The Beatles Let It Be Naked...Worthy or Worthless?

[@JayForeman]

Of all the various releases on various media to emerge from the Get Back sessions, none of them feels satisfyingly official - least of all Phil Spector’s elaborate remix which, lest we forget, came out after the Beatles broke up. Let It Be Naked is the closest thing to the original brief, and it’s the version I turn to when I fancy listening to these songs. If we can allow the American version of Magical Mystery Tour to become canon and let the original EP fade into obscurity, then this album too has the ability to surpass the Specterrifying version from 33 years earlier.

[@Borgmatha1027]

I read this entire post in your voice.

[@jako1234567890jako]

I completely agree and it's well said. Let It Be wasn't the album they tried to make. The documentary proves they were trying to make a stripped down 'live' sounding album. Spector over produced the original and Naked is the closest we can get to what their original vision was

[@ronmackinnon9374]

@@jako1234567890jako As George Martin recommended, the credits should have been printed as: Produced by George Martin Overproduced by Phil Spector

[@NintenDub]

The original album can't just be erased. Listen to what you like,but the original album,is the original album. It doesn't need to fade into obscurity like the magical mystery tour ep

[@bfish89ryuhayabusa]

Most of the original album is fine, but a few songs have production that really kills it. The echo on the drums in "Let It Be" and the everything Spector did in "Long and Winding Road" in particular.

[@NinoJaguar]

This is my preferred version of the album. I personally think that the echo-reverb on John's voice at the end of Across the Universe fits well (with the cosmic theme) and sounds nice

[@curly_wyn]

The choir fits more imo.

[@SPINNINGMYWHEELS777]

maybe Across the Universe is simply the best track out of all that mess ? Was it even recorded during Let It Be sessions? I thought it was originally put on some obscure 45 for Unicef or something.

[@NinoJaguar]

@@SPINNINGMYWHEELS777 Yes, it wasn't recorded during the sessions, it was recorded when they returned from India and several years later released as a single as you say. I remember that they rehearsed an "electric" version of the song during the Let it Be sessions (which I don't like at all, it sounds terrible).

[@SPINNINGMYWHEELS777]

@@NinoJaguar thanks for your reply - I've never even owned Let It Be the album. Never sought it out it never filled out in terms of an interest to me . Heard that version you speak of decades ago and was forgettable. Maybe heard it on the speakers at some coffee shop or something.

[@SPINNINGMYWHEELS777]

@@curly_wyn like how the choir fits in the Stones track 'you can't always get..' . Good timing with stuff like that. then it got overused.

[@majestikmoose9]

Let It Be Naked has become my preferred version of literally all of these songs. It's excellent!

[@captainape6807]

and the original didn't even have "Don't Let Me Down" on it.

[@paullestrange]

It is the first version of the material I became acquainted with - I had always steered clear of the Let It Be album because of the negative comments about the original. I think I had succumbed to the whole negative vibes that had attracted themselves to the original project. Anyway, I really enjoyed it, not being familiar with the original. Two comments: 1. I think Macca objected to the choir, not the strings. 2. The Naked album was meant to be as if it had been an album from a studio...not what the original disc was.

[@danerd8978]

​​@@paullestrangeo it was the strings as Paul himself stated he was going to put strings on The Long and Winding Road but, changed his mind. It's in the Get Back doc. Oh and the Choir vocals on Let It Be the song were added by Paul himself. Linda sings as part of it. Someone doesn't research very well before commenting.

[@CowmanUK]

@@danerd8978 "Martin added backing vocals from Linda McCartney, at the insistence of Paul, and the resultant mix, with the original solo only, became the "single version" of "Let It Be." On March 26, 1970, producer Phil Spector-called in to save the Get Back/LIB project-remixed "Let It Be," adding his signature orchestra and choir" Paul had Linda doing some backing (possibly alongside Lennon/Harrison by the sounds of it). NOT a full choir. Someone doesn't research very well before commenting.

[@curly_wyn]

I think it’s sounds really 2003-dated in a lot of places, but whatever lol

[@denniswood1437]

McCartney's motive for Let It Be Naked was to de-Spectorize the album, tighten it up, remove the false starts & abrupt endings, the non-Beatle backup singers and make it sound like a proper studio album. It is a nice listen in that it does sound like the Beatles making a studio record and not capturing live performances. Still, despite the flaws of the original album," the live feel " was the strength of the original Let It Be.

[@IanRans]

which singers are those?

[@CowmanUK]

@@IanRans I assume he means the overdubbed choirs

[@denniswood1437]

@@IanRans On "The Long and Winding Road" the producer Phil Spector added female voices which Paul McCartney never liked. Likewise, on "Across the Universe" there is an added choir of male & female voices that are not the Beatles.

[@tallmn1957]

No, it's a copy of a 1970 bootleg called GET BACK TO TORONTO, which was for sale before LET IT BE.

[@SPINNINGMYWHEELS777]

the McCartney Agenda 😅

[@johncarsell1205]

Thanks Andrew. I had an opportunity to talk to Beatles author and project advisor Bruce Spizer at The Fest For Beatles Fans in Chicago 2008. I mentioned to him that the engineers really needed to back off on the use of noise reduction. Told him that the original tapes were not that noisy to begin with. He listened and maybe the word was passed around. Whether or not my discussing the situation with him had any bearing on the remasters the following year, it sure felt good to let someone in The Beatles camp know how me and many others felt.

[@Parlogram]

Thanks for watching, John and for the interesting comment.

[@anthonyvigliotti6560]

Spot-on review, Andrew. Agree with you 100%. It could have been a fantastic package. On the other hand, I love the new box and my preferred mix for the LIB lp is the Giles version by far

[@dreammachine2013]

Right on John! It is a lifeless, sterile sound! Also by removing the amusing bits of dialogue on to a separate CD, it destroyed the mood. I much prefer the original Spector version. Removing the orchestra from "Road" would have been sufficient, plus adding the coda to "get back".

