Let It Be... Naked - Beatles (The) (CD 2003)

When I first heard about the new Beatles album, I thought, Oh, great, another gimmick to make money for Apple Records. As I heard more about the production, however, the concept of stripping the music down to the bare bones quality of the original recording intrigued me. I bought the CD this morning and just finished listening to it. I m happy to report that the new Beatles music is indeed new and it succeeds in bringing the original ideas of the artists to our ears.

Although I have always been a confirmed jazz fan, I always liked the Beatles because the root of their music was R & B rather than pure R & R. Listening to this CD confirmed the group s love of R & B. This album was recorded in early 1969 and the band wanted it to be released without the Phil Spector bells and whistles and strings and overdubs. The Beatles were not happy with the album when it was finally released with all the Spector additions.

As Kevin Howlett concludes in his excellent liner notes to this CD, these new mixes show the group playing as a tight and co-operative unit. I agree. Here s my take on the new 1969 album.

1. GET BACK 2:34

From the pulsating opening notes, this song is pure R & B and pure joy. Bass, drums and guitar plus Paul s vocal all swing with soulful sounds. Billy Preston s keyboard interludes are a nice touch too. This is a great start to the album and I wish it were longer.

2. DIG A PONY 3:38

Although I thought I knew most of the Beatles songs, I wasn t familiar with this one. It has some rather odd lyrics which I m sure symbolize the love of the singer s life. The guitar cuts have an almost country sound to them. Although it s not my favorite on the album, it nevertheless does show the versatility of the band.

3. FOR YOU BLUE Harrison 2:28

One of only two songs on the album not written by Lennon and McCartney, Harrison s bluesy folk influence in felt from the start.

Because you re sweet and lovely girl
I love you.
Because you re sweet and lovely girl
It s true.
I love you more than ever girl,
I do.

Simplistic? Yes, but effective. There s no rule that a love song has to be deep. The guitar work has the feeling of some of the old blues days of the 30 s and 40 s.

4. THE LONG AND WINDING ROAD 3:34

This is one of the most beautiful songs ever written by the Fab Two of the Fab Four. A pleading love song which brings out the painful memories of a pool of tears , a long and winding road that will never disappear, and a wild and painful night lead the listener into the feelings that all of us have felt at one time or another. The vocal (by Paul, I think) is gorgeous and the group plays perfect accompaniment behind him. Man, this song alone makes me wish the group had stayed together longer.

5. TWO OF US 3:21

If I didn t know better, I d swear this is a Simon and Garfunkel song. It reminds me of that duo s work around The Graduate time. Strong drumwork by Ringo and Harrison s pounding bass provide a wonderful rhythmic background for the harmonious vocals of Paul and John.

6. I VE GOT A FEELING 3:31

Once again, the group goes back to the R & B sounds of the 50 s complete with screaming vocals reminiscent of Jerry Lee Lewis. Pounding drums, pulsating bass and guitar and funky piano accompany John s vocal with some interesting lyrics which celebrate a time of being different and not giving a damn. There is some great call and shout done by John and Paul.

7. ONE AFTER 909 2:44

I m going to cut my comments short until the last cut, but this song is a blast that almost sounds like a cross between rock and country. Excellent playing by all.

8. DON T LET ME DOWN 3:19

Very reminiscent of very early Beatle songs, the group harmonizes over some great playing by all.

9. I ME MINE Harrison 2:21

From a fairly simplistic beginning, the group changes to a strong rock tempo and then back to the original theme. Shows the different writing styles of the group members.

10. ACROSS THE UNIVERSE

Beautiful acoustic guitar work opens the song and then the lyrics are sung with passion and intelligence. This song again reminds me of earlier Beatle songs.

11. LET IT BE 3:54

What a change of pace! This is, of course, one of the greatest Beatles s songs and the purity of this production adds to that greatness in my opinion. While a chorus does accompany the band, there are no over-the-top strings and overdubbing to detract from the straight-forward beauty and message of the song. I can see why the surviving Beatles wanted this version released.

In addition to the 11 Naked songs, a 21 minute Fly On The Wall disc is included in the package. While very little music of note is on that disc, it does give us an interesting behind-the-scene glimpse of some of the band member s thinking. Paul wanted to go on tour to save the group but Ringo didn t want to go. There are moments of levity here and a few poignant words from a band realizing it s days were numbered.

All in all, I think this CD is a great addition to the legend that is The Beatles. FIVE STARS.