
George's song "All Things Must Pass". Just George and Ringo. Really heavy drums
on this one, almost like a march. Very different from the released version.
(3.25-3.26)
I'm So Tired-Jan. 3rd-Paul on vocal on
this cover of John's White Album song.
Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da-Jan. 3rd-Following
"I'm So Tired", Paul & John having fun with another White Album song, and making
up lyrics as they go along
You Can’t do That-Jan 3, 1969- The
Beatles revisit this song from their old catalog. The song starts out well, but
falls apart half way through. (3.73]
Give Me Some Truth-Jan 3, 1969-John
states he has one verse of one called “Give Me Some truth”. Obviously he has run
this past Paul previously, because Paul knows the lyrics, and is the main one
singing it in this short demo segment. The lyrics at this point were, "no
freaked out yellow belly son of Gary Cooper…”. When John recorded this for the
Imagine album he changed it to, “no short haired yellow belly son of Tricky
Dicky…”. In reference, of course, to Richard Nixon. (3.90-3.91)
All Things Must Pass-Jan 3, 1969-First
take with an organ backing. George says they are pretending to be the Band on
this one. Obviously his visit to Woodstock, New York to see Bob Dylan & The Band
has had a huge influence on him. (This take is continued on the Disc 3 of the
A/B Road series, but unfortunately, a short segment is missing between the two
discs) (3.92-3.93)
All Things Must Pass-Jan 3,
1969-continuing the first organ take, from the A/B Jan. 3rd. disc 2 (3.94)
All Things Must Pass-Jan 3, 1969-the
second take, with very bad harmony. At the end of the take, George says perhaps
he should perform it on acoustic guitar, but asks how does he do that on a live
show. Paul, who is showing little interest in this song, mockingly asks,"if
George wants to play this on acoustic guitar how does he do that?". (3.95)
All Things Must Pass-Jan 3, 1969-This is
actually a nice rehearsal take. However the most interesting thing, is that the
end of the take, George gets an electrical shock from the equipment. You can
hear the feedback on the tape, and George say, "Ah F**k it, I just got a belt
man, I got a shock". Paul then says, "if this boy dies you're gonna cop it".
(3.101)
All Things Must Pass-Jan 3, 1969-a pass
at the song sung by George with no backing vocal. Unfortunately the tape ends
and the song end prematurely. (3.112)
All Things Must Pass-Jan 3, 1969-a nice
pass at the song sung by George with no backing vocal. John is now 'bending" the
organ chords as they had discussed earlier. (3.113)
All Things Must Pass-Jan 3, 1969-a two
verse pass, sung very well by George, but with extremely bad harmony vocals from
Paul.(3.117)
All Things Must Pass-Jan 3, 1969-a
complete pass, and the harmony by John & Paul is finally starting to come
together.(3.123)
Back In The USSR/Every Little Thing-Jan
3, 1969-the riff of "USSR" starts this segment, and George asks if they are
going to do any oldies on the show, which leads to just a couple lines of "Every
Little Thing".(3.126-3.127)
All Things Must Pass-Jan 3, 1969-Another
take at the song, but it breaks down after the first verse. Very bad Paul
harmony again on this take (3.136)
All Things Must Pass-Jan 3, 1969-This
take has excellent vocals by George, and the harmony is a little better this
time around, but still not quite there. This is a complete take. (3.137)
All Things Must Pass-Jan 3, 1969-In
between takes of the song, George sings, "Macrobiotic pills are good at arriving
at the right time, it not always...".John whistles along to that one line pass.
John makes the comment, "a mind can blow those clouds away. A little bit of
pshycodelia in it. You know social comment like. A minor can blow these clouds
away". (3.138)
All Things Must Pass-Jan 3, 1969-The
final take of this song on this day. Another pass where George nails the vocals,
and the vocal harmony is pretty good on this take also. Unfortunately the take
ends prematurely. (3.139-3.140)
Run For Your life-Jan. 21st-The Beatles
revisited this song on January 21st, but unfortunately, only 29 seconds of the
take are available.
Strawberry Fields Forever-Jan. 27th-Sung
by Paul
Old Rock &
Roll Songs performed during the sessions
Brown eyed Handsome man-Jan. 2, 1969-The
first cover version recorded was a short take of this Chuck Berry classic
The Teacher was a-lookin'-Jan. 2,
1969-Paul starts singing this song, which last one minute, with George singing,
“go Johnny, go”. Basically just a throw-a-way take of this oldie.
Well…All Right-Jan. 2, 1969-at 6:35 p.m.,
according to the slate call, George begins singing this Buddy Holly song. The
first Buddy Holly song covered in the sessions.(2.60)
Crackin' up/All Shook Up/Your True Love/Blue
Suede Shoes/Three Cool cats/Blowin' in the Wind-Jan 3rd-an Oldies segment
which the Beatles use to warm-up with on this day. It ends with an uptempo take
of Dylan's "Blowin' in the Wind", but unfortunately, the tape runs out after a
few seconds of that. (3.31-3.36)
Lucille-Jan. 3rd-Paul, of course, doing
this Little Richard standard
Bring it On Home to Me-Jan 3, 1969-a
cover version of the Sam Cooke classic (3.71)
Hitch Hike-Jan 3, 1969-George on vocals
of this oldie (3.72)
The Hippy Hippy Shake-Jan 3, 1969-A cover
version from their Hamburg days. Once again ruined by a slate call towards the
end. (3.74)
Short Fat Fanny/Midnight Special/When you drink
you think of me/what’s the use of getting sober/What do you want to make those
eyes at me for-Jan 3, 1969-This is another excellent medley section. It
begins with George singing “Short Fat Fanny, which leads to Paul & John singing
an excellent version of “Midnight Special” . “When You Drink You think of me” is
just a line or two, but it sparks John to respond with “What’s the use of
getting sober”, and it ends with a short rendition of “What do you want to make
those eyes at me for”. (3.84-3.89)
I've Been Good To You-Jan 3, 1969- This
is a Smokey Robinson And The Miracles cover. (3.133)
That’s all Right Mama-Jan 6, 1969-After
playing with the wah wah effect, George start to play an acoustic take of this
which only lasts about 40 seconds. (6.36)
I’m Talking About You-Jan 6, 1969-A short
take of this Chuck Berry number with George on vocal. (6.49)
Tracks of My Tears-Jan 6, 1969- vocals
are off mic, so this is mostly an instrumental cover version. (6.52)
Dizzy Miss Lizzie/Money (that’s what I want)-Jan.