[@seansweeney3532]

I've been put in Specter's place before, and while I've never been a huge fan of Specter, I thought his vision, given what he had, and the vastness that we only now realize, that he didn't do the worst job!

[@ebkesq72]

Spizer doesn’t have any control or influence over the sound quality of Beatles releases. He has written liner notes once or twice. That’s about it as far as his “insider” status.

[@mountart2]

I always thought Glynn Johns idea of including group chat in between the tracks was brilliant, helping the live in the studio vibe. It is sadly missed in Let It Be Naked!

[@sslaytor]

I would have preferred a release of Glyn John's version for comparison. Now his mix was a proposal and would have been expected to be remixed before release. What if we had a mix by Steve Wilson? or... basicallt anybody except Paul! (and I respect Paul but...)

[@AdvenuringTime]

I think Let it be Naked pairs well with the 'get back' documentary. You loose the chatter on the album but you can see them making the album in the documentary. Also in the documentary you can actually see the chatter was just taken from random points and was not actually what they said before each take which disappointed me a bit.

[@mcfabb]

I couldn’t agree less! I think the inclusion of the patter dilutes the quality and integrity of the overall album and songwriting. “Hark the Angels Come….” is a pisstake too far for inclusion on the album. Yes, a laugh in the studio, for sure, but give me a break, it undermines the integrity and sensitivity of Paul’s song.

[@tygovisser5626]

@@AdvenuringTime yeah after seeing the documentary i was quite dissapointed when i realised that the chatter is mostly in the wrong place.

[@johngriffith2028]

I was interested in hearing Glyn John's version but after hearing it, I really prefer the naked album. John's version seems like a really good outtake album to me. The original Spector album isn't what was originally intended for it to be.

[@carlosdeleon1052]

Yeah, bought this on LP when it came out. I like the archival spirit of this album, and I'm glad McCartney finally got an official release of Long and Winding Road that makes him happy. For me personally, I'll always be partial to the original Let It Be mix that I heard as a kid in the 70s, murky, funereal vibe and all!

[@basedkhajiit]

@@PaperBanjo64 Agree- this album makes that song wonderful. It's their best work when Phil Spector isn't allowed anywhere near it.

[@R3TR0R4V3]

I want this one on vinyl so bad.. It's a pricey one though! Had the CD for years. I'm shocked/disappointed this wasn't reissued for the recent Let Be 50th anniversary boxset. Thanks for the video Andrew!

[@Parlogram]

Thanks for watching and for your continued support!

[@alanlafromboise3156]

Same here, want it so bad but in no way I'll pay$300 to $500 for a vinyl album, I don't care who it's by and I find that the sellers got to be pretty greedy asking for that amount of$ for vinyl!

[@LageYouTube]

​@@alanlafromboise3156It has nothing to do with greed. It's very hard to find so of course it's more expensive

[@Clay3613]

@@LageKZbin Both

[@luminocitymusic]

i bought it at a record store for $30 😭

[@shekespearecub]

I had a strong phase with this album when it was released, first on CD and then I bought the vinyl and loved the oversized booklet on it. Everything sounded so clean and at the same time very fresh. The versions of Don't Let Me Down and The Long And Winding Road just blew my mind. But I have to admit that I did miss the roughness of the original versions of I've Got A Feeling, One After 909 and Let it Be itself. for that reason I adore both albums and choosing one over the other is a matter of the mood I have at the moment.

[@c.syde65]

For me, these are / would be the definitive mixes/versions of the following tracks: 'Get Back' = Naked mix, with the coda from the single mix, but without the echo effect 'For You Blue' = Naked mix 'Don't Let Me Down' = Naked version 'I've Got a Feeling' = Naked mix 'One After 909' = Naked mix 'Dig a Pony' = Naked mix 'Two of Us' = Naked mix 'The Long and Winding Road' = Naked version 'Let It Be' = Single mix, with the guitar solos from the single and album mixes playing together, which was how the song was originally intended to sound, before the solo from the album mix was dropped 'I Me Mine' = Naked mix 'Across the Universe' = Naked mix, with all the instruments from the World Wildlife Fund mix, but without the bird sounds or groupie harmony vocals Both the single and naked mixes of 'Get Back' have their own strengths and weaknesses. The naked mix doesn't have the echo effect which gives it a rawer and cleaner sound. But the single mix has the coda. I wanted to include the naked mix of 'Get Back' on my 1969-70 Beatles compilation, but ultimately went with the single mix because of the coda. I initially preferred the naked mix of 'Let It Be' to the single mix, because I was going through a phase where the naked mixes and versions were better. But when I rediscovered Linda McCartney's backing vocals on the single mix, I eventually decided I preferred the single mix over the naked mix. The single mix ultimately became the mix I included on my 1969-70 Beatles compilation. I have come to admit that 'Let It Be' is the one track from the Get Back/Let It Be sessions that actually benefits from having orchestral overdubs added to it. One thing they could have done that they ultimately decided not to do was have the solos from the single and album mixes playing together. Both the World Wildlife Fund and naked mixes of 'Across the Universe' have their own strengths and weaknesses. The naked mix plays at the correct speed and contains an echo effect starting from the final verse which I really like. And it doesn't have the bird sounds or the groupie harmony vocals. But the World Wildlife Fund mix has fuller instrumentation. I did consider including the naked mix of 'Across the Universe' on my 1968 Beatles compilation, but ultimately went with the World Wildlife Fund mix, because I felt that it blended in better with the other tracks recorded in 1968.

[@barrymurphy1337]

I picked up a copy of the 2CD set at a car boot sale a couple of weeks ago for 20p! In fact it was a great haul - for my 5 for £1 I got: The Beatles - LIB Naked (2CD) The Beatles - Live at the BBC (2CD) The Beatles - A Hard Day's Night. The Who - My Generation (Deluxe Edition 2CD) Simon & Garfunkel - The Collection (6CD Box set) Nothing better than staggering around a muddy field at stupid o'clock on a Sunday morning, mildly hungover with the sun in your eyes & picking up a bag full of bargains! Makes it all worthwhile😄 Great video as always Andrew 👍

[@farmercraig6080]

Yeah wow mate, you did well.

[@legomrrevies]

this is my favorite youtube channel. The amount of effort you put is insane. Keep on the good work! Thank you for contributing to the Beatles legacy.

[@Parlogram]

Thank you. Much appreciated!

[@edwardrussell5989]

Another great video Andrew. I preferred Naked to the Original. I loved the box set also so happy to have them both out there

[@vinniefreeman5142]

Another great video Andrew! I was never a big fan of the original Let it Be album, especially the Spectorized The Long and Winding Road. I actually prefer the Anthology 3 version. To me, Let it Be Naked is much more listenable, especially with the rooftop Don't Let Me Down restored. Peter Jackson's Get Back movie totally changed how I looked at the Get Back sessions and I appreciate the music much more now.

[@Parlogram]

Thanks Vinnie. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@ianmansfield68]

I kinda agree with with your sentiments here - I haven't listened much to Let it be over the years and couldn't understand why they didn't have the single mix of 'Get Back' on the original album (until I saw 'Get Back'). I didn't really get why there was so much fuss over the Phil Spector orchestration until I heard the Let it be...naked album. On my Naim system it sounded great! To address Andrew's points, I wasn't aware of the remastering issues - and to be honest although I haven't had a chance to hear all the Giles Martin remixes of recent years I'm not too keen on interfering with the original sound, AI or not. I think the original tapes should be processed through the best ADC equipment available to get what was on the original tape onto the CD/sound file and then left alone.

[@josiahmitchell4055]

When...When will Apple realize they need Andrew to sit in with them during all releases going further?? He knows what the fans love and knows The Beatles catalogue more than they do even it seems! Love you man, keep on keeping on!

[@aydenjenkins8760]

Honestly, my go-to version of Let it Be is the highlights disc included in the 2 cd set that came out last year. It compiled a lot of the best material from the bigger boxset and made it into a nice collection of tracks. It feels kind of like an alternate version of the Let it Be album, even if that wasn't the intentions.

[@vsmicer]

I'm a former session player who did some production/engineering work, being at my 'peak' during the technical revolution that was the change from analogue to digital recording and related methodologies, meaning I had a solid foot in each camp. A few years ago, I was contacted by old friends at both Sony BMG and UMG to 'remix' or 'remaster' old analogue recordings from the 60s through to the early 80s for re-release as 'Best ofs' and other collections, or just straight albums re-released in a digital format from those eras. The reason I got asked was because I was known to understand both analogue and digital eras and their crossover period, whereas many younger techs and producers brought up entirely in the digital age with a fixation on compression, digital EQ and NR, did not...basically precisely because of the issues you raise in this video. It's been a very nice little earner in my semi-retirement years, and next year, I'm going to teach a few younger (in their 40s!) engineers what I know. Point is, you're right - anything recorded before say, 1981 is at the mercy of engineers and remastering producers who don't understand the nature of the source material.

[@bobgastreichCars71]

I love this album. I am glad Apple put it out. You finally hear how it should be heard. I bought this on cd and it sounds fantastic. Thanks for reviewing it.

[@Parlogram]

Thanks for watching, Bob!

[@timvitkuske]

I LOVE this album. I actually enjoy the noise reduction and the clean feel and sound. The improved Across the Universe alone is worth picking this up, it's definitely the best version of the song. I also think this version of Let it Be has the best solo.

[@nu385]

Agree. As Paul indicated, it doesn't sound like a recording of the Beatles. It sounds like you are in the studio with the Beatles.

[@shakcmusic]

Overzealous use of noise reduction and gating IMO. The rooftop recordings don't even sound like they were performed outside, in the open air!

[@Mozart1220]

@@shakcmusic Have you ever heard a concert in open air? Nowdays they are pretty good, but even in the 70's the sound was horrible.

[@ricardo_miguel13]

@@nu385 then where are the chatters? doesn't make sense to remove them in exactly that kind of version. Too clean and no warmth.

[@nu385]

@@ricardo_miguel13 If you want the chatters, then you've got the original album. This is not that.

[@martyrocks2091]

Love this album. Bought the CD on release. Sounds great. I was even listening to it last week.

[@TheHollowBodiesBand]

This was the first Beatles' album I ever bought, and my go-to version until the 2021 Mix came out. It's the best of the "reimagined" Beatles' albums, the second being "Yellow Submarine Songtrack"

[@TheJayson8899]

Remixed. Only Naked and Love are a reimagining.

[@ScottRoberts-i8b]

I love hearing all the different versions of the Get Back album. I've managed to gather all 4 Glyn Johns compilations ,Let It Be Naked and of course the Let It Be album multiple times . I love them all. Thank you again for a great video on one of my favorite Beatles albums - Let It Be.

[@jejmoss11]

Insightful video again, thanks! I liked it at the time when I was 17/18, as it was new, but it’s basically a passion project. The main thing for me was including Don’t Let Me Down (how that was that left off original is unbelievable to me) and I love the version of Across The Universe. The artwork hasn’t aged well and since the Get Back film, it makes the whole thing seem a little insignificant.

[@stevekirk7066]

I have said before that I would love to have your hearing. I virtually lost my hearing overnight about 4 years ago. I hear everything in mono and slightly distorted. I used to love listening to all the subtle differences on beatles tracks, but my impaired hearing has given me a strange ability to recognise the clearer beatles recordings. "Let It Be...Naked" for me is at the top of the tree. The equivalent for me anyway of your Hor Zu "Magical Mystery Tour". Wonderful video again Andrew

[@Parlogram]

Than you, Steve. Much appreciated!

[@error52]

I really like this album. It's that "dry" sound, that you talk about Andrew, that does it for me. See I collect reel to reel tape recorders. I've put this album on a 5 inch reel, in mono, and it sounds brilliant, when played on machines as old as dirt. Watching this video reminded me that I haven't listened to it in a while. Maybe this time I'll record it on a cassette and see how it comes out.

[@christopherchadwick480]

I enjoy transferring to tape or MD to hear if 'feels' better. Ironic to think engineers spend all that effort removing noise so we can see if it sounds better when we put it back in!