6, 1969-A very good jam session on these two oldies. Again vocals are off mic,
so they are mostly instrumental takes. As “Dizzy Miss Lizzie” ends, they go
right into “Money”. (6.57-6.58)
Gone Gone Gone-Jan. 7th-John on vocals on
this Carl Perkins number
Stand By Me-Jan. 9th-Paul sings "Figaro,
Figaro" during the song
Honey Hush-Jan. 9th-John on Vocals on
this 1950's cover version
Whispering/I'm beginning to See the Light-Jan.
21st-I believe this is based on the finger picking style of Carl Perkins
Blue Suede Shoes/Good Rockin' Tonight-Jan.
21st-As John Sings, Paul reads the "Drugs Divorce & a Slipping image" article
My baby left Me/That's alright Mama-Jan.
21st-John again covering a couple Elvis Tunes
Queen of the Hop-Jan. 21st-two very short
takes were recorded this day
New Orleans-Jan. 21st-from early in the
Apple sessions. It's just a shame that it appears on the bootlegs in bad quality
and is not exactly brilliantly performed. Still sounds fun. (submitted by Jamie)
Forty Days-Jan. 21st-This Chuck berry
song begins with Paul shouting "Mach Shau, Mach Shau". Paul sings the first
verse then John takes over. As the take breaks down, Paul does an Elvis
imitation
Twenty Flight Rock-Jan. 23, 1969-Paul
singing the first song he sang for John, way back when, and this is a very raw
performance
Let's Have A Party-Jan. 31st-Elvis song,
sung by John, finished by Paul
Other
Unique Songs
I Shall be Released-Jan 2, 1969-George
covering the first of many Dylan songs, with John’s backing vocal.
Speak To Me-Jan. 2nd, 1969-Sung by George
in between the "I Got A Feeling rehearsal on this day. George, unfortunately is
off mike on this take. The song is a cover version of the lead off song from
Jackie Lomax's album.
Quinn The Eskimo-Jan. 2nd, 1969-A few
lines of this Dylan song sung by George off mike, but Paul joins in, before the
take quickly breaks down
Adagio for Strings/Tea For Two
Cha-Cha/Chopsticks/Whole Lotta Shakin'/Let it Be-Jan. 3rd-Paul early in
the morning of the 3rd, waiting for the others to arrive. I've grouped all these
songs together, because this segment should be listened to all the way through.
At the end of this segment, you can hear George arrive, and Paul says, "John is
late again". This segment reminds you of the bootleg "Piano Tape", but of course
that is Post-Beatles, and this is from the Get Back sessions. (3.06-3.16)
Please Mrs. Henery/Ramblin' Woman/"Is it
Discovery":Jan. 3rd-Goerge on acoustic guitar going through some more
Dylan songs. Following the songs, he talks more about Levon Helms and the Band
and how their favorite track is "Ringo's track". (3.19-3.22)
The Third Man Theme-Jan. 3rd-instrumental
cover of this old song
Negro in Reserve-Jan. 3rd-a short but
very unusual song, the true name is not know. It is just so strange it has to be
included in this list.
All Along The Watchtower-Jan 3, 1969-As
“Two of Us” ends, George starts singing ,”there must be some way out of here,
too much confusion, must be some release”. Just a short one verse pass, however
it perhaps is a sign of what is to come with George’s frustration. (3.81)
Piece of my Heart-Jan. 3, 1969-George
just fooling around on guitar, twice sings a line or two of this Janis Joplin
song. (3.128 & 3.130)
I Want You-Jan 6, 1969-This is not John's
Abbey Road song, This is Dylan's song, and it again shows The influence Dylan
had on George. This is mostly an instrumental take. (6.19)
Fools Like Me/Sure To Fall/Right string, Wrong
Yo-Yo-Jan. 6, 1969-“Fools” unfortunately is off mic through all but the
last few seconds of the song, but when that ends, they go right into “Sure To
Fall” and this is a nice cover version of this old song. From there they go
straight into “Right String Wrong Yo Yo”, which is mostly an instrumental take.
(5.59-6.61)
Ramblin’ Woman/I threw it all away/Momma you've
been on my mind- Jan. 9th- George and his guitar running through some
Dylan songs
You Are My Sunshine- Jan. 21st- unusual
to hear the Beatles do this song
In the Middle of an Island/Gilly Gilly
Osenfeffer-Jan. 21st-it is just a little novelty song, but it is fun to
hear John & Paul sing it
William Smith Boogie-Jan. 21st-an
up-tempo boogie, with a very strange vocal from Paul