[@LanceHall]

From comments on forums the issue with it only seems to be the slightly dead sound cause by too much digital scrubbing and the idiotic quick fade outs. The reverb is kinda wonky also. I reworked this album by adding some harmonic enhancement and editing back on the full ending and the result is superb. They need to reissue this with the noise reduction dialed back a bit and restore the proper endings. Otherwise it's a fine album.

[@bsizzy17]

I like all three versions of the album, because it's a different listening experience... However, it's nice the alternate takes of "The Long And Winding Road" and "Let It Be" used on Naked, got another "remix" for '21. Awesome video, as always 🎶

[@pieeyedproductions]

Thanks!

[@Parlogram]

Thank you so much!

[@scottroberts3011]

Thank you, Andrew. I appreciate all the work you have done for us Beatles fans. Your videos are always very entertaining and full of valuable information. Cheers !

[@Parlogram]

Cheers Scott!. Glad you like them.

[@williamdyemyhair]

What is that white Circle that briefly appears at 15:01?

[@roncarlson7682]

Just guessing, but I think it is there to simulate the reel change mark that a movie reel contained to allow the operator to change from one projector to the next so there would be no noticeable 'wackiness' when it switched.

[@MichaelNoland-TheBottomLine]

I prefer Let it Be Naked, but I certainly agree with your criticisms. There is just something about the material The Beatles had at this time that almost demands a ‘Naked’ version! Very well put together video brother!❤

[@Parlogram]

Thank you, Michael!

[@samuelpayne8202]

The research, writing and production on your channel is astonishing. Thank you for another superb episode.

[@Parlogram]

Glad you enjoyed it, Samuel!

[@magneto7930]

There was one interesting fix on Let It Be with a sour note on the piano that was corrected. I'm always on the fence with these things. Do you fix it or are you tampering with history? I sort of got used to the little minor faults. John's slightly flat vocal or messed up guitar were so minor that repairing them was really unnecessary. The interesting part of the album was combining the two different live takes of I've Got a Feeling and Don't Let Me Down. I think Paul was really interested in making an album that was up-to-date with the times. If that's the case then it was well done. Aside from the over-the-top noise reduction, which was unnecessary, it is still an album of great songs. That's the important thing to remember. As always, great upload!

[@tecpaocelotl]

I'm hoping for a get back album. What I heard in that documentary, I wanted a complete version instead of snippets.

[@simonhodgetts6530]

Definitely worthy - it’s a much more complete and polished album, and the stripped down tracks, especially The Long And Winding Road sound much better than the overblown originals. That said, I did enjoy the 2021 remix too - it sounded much, much better than the original mix in my opinion.

[@errolfouquet7381]

Thanks Andrew! Despite its shortcomings like the noise reduction and digital mastering, I really loved Let It Be Naked when it came out. I bought the vinyl and played it quite often, preferring the stripped down sound of the tracks over the Phil Spector versions. Like many fans, I grew up with the original orchestrated versions, and I certainly don't hate them, but I knew that the Beatles were not satisfied with Spector's heavy hand in dealing with the material, so when Naked came out I felt like I was, for the first time, getting to hear what was intended by them.

[@neilafacci5833]

My grip was the fly on the wall disc . I wanted hear full versions of songs presented whenever it was possible

[@Theslavedrivers]

I literally chucked that 2nd disc in the bin - pointless.

[@neilafacci5833]

At one point I considered making my own using versions from various sources to make it a complete song disc instead of a fly on the wall

[@ryates16]

Thanks as always Andrew for another great video. This album for me was worth the price of admission for the alternate versions of Let It Be, The Long and Winding Road, and Across the Universe. I love the de-Spectorization. Not that I don’t enjoy the originals, but these were a breath of fresh air. Add to that the inclusion of the much more raw and live version of Don’t Let Me Down, and it was an instant winner for me! See you on the next one! Cheers!

[@classicrockarchives7077]

The Get Back footage is the most important footage ever released on the Beatles. Thank goodness they filmed so much. I wish they did it for every album. Imagine if they filmed Peppers like that. Been waiting 50 years for the get Back footage and it was worth the wait. I hope they release more. Would like to see all the Abbey Road songs that they were working on. That would be interesting. I bought the Black album back in the day and was amazed to hear the music. Back in the day. Keep up the great work. I wish you would do a weekly bootleg day of the loads of rare track on bootleg CD`s from the 1990`s and comment on the music on those CD`s. We heard so much on the albums they released. It is time you get down and dirty with the rare studio material on the boots from Yellow Dog and other labels. Just a thought. If any one would like to hear your wonderful comments on a wider range of great Beatles music. Let them know your thoughts.

[@lefthand84]

As I commented the other day, I miss the dialogue of the original, but you've reminded me that it has a whole CD of dialogue - and I think I played that once, on the day of release, and never thought about it again! PS. Psychedelia at Abbey Road is one of my fave comps of all time!

[@BruceColon-BSides]

Even with the recent Let It Be reissues, this is still my favorite version of the album. Love the sequencing and alternate cover design. Still own it on vinyl.

[@stephenlang8279]

Great video as always....haven't listed to this album for a long time (I do prefer the original album and missed the banter on Naked) , could be time to revisit it again though!

[@tomfurgas2844]

I think it was a very good idea to do a revised version of the album so that we could hear what it was supposed to be, conceptually, without Phil Spector's mucking about. Rather than sounding sterile or airless I think it sound clean and uncluttered. As I have both the original and the Naked versions, I don't need to choose; I can listen to either one when I'm in the mood for one or the other.

[@78zappaf]

They did the same "corrections" to some of the audio for the 1 compilation. Good catch.

[@HandyAndyTechTips]

Very interesting video as always! I agree, the days of No-Noise / CEDAR overuse produced some very subpar masters. However, for all their faults, those EMI noise reduced CDs at least tried to retain the original dynamics of the recordings, which IMO makes them more pleasant to listen to than today's heavily brickwalled reissues.

[@channelnow5845]

Interestingly enough, years ago growing up, i was introduced to the beatles (other than hold your hand, etc.) and was never a big fan. This fan introduced me to them by showing me Long and Winding Road. Was not a fan and was completely turned off. Years later, re-introduced to the Beatles with the song Dear Prudence by chance at work and asked Who is that? I cannot stop listening to the Beatles now and they have completely changed my mind on their music. I found out about Let It Be Naked and found the concept interesting and threw on that song that completely turned me off years ago. In this stripped down version, everything is clearer and feels more Beatlish than all the heavy orchestra and whatnot. Absolutely LOVE the song now and am amazed by how powerful the notes (once buried) are, now freed. ❤️ the content and we can all agree, Beatles forever -channelnow

[@strose2002]

Exceptional video. It's a masterpiece! The way it was ment to be. Should be remixed and reissued. Surprisingly the brains at Apple didn't delete it like Hey Jude which was triple Platinum. I'd like that to be brought back and re released as well. Thanks for all your hard work!

[@Parlogram]

Thank you. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@KenHunter-lt8wm]

Very interesting watch, and it makes sense for me ...finally ...of my experience buying the Naked vinyl LP on its release. As a huge fan of the Let It Be album (I had a good quality mid-70s UK pressing, and though well aware of the controversies over Spector's production, I loved the down-home rock n roll rawness, and excellent sound quality of the album), so I was wildly excited by the upcoming release of Naked, and was looking forward to hearing the tracks in even rawer form, and with the Spector overdubs removed. I expected to be blown away. But on first listen to the new vinyl, my excitement quickly faded - the music sounded dead and lifeless. The excitement of the music on the Let It Be album was missing. "Sterile" is a perfect description for the sound I experienced. Tracks I loved were robbed of their power and dynamism. All these years later I finally learn the reason for that. The novelty of hearing Let It Be and Long and Winding Road sans the orchestration did not compensate for the loss of vividness and impact in the overall sound quality. Something else that really irritated me - the extreme abruptness of the fade-outs in several places in order to avoid the ad-libbed comments. Sledge hammer to crack a nut. As a result I don't think I have played the album since the first week I got it. I found the 7-inch disc of dialog and snippets much more interesting and it got several listens. But now, with the release of Get Back and the Let It Be boxset, it too (imo) is rendered defunct. My opinion of this release...to me...worthless! $300-500 on Discogs is interesting. If I get half that I'll be quite happy.

[@patorjk]

I really like the version of Across the Universe on Naked. It's worthy just for that track.

[@Amphy002]

I have this on the cassette version and the sound is good - clean and clear as you could reasonably expect from a mass produced tape. The conversation section, Side B, is fascinating as The Beatles discuss what they might do in the future.

[@hmich176]

Let It Be .. Naked came out when I was at the end of high school. I am no audiophile so I was naive to the noise reduction issues. I loved the album. Hearing the Fly on the Wall stuff later got me into finding the Get Back bootlegs. Of course, I now enjoy the Glyn Johns 2021 mix of Get Back more than Naked. But - Naked will always have a sentimental place for me.

[@GSwifty]

As a fairly new Beatles fan, discovering the band on my own, I listened to all their albums back to back for the first time and I wondered why I didn’t like the Let It Be album upon first listen. It wasn’t till later I found out it was produced by Phil Spector and even longer to find the naked version existed. After listening to the naked album, it made me appreciate the songs on this album much better and I find many of them my preferred versions. Especially the title track. George’s solo on this version is my favorite guitar solo he’s ever done. It’s a shame it was never used before.

[@PabloCoronel70]

I bought the CD when it came out, most of it is amazing. It is my favorite over the original version The long and winding road brought tears to my eyes when I heard it clean

[@Ben_Kirkham]

Just want to say that I *love* your channel! Thanks for all you do!😊

[@ajmhobby]

As always, Great video! I love all the different versions of Let It Be, but “Naked” is my favorite version of the album. Maybe it’s due for a remastering.

[@SQDLVR]

Absolutely another informative video Handsome. Love that you always give a fair and impartial review.

[@VMBFV]

A teenager in Brazil, I was a bit disappointed when I bought the first pressing of the CD and the content on the discs was switched: the "Fly On The Wall" disc actually contained the songs! I was not impressed at first, but I came to like the aIbum later. I think about it as "Let It Be Live", since it gave us some rawer and "liver" material from the Rooftop Concert. It's definitely a different and worthy listening experience.

[@nickvickers3486]

I wonder how wide spread this disc error was? One of the many things I've learnt from this most excellent channel is... any Beatles release containing some kind of balls up could be worth a lotta dosh!))

[@12stringblues]

Fantastic Info that I didn't know! I love the Naked album but also must have the OG Let It Be.

[@danielreichberg9860]

I agree totally. Always thought it sounded sterile. Always prefered the original album.

[@Andy1962-in-Kinross]

There used to be a UK chain called MVC and as a regular customer I was asked if I’d like to attend a pre-release ‘listening party’ for Let It Be Naked. Needless to say I said yes. There were approximately 20-30 customers present with about the same number of MVC & EMI/Apple employees. The album (CD) was played through what I took to be a for then state of the art hi-fi set up. After the album & Fly On The Wall bonus CDs had been played we were all asked to give our opinions. I can’t remember exactly what I said but the jist of it was I thought it was ‘interesting’ I do remember saying I thought the bonus disc was frustrating as just as we were hearing an unreleased track it was segued into chat or another track. I told them they should have released a second disc containing complete takes or as complete as they had. I was told the bonus disc was for the fans as a taster for the forthcoming Let It Be DVD release! 20 years later and we’re still waiting for it. I’m old school so like to own hard copies. It’s very frustrating that the complete rooftop performance is still only available on streaming. I still live in hope that official releases will follow. I’d love to see the Anthology given the full Boxset treatment. We could have Shea Stadium, Apple Rooftop and as many TV performances that survive finally released. Now & Then could obviously be part of this too. We can but dream!

[@sethallison5682]

The cd of Let it Be Naked was my only copy of Let it Be for years, and the first version of the album I got into as a teenager. It’s the best version of the record IMO and I’m still waiting patiently for a vinyl reissue.

[@mightyal100]

It’s great to be able to listen to and compare both versions of this album. The songwriting is so good that most of the tracks sound great on both.

[@anthonycraig1458]

I thought it was a great album when it came out as it was good to finally get the film version of the Long & Winding Road plus I thought the reverb at the end of Across The Universe was a nice touch. Given that the Get Back album eventually came out as part of the box set, the Naked version is probably less relevant now although the CD is a good option still if you don't fancy paying for the recent Let It Be boxed set.

[@biligator]

I really like the detour around the 11 minute mark where Andrew examines the regrettable noise reduction craze of the 90s and early aughts. It's funny to think about today, when producers will artificially add tape hiss to give the music that DIY, "found sound," or "vintage" aesthetic. But I probably liked this sterile noise-reduced sound back then, just as Paul did; the whole culture was hailing the coming digital age. I was thrilled to be downloading low-quality (pirated) mp3s of individual songs, rather than having to buy albums. At last we were free from the shackles of analog technology! Now, of course, it's hard to express how much we cherish old analog stuff. It's gone beyond nostalgia to a kind grief, a yearning for a physical world that will never return.

[@BioFactory1]

I had a 5.1 mix of it and made my own stereo mix from that. There are ways you can take the best of both world's and craft a decent Get Back / Let It Be 14 track LP that fits perfectly with everything else and still has the raw session feel.. First, If you are used to the Pygmy line opening the album, craft that into the GB comment of 'straight into I Got a Fever' line and you got Dig a Pony and I Got a Feeling opening the album, For You Blue, (LetIt Be version but with the Get Back opening talk put back in. 'Queen says no...FBI' comment right before Dig It since it has FBI in it, Use the GB long version of that, the link 'All The Angels Come talk into Let It Be, Long And Winding Road, and then Across the Universe is song 7 for side 1 -- Side 2 Start off with I Me Mine, Two Of Us and Maggie Mae...that oldie connecting to their own oldie One After 909, Rocker from the Get Back album, since its an improv more than direct cover, cant use Save The Last Dance at all-to avoid copyrights - but can use the link dialogue into Don't Let Me Down then use the album studio talk before Get Back but then have the single version with the reprise still attached to the end, but crossfade to the rooftop end to close the album rooftop. Which puts Get Back as track 7 for the album with the long singe version and the Let It Be short version being part of that whole of the song. Poof 14 song version of Get Back Let It Be and it wouldn't stray from-and would be in the middle of - both versions of the albums. You also have george with one track per side, and you have John's strong track closing side 1 and Paul's Livelier one ending side 2 -- also note: right before their solo careers, it'd show John can write slow songs at end of side 1 and Paul can write faster ones at the end of side 2 as myth killers. It also has the best of the two album openers, and the best of both album endings while keeping a flow and songs still grouped together that from similar session days to give the raw bare bones sound. yet can still get away with which ever Long Winding Road and Across Universe version a person prefers. You could still listen straight through the album in that order and not feel like you need to skip a track. ,

[@Clay3613]

Anywhere to listen to this? ;)

[@brandtheisner4313]

What a great topic for discussion! You always come up with really good ideas.

[@billleary5779]

Great video on this collection Andrew! I remember when this was released and bought it on CD right away. I do prefer Let It Be and Long and Winding Road off this album but I prefer the original for everything else. I was lucky to get the vinyl version in 2010;for around $30 so I am glad to own that. Might be worth revisiting. Take care

[@Parlogram]

Thanks very much, Bill, glad you enjoyed it!

[@ChrisCrossClash]

So you don't mind that "Don't Let Me Down" was left off on the original album for it? was criminal back then to leave it off.

[@mikemulholland2862]

​@Parlogram : Yes I know they did, what I'm referring to is back when "Naked" came out, they should have released lthe "Get Back" album instead of "Naked".

[@timmy707707]

I too have little against the original Let It Be but I've always thought that Naked has it's place and over the past 10 years I've probably pulled it out more than Let It Be. I had one of the bootleg Glyn Johns versions back in the mid 70's so when Naked came out it was a welcomed replacement for that LP.

[@goncaloveiga]

Andrew, I just wanted to say I love your channel. Thank you.

[@Parlogram]

Thanks. I really appreciate that!

[@samborn7120]

Great observations Andrew! I agree with you completely. I think LIB Naked is an interesting document of the album, but it isn’t the original for me. I to love Spector’s final production and cut of the album. Spector made that music come to life with the orchestra and the beautiful slowing down of Across The Universe. Now that we live in the day of outtakes and bonus tracks, it seems “Naked” is a great companion, but nothing more.

[@roncarlson7682]

I haven't listened to the album in a very long while much like you. I bought the CD on the premise that the "Spector" influence would be most of what would be gone. I was primarily motivated by a clone of L&WR which I made from the Hi-Fi 'stereo' soundtrack from my copy of Let It Be on VHS tape. I liked it way better than the originally released version that Spector had a hand in. That said, I don't 'hate' the original release version, I just prefer my VHS audio copy more. I think you're spot on with the comment on the 'fixes'. It does seem like they were done, not because they were needed, but because they could. Thanks for doing the video look at the album!

[@James.9D]

This might be my preferred version of the album. Mainly because of the inclusion of dont let me down and the exclusion of unnecessary chat & mini songs.

[@markjamesmeli2520]

Great video, as per usual. Thank you! Paul Hicks, son of Tony (The Hollies) Hicks. I just had to get that out there. 😄 I guess with NAKED, I thought it was fine, but I never felt the "difference" between it and the original release. The alternate mixes were appreciated, but, thinking back on it now, I wouldn't consider any of it necessary. I do like the bare "The Long And Winding Road" but felt the better naked version of that was on ANTHOLOGY 3. As for the orchestrations, like them or not, that's the way most of us heard them for over 30 years already. I mentioned "The Long And Winding Road," but tell me that the orchestration isn't playing in your head EVERY time you listen to a mix without it. As for the Paul Jackson mixes, I listened to the downloads on Spotify, and again, I just didn't "hear" it. I don't care the least for outtakes and cover tunes from these sessions. I got a sampling over 30 years ago on SWEET APPLE TRAX and have been turned off ever since. It always seemed to me that The Beatles didn't take them seriously to begin with. Why listen to a sloppy performance in crystal clear digital sound? You mentioned sound flaws, and here's the bit with that. In the early 70s, there was someone that was pulling off counterfeits of ABBEY ROAD and LET IT BE (in the US) and getting them in to the budget racks of MAJOR department stores back then. They were being sold for $1.99. Guess which ones a big chunk of America bought? Anyway, on those, the surface noise was so prominent, that you couldn't hear a lot of the pre-song dialogues, most notably John's on "For You Blue." It was the CD before I heard that! Working in used vinyl, I was still coming across the boot LET IT BE pressings in the late 1980s. The fraud ABBEY ROAD pressings I DISCOVERED in the late 1980s, working at the same place. I noticed, perhaps, two copies. But if you ever come across a US copy of ABBEY ROAD with more than its fair share of a yellow hue, and a pasty-looking Apple label....there you go. I'm sure the counterfeiters thought they were doing us all a favor, but there was a lot of mistakes made. That trend continues to this day I'm afraid.

[@dosstodd8014]

I can’t help but think this is the way it was meant to be. The Beatles unplugged and raw. I absolutely love it! If nerves hadn’t been so raw, this is very likely what we would have gotten and probably with George Martin at the helm.

[@michaelcarpenter2498]

I dig a pony is very obvious thatvitvwas pitch corrected. This version of a Long and Winding Road is my definitive version of the song. I created my own version of Let it Be, using various versions from all the different versions. I also mixed my own version of Get Back, but that is a long story. Great video as always Andrew.

[@48musicfan]

Great episode, Andrew! I thoroughly enjoy LIBN! I’m glad they included “Don’t Let Me Down” from the rooftop. I actually prefer the remix of “The Long and Winding Road” without the orchestra. I wish they had included “Dig It” and “Maggie May”. “Get Back” does sound a bit awkward with the abrupt ending. - Roger

[@Parlogram]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@henryordosgoitia9721]

I always look forward to your postings. I wish they would have made some sort of reissue box set with a book of photos. Believe it or not I love all the issues of this album. I never knew the power of certain mixes. When I hear the 1st album it brings me to the moment my dad took me to Times Sq. In Manhattan to see the movie. After we saw it he purchased for me the album and we celebrated by eating a Hot Dog & drank a Root beer soda! I treasure the LIB Naked! ❤

[@sonoftherabbitpeople4737]

Bought it as soon as it came out. I love it. I love the original as it was one of my first album purchases, so it's like an old friend; I especially love the guitar solo on the Let it Be song, which sounds suspiciously more like McCartney than Harrison to my ears. Great to have Winding Road without the Spector "goop".

[@briankellymusician]

Superb Andrew just catching this one now! 👍👍

[@emperorofoldies918]

Thanks for explaining why this cd release sounds so sterile and flat…. “They Should Have Known Better!”

[@richardloganpowelliii4850]

Naked was my regular listen for this album for years. The Giles remix supplanted it for a spell, but for some time now, the 80s CD is my go-to.

[@wewin_inonog]

I always consider this version of Let it Be more cannon in my Beatles Discography. The inclusion of Don't Let Me Down is the greates decision they've made on this record.

[@ricardo_miguel13]

But they chose the live version on the roof while the singles a side get back was the studio version on the album. They should have went with the studio version of don't let me down and the right solo of let it be like on the original version.

[@ricardo_miguel13]

@@mariuspoppFM I do hahah

[@H_bomb_]

Been waiting for a NAKED video for a while, cheers!!

[@coolasmud]

Let It Be Naked felt like The Beatles getting back in the studio after Abbey Road and giving it one final attempt. And it worked!

[@CowmanUK]

Though ofc technically it was *before* Abbey Road. But I get what you mean! 👍

[@uberbeast113]

Yeh. Let It Be was recorded first then put on the shelf because...well...I bet the Beatles felt it was not up to snuff and full of bad vibes (watching the Get Back footage, i find McCartney intolerably bossy and vain (swishing his long hair about in front of the cameras). Then there was the infamous cookie incident in which Yoko Ono...wait for it....took a cookie from George without asking, causing George to yet again leave the group ;) So...they pulled their sox up and did Abbey Road. THEN...the higher ups in the business released Let It Be. You can see by their hair, that the Let It Be/Get Back period is closer looking to their White Album period. By the time they recorded Abbey Road, George and John's hair is practically down to their waist. And it looks like Macca has been getting fed well by his new missus cos he's defo put on some weight!

[@harrisonho8934]

I'd say Let It Be... Naked is still worth getting for two tracks: Don't Let Me Down and For You Blue. The version of DLMD is mostly take 1 from the rooftop concert with a bit from the second take of the last verse edited in to make the most complete version. The version of For You Blue also puts George's acoustic guitar track back in, which I always found odd that Phil Spector removed on his remix. It was also the first time we would hear Take 19 of The Long and Winding Road from the Let It Be film as an official audio recording, though Giles Martin would later include it in the Super Deluxe Edition of Let It Be in 2021. Additionally, I personally prefer the Naked track order than Spector's Track order - I think Get Back is a better opener and Let It Be a better closing track than starting with Two of Us and ending with Get Back, though I understand the reason Spector saved Get Back as the last track was due to the fact that it was the final song performed on the Rooftop concert.

[@danharding8499]

I'm an avid Beatles fan and somewhat of a purist and I was turned onto this album by a friend of mine some years ago. I absolutely love it. Personally, I much prefer it to the Spector record. It has so much humanity (even with the Pro Tools fixes!) compared to the original release. I wonder what a "naked" version of "All Things Must Pass" might sound like. Sacrilege, perhaps?

[@VMBFV]

That boat has sailed, I believe. If they didn't do it while remixing the album for the 50th anniversary edition, I don't think they will ever do it.

[@videoplusdvd]

@@VMBFV The 50th anniversary version is a bit of a failure, IMO, since it lacks some high and low frequencies of the previous issue.

[@seid3366]

Anthology 3 is probably the closest to a stripped down version, with Take 2 chosen; only George and (most likely) Rocky.

[@MisterTMH]

The remixed ATMP 50th anniversary version still has too much bloody echo and some of the mixes are no better or less murky than the Spectorized original. Even still I wonder what Jeff Lynne would do with ATMP if given a 100 % control to remix every thing from the tracking tapes and create a new dry and punchy master mix.

[@johnbyrnes7912]

@@seid3366 who is Rocky ? 🤡

[@stephenjerome4135]

This is my favourite version of the Let It Be album. I think the original is okay in parts but I feel Phil Spector did overdo it a little with the production such as on the original version of Long And Winding Road with the orchestral sound added. Don't get me wrong, it is a beautiful and timeless song and I kinda like it, but I really like the Let It Be Naked version better. Also I think Don't Let Me Down is a fantastic addition to this album. I've always thought the song feels like it belongs on the Let It Be album and should have been included on the original. I love the very intriguing bonus Fly On The Wall disc of dialogue and song snippets. It really gives the listener an insight into the album's studio recording sessions at the time. Thanks again andrew for another entertaining video. You put a lot of time and hard work into every one of your videos for Beatles fans like me to watch and enjoy and I love them all. Keep up the good work 👍

[@SimonBaldock]

I read a great way to approach Let It Be a while ago: think of the Naked version as the studio album and the original version as a Soundtrack version. Then you can have both and they both have their value. Personally, I don't listen to the original version anymore - including the recent Giles Martin version. The Naked version is the only one I listen to. But that's just my personal preference.

[@chriscampanozzi6516]

Andrew, fantastic information as always. Thank you.

[@seanwelch71]

I loved this album. I liked the removal of string scores. The Beatles never needed a pop orchestral background These reimaginings are not obsolete. It's just a good remix.

[@gns423]

Andrew, I’m with you. I still prefer the original Let It Be LP on vinyl. To be honest, I was NEVER impressed with digital remastering and CDs. They always sounded harsh, and I could hear drop outs where the noise reduction was overused. An original digital recording is OK, but not the analog-to-digital remasters. And, I prefer the Spectorized version of ‘The Long and Winding Road’ better these days. Maybe it’s a little bit over-the-top, but the ‘dry’ version seems to plod along. It definitely needed some pepping up. Even Paul, when he re-recorded it in 1983-84, added strings. Another great video, as always 👍

[@glennabate1708]

It’s what Paul McCartney intended.

[@curly_wyn]

And? Technically Glyn Johns’ mix of the album was too, arguably even moreso, Naked was a good idea, but like Andrew said: the dated 2003 noise reduction and production ruins it.

[@carlosrenatodamotabezerra106]

I think you're all right. I strongly think that Paul would agree too. You are great, Andrew!

[@Parlogram]

Thanks!

[@FrankieLovesElvis]

Man, me and my uncle have debating this for years. He hates remixes and always prefers the original and in this case I completely agree with him. I love the original “Let It Be” the way it was/is.😊

[@SPINNINGMYWHEELS777]

the closest to original mixdown is purist and just fine. too much marketing going on all the time with Beatles INC. And to hear the analogue source is ...well analogous to that purity of sound regardless of 'noise' since noise was in the building. People have become so stilted with cleanliness but you ever see what they eat? 😅

[@GregoryKeithe]

The problem with your uncle's reasoning is that Let It Be wasn't the original version 😅 First release but not original idea. Both Get Back and Let It Be albums were aptly titled.

[@FrankieLovesElvis]

@@GregoryKeithe what he means is he’d rather listen to the original albums as they were released and doesn’t care for any upgrades or remixes.

[@iainfreeman5112]

I was 18 when it came out and got the vinyl for Christmas. I also got the CD a little later. I enjoyed it and often preferred it to the original. I had no idea the LP was that much now!

[@piotrgaczkowski3140]

I was 15 then and get vinyl as christmas gift from my mother. I still have this album, great sentimental value for me.

[@aarfeld]

I agree with your assessment. I like what Phil Specter did with the original tapes. While I appreciate Paul's desire to release an album that remained true to his original vision, it sounds, quite frankly, like a collection of demos.

[@moondogaudiojones1146]

Something to think about here. I purchased the CD because by this time I just couldn’t afford both. And like you, I felt the audio was thin and really had issues with with taking out the ambiance (hiss?) even for the digital ProbTools world at that time. After all they wanted it to feel “live” in the first place. I did love however, the stripped down feel of it (like the bootlegs) and the less produced like so many of the newer releases such as The Doors stripped down catalog. Real wonderful stuff. But I suppose you are right when you said “because they could”. I still like it though with the flow that it has of its own. As far as the Spector orchestral additions, it’s hard not to love them now or hear them psychologically when listening to Naked. A bit of a brain bender. Great show, Andrew! Thanks!

[@Parlogram]

Cheers Brian!

[@carlosshishido880]

buena andrew !!!...este video esta muy bueno...pero en mi humilde opinion creo que el album "let it be naked" rescata exactamente lo que el grupo original planeaba lo cual nos muestra su verdadera esencia y no la version retocada y sobre maquillada de phill spector

[@wrekabyte]

Excellent revisit review. I refer to it as the demo version or demo mix. Am also reminded that after release Paul said if we do anything after this we'll have to call it scraping the bottom of the barrel. That barrel has been refurbished and re-lined many times since that statement. Thanks for telling me about the second CD. I only played the main album twice. Recently unpacked some CDs from storage and am listening to some pre-barrel scraping banter now. Oh yeah, I had a tinkle on a Paul played piano at Melbourne Town Hall a few years back. So as far back as 1964 he was true to his word, that a piano seen by him must be played by him if possible. Cheers